I won!

I won the one year subscription to Rethinking Everything Magazine

Rethinking Everything Magazine giveaway

The Organic Sister blogged about this new magazine, check out the link to learn how to get the first issue free.

Unconscious Mutterings

 

Classified ::  Ads

Praised :: complimented

Censored :: media

2010 :: prosperity

Lamp :: light

Alternate :: medicine, method, education, anything against mainstream garbage

Script :: movie

Handsome :: Jason

Eager :: excited

Meeting :: of the minds

Luna Nina

Thankful

I'm thankful for many things.
It is a little harder to stay positive and grateful through trial but I'm doing my best.

I am very thankful for my online friends, for their love and support
my husband and kids
unschooling
food
 internet
house
water
electricity
finally on the mend after 3 weeks of sickness, waiting for that cough to go away...
Hoping to get back on here in full force soon :)

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Marathon ::  race
2. Debt :: sucks
3. Turn :: it on
4. Image :: self
5. Sofa :: couch
6. Envelope :: mail
7. Cart :: grocery
8. Process :: think, absorb
9. Question :: everything
10. Rumor :: has it

Luna Nina

Learning isn't a race

All of us with children know about milestones. I think that while milestones can be useful to gauge where your child is at it is also harmful to compare them to other children.

Children are unique individuals and should be treated as such. I don't like averages because it blurs the lines.

My babies all achieved the usual milestones at different ages.

It's the same as they grow and learn how to read, write, add, subtract etc.

Each child has their own unique timetable and their own way of learning.

I believe that schooling squashes the natural ability and the internal timeframe of each individual child. Schooling is in the business of producing, they don't care nor have time to nurture inner strengths and weaknesses.

I also believe that forcing these milestones in a school at home environment is just as harmful if not more so because the child is at home, there is no escape.

I fully believe in natural learning, I believe in Unschooling full throttle. This allows for each child to grow and learn and develop in their own way and in their own time. As parents we have the benefit of sharing this experience by observing and  learning right along with our children.

All of my kids have reached these milestones at different ages and with differing degrees of knowledge.

I believe that Unschooling fosters and encourages the individual and does away with averages and milestones and timeframes that someone else has set as a standard of achievement.

Thankful Wednesday

We are in the middle of so much turmoil, and uncertainty and I've been sick for 10 days now.

I am thankful:

1. to be alive
2. to be able to think for myself
3. to be with my kids
4. that my body will heal and has the ability to heal
5. that I am learning how to remain calm and find peace in this storm

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Grace :: Walker (my friend)


2. Shower :: shower me with love (aka wine and chocolate)


3. Alice :: Alice's restaurant


4. Purple :: rain, haze


5. Apartment :: for rent


6. 3 :: 3's a crowd


7. Car :: Lamborghini


8. Pregnant :: baby
   
9. Counselor :: guidance


10. Discretion :: use your discretion

Luna Nina

Thankful Wednesday on Thursday

I've been sick for 4 days so I missed yesterday.
I'm not thankful that I'm ill, and by the way this is horrendous.

I am thankful for:

1. my bed
2. hot bath
3.homemade soup
4.tea
5.sunshine

water colors

Cassie and Jared were mixing food coloring in the sink and got some cool swirls.

play doh

Obama and Pelosi...change you can believe in

I am very dismayed by tonight's vote and can only hope that it doesn't pass the Senate. I'm not holding my breath.

I honestly can not understand why so many people think this is good and why so many want complete government takeover of the USA.

I seriously don't get it.

First bailouts, then cap and tax and now 1.2 trillion in so called health care reform just this year.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this passes we will say goodbye to another freedom of choice in this so called free country.

Who is going to pay for this?

Oh yeah the fed will just print more $$$$$, it's not worth the paper it's printed on anyway.
Look at all of the countries that have stopped using US currency because it's worthless.

In case anyone really cares where I'm coming from...

We are uninsured and have been for 5 years now.

We can't afford it and honestly don't want a traditional insurance. If anything we would like a major medical in case of emergency but can't afford that either.

How can passing a bill requiring those uninsured to purchase insurance or be fined or possibly imprisoned helpful?

We can't afford it period, so how in the hell will we pay the fine?

I just can't get over this government anymore.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Alarm :: No cause for alarm


2. Guest :: room


3. Worm :: Delila (our turtle likes worms)


4. Puppies :: are so cute


5. Honor :: society


6. No! :: No way!


7. Stomach :: ache


8. Counter :: offer


9. Waffles :: syrup


10. Plates :: earthquake

Luna Nina

Thankful Wednesday #2

1. Jason
2. my kids
3.sunshine
4.xanax
5.wine

Happy Birthday Cassie!

My girl is 10! She is such a blessing to us, we love you Cassie!


Blowing out candles.

Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake is the bomb!

Her bling. Her friend gave her a bracelet making kit and they had a blast with it.

Emerging from rough days

I've been on a roller coaster ride and it's high time I find others who can relate and possibly offer advice.

I'm thinking I'll search yahoo groups for peri-menopause, I can't be the only one with these horrendous symptoms.

FYI the last two days have been HELL! Serious rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, nervousness, sleeplessness and CRYING for NO apparant reason to name a few.

I took EXTRA blood pressure meds yesterday and xanax and drank wine.

Today has been smooth sailing compared to that.

I feel human today, I was actually able to function without xanax.

This is not fun!

I get trembles every morning, today it was 5am and I woke straight up startled and legs trembling. This has been happening every day for 2 months.
I was able to get calmed down and go back to sleep.

This has been my life lately which is why I haven't blogged much. But hell if I don't share it nobody will know.

We all need to be there for each other, my online friends have been a huge source of support and encouragement for me.

I love you guys, ok let's not bawl now :)

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Hairbrush :: style



2. Sneak :: peek



3. Hole :: in the wall



4. Horror :: movie



5. Standard :: size



6. Mailbox :: bills



7. Attachment :: parenting



8. Type :: A



9. Nails :: hammer



10. Storage :: unit

Luna NIna

Thankful Wednesday

I've seen lots of folks doing this every week until Thanksgiving.
Sounds like a great idea to me.
List 5 things you are thankful for:

Food
Electricity
Water
Internet
House

Those might seem basic or flip to some of you but considering we came close to going without several of these the past two months I am extremely thankful to still have them at this moment.

YO!

I miss blogging, I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it until I didn't do it.

I've been going through so much that I don't know where to start, I guess I'll start where I'm at.

I've come to realize that I'm a little spoiled(hate that word) accustomed to a certain lifestyle might be better.
It's not the first time my comfortable life has been thwarted but I think it's the most traumatic.

Years ago we moved from CA to PA with two boys and four beagles. We left a nice house and landed in an old drafty, moldy farm house. We moved to amish town, hickville, oh let's just say I had culture shock.

Jason was out of work for 7 weeks and the first job he got was $7/hr less than what he used to make. This was 1998.

I/we went through a lot of changes, I actually used to ask God why on earth he sent me to PA????

So fast forward here we are, life isn't simple but apparantly I was too comfortable with things like food, water, electricity, chocolate, wine and internet....

We live and learn, we are unschoolers to the very core, all of us, my husband included.

Why should he be miserable? Why should he have to be slave to the grind while we live in some sort of luxury?

Well I was born for royalty, I am the queen for God's sake! I married for love not money and my honey knows that.

BUT!!!!

I didn't really know what that meant :)

Lots of changes around here but most of it is internal. We need to be creative, we need to live within our means. What is important?

My kids are #1 on my list. They are still doing what they always do, they are natural learners.
They have never been forced to go to school and learn the miserable ranks of indoctrination.

They just go with the flow, full of questions and full of life. We can learn so much from our children if we are paying atention.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Redskins :: Washington


2. Show :: off


3. Smoker :: I'm an ex smoker


4. Bad movie :: Austin Powers


5. Play :: my kids play and play and play


6. Jaguar :: car


7. Click :: mouse click


8. Production :: why is everything such a big production?


9. Sand :: beach


10. Foreign :: affairs

Luna Nina

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Werewolf :: Hi O werewolf of London


2. Jim :: Beam


3. 2x4 :: wood


4. Unruly :: wild


5. Component :: stereo


6. Prolific :: writer


7. Wrestler :: Jeff Hardy


8. Huh? :: What?


9. Dolls :: American Girl


10. Super! :: woohoo!

Luna Nina

Well...in case anyone is still there...

I have been going through a lot of life altering stuff and I miss blogging so much.

I just am not ready to get back into it, although if I had a spark I could run with that would help.

Any questions, comments, concerns, ideas?

Give me something to blog about!

Unconscious Mutterings

1. My treat :: dark chocolate


2. Bell :: Liberty


3. Five :: High Five


4. You’re crazy :: Yes I am


5. Disgust :: I am disgusted with the government


6. Tempest :: Bledsoe (Cosby show)


7. Bummer :: What a bummer dude


8. Brim :: brim of a hat


9. Hose :: Jose


10. Lollipop :: kids

Luna Nina

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

Education of the Founding Fathers of the USA

Education of the Founding Fathers of the USA

Posted using ShareThis

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

Trashing Teens | Psychology Today

Trashing Teens Psychology Today

Education Needs to Be Turned on Its Head

Education Needs to Be Turned on Its Head

Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

50 Eye-Opening Unschooling Blogs

50 Eye-Opening Unschooling Blogs

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Abusive :: I have been a recipient of abusive behavior


2. Psychotic :: sometimes I think that my step dad was psychotic


3. Parents :: Jason and I have vowed to be the best parents we can be. I am doing the opposite of what my parents did.


4. Yell :: I hate to yell but it happens sometimes,I'm not perfect, I'm hormonal.


5. Amulet :: I have never had one, it makes me think of a princess though.


6. Sandstorm :: I was in a sandstorm when I lived in Phoenix


7. Amusement :: I think that a lot of people were put on this earth for my amusement


8. Imitation :: I like the real thing, no imitations please


9. Baby :: I love babies


10. Rainbows :: God's promise or gay pride...bwhaaa!!!!!!

Luna Nina

More dumbing down

I'm sure everyone is aware that the president plans to speak to the school kids on Sept. 8th.

There is a lot of controversy around that and I'm not getting into it here.

Have you seen the suggested lesson plan for the students?

It's typical school stuff and it's really no wonder why there is little education going on.

These questions are just plain stupid. Do we really need to ask these kids such inane stuff?

Here's the link

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Disguised :: a wolf disguised in sheeps clothing


2. Big wheel :: I had a big wheel when I was a kid


3. Irritating :: There are too many irritating things to list


4. Care :: I care about a lot of things


5. Grandpa :: I miss my grandpa


6. Shooting :: shooting for the moon


7. Sunglasses :: I always wear my sunglasses, I wear my sunglasses at night, so I so I can... damn now I have to look that song up


8. Stampede :: There was a stampede in Lion King


9. Painstakingly :: That is just a weird word


10. Terrible position :: Don't put me in a terrible position

I haven't done these in awhile.

Luna Nina

Reading progress

Almost a year ago I posted that Cassie read Green Eggs and Ham to me all by herself.

I thought that was it, I thought she was really reading.
Well it was just one more step, one more connection.

Over the past few months I have noticed her actually reading words that she sees while we are out. More recently she has been reading words from the online games that she plays.

Just the other day we went to the library, she wanted to check out some animal books. She wants to be a vet when she grows up, she loves animals and wants to take care of them.

We got in the van she opened up a book and read a whole sentence. She was so excited she couldn't contain herself.

As soon as we got home she ran in the house to read it to daddy too.

She keeps asking me to come to her room because she wants to read. She is doing really well, she gets stumped on words but that is normal.

She is actually reading words she didn't know, sounding out, guessing, figuring it out, she is trying.

It seemed like she just didn't want to try awhile back, I didn't force it, I just told her what it said when she asked me to read something to her.

She is so happy and I am thrilled.

She told me that she loves to read now but she didn't used to. I think it's because it was too hard before and now it's getting easier :)

WOOHOO CASSIE!!!!!

I will say it once again, you can't force reading and you really can't *teach* it.

The person has to have the connections and when it clicks, it clicks. Some kids take longer than others, it's ok, it's not a race. Forcing it is what causes learning disabilities and labels and feelings of inadequacy.

She is the last of my 4 to read and she isn't the youngest. Jared has been reading since he was 5, Kieran also, Brennan at age 9 and Cassie is 9 1/2.

Just like they all walked and talked in their time frame, they read when they are ready, without force, coersion and meaningless lessons.

Informal learning

Part of the experience

So last night Jason asked us if we wanted to drive to a dark road and watch the meteor showers.

It was after midnight and we hopped in the van and went driving.

The clouds started rolling in and we got a little discouraged, kept driving further to find a clear spot.

We finally pulled off the road and parked on the side, the clouds were dissipating and the moon was shining bright.

We saw a few meteors but the moon was so bright it was very difficult.

Then the voices started...

I'm tired
I'm hungry
I have to go to the bathroom
my neck hurts
when are we leaving
I want to go home...

Kieran blurts out *it's all part of the experience*

A la Chevy Chase, we use that phrase often on our family outings, it's always something, we are very real about it.

We got home about 1:15 am and all was well :)

Natural attachment

When I became a mother 14 years ago it was the best thing I ever did besides marrying Jason.

I had a little person that relied on me for everything, nourishment, safety, shelter, love etc.

I couldn't put him down, I held him, rocked him, nursed him, slept with him, carried him, talked to him, treated him like a person.

I couldn't bear to put him in another room in the house and he wouldn't let me. I barely used the bassinet by our bed.

We slept so well with him on our chest, usually mine after feeding and he slept on Jason alot.

Sleeping with our baby was a natural thing to do and subsequently all others followed suit.

My kids didn't use a crib and rarely used the bassinet, only for short stints.

It was just natural for me to nurse, sleep, carry etc.

I got really good at doing things one handed, I didn't have a sling, I didn't even know about them until I had a couple kids.

I didn't hear the term *attachment parenting* until I had been doing it for a long time. I called it *common sense parenting*

Of course I learned that many people didn't have common sense.

My kids and I have a bond, it is strong and unbreakable. We are connected, I've been realizing this lately.

Last night Cassie slept over at her friend's house for the first time. She tried a few months ago but called me to come get her. This time she called but said she was staying, she was nervous but wanted to stay.

She did stay, she had a blast, she is so tired now, she went to bed early. I just felt our connection even though we were apart. Jared missed her too, he got bored without her here, that is just sweet.

I never planned on sending my kids to school, it never crossed my mind. I didn't have kids to send them away.

I am so thankful to have my 4 beautiful babies home with me where they belong.

As they grow and start spreading their wings we will go through it together.

Animal School

Not back to school

School started here yesterday and we decided to go to the lake :)

It was a beautiful day, a hot day and a great day. We took Cassie's friend with us and they had a blast swimming most of the time.

The kids fished and played in the sand and swam. We hunted for feathers, Jared really wants a Robin feather. We didn't find one but we did find a Bluejay feather, so that was cool.

We brought a picnic and had a BBQ, the food was great. Jason took the day off and we had an awesome family outing.

Just a couple shots here of the kids, I'll post more on facebook.

Life is too short to waste it away in a cement building :)

News article about homeschoolers

New Yorker

Positive spin and sounds like they probaby unschool.

purpose

I know someone, it's a friend of a friend that was homeschooling.

She is putting her kids in school now.

She said something that is really sad.

She said that her son has been her whole world for 10 years and now she needs time to herself.

I don't know about you but kids are for life, they are not a part time endeavor. They aren't something you take care of for awhile and then pass them off to someone else.

I did not have kids to send them away. We decided before we had kids that I would stay home and public school was never an option.

I see it a lot, parents just non- chalantly pass off their kids here or there. Some people are so self absorbed and full of me me me that they shouldn't have kids.

You can not be a parent and be selfish.

Parenting for us is about family, it's sharing a journey, we are partners with our children.

Prison opens up here on Monday and so many of those parents are thrilled to get rid of their kids.

You meet them all over, they can't wait for school to start.

It's so sad, such a tragic thing to want your kids to be away, to allow government intervention into the family.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Taxman :: abolish the IRS


2. Material :: fabric


3. Format :: format my hard drive


4. File cabinet :: I don't have one


5. Ignore :: I try to ignore stupid comments


6. Super! :: fabulous!


7. Fireproof :: safe


8. Blockbuster :: video


9. Snooper :: nosy person


10. Good will :: Hunting, store

Luna Nina

I missed last weeks list and I sure haven't blogged here much lately.

Too much stuff going on with me. I'm on facebook a lot though, look me up.

2nd Annual Learn Nothing Day

As unschoolers we know it's impossible to learn nothing, this day was started as un unschooling holiday. Go here for more info.

No matter how hard we try we just can't learn nothing.

This year we are spending the day at a park in eastern Tennessee with several unschoolers.

We are going somewhere we have never been and meeting people we have never met. I guarantee we will learn a lot. I'll remember to take pictures :)

It's going to be awesome to meet real live unschoolers!

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Independence :: Freedom


2. Meltdown :: the high humidity causes me to meltdown


3. Vulture :: What you want to do, I don't know, what you want to do, now don't start that again.


4. Hope :: we can hope for change...bwhaaa!!!!


5. Float :: in the pool


6. Hole :: in the wall


7. Trespass :: The sign says trespasser will be shot on sight


8. Moving :: right along


9. Extinct :: I don't want my beloved elephants to become extinct


10. Alligator :: boots

Luna Nina

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Guest :: be my guest


2. Impact :: sudden impact


3. Unplanned :: pregnancy


4. Tactic :: scare tactic


5. Delayed :: delayed gratification


6. Bombastic :: fireworks


7. Comfort :: comfort inn


8. Trumpet :: call


9. Joe :: schmoe


10. Budget :: deficit

Luna Nina

Cool picture story

Jared drew this yesterday, the bottom picture was first and then he did the 2nd and 3rd. He didn't do these at the same time or looking at the other picture.
I know this because he was looking for them all today, they were in different places in the house. He draws all over the place, not one location.

He said a mixture of Zelda and Runescape is what inspired these. I hope you can see how they connect.

I'm always in awe of his drawings. He will be turning 7 this weekend, I think he has real talent.

Jared

Sometimes you just gotta climb the walls.

Public School Stifles Kids Free Will

Public School Stifles Kids Free Will

Jared's Titles

The latest thing around here is wrestling. I don't care for it personally but the kids have gotten into it. Brennan got Smack Down vs. Raw and TNA impact for the PS2 and they play and then have their own matches. They have started watching Friday Night Smackdown on TV.

Jared has created at least 30 titles and these are just a few.

Cassie made this one.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Divorce :: Court
2. Napkin :: holder
3. Camera :: lens
4. Leather :: jacket
5. Fractures :: bones
6. Flip out :: My son flips out
7. Coroner :: CSI
8. Atomic :: bomb
9. Liz :: Claiborne
10. Leave :: it to beaver and leave me alone it's a tie

Want to play?

Luna Nina

Thankful

Several of the blogs I read have a post titled Thankful Thursday.

Well it's Friday now but I just wanted to say I am extremely thankful for AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!


We are having record high heat and humidity. I don't breathe well when it's muggy.
This is unusual for June, it's usually dry but we have had a rainy spring and there is a ton of moisture in the air.

Our van a/c is broken and I had some errands to run yeterday, I was melting to say the least.

I'm staying in the house today :)

Drawings

Jared is constantly drawing. It's almost like he needs to draw, it's part of him. He expresses himself and he draws about anything and everything.
I'm cleaning and sorting and packing away many of his pictures. I just wanted to post a few recent ones.

Link and Roy

Links from Zelda the four swords

Spongebob and Mr. Krabs

This is one of my favorites.

He has done a ton of wrestling ones lately also. I may post a few of the titles he made later.

Giant Leopard Moth

One of our caterpillars was a giant leopard
Cassie named him Giant. She really liked him, she would play with him a lot.


Here is his cocoon.


Just today I was looking at the cocoons and thinking they must all be dead because it's been several weeks now.

Just a few minutes ago we saw this.

Giant is now a moth.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Hockey :: Stanley Cup on my TV


2. Twirling :: hair


3. Montreal :: Canada


4. Better :: late than never


5. New :: beginnings


6. Rally :: cap


7. Stanley :: Cup


8. USB :: port


9. Scouted :: hunted


10. Cough :: gag, choke

Hockey theme? I don't like Hockey, just thought I'd tell ya.

I missed last week.

Want to play?

Luna Nina

Signs

Apparantly there is a bad guy on the loose. I found this hanging on my bedroom door.


This was on my bathroom door, equal rights...

spanking, hitting, abuse

I have absolutely no respect for anyone who hits a child.

If you are a reformed spanker than my hat is off to you, congratulations!

If you hit your kid in the name of God, shame on you. I have heard people say they spank out of love. That is some kind of twisted love. We don't hit people we love.

It's no different than a man who hits his girlfriend/wife. He has serious issues and he will claim to love that person even though he abuses them.

That is NOT love!

So many people get caught in the abuse cycle, stuck in the trap.

They start to believe it is actually their fault that the person they love hits them.

There is absolutely no valid reason to hit a child.

None whatsoever!

If my husband ever raised his hand at me like he was going to hit me our relationship would NEVER be the same. It would be forever tarnished, if he actually hit me I would leave him in a second.

My husband is awesome and would never lay a hand on me in anger but I needed to make my point.

If he ever hit our children I would be gone. I will not tolerate abuse of any kind.
You do not hit children, it's all abuse.

I am so disheartened by people who spank their kids and believe it's ok.

Did you ever think how that child feels?

Did you ever for a second imagine what that will do to them for the rest of their life?

I was not spanked as a child.

I was punched and slapped in my early teen years.

What's the difference?

The emotional wound is the same, the physical wound is in a different spot.

Just being hit once, never ever leaves you, it never leaves.

I implore you, please think twice before you ever lay a hand on your child or loved one.

Sandra Dodd Interview Part 3

New Pet

They went fishing and brought home a turtle. This is Delila, she is a red-eared slider

We kept her in a plastic bowl for 2 days and our friends gave us an aquarium that they didn't need.

She is now in her own 20 gallon tank and she loves it. Cassie just asked if they can go back to the lake and get another one so she won't be lonely.

This is our other aquarium, it has been housing the cocoons for a few weeks now.

I posted the caterpillars last month.

Who knows maybe someday we'll actually use them for fish. This one used to have fish in it, it is a 55 gallon tank.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Lisa :: Sharp


2. Hope :: Faith, Hope, Love


3. Irene :: good night Irene


4. Tony :: the tiger


5. Anna :: banana


6. Dolly :: Parton


7. Laura :: Ingalls Wilder


8. Debbie :: Jones


9. Wilson :: Home Improvement


10. Paula :: Dean

All names this week, that is interesting.

Want to play?

Luna Nina

Unschool article/chores

My friend Joanne posted an unschooling article and it was a good piece but one thing stood out to both of us.

The kids had required chores every morning before they could get on with their day.

I know some people just unschool academics which really makes no sense to me.

We live and learn.

We don't have arbitrary rules and chores.

Here's my take on it.

If someone required me to do x,y and z before I could get on the computer I would be mad to say the least.

I get up and I check my email while I have my coffee. My friends live in my computer, I love my computer.

I have grown close to many people and we keep up with each other daily. If I don't hear from someone in a couple days, I'll email them and make sure they are ok.

Our kids have a life too.
It could be their video game, or tv show, or they want to go outside, or play with a friend or whatever they like to do when they get up.

Nobody should be *required* to do anything upon waking.

What a way to start each day, dreading a chore or moping around because you HAVE to do something before you can get on with your life.

I'll do the dishes and laundry when I am ready, it could be 3pm or 10pm, does it really matter? Is there some law that says dishes shall be done before playing?

Heck, now if it's nice out I get my butt outside for fresh air and sunshine, dishes can wait.

I wasn't always this easy, I am a compulsive, control freak, I used to clean before going out. I used to make sure all the dishes were done before I went to bed. Who wants to wake up to a sink full?

Life has it's way of happening and I have been on crutches for 6 weeks. My kids have been doing the dishes. Dishes aren't that high on a kids priority list until there aren't any clean ones and they want a bowl of cereal. Then they wash a bowl and spoon so they can eat, they they think hey maybe it's time to wash some dishes.

I'm not saying let things go and pile up, I'm just saying change your perspective and don't let household tasks take over your life.

I personally don't mind dishes or cleaning in general but I have learned to let go and just go with the flow.

Back to kids and chores.

I just don't believe in assigning chores to kids or adults.

We live together, we work together, let's just do what needs to be done.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Again :: I'm falling apart again and I can't find the way to make amends. (Shinedown, Shed some Light)


2. Shower :: I love a hot shower
   
3. Flirting :: with disaster


4. Moving on :: moving on up (Jeffersons)
   
5. Rachel :: Ray


6. Chips :: and dip


7. Texting :: I suck at texting


8. Feel better :: I want to feel better


9. Cashmere :: Led Zepplin


10. Sucked :: school sucked the love of learning out of me as a child

Luna Nina

When children explode

I'm sure every child has exploded a time or two but some kids explode from birth.

My precious little boy is the explosive type, he screamed from 1-4 am the first few weeks of his life.

You think by the time you have 4 kids you got it all down pat. Surprise! Each child is unique, while they may have similarities to your other kids they are their own person.

Jared has stretched my parenting to heights I never knew existed. He has shown me his unique perspective and caused me to become a better parent than I thought I was.

I have been consciously practicing not getting emotionally involved or affected by his outbursts.
This has happened over the course of the years he has been here.

I am doing very well separating myself, my issues, the tapes in my head that I've been fed and the things that kids *should* or *shouldn't* say or do.

I fall short once in awhile, usually if I'm tired or hormonal but overall I am able to separate my reaction from his behaviour.

I encourage you to stop the tapes in your head and just be present with your child. Look at that litttle person.

What caused the upset?

Look at how they are flailing their tiny bodies.

Listen to their crys.

Let them get it out.

Put yourself in their position.

Do not take it personally or as a reflection on you because quite frankly it has nothing to do with you.

Try really hard to relate and empathize while just being there for them in whatever capacity they need.

I have found that in Jared's case he needs to get it out and then he is calm and usually comes over and leans on me to get a hug.

We can't let ourselves get caught up in the heat of the moment and be bothered by what they are saying or by their anger.

It is so important to feel what you feel in a safe environment.

I suspect if I had been allowed I wouldn't need therapy as an adult to deal with my childhood.

Sandra Dodd Interview Part 2

Spank out Day

I'm a little late because I wasn't aware of today. Everyday should be spank out day.

No child should ever be hit, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop beating your kids, get help if you need it.


No Spank
Stop hitting
The hitting stops here

Homework woes?

Jared draws several pictures a day, I have them all. He is very talented and I love all of his drawings. He showed me this one and wanted me to figure out what was wrong with this guy's face.



This is a kid exhausted and weary with bloodshot eyes from doing homework.

Caterpillars

Cassie has been collecting caterpillars, she has 15 and she named them all. She feeds them and checks on them daily. We looked them up and found out they are Eastern Tent Caterpillars

She plans on keeping them until they start spinning their cocoons. These guys turn into moths not butterflies.

The big picture

I hope that I can convey my thoughts in a manner that makes sense.

It makes sense in my head :)

When we talk about unschooling and extending the philosophy into our lives not just in academics some people miss the big picture.

I was recently talking with a homeschool mom with two young children. She always picks my brain and looks to me as her radical unschooling go to girl.

She was among some homeschoolers who were talking about SAT's and getting into college and all of the preparations they had to make. She felt very overwhelmed and uncomfortable.

She realized that she doesn't even have to think about that stuff for several years and she told me that when things like this come up she asks herself *what would Stephanie say*

It's kind of cool but sometimes it makes me feel like I have to really watch what I say.

Luckily she is perceptive and open to my suggestions and then chews on it and makes up her own mind. I like people who think for themselves, those are my kind of people.

She was telling me about a friend of hers that mostly unschools but she has bedtimes and tv limits and eating rules etc. She said you know stuff that doesn't have to do with schooling.

We talked a bit about *bedtimes* and I offered her my perspective and my experience. I have 4 kids, I do know what I'm talking about, I'm not making this up.

We talked about finding our natural rhythms and listening to our body not what time is on the clock. Sure her kids are young and go to bed when told but I talked to her about being open to change as they grow and may express their desire to stay up later.

Just be open to change, discuss everything, don't set anything in stone.

Be your child's partner not their adversary, build a solid foundation of trust and respect while they are young, it will flourish as they grow.

Kids need to have choices, they need to know how to think and make decisions. They won't learn that if someone is constantly telling them what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

In one sense unschooling is just not schooling and if you choose to separate life you are missing the boat.

There are many buzz words, whole life unschooling, radical unschooling, extending the philosophy into all areas of life etc.

It boils down to trust and respect no matter what.

When you get that at a philosophical level then things like bedtime and video games are not an issue.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Lease :: contract


2. Dead :: Wanted dead or alive


3. Removed :: taken off


4. Broke :: no money


5. Lips :: my lips move when I think


6. Flight :: of the Conchords


7. Three hours :: can seem like an eternity sometimes


8. Give :: give and take


9. Technical :: difficulties


10. Hurry :: up and get out of my way

Luna Nina

Sandra Dodd Interview

Mean kids

What makes little kids treat others so bad?

I really believe that public school is the root.

There is a little boy that lives down the street, he moved here over a year ago.

He has been nothing but trouble.

He is 7 or just turned 8.

He came over today wanting to play with Jared.

Jared went down to his house and less then 10 minutes later came home.

We have had several incidents so I told Jared if he is mean just come home.

Today it was over something stupid, it always is, and it doesn't even make sense.

It's just ridiculous, this kid can't get along with other kids.

Awhile back my kids were playing with some other kids and this boy and his friend came by and started calling them names.

I feel bad for this kid because he isn't going to get very far in life by being a mean bully.

He just needs to stay away from my kids.

Is it all rosy?

A recent exchange on Facebook got me thinking about this.

Some people seem so happy and joyful and never let on that they are having a bad day, a rough time, a struggle in life.

Are there people who are 100% joyous, 100% of the time?

I think many of us want to portray that everything is great and wonderful and we don't have a care in the world. That just isn't reality, even if you are the most positive person, stuff happens to all of us.

How we deal with it varies, some of us choose to find the positive in every situation. I think that is a worthy endeavor, I try to do it. I don't always succeed, sometimes things just plain suck and I feel like venting about it.

My latest incident of spraining my ankle has brought up many negative things in me. I had to feel those before I could move on and see the light so to speak.

I still can't walk without crutches but I'm getting there, I'm finally seeing marked improvement.

It's not fast enough for me, patience is not my thing, I hate waiting, I want it all and I want it now!

Life happens and we have to go with it. As an unschooler I am really good at going with the flow, I just have a hard time when it has to do with me.

Many unschoolers write about how great life is and don't really let on about the struggles.

Life is great but it doesn't mean we don't have issues.

As an observer these past several days, I'm seeing where we have some issues in the family and what we need to work on.

Overall this has been an experience for all of us and some growth and learning has taken place. How we react and deal with problems is an important part in living our lives.

Being home with my family is an honor and I know how blessed I am.

Menopause

Here is a website that goes over the many symptoms of Menopause

I'm not sure how much I'll share on this blog, many things I'll put on my private blog.

It's important to know what is going on with your body.

I figure there are lots of women my age and older who are starting to experience this stuff.

I am actually on the young side and am doing some research but believe it may be because before I had kids I was treated with Lupron.

I had endometriosis and I wanted a baby. I actually went through two rounds of shots which puts you in a pseudo menopause. I had all of the classic symptoms of menopause it was just drug induced.

This time it's for real. Awhile back I posted about my peri-menopausal symptoms and I get a lot of google hits on that so I hope this helps someone else.

I urge you to get your hormone levels tested. I have been using progesterone cream for a year now and it helps but I'm still having intense symptoms.

I just had my hormones checked and I have EXTREMELY low Estrogen, yes I'm only 37, well I'll be 38 soon...

I have just started on Bio-identical hormones. I highly recommend a natural or holistic doctor or at least one open to alternative methods. I believe (you can find lots of research on it)that synthetic hormones are bad for you and cause many more health problems.

What is a Libertarian?

Tax and Spend

Tea Party

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Animal :: Magnetism


2. Temporary :: insanity


3. Moan :: and groan


4. Rapid :: heartbeat


5. That’s for me to say :: and you to hear


6. City :: traffic


7. Bumper :: sticker


8. Eclipse :: total eclipse of my heart


9. Problematic :: I can be


10. If? :: not now, when?

Luna Nina

Easter Elephant

My aunt sent me this adorable elephant, it arrived today. She is so cute and cuddly and even earth friendly :) Her stuffing is 100% recycled material from planet toys.

I named her Liberty.

Here she is with Rebel, now he has a girlfriend.

Jason said oh great now we are going to have little elephants running around.

Some fun pictures

Cassie and Jared


Cassie playing in dough

Jared being a gnome

Brennan being a gnome, I didn't realize it was sideways

Our friends Kendra and Kaitlyn

Kullen, Jared and Brennan playing under Julie's moving truck.

Jared