Tea Party

Cassie's grandma sent her this doll in the mail. My mother in law's friend made the doll and grandpa made the clothes.
She named her Sacagawea.

It's tea time :)

Cassie asked me to get the other porcelain dolls down out of my closet. If you could see my closet this was no easy task.

Three of those dolls belonged to my sister and one is mine and the other is Cassie's.

She is loving her new doll, she is carrying her around like a baby and we found some baby socks to put on her feet.

NOT back to school

School started today, well yesterday now, my days run different than most, I never go to bed the same day I wake up.

We decided to go swimming at a friend's house, they are homeschoolers.

You can see that they were having fun, why waste away in a classroom when you can live.

Blog award

Deanna gave me an award and now it's my turn to pass it on.

The rules for this award are:

The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.

1) Link to the person you received your award from.

2) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

3) Put links to those blogs on yours.

4) Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

Here are my nominations:

1. Jewls

2. Tina

3. Lesa

4. Heather

5. Kelli

6. JoAnn

7. Laura

I have so many blogging buddies, here's to all of you :)

Close to nature

Jason and Kieran went fishing and they saw some deer .



Here is the fawn.

Here is mom.

Kieran was only about 10 feet away right here. The deer were not afraid of them at all, they must be used to people.

Check out this baby fish that Kieran caught.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Month to month :: menstrual cycle


2. Adjusted :: well adjusted


3. Prank :: calls


4. Mop :: the floor needs to be mopped


5. Clarity :: explanation


6. Parenting :: partnership


7. Glenn :: Beck


8. Fingerprint :: clue, dna, CSI


9. Pineapple :: yuck


10. Attorney :: general

Want to play?

Luna Nina

bugging me

So Lesa is wondering why I haven't blogged :)

I have lots in my head but don't always get a chance to say it.

There is a commercial on the radio that I have heard everyday for at least a week and it is BUGGING me.

It's the total transformation, if your kid is defiant or talking back or having trouble in school or ADD or...

This program will fix your child. I was going to put in a link but I don't want to :)

You can google it.

A step by step program to change your child's behavior.

I don't know if this is legitimate, I don't know if it has merit or if it's just another thing that disrespects children.

In an odd way you would think someone like me with an intense child would be interested in this. The truth is when I hear claims like this it scares me and makes me just want to hug my child.

You see Jared has been exploding left and right lately, well he really has his whole life it's just that now he seems more intense.

Yes a 6 yr old that gets set off by something explodes, yells, kicks, throw things and uses profanity. Where did he learn it??? He has always exploded, yes we use some language around here but I have been very careful lately, he hears it from the music he likes.

He likes System of a Down and they have several songs that he likes and one of them uses the f word and I don't mean fart, man did I say that!?

You guys know that fart is a terrible word to me I don't really mind the other word that gets all of the attention :)

So what is my point???
Beats me!

I don't believe there is any program out there that is worth using to change my child. He is who he is, If you ask him he'll say that God made him that way and I believe he is right. It's my job to help him navigate his world and understand it and to get along in it. I will never try to change my child!

I know there are desperate parents out there who don't know where to turn and it saddens me that they look to "experts" to show them the way.
I feel for the parents but I really feel for the kids, I know from experience that helping an explosive child is challenging but it is worth the effort.

I remain calm now, I do not react, I let him get it out and I protect those around him and help him know that I am here and he can tell me anything.

My dear son just climbed into my lap, he really is a sweetie, the other day he called dibs on mom.

Don't know where that came from but they have been *calling dibs* on everything lately, me included :)

Writing

It's obvious that I am not a prolific writer and I don't paint beautiful pictures with words like some of my blogging friends.

I have written some good stuff but I know in my attempt to get to the point that I miss out on a lot of description. I believe that part of that is my personality, I'm not a fluffy person I'm a straight forward person.

I was thinking tonight after posting for the blog carnival that my post seems so generic. Just like when I participated in Unschooling Voices, there is a topic and a deadline. I think it brings me back to school when I had to write an essay on a specific topic with so many words by a certain date.

How weird is that?

I never liked writing in school but I don't believe it's because I can't write because I can.

So in some bizarre twist I don't do well in the written form on the spot, go figure.

I know when I get sparked by something I can write just fine. I don't type 500 words a minute like some either and I have to look at the keys. Product of public school, I took typing...

My always unschooled son can type extremely fast without looking.

Stupid hang- ups I suppose.

I love unschooling, I love watching my kids learn and grow and make connections, it's so awesome. Sometimes I feel like I'm just along for the ride because the learning never stops. I just do what they need when they need it but they do the rest.

I wish I could put in writing what they do and all of the learning and growing and questions and answers that happen on a daily basis.

I'm not great at documentation, it's so much easier to go with the flow and not take notes.

I guess I'll work at it :)

Around here

This post is for the blog carnival over at Radical Unschoolers' Network

Just a little glimpse into what we are doing, I took a few random pictures.
Fall ball just started so we are spending time at the baseball field and the boys have been fishing, there is a creek there and they have caught several fish.

We have been playing Clue, Monopoly Jr., poker, rummy, hit the deck, Uno, drawing, playing with legos, lots of imagination play, Club Penguin, WoW, watching youtube music videos.

Cassie at the baseball field.

Brennan at first, this was just practice, games start soon.

They are always on secret missions around here.

Drawing with new markers and paper.

Creating new food combinations, Jason made this and it was so good.

Playing World of Warcraft happens everyday.

This is a lego band that Jared made, he is always creating something.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Crankiness :: normally I would say me but I'm not cranky right now


2. Backpack :: Dora


3. Clone :: Wars


4. High ground :: moral


5. Dreams :: In my dreams, Dokken song


6. Lovingly :: Jason


7. Mistake :: oops


8. Carson :: Johnny


9. Errand :: run


10. Dozen :: Cheaper by the

Jared's City

I couldn't get it all in one picture. Jared worked very hard on this yesterday, I think it's pretty cool.

15 pounds

I have lost 15 pounds this month.
My clothes are looser and people can tell so I wanted to *see it* I can see a little bit in the photos.

I'm working hard at it.

Today's groove

This one speaks to me because this is an area I have been working on for some time. I am getting so much better
but still need some improvement.


THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove::

Creator, or Reactor?

::An understanding of *power* is needed to become an
effective human being. So children are instinctively
driven to discover the nature of power, and they look
to their parents for clues.

Our children especially notice our *reactions*.When we react to something, that thing appears to
have power.
Whether you react positively (like when someone gives you flowers) or negatively (like when you see a big spider in your house), you are teaching your child that those things are powerful.

* When you worry about a possession, you give it power.
* When you are offended by certain words, you give them power.
* When you react to something in the news, you give it power.
* When you react to your child's behavior, you give it power.

Today, notice your reactions and consider what they might be teaching your child about power. By being creative rather than reactive, you can demonstrate that Authentic Power comes from within.

http://www.dailygroove.net/reacting

Feel free to forward this message to your friends!
(Please include this paragraph and everything above.)Copyright (c) 2008 by Scott Noelle

kissing trees

I meant to add this to the birthday post.
Aren't these trees cool?!

Birthday sleepover fishing trip

Kieran and Luke sleeping.


Kieran caught 4 fish, here is one of them.



Skeleton?

Taking a break.

Jared with a stick gun.

Brennan and Luke.

Brennan...

Blowing out the candles.

Everyone had fun and my baby is 13 now.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Memory :: card


2. Original :: me


3. Exclusively :: only for you


4. Listings :: realtor


5. Bucket :: list


6. Knight :: round table


7. Dusty :: my house


8. Choice :: everything is a choice


9. Sunlight :: vitamin D


10. Change of plans :: flexible

Learn Nothing Day

It's impossible!

Jared woke up and sat up in bed and asked me for his space book and some paper. He drew the different shapes that the moon makes before he even got out of bed.

I really hope that people out there who don't get unschooling have a wake up call.

You know the phrase *shit happens*

Well *learning happens*

You can't stop it, it's as natural as breathing, at least for my kids it is.

Always unschooled kids who were never told what, when, or how to learn, live and learn naturally.

To stop learning is to stop living.

Happy Learn Nothing Day!

I assume we all failed :)

12 down 38 to go

Pounds that is.

I have been using the treadmill since Weds. I am doing 2 miles a day, one mile at a time. I increase my speed a little each time, I started at 1.8 mph and just did 3 mph a few minutes ago.

I figure in a few days I try to increase my distance but I am sweating profusely and breathing hard by the last 1/4 mile.

Jason said he is very impressed with me because I am making my goals and keeping them.

I am determined to lose weight and eat healthy and be healthy.

My blood pressure has gone down too, it's no where near as high as it was a few weeks ago. I think that the UTI raised my BP also, I must have had a bladder infection for awhile. I went to that clinic in town for my respiratory illness and they didn't even check my urine. I thought that was pretty routine and my BP was high there.

I have been taking Hawthorne Berries twice a day for my BP and I go back to my doc on Weds. for a follow up.

Anyway I am working hard at this and not giving up.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Flicker :: Lightning bugs


2. Styling :: my hair
   
3. Episode :: Jared, Cassie, me we all have episodes


4. Sexier :: than who?


5. Studious :: looking


6. Mushroom :: yuck, barf, gag, texture issues, ewwww


7. 8 minutes :: for what? I hate waiting!


8. Bald :: eagle


9. Immunity :: unrealistic


10. Sectioned :: church

Want to play Luna Nina

finished

I finished reading The Shack last night and all I can say is WOW.

It's an awesome look at relationships and it is worth reading.

I'm still in awe, I don't want to give any details away but if you are looking outside of the institutional church box then this book is for you.

late birthday present

Back in May we ordered guns for the boys from hobby tron and they ended up being backordered. We spent 4 weeks getting the run around about when they would be shipped, if they were in stock etc. Jason spoke to the manager twice and the last time he asked for free shipping because they were clearly at fault. No way we can't do that so we cancelled our order and asked for our money back. They said 2-3 business days, a week goes by and no refund. Jason called them again and we finally got our money back. In the meantime we ordered from a different place Airsplat we just got the guns today.

I highly recommend not buying from hobby tron, their customer service sucks.

They have a laser and shoot yellow pellets and they came with safety goggles.

Well Donna these are plastic but maybe you like them anyway :)

My flowers bloomed

These are the lilies that Jason and the kids got me for mother's day last year. Jason planted them and they actually grew and bloomed gorgeous flowers.

Here is a link to the original http://learningthroughliving-stephanie.blogspot.com/2007/05/mothers-day.html

Little pet peeve

I just went to the post office and I got behind this OM(old man) going 20-25mph on a back road that I take to cut out of main traffic.
I'm following him, you can't really pass on that road and we are getting up to where I need to turn and he turns the way I'm going.

UGH!

The speed limit on this road is 45mph and he managed to get up to 30mph.
Patience is not my strong suit but I get so irritated when people go that far UNDER the speed limit.

I was saying please God I can't be behind this guy, I'll lose my mind. There are places to pass on this road but the cars kept coming.

Then finally dotted lines and no cars, I stepped on the gas and flew away.

Ah freedom :)

I'm all for being safe but holding up the flow of traffic isn't safe either.

I'm not a speed racer, well I do like to drive fast and only do it when appropriate.

I usually go about 5mph over the limit because the cops in this town will get ya.

I did get a ticket in PA when I was pregnant with Jared and it was my first offense EVER and I was treated like a common criminal. Bad experience.

Anyway I think speed limits should be guidelines not Law but that's another story...

If you want to drive slow pull over and let us by, pretty simple.

Yum

ZUCCHINI-CRUSTED PIZZA

CRUST:
3 1/2 c. grated zucchini
3 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. flour
1/2 c. grated Mozzarella
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp. basil, minced
Salt and pepper

PIZZA TOPPING:
Tomato sauce
Cheese, etc.
Salt zucchini lightly and let sit 15 minutes. Squeeze out all excess moisture. Combine crust ingredients and spread onto an oiled 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees until surface is dry and firm. Brush top with oil and broil it under moderate heat for 5 minutes.

Pile all of your favorite pizza toppings on and heat in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes. Serve hot

I just made this tonight and it's really good. I was really hungry and really missing pizza and I have PMS so I had to make something good and keep in line with my diet.

I put on homemade sauce, whole milk mozzerella and drunken goat cheese, yes it is cured in wine and it is awesome, Whole Foods carries it. Those two cheeses are low on the acid scale, I did not use parmesan it is the most acidifying of all cheeses.

I added spinach, tomatoes and red onion. It was really good even Brennan liked it, Kieran didn't like it and Cassie wouldn't try it.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Intimated :: scared
   
2. Brush :: hair


3. Masquerade :: ball


4. Procedure :: no thanks


5. Tattoos :: ink


6. Square :: root


7. Tuck :: in at night


8. Boyfriend :: haven't had one of those in years


9. Badass :: I used to be


10. Thousand :: dollars

Luna Nina

little update on me

I have been dealing with some health issues and today was the first day I've had much energy in awhile. I did lots of housework, everyone pitched in the place was a disaster.

I'm taking on a new lifestyle, I am changing my diet to be mostly fruits and vegetables and very little everything else, it's called an alkaline diet.

I won't bore you with all the details but I need to lose 40-50 pounds as soon as possible. I have already lost 10 this past week. My blood pressure is elevated and I have been monitoring it and trying to chill out.

They gave me a drug to take but it made me feel terrible, I am trying to treat this naturally, losing weight and eating right will help.

I am excited and nervous, I have been wanting to lose this weight that I've been carrying for a couple years now. I just didn't know where to begin.

I went to a holistic doctor and he has me taking supplements to help my digestive issues so I can eat this stuff.

I've been resting and watching movies and reading The Shack, why because I also had a UTI and I'm not sure if it's completely gone.

Jason bought a treadmill off of Craigslist so I will be starting an exercise routine also.

Burn that fat, woohoo!!!

Then maybe I'll post an updated picture of me since my profile pic is like 4 years old.

Actually I do have one up on myspace photo album from May.

So that's me, a little boring lately...

profound quote

"I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

cranky neighbors

The old man across the street came out and told my son that he has heard enough fireworks for the past 4 days.

My son was just going to set off a few bottlerockets and then be done with it.

We only set off a few the past couple nights. We live in a subdivision, the 4th and 5th sounded like we were in a war zone. Some people were setting off the loud ones that sound like gun shots. As a matter of fact I just heard some, I guess my son was an easy target.

He came in all long faced and sad being scolded by this guy.

UGH!!!

Don't you talk to my kids, you come talk to me!!!!!

So it's a little noise for a few days, get over it, turn your damn hearing aid off.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Notification :: I didn't get the memo


2. Cheat :: liar


3. Top Ten :: David Letterman


4. Draft :: beer


5. Unbelievable :: inconceivable


6. Cheap :: thrill


7. Spontaneous :: combustion


8. Harass :: annoy


9. Lipstick :: kiss


10. Transpire :: the events of the day

Luna Nina

Any takers?

Jared asked me if God created himself.

I told him that I really don't know the answer to that.

Friends

I LOVE YA SISTA'!!!

Girlfriend and Sister's Week

I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends I have.

To the cool women that have touched my life. Here's to you!

funny stuff

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Who knew?

I'm a Talent!

You're a risk-taker, and you follow your passions. You're determined to take on the world and succeed on your own terms. Whether in the arts, science, engineering, business, or politics, you fearlessly express your own vision of the world. You're not afraid of a fight, and you're not afraid to bet your future on your own abilities. If you find a job boring or stifling, you're already preparing your resume. You believe in doing what you love, and you're not willing to settle for an ordinary life.

Talent: 59%
Lifer: 44%
Mandarin: 46%

Take the Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.

Thanks Wendy

That was interesting.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Loneliness :: despair


2. Traffic :: jam, yuck, hate traffic


3. Chaos :: My life


4. Burp :: excuse me


5. 500 :: Daytona


6. Movie :: dvd


7. Coma :: unconscious


8. Bark :: Rocky (beagle)barking under my bed. He lives outside but he goes under the house and roos under my head.


9. Stare :: blank


10. Angelina :: Ballerina and Jolie

Luna Nina

Well those were boring answers...

Learn Nothing Day

The first annual Learn Nothing Day

Go to the link for more info.

It is so funny because I believe it's virtually impossible to learn nothing. Although people who aren't unschoolers don't see it that way.

That means we can't even get out of bed or turn on the computer or watch tv or read the paper or go outside or talk to anyone or play or cook or go anywhere or...

Hmmm learn nothing would mean to stop living.

I just can't do it!

My husband said he is game, we'll just stay in bed all day, HA!

Birthday Boy

It's official, he is 6.

We had a great party and he is happy and full of candy from the pinata.

Challenging

My little boy is so attached to me that he said he doesn't want any presents because he doesn't want me to go to the store without him.

He even suggested that he would wear a blindfold.

I'm not sure what I will do yet, I would rather shop without him seeing what I'm buying.

I did order one present online and it may not even get here in time.

I'm used to his attachment but you would think he would let me go because it's for him.

Jason is way to busy to do it so I guess we'll figure something out.

Birthday List

I know it's hard to see this but this is Jared's birthday wish list. He will be 6 on Saturday, this is quite a tall order.



1. Lego Star Wars Complete Saga
2. Blue Lightning McQueen car
3. Train set
4. Lego star wars set
5. Race Track
6. Ratchet & Clank Size Matters
7. Hot Wheels cars
8. Darth Maul suit
9. Double sided lightsabre
10. $70
11. roll of tape
12. clock radio
13. Anakin suit
14. Yoda suit
15. bicycle

Cute isn't he!

Oh boy part two

Last night Cass and I were talking and she said, "you know that thing we were talking about last night?"

I said, "sex."

"Ya, that, I'm never going to do that."

LOL!!! I told her that would make her dad happy but she might change her mind when she grows up.

Oh Boy!

Last night Cass and I were watching Mad Money, with Queen Latifa and Diane Keaton.

A little ways into it she stops it and says, "Mom, what does SEX mean?"

What?

"They keep saying Sex, what does it mean?"

I asked her if she really wanted to know, she said yes, I was vague and specific and she looked at me and said, "I still don't get it."

So I got a little more specific and reminded her about how we also talked about how babies were made before, the sperm and the egg.

She asked if we had real eggs, I giggled and said "well not like chickens."

I ended up telling her the physical mechanics and she just looked at me in what we call *the Cassie look* and said, "Well that is just weird!"

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Goodbye :: You say goodbye, I say hello, hello ,hello ,I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello
2. Cage :: Nicholas
3. Buddy :: pal
4. Magic words :: wine and chocolate
5. Library :: card
6. Fall in love :: with my hubby
7. Tense :: my shoulders
8. Work! :: life
9. Empty :: wallet
10. Heat wave :: summer

UGH!

When life gives me lemons I suck on them.

Really I do, they are good for you.

I went to a doctor on Monday mainly because I was worried that something was really wrong with me. Well it was a typical visit and the results were usual and it really shows why I haven't gone in 4 years. There was one good thing, he assured me that I didn't have a blood clot in my leg or my lungs.
So for $117, Jason said it was worth it if I quit freaking out.

I have not taken the meds prescribed, I plan to treat this naturally, medication has never done well in my body. I will take the drugs if I have to but I am not planning on it.

The main reason for my UGH is that I have gained 22 pounds since about October/November. I knew I gained weight, my clothes were tight and I can see it in certain areas on my body.


A couple months ago I started walking, we live in a subdivision with lots of side streets to walk on.

I started out a short distance and built it up over time, I went a little farther every few days or week depending on how I felt. I was doing so good, my breathing was fine, my legs were doing fine, on days I didn't walk I really missed it.

You know I got sick over a month ago and I haven't been the same since. I did try to walk about 2 weeks ago and I had to stop several times because I was short of breath. I had leg cramps for 3 weeks, I must have pulled something.

Anyway I am totally frustrated because I need to walk, it's the only exercise I can do at this point and now I can't do it until we get my chest back to normal.

It really sucks, I know stuff happens but I don't want to be fat and it's frustrating. I want to exercise and get in shape and now I have to get well first, breathing is important I guess.

I'm so sick of being sick, I am getting healthy if it's the last thing I do.

classic

Jared was outside throwing the ball up in the air and trying to hit it.
He wasn't doing that great and Jason asked him if he could teach him a different way to do it.

Jared said, "No, I don't need to be teached."

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Purchase :: Louisiana


2. Squeaky clean :: my house used to be


3. Blended :: family (is all I'm coming up with)


4. Wednesday :: Wednesday, play with your food


5. Function :: live


6. Look down :: and see your feet


7. July? :: My firstborn


8. Raspberry :: beret


9. Assertive :: me


10. Cracker :: jack

Want to play?

Luna Nina

Latest learning tools

We played a lot of Hangman this week.

Jared and Cassie are always drawing pictures.

Lots of world of Warcraft, a little Club Penguin, Nick Jr. and Sesame Street.

Exploring weather, catching fireflies, swimming, baseball, riding bikes, friends sleeping over, baking cookies, basketball, some movie watching, cooking, listening to music, dress up, cars, race tracks, lincoln logs, tinker toys, barbie dolls, toy guns, taking care of plants and animals, lots of questions, G.I. Joe, army, grocery shopping, cards...

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Kids are always busy playing, learning, growing and exploring and free to follow their interests.

Unschooling Rocks!

Clean air

Our airducts were cleaned out today!

We are having our AC unit serviced next week and that will finish the job.

We can already tell a difference in the house.

I didn't sleep of course because I knew I had to get up early, I'm weird like that :)

edison's medicine

What makes me feel better?



Yep you guessed it...wine.



I have been a wreck, that respiratory virus kicked my ass and left residual effects.



I have been having other stupid problems too, like leg cramps, it's been awful. I assumed it was calcium deficiency so I'm working on that and rubbing arnica on my calves.



My anxiety has been terrible lately, lots of stuff going on including hormones. I got my progesterone cream and used it for a few days, I have to wait for my period (which was due today)and then start on day 12 next cycle. I really do think it will help me, it seemed to make a difference earlier this week.



So...



My neighbor, yes the one with the 2 kids that are always here, invited me over for a glass of wine.



We have lived here two years and only talk a bit when it relates to what the kids are doing. You all know I have had issues with their parenting and all the rules.

So anyway, we had a nice time, talked about all sorts of stuff. You know the getting to know you stuff but it was probably long overdue. She is a nice person and I really do care about her kids.



I was over there for about 1 1/2 hours and with two kids in tow, you know that AP thing, LOL!



Anyway I had of couple drinks and lo and behold I feel better. I know all about antioxidants and resveratrol in red wine, lots of health benefits. (yeah I think it is spelled weird like that or darn close :)



My leg feels better, I'm not anxious or flipping out and my hormones calmed down, go figure :)



Now I have to get up early, yes by 10 am, that is early for me,I know Jewls is giggling, especially since it's almost 3 am.



We are having our air ducts cleaned out, here's hoping for better breathing!

Thanks

Thank you to all for your concern, prayers and advice, I really appreciate it.

I am doing better today in the breathing department, I'll keep taking my Oregamax.

Of course I'm PMS'ing now, don't you love it!?

check please

Jared gave me this today, I thought it was cool.

Viscious Cycle

I am having asthma symptoms, my chest is tight and I'm short of breath, which causes me to get panicked.

I have not had asthma symptoms in a few years.
I had that virus last month, then allergies and now asthma.
I don't know what to do really.

I've been taking some Oil of Oregano and vitamin C. I just started Oregamax tonight, it has helped a little.

I did use my nebulizer a few times BUT it makes me feel miserable, it causes my nervous system to freak and therefore I panic anyway.

Not as addicted as Jewls

58%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

LOL!

Master Plan Contest

I fixed the link :)

Jewls is extending the contest to win a copy of The Master plan.


http://jewlsntexas.blogspot.com/2008/05/drumroll-please-master-plan-is-ready_30.html

Post a link on your blog and leave me a comment, at the end of the week I'll pick a winner.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Rambling :: ME
2. Magnetic :: attraction
3. Again! :: over and over and over
4. Acoustic :: Alchemy(band)
5. Mahogany :: wood
6. Promises :: don't make me any
7. Ill fitting :: my clothes
8. Sublime :: queen
9. Poop :: lasagna(I am so gone, Larry the Cable Guy did this)
10. Disoriented :: Hello, me again!

Want to play?
Luna Nina

unresolved thoughts

Many times I see references from Christians about satan and spiritual warfare. I may be completely naive and uninformed in this area.

I get squirmy when I read posts that refer to satan as in *the devil is working against us* or *satan is trying to influence* heck I can't remember any specific quotes off the top of my head.
I don't think they matter anyway.

My thoughts and feelings are that I don't blame the devil for what is wrong in our lives, I don't think satan is purposefully messing with us. I guess in part because why would I give him credit or blame????

Satan can kiss my freakin ass for all I care.

I just don't get this whole thing.

If you want to enlighten me feel free, if I offended you because you believe the devil is the root of all problems, I'm sorry, not my intention.

I just don't get it.

I'm not denying that he exists, I suppose if you believe in God you must believe there is a devil, the Bible says he is real.

I believe that God exists, I have faith, I pray, so I don't want to give satan glory for things that go wrong.

Am I making any sense?

Flashbacks

Do you think back to certain times in your life? Duh! I'm sick of bad memories so these are indifferent.

What led to this was the the little girl down the road liking school. She is with the *in crowd*, she is all into cheers and her hair and clothes are just so. I don't remember doing cheers when I was 7, Cassie always comes home and tells me what the girls showed her. But then I never was a girly girl especially at 7, I was playing with the boys, heck I was always playing with the boys, LOL!

I was thinking about clothes and styles and when I was 12-13 my grandma would send $50 to each of us for school clothes. Well I would spend mine on one pair of jeans and a shirt, Jordache of course. My whole NEW wardrobe was one one pair of jeans and one shirt, damn labels, I loved Jordache.

Sometimes I talk valley girl and the kids look at me funny, I say I'm having flashbacks, Jason says you were never a valley girl. I did live in Phoenix though, the valley of the sun :)
At 13 I was doing all sorts of stuff that I shouldn't have been.

Like fer sure, like totally, like gag me with a spoon...I never could get into the flourescent clothes.

Then at a brief time at 14 I was in stoner garb, you know Levi's and high top Nike's, untied of course who ties their shoes? Don't forget bandanas.

Lots of time went by...

By 16 I was in high heels and mini skirts. I worked then and spent much of my money on clothes. I was busy and didn't have time for mundane tasks like laundry so instead of washing I would just buy new stuff. I am so not kidding, I actually would buy new packs of underwear each week. I eventually did my laundry but I worked and went to school and had a social life, hello!!!

Anyone get the impression that I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. Yep, well it's all good. I have changed my ways, I'm not the golddigger fashion queen that I used to be. Well mostly, I still need certain things but I'm not concerned about clothes.

My grandma always wondered how I got guys to buy me jewelry, I swore to her that I didn't DO anything.


I would make such a good snob, trust me! My pinky finger goes up when I drink, I come by it naturally my dad does it too.

I am still queen of something just not sure what :)

Mom, What DO they do in school?

HUH? Hell if I know! Really hell if I care!

Last night while I was basking in PMS, Cassie was asking me all sorts of questions. The girl that she plays with down the road loves school, well good for her, she is only 7.

So what do they do at school? What do they do at Kieran's age? Brennan's? Jared's? Mine?

I really was not in the mood so I asked her to give me a few moments to collect myself.

I basically told her that the teacher talks, the kids sit and listen, ask questions, read from textbooks and do worksheets, we didn't get into anything else. She asked what kind of worksheets, I'm like Ummm I dunno...

Do you want some worksheets?

Yes.

OK!

I'll go see what I have printed up from like 8 years ago, No I'm not kidding. I went and searched through some folders, brought them to her, we found that most of them were too young for her, a few were too old for her, then we found a couple that she wanted.

We talked a little more and that was that, she did a couple things.

She did ask me about the kids who don't read because she isn't reading yet. I told her that they might actually think she had a problem and try to put her in some program to make her read. I told her truthfully though from what I remember there were always good readers and poor readers in every class.

She knows she will read when it's time, she has some sight word recognition and she sounds out some words but she just hasn't gotten there yet. I'm not worried and I do not want her to be concerned, she knows her little brother can read and she is ok with that, she knows her older brother didn't start until he was 9.

She has been doing math problems lately, she makes up her own papers, this plus that, many pages of it, she is doing great, and she has been practicing cursive writing.

The best thing is she always draws me pictures of elephants.

She is living and learning!

She's back

You know that compulsive cleaning lady who gets cranky with the clutter...

Damnit I told her to go away why bother cleaning it just gets messed up again. Relax, get over it move on, but she is being relentless. Any advice on getting rid of her?

Me

Who else?

I just wrote 3 blog posts in my head while soaking in the tub.

One was unschooling because a group I'm on has been busy with defining, questioning and figuring out where they are and where they want to go.

Politics because for the first time in my life I am really concerned with the direction the candidates are going and I can't vote for either of them in good conscience.

Hormones because mine are giving me a hell of a time, that cream can't get here fast enough...

So what do you want to talk about?

I could easily offend anybody with my thoughts on all of those subjects. I'm not out to offend it's useless and counterproductive, I just lay my thoughts out straight and simple.

Another thing I could write about is the latest stupid parenting encounter, not mine :)

I am a lot of things but STUPID isn't one of them.

I may just not elaborate on any of these topics tonight because I'm getting tired and can't do any of them justice.

It's so typical, I have so much to say that I end up saying nothing. Oh I really need someone to talk freely with.

My Kitty

Since I'm allergic to cats, we don't have any.

Jared likes to play Kitty, he is quite cute and funny, he even meows and speaks in cat.

Superheroes

You have heard of the Naked Brothers Band, well meet the Naked Sisters.
They are superheroes and they all have special powers.
This is Jared's creation :)

Alternate Universe

I must live in some other place. I just did the dishes at 3 am...

I had a messed up day, my allergies and sinuses were going haywire, my ears were plugged and my head felt like it was going to explode. I do not remember my allergies being this bad last year. I muddled through and had extra kids here, I guess school is out, who knew, our days are no different.

My hormones have started up, the bad ones, the no patience, getting cranky, I see the mess hormones. UGH! I just ordered progesterone cream but it probably won't do much this month, maybe it will help a little, one can hope I don't need two weeks of PMS.

Jared is exploding left and right and I'm not in the peaceful mode, it makes me reactionary, it sucks, sometimes reality sucks. He seems to do well for awhile and then explode for awhile, it's his growth process. I really wish I could help him through it but he doesn't want help and as dh says *you can't help him, I turned out fine*.... UH ok. Those guys are two peas in a pod, I love them so much!
The process can be painful at times but worth the effort to parent from the child's perspective, with him not against him.

I'll admit it though I was really pissed earlier and had to walk... err...storm off...

Keep it real, right?!

My little guy has taught me so much, and I am on this journey with my children, sometimes I don't have all the answers. I'm having a communication breakdown with Brenny also, don't know how to fix it, we just need to figure it out.

Life is learning, we learn together how to communicate effectively.

I was talking with my friend who has traveled a bit and she said I would love Spain because they had dinner at 10:30 pm and then stayed up partying until the sun came up... Yeah so I guess I live on Spain's time :)

It doesn't matter when I get up or when I go to bed the hours are the same.

Jared and I just hugged and made up, it's all good!

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Gossipping :: small town women


2. Misplaced :: my brain


3. Spaceship :: star trek enterprise


4. Ignore :: a button on my phone


5. Bodily :: functions


6. Tweezers :: to pull out ticks


7. Goodnight :: sweetheart


8. Curls :: my hair at my wedding, I looked like curly Sue


9. Faucet :: tap


10. Right? :: yeah whatever
    >

Contest

My friend Jewls has created an awesome planner and I am just spreading the word. Go check it out.

http://jewlsntexas.blogspot.com/2008/05/drumroll-please-master-plan-is-ready_30.html

Left the building

I have been wondering where that clean freak who used to vacuum everyday went.

My house is a mess, I have been out for four days and sick for two weeks, just folded several loads of laundry. The kids did the dishes while I was sick.

The dogs are shedding, stuff is piled up and the kids are strewing their own paths.

My point is I guess I don't really care, so that compulsive cleaner has left the building.

I guess I'll get a maid, maybe a butler. Tonight after dinner I was sitting at the table and I started calling, "Jeeves, oh Jeeves where are you darling."

Told you I'm gone...

Can you say freak?

I am recovering from being sick and the last 4 days we have been busy.

I'm really tired it's like my body aches and my energy level is low.

Since I didn't have anywhere to be today I stayed in bed until almost 2:00 pm.

I got up a little before noon but went back to bed, I fell asleep and had some vivid, wild, dramatic even violent dreams. I woke up exhausted and swirled in a fog all day.

I layed down after dinner and almost fell asleep.

Sleeping makes me tired and dreaming exhausts me.

Try to figure that out.

I am so NOT right!

It's after midnight now and I feel pretty good, go figure...

Little tidbit part two

Since Amanda asked I thought I would elaborate.

I did it!!!

I broke the plate, oh sorry I had a Veggie Tale flashback.

I had my phone in my pocket and I went to the bathroom and as I pulled up my shorts my phone fell out of my pocket and, and, and...

yep you guessed it,

it fell into the toilet.

Jason doesn't think the warranty covers that.

At least my old phone still works, we put the SIM card in it and need to send my other phone in.

Sucks for sure!

Little tidbit

Cell phones and water don't mix...

Fish out of water

Do you ever feel totally out of place in a group setting?

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not one who tries to fit in, I am a non-conformist and always have been. It's a big thing that Jason and I have in common, we are glad we don't *fit in* BUT... we must get along with those that we have nothing in common with.

Must we?

We just spent several hours with people that we have nothing in common with, we are so different and it shows. I am just not into the little clique's, I never was, this is why I really don't like women. No offense! I have come to really value and appreciate many of you I have met online and I have about 2 real life friends. It's just easier to hang with the guys...

I don't even know how much to say lest I be found out, I mean people show up here by google searches everyday. Oh well...

We were at a friend's house with their friends from church, all homeSCHOOLERS. I am very disturbed by parenting practices that demand respect but don't give any. One phrase I heard after minutes of walking in the door was a child saying, "I know" and the mother saying, "It's not I know, it's yes ma'am." Ouch, I know this is the south but I don't agree with this and I actually have seen these people treat their children less than more than once.

I tried to get along, I kept sitting next to them I even interjected a comment here and there but they weren't really talking to me anyway.

I really don't know what they think about me or what my friend has told them. I'm sure she speaks kindly of us.

Jared did have a couple loudbursts and he had reason to. One was an accident involving a hockey puck and his brother. The other one was soon before we left, several were playing a game and there were two teams, Jared was on the team he wanted to be on and then someone wanted to trade and wanted him to trade. He didn't want to, he came storming into the house and yelling it made no sense, he wants to be on this team and if he can't be then he quits.

I took him outside and tried to find out what was going on and calm him down, but he was really upset. Jason came out and carried him and talked with him and walked with him and he finally calmed down. It was so stupid I'm sick of others making up rules with no regard of how they play out in reality.

Jason was playing with them the night before, it was a friend's birthday and they had them over. Jason wasn't doing anything wrong, just walking around stretching his back but he was supposed to be in jail and it was against the rules to walk around, he said, "I don't follow the rules very well." LOL!!! This is my husband speaking to other adults for crying out loud, it's a freakin game already.

YIKES!!!!

We came home and had lots to talk about and I haven't even scratched the surface of our issues. We have decided that next time we are invited to a thing with the same people that we will be busy.

Girl time

Cassie needs me to take her shopping without Jared. Jared goes everywhere with me because he is still attached at the hip.

I can't remember the last time I went anywhere without a child, which is fine for the most part, where would I go?

So today Jason took him fishing and I took Cass shopping, she needed a bathing suit.

I also needed an outfit, my dad sent me $100 for my birthday. I don't know about you but I almost never actually spend my birthday money on me.

Why?

Usually the kids need something and I just wait for what I need.

We went to 5 stores today and I got a few outfits at Ross, I spent $48 on myself, woo hoo.

Cass got her suit and some shoes and Brenny's birthday is next week so I got him a couple things.

I don't get it

How much is environment and how much is genetics and personality?

My kids are living in a completely different environment with completely different parenting yet... They are little versions of us, aren't they? They can tend to emulate the not so wonderful traits.

I'm not just talking behaviour even though Jared displays a ton of hostile, explosive, mean outburts even though we do not treat him like that.

He just had an episode, I usually try to buffer things but I was in the tub when this one happened. I hate it when it escalates and it could have been avoided had I been there. I keep seeing him improve then backslide. Lately it has been really rough with him. I remain calm and I talk to him even though he is yelling, it's not easy for sure. If I treated him the way he treats us it would be called abusive. He processes everything differently, he always has. I have learned so much about parenting from this child's perspective, I'm not perfect but I have really come a long way. It's hard because when he acts out it disrupts the household and I feel responsible and I try to fix it but in reality I can't control it. I can just be here and help him and buffer everyone else as much as possible.

Damnit maybe I'll just make them go to bed! HAHA! Kidding, I'm not one of those parents who thinks that kids are convenient little trophies that we put away whenever we want.

What about general feelings, physical and emotional. Cassie and Brenny continually exhibit symptoms of being my child. I mean the not sleeping, headaches, freaking out about just plain not feeling well.

My daughter is straight and hard headed and stubborn and sometimes mean, well... she is my kid. Don't forget control freak, you should see us try to shop or cook together, we are both trying to be in contriol, it's rather comical when I look at it for what it really is.

I am doing my best not to act like that but my point is it's in her blood. I have done so much to try and change myself but I realize now that I am ME and that is that. I'll say things to Jay like why does she have to take that tone and sound so mean? He told me she comes by it naturally... YIKES!

Even though I think I am being nice apparently I don't have the nice tone, LOL!

I am not some meanie, really I'm just Me, take it or leave it I guess I don't really care.

Now I wonder where she gets that from?

Men

I just kissed my husband and thanked him for not being a schmuk.

I am so sorry to all of my cyber pals who are dealing with tough marriages and difficult men.

Thank you Jason you are awesome, you rock babe!!!!!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Referral :: job
2. Indiana :: Jones
3. Foil :: Aluminum
4. Horizon :: Organic
5. Event :: My life
6. Sailing :: Sea sickness
7. Footage :: raw
8. Sunday :: new week
9. Breathtaking :: beautiful sunsets
10. Dude! :: Righteous!

Get your words Luna Nina