I have been having a hard time breathing for several weeks now. In May my allergies started up and it has progressed and moved into my chest. I used to have asthma when we lived in PA. I haven't had trouble since living here in TN.
I am allergic to ragweed and the weed pollen has been very high all summer. We have had and are still having an extremely hot summer with very little rain. I can't remember the last time it rained, I forgot what rain looks like. The forecast is hot and the weed pollen is high with no end in the near future.
It got so bad that I went to a clinic today and got a steroid shot and a new prescription for albuterol, I have a nebulizer and have been using some old stuff for the past few days. My chest is so tight I can't get a deep breath to get the medicine in there.
I'm hoping the shot will open me up so I can breathe again.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Anti-School
I've been seeing it around the web lately that we shouldn't be anti-school. We shouldn't be out talking against school.
I am anti-school, I will not apologize for that. I know why schools were started and they are outdated and useless, IMO.
Schools are not necessary for learning. They are a place to herd children while parents work or a place for those few neglected children to get a hot meal and safety from their abusive parents.
I do not see value in school, never have, I went to school from preschool through 2 years of college.
If homeschoolers want to get their panties in a wad because I don't like school, oh well.
I promote partnership parenting and unschooling. If I happen to diss the system that is my prerogative.
My main goal when sharing on here or facebook or wherever is to show what the purpose of school is and to show there are alternatives to school. Many people have never even given a thought to NOT sending their kids. It's automatic, it's normal, it's what society expects one to do. When more people wake up and opt out and make different choices then maybe we can actually change the system.
I'm not against having a place for kids to go because I know that most people won't home educate. The compulsory institution just isn't it.
I am anti-school, I will not apologize for that. I know why schools were started and they are outdated and useless, IMO.
Schools are not necessary for learning. They are a place to herd children while parents work or a place for those few neglected children to get a hot meal and safety from their abusive parents.
I do not see value in school, never have, I went to school from preschool through 2 years of college.
If homeschoolers want to get their panties in a wad because I don't like school, oh well.
I promote partnership parenting and unschooling. If I happen to diss the system that is my prerogative.
My main goal when sharing on here or facebook or wherever is to show what the purpose of school is and to show there are alternatives to school. Many people have never even given a thought to NOT sending their kids. It's automatic, it's normal, it's what society expects one to do. When more people wake up and opt out and make different choices then maybe we can actually change the system.
I'm not against having a place for kids to go because I know that most people won't home educate. The compulsory institution just isn't it.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
People are people
We are all different, I don't expect anyone to be like me. I'm surprised when I find people who actually get me.
My viewpoint is unique to me and it's not usually popular.
My opinions are my own as are yours.
Sometimes I talk about things that I care about. You don't have to read it and you don't have to care.
I'm very passionate about children being raised in environments where they are respected.
I'm passionate about Unschooling. You don't have to share my passion and you don't have to Unschool.
If you are here reading I assume it's because sometimes I actually have something interesting to say.
My viewpoint is unique to me and it's not usually popular.
My opinions are my own as are yours.
Sometimes I talk about things that I care about. You don't have to read it and you don't have to care.
I'm very passionate about children being raised in environments where they are respected.
I'm passionate about Unschooling. You don't have to share my passion and you don't have to Unschool.
If you are here reading I assume it's because sometimes I actually have something interesting to say.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Why do people even utter the word?
Why do homeschoolers say I'm not an unschooler but? We were unschooly today... After the books the kids did _____. Why do they have a list of excuses of why they can't be unschoolers?
Why don't they leave us out of their equation? I have often wondered why so many people are ready to talk about unschooling even though they aren't doing it. I think there is some sort of weird affiliation, jealosy? curiosity? hatred? I really don't know.
All of these people who hate labels yet publicly use the word unschooling when they aren't unschoolers makes me wonder.
I think some people are misinformed but some think they know what we know and some just plain say hey we are unschooling at this time of day and that is what it is.
Unschooling is equated with not using a formal method of textbooks or teaching so if the kid goes off and actually looks something up they are unschooling? Really?
I've seen people say they enforce the basics but encourage *unschooling* UGH!!!!
The basics are learned through living life, they don't need to be enforced! Stop enforcing things on your children! Live with them, listen to them, be with them, love them. Academics are such a waste of precious life.... Anyone can learn when not forced but lives in a loving environment. Nobody needs enforcement of the basics! What are the basics? Reading, writing, adding, subtracting, cooking, cleaning??? One person's list is not anothers. Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
You can tell me to shut the fuck up and back off but in reality Unschooling does mean something, it is a real philosophy, it is a real way to live with your children.
I'm really sick of all of the bullshit on the web and people who use the term. If you aren't unschooling, admit it, move on and forget about us...Please!!!!!
Why don't they leave us out of their equation? I have often wondered why so many people are ready to talk about unschooling even though they aren't doing it. I think there is some sort of weird affiliation, jealosy? curiosity? hatred? I really don't know.
All of these people who hate labels yet publicly use the word unschooling when they aren't unschoolers makes me wonder.
I think some people are misinformed but some think they know what we know and some just plain say hey we are unschooling at this time of day and that is what it is.
Unschooling is equated with not using a formal method of textbooks or teaching so if the kid goes off and actually looks something up they are unschooling? Really?
I've seen people say they enforce the basics but encourage *unschooling* UGH!!!!
The basics are learned through living life, they don't need to be enforced! Stop enforcing things on your children! Live with them, listen to them, be with them, love them. Academics are such a waste of precious life.... Anyone can learn when not forced but lives in a loving environment. Nobody needs enforcement of the basics! What are the basics? Reading, writing, adding, subtracting, cooking, cleaning??? One person's list is not anothers. Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
You can tell me to shut the fuck up and back off but in reality Unschooling does mean something, it is a real philosophy, it is a real way to live with your children.
I'm really sick of all of the bullshit on the web and people who use the term. If you aren't unschooling, admit it, move on and forget about us...Please!!!!!
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
One size does not fit all
I firmly believe this in anything. I have never fit anything, if we are talking about clothing I need an in between the sizes. If we are talking medical, I don't fit any profile and can be quite frustrating to doctors. Anything I do or say is all me, I don't fit any mold, I will not conform. I have my own unique take on everything as I'm sure you do too.
So when we are talking about learning or education yes there are many different approaches to this.
Unschooling could fit anyone because I believe it's highly individual. Unschoolers come from all walks of life with all sorts of abilities and personalities. So I really do believe anyone could embrace the lifestyle. Many people won't because they've been conditioned to being taught. Many people have situations going on and just can't embrace it, that's fine too. For those that can and will, it truly is wonderful.
My 4 children are very different, yet all learning, growing and thriving with unschooling. As a facilitator I help each one in the way they need it. So unschooling has many sizes to fit the individual, what's not to love about that?
"School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need society as it is." ~ Ivan Illich
So when we are talking about learning or education yes there are many different approaches to this.
Unschooling could fit anyone because I believe it's highly individual. Unschoolers come from all walks of life with all sorts of abilities and personalities. So I really do believe anyone could embrace the lifestyle. Many people won't because they've been conditioned to being taught. Many people have situations going on and just can't embrace it, that's fine too. For those that can and will, it truly is wonderful.
My 4 children are very different, yet all learning, growing and thriving with unschooling. As a facilitator I help each one in the way they need it. So unschooling has many sizes to fit the individual, what's not to love about that?
"School is the advertising agency which makes you believe that you need society as it is." ~ Ivan Illich
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Fantasy...or reality?
I'm starting to think I live in a fantasy world where school doesn't exist and children are free to live and learn and be and do and think and grow and create...
Actually that is reality at my house. I wish everyone could experience life with their children not complicated by school. School is an outdated institution, it is unnecessary to life and learning. We do not need to sit in a classroom all day being told what to know and think and be tested and graded.... It makes no sense to me...at all...
Schools as we know them need to be wiped out and started over. I think privatizing schools would create so much good. Little learning centers would start popping up all over the place offering different things. People who wanted or needed a school situation would have so many choices....
I know fantasy right? The only way anything will change is for people to wake up and realize the failed system can't be saved and needs a complete overhaul...But chaos would surely ensue as the sheeple wouldn't know what to do without being told.... Harsh? maybe....but true, yes I believe it is.... Except for those that escaped the dumbing down and would do something with this new found freedom...
Alas....Until then I'll live in my real world fantasy with my children.
Actually that is reality at my house. I wish everyone could experience life with their children not complicated by school. School is an outdated institution, it is unnecessary to life and learning. We do not need to sit in a classroom all day being told what to know and think and be tested and graded.... It makes no sense to me...at all...
Schools as we know them need to be wiped out and started over. I think privatizing schools would create so much good. Little learning centers would start popping up all over the place offering different things. People who wanted or needed a school situation would have so many choices....
I know fantasy right? The only way anything will change is for people to wake up and realize the failed system can't be saved and needs a complete overhaul...But chaos would surely ensue as the sheeple wouldn't know what to do without being told.... Harsh? maybe....but true, yes I believe it is.... Except for those that escaped the dumbing down and would do something with this new found freedom...
Alas....Until then I'll live in my real world fantasy with my children.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Meeting online friends
We had the pleasure of meeting Jen's family this week, she is the one who blogs at The Path Less Taken
They were on a 3 week family vacation and we were on the end of their trip. I've known Jen online for a few years, I think, I can't really remember when we first met online.
They drove 12 hours that day and came for dinner and stayed almost 5 hours. We had a great time talking, laughing and just being together.
Our kids all got along great and had fun.
Her family is very cool and easy to be around. It was so great to meet unschoolers in person. All of my unschooling friends are online.
We made some nice memories :)
They were on a 3 week family vacation and we were on the end of their trip. I've known Jen online for a few years, I think, I can't really remember when we first met online.
They drove 12 hours that day and came for dinner and stayed almost 5 hours. We had a great time talking, laughing and just being together.
Our kids all got along great and had fun.
Her family is very cool and easy to be around. It was so great to meet unschoolers in person. All of my unschooling friends are online.
We made some nice memories :)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Holding a grudge
Someone is holding a grudge against me and a friend. I honestly don't know what I did. Something happened 2 years ago on my friend's facebook wall, it was political. I don't recall commenting or getting into a debate or anything with this person.
She unfriended me and I still saw her all over the place because we had mutual friends...so I blocked her so I wouldn't have to read anything she said. We have a significantly different political view but I'm friends with lots of people that I don't agree with politically.
She was apparently still subbed to my yahoo group and I sent out a special notice to all members. She replied saying she didn't want anything to do with it after what *you two did to me*
I seriously don't know what I did. I sent her a nice email asking her to tell me what the problem was....I talked to my friend and I just decided to let it go....
Then today I get an email from her that said *Bite Me*
I am really baffled because I have no idea what her problem is.... I'm letting it go, trying to be the bigger person here... But the feisty part of me wants to reply and tell her to FUCK OFF!
That is why I'm writing about it here, that way I get it off my chest and I can just ignore the bitch. She just better never contact me again though I can't guarantee I'll be so nice next time.
She unfriended me and I still saw her all over the place because we had mutual friends...so I blocked her so I wouldn't have to read anything she said. We have a significantly different political view but I'm friends with lots of people that I don't agree with politically.
She was apparently still subbed to my yahoo group and I sent out a special notice to all members. She replied saying she didn't want anything to do with it after what *you two did to me*
I seriously don't know what I did. I sent her a nice email asking her to tell me what the problem was....I talked to my friend and I just decided to let it go....
Then today I get an email from her that said *Bite Me*
I am really baffled because I have no idea what her problem is.... I'm letting it go, trying to be the bigger person here... But the feisty part of me wants to reply and tell her to FUCK OFF!
That is why I'm writing about it here, that way I get it off my chest and I can just ignore the bitch. She just better never contact me again though I can't guarantee I'll be so nice next time.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The little girl next door
I mean little, I think she is 3.
She is cute.
She is strong willed, I like that.
She wants to play with Cassie all the time. At first Cassie loved playing with her. But she has proven to be annoying and not listen.
It's not her fault... I won't get into too much detail but she lives with her grandparents(our neighbors) most of the time... Her parents are irresponsible... I won't get into my beef on that.
She is a sweet cute little thing and I want to be kind to her.
She comes over, she just walks in without knocking and she doesn't want to leave...
The truth is that kids like to be at our house, they always have.
While I pride myself on having that environment I suppose we need to draw lines.
When we lived at our old house we were the place to go for the neighbor kids. Two of those kids have become best buds with my kids. Even though we moved we still go get them at least once a week and they come and spend the night
We are the fun house... Sometimes it's exhausting and expensive...
I love kids! I hate that they are subject to their parents fuck ups and have to endure so much bullshit....
That is why we are so inviting.... They don't sense that crap here..
She is cute.
She is strong willed, I like that.
She wants to play with Cassie all the time. At first Cassie loved playing with her. But she has proven to be annoying and not listen.
It's not her fault... I won't get into too much detail but she lives with her grandparents(our neighbors) most of the time... Her parents are irresponsible... I won't get into my beef on that.
She is a sweet cute little thing and I want to be kind to her.
She comes over, she just walks in without knocking and she doesn't want to leave...
The truth is that kids like to be at our house, they always have.
While I pride myself on having that environment I suppose we need to draw lines.
When we lived at our old house we were the place to go for the neighbor kids. Two of those kids have become best buds with my kids. Even though we moved we still go get them at least once a week and they come and spend the night
We are the fun house... Sometimes it's exhausting and expensive...
I love kids! I hate that they are subject to their parents fuck ups and have to endure so much bullshit....
That is why we are so inviting.... They don't sense that crap here..
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Quiet time
It's so weird now but I get my quiet time in the morning .
That would be my morning 11am to 1ish...
I'm up with the kids well into 2am, sometimes later. Answering questions, listening to them , helping them , feeding them, sometimes we watch a show we recorded.
I go to bed before they do now.
That would be my morning 11am to 1ish...
I'm up with the kids well into 2am, sometimes later. Answering questions, listening to them , helping them , feeding them, sometimes we watch a show we recorded.
I go to bed before they do now.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What is holding you back from unschooling?
Once again I have been privy to people say they are: Unschooly, Unschoolish, try to but freak out, some people say I'm unschooling and some don't, I don't care about the label...
I have blogged about this before because you either unschool or you don't. All of those people that say these phrases are not unschooling because if they were they wouldn't say things like that.
If you don't care about the label then why do you use it?
The label is useful for finding others who share your philosophy. Unschooling does mean something, it doesn't mean do what you want and call it unschooling. It doesn't mean we unschool but...we unschool on weekends, after school, we unschool but use a math curriculum.....etc....
In order to unschool you must deschool, it is imperative. You must shift your paradigm and unlearn all the stuff that school taught you about learning.
You must trust the learning process, you must trust yourself and your children.
I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should unschool.
I do get bothered by the muddy waters that these homeschoolers put out there that blurs the lines about what unschooling really is.
You might say so what, who cares?
I do apparently :)
If you aren't willing to examine why you are holding on to school then just admit it and be a homeschooler.
We have unschooled...aka...lived our lives without school all along. It is completely possible to totally unschool.
I have blogged about this before because you either unschool or you don't. All of those people that say these phrases are not unschooling because if they were they wouldn't say things like that.
If you don't care about the label then why do you use it?
The label is useful for finding others who share your philosophy. Unschooling does mean something, it doesn't mean do what you want and call it unschooling. It doesn't mean we unschool but...we unschool on weekends, after school, we unschool but use a math curriculum.....etc....
In order to unschool you must deschool, it is imperative. You must shift your paradigm and unlearn all the stuff that school taught you about learning.
You must trust the learning process, you must trust yourself and your children.
I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should unschool.
I do get bothered by the muddy waters that these homeschoolers put out there that blurs the lines about what unschooling really is.
You might say so what, who cares?
I do apparently :)
If you aren't willing to examine why you are holding on to school then just admit it and be a homeschooler.
We have unschooled...aka...lived our lives without school all along. It is completely possible to totally unschool.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Grocery Store Exchange
I just had an interesting little conversation with the cashier and bagger at Kroger. I am at this store all the time, kids keep eating :)
It started with hey you are here early(I usually shop later at night) are the kids at home? I said yes it's too hot and the fact that I'm here now is because we are out of food AGAIN.
He said yep with kids out of school they are home eating more...
I said oh we homeschool.
The cashier: Really? Wow! Do you like it?
The bagger: I could never do that, I love sports...
Me: Yes we love it and homeschoolers can play sports, they can do anything they want to do.
Bagger started talking about school, sports, homework etc....
Cashier said, "And they still learn?"
I said, "We don't do anything like school, we follow our BLISS!"
Her jaw dropped and I rendered her speechless....
I was just thinking no they don't really learn because you can only do that between 8-2, Monday-Friday with a qualified teacher.... BWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See, so many people have never even relished the thought of NOT sending kids to school....It blows my mind...
I'm planting seeds and putting it out there all the time!
It started with hey you are here early(I usually shop later at night) are the kids at home? I said yes it's too hot and the fact that I'm here now is because we are out of food AGAIN.
He said yep with kids out of school they are home eating more...
I said oh we homeschool.
The cashier: Really? Wow! Do you like it?
The bagger: I could never do that, I love sports...
Me: Yes we love it and homeschoolers can play sports, they can do anything they want to do.
Bagger started talking about school, sports, homework etc....
Cashier said, "And they still learn?"
I said, "We don't do anything like school, we follow our BLISS!"
Her jaw dropped and I rendered her speechless....
I was just thinking no they don't really learn because you can only do that between 8-2, Monday-Friday with a qualified teacher.... BWHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See, so many people have never even relished the thought of NOT sending kids to school....It blows my mind...
I'm planting seeds and putting it out there all the time!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Growing up...
I experienced separation anxiety yesterday...
Kieran, my first born son flew out to Arizona by himself and will be there for 8 days. He has a wonderful opportunity to meet some family members and visit places like the Grand Canyon. I am happy for him!
I was having some anxiety and just didn't feel well. I teared up a few times, I didn't want him to feel it. He knows I miss him and that it's hard on me.
He has been with me for 16 years, he is my buddy, my right hand man. The only times we were away overnight was when I gave birth to his siblings. That is it!
He is an awesome person, he is bright, intelligent, witty, sarcastic, kind, helpful, responsible, mature...he is down right wonderful....
I look forward to the pictures and the stories that he will share when he returns.
I just don't know how people have a baby, put them in a crib in another room, send them to daycare, preschool, grade school, high school....Away...away... away.....
The time with our kids is precious and short lived, enjoy every moment...I've blogged about bonding before, we have a bond that will last forever.
The time goes to quickly, my baby will be 16 next week... I blinked, he's not a baby anymore, he is a young man who I admire and love.
Kieran, my first born son flew out to Arizona by himself and will be there for 8 days. He has a wonderful opportunity to meet some family members and visit places like the Grand Canyon. I am happy for him!
I was having some anxiety and just didn't feel well. I teared up a few times, I didn't want him to feel it. He knows I miss him and that it's hard on me.
He has been with me for 16 years, he is my buddy, my right hand man. The only times we were away overnight was when I gave birth to his siblings. That is it!
He is an awesome person, he is bright, intelligent, witty, sarcastic, kind, helpful, responsible, mature...he is down right wonderful....
I look forward to the pictures and the stories that he will share when he returns.
I just don't know how people have a baby, put them in a crib in another room, send them to daycare, preschool, grade school, high school....Away...away... away.....
The time with our kids is precious and short lived, enjoy every moment...I've blogged about bonding before, we have a bond that will last forever.
The time goes to quickly, my baby will be 16 next week... I blinked, he's not a baby anymore, he is a young man who I admire and love.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Why would you choose this?
The older my kids get the more I realize how little time we really have with them. I have always been home with my kids, I didn't have kids to send them away. This was a very important decision to me. I was career oriented, I was in college. I believe that you can't have both successfully, one will suffer and usually it's the children.
I changed my mind, I dropped out of college and had babies. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just wish that people actually thought before they had children. Pregnancy is preventable....
Children are not convenient and are not something to fit into your life, you need to fit into their life.
We never planned on sending them to school... I can't imagine being apart for 6-8 hours a day/5days a week for 12 years. What kind of family life and relationship do you really have?
It's coming up to that time every year that lots of parents can't wait for school to start. You see it everywhere you go, parents really can't stand to be with their children. It is a sad state to be in. I don't understand why people have kids if they don't want to be with them.
I've had more people than I care to remember say to me about homeschooling...*Oh I could never do that* They can't stay home and be with their kids, watch them grow and learn and be their partner in life.
I believe that a big part of what is wrong in this country is the public school system and the government getting involved in the family. So many parents turn over the care of their children to the system. I don't even know if it's a conscious decision or they just do it because it's what society preaches. Little kids are groomed that one day they will go to school, adults always ask kids questions that pertain to school. What grade are you in? Do you like your teacher? What did you learn in school today? On and on...
How about we ask kids what they enjoy doing?
It's just a big beef of mine. You can say live and let live.... I try to but I can't NOT say something when it is so clear to me that there is a better way to life than school. I'm advocating for all of those kids with no choice, no respect, no time to be free and think their own thoughts. So many kids are being stressed beyond belief to pass the test, make the grade etc....
All for what? To join the rat race of mediocrity?
There is so much more to life than school, school is unnecessary.
Why have kids and send them away for someone else to raise? Government schools are the worst place for children to grow up. They need love, nurture, respect, partnership, trust and freedom to grow up healthy, happy and whole people.
I changed my mind, I dropped out of college and had babies. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just wish that people actually thought before they had children. Pregnancy is preventable....
Children are not convenient and are not something to fit into your life, you need to fit into their life.
We never planned on sending them to school... I can't imagine being apart for 6-8 hours a day/5days a week for 12 years. What kind of family life and relationship do you really have?
It's coming up to that time every year that lots of parents can't wait for school to start. You see it everywhere you go, parents really can't stand to be with their children. It is a sad state to be in. I don't understand why people have kids if they don't want to be with them.
I've had more people than I care to remember say to me about homeschooling...*Oh I could never do that* They can't stay home and be with their kids, watch them grow and learn and be their partner in life.
I believe that a big part of what is wrong in this country is the public school system and the government getting involved in the family. So many parents turn over the care of their children to the system. I don't even know if it's a conscious decision or they just do it because it's what society preaches. Little kids are groomed that one day they will go to school, adults always ask kids questions that pertain to school. What grade are you in? Do you like your teacher? What did you learn in school today? On and on...
How about we ask kids what they enjoy doing?
It's just a big beef of mine. You can say live and let live.... I try to but I can't NOT say something when it is so clear to me that there is a better way to life than school. I'm advocating for all of those kids with no choice, no respect, no time to be free and think their own thoughts. So many kids are being stressed beyond belief to pass the test, make the grade etc....
All for what? To join the rat race of mediocrity?
There is so much more to life than school, school is unnecessary.
Why have kids and send them away for someone else to raise? Government schools are the worst place for children to grow up. They need love, nurture, respect, partnership, trust and freedom to grow up healthy, happy and whole people.
What topics are you interested in?
I'm doing a monthly article for An Unschooling Life, my next one comes out next week.
I'm looking for more ideas to write about.
Any questions about unschooling, parenting etc... that you have?
I'm looking for more ideas to write about.
Any questions about unschooling, parenting etc... that you have?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Kids grow up too fast
Today is Jared's 9th birthday. He was my last baby. We actually thought we were done after 3 kids and were planning on making that official and then I get bit by the baby bug.
You know the baby bug? Every time I saw a baby I got all emotional, I needed another baby...
So Jason saw this reaction keep happening and I told him I wanted another baby and he said OK!
Jared is such a bundle of intense energy. He has caused me to be a better, patient, understanding parent.
I have been his partner all his life, I have run intereference and helped him handle situations that other kids may not have a problem with. We would only go to Jared friendly places so he could be himself.
He was very different from my other babies right from the start. He used to scream from 1-4am the first few weeks of his life....
His perspective is different, he is intense and he thinks deeply and feels deeply. He is awesome, talented, artistic, has a photographic memory and can be very focused or get very frustrated.
I love this little boy more than I can express here!
Happy Birthday dear Jared! I'm so thankful you were born!
Next month my oldest turns 16...WOW!
Enjoy your babies because you blink and they aren't babies anymore!
You know the baby bug? Every time I saw a baby I got all emotional, I needed another baby...
So Jason saw this reaction keep happening and I told him I wanted another baby and he said OK!
Jared is such a bundle of intense energy. He has caused me to be a better, patient, understanding parent.
I have been his partner all his life, I have run intereference and helped him handle situations that other kids may not have a problem with. We would only go to Jared friendly places so he could be himself.
He was very different from my other babies right from the start. He used to scream from 1-4am the first few weeks of his life....
His perspective is different, he is intense and he thinks deeply and feels deeply. He is awesome, talented, artistic, has a photographic memory and can be very focused or get very frustrated.
I love this little boy more than I can express here!
Happy Birthday dear Jared! I'm so thankful you were born!
Next month my oldest turns 16...WOW!
Enjoy your babies because you blink and they aren't babies anymore!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Real money
Our kids are doing great at saving their money in order to buy something.
Kieran saved up and bought his own computer. He did all of the research and picked all the parts and assembled it at home with his dad.
All three boys have been saving for an XBOX 360 since Christmas. They just got it this week along with a few games and another controller and flash drive for extra memory.
They all still have money left.
We are trying to instill good money habits with our kids. We don't want them in debt like we are. We have learned our lesson about credit cards the hard way. Jason and I weren't taught to save, we were taught to establish credit....
Kieran works with Jason and earns money and now has his own bank account. The other kids have saved money from Holidays and Birthdays so far.
We are providing the example of a good work ethic and to save and pay cash because then it is yours, you own it!
Kieran's computer is awesome and he did it all and now the boys finally have a new game system.
Kieran saved up and bought his own computer. He did all of the research and picked all the parts and assembled it at home with his dad.
All three boys have been saving for an XBOX 360 since Christmas. They just got it this week along with a few games and another controller and flash drive for extra memory.
They all still have money left.
We are trying to instill good money habits with our kids. We don't want them in debt like we are. We have learned our lesson about credit cards the hard way. Jason and I weren't taught to save, we were taught to establish credit....
Kieran works with Jason and earns money and now has his own bank account. The other kids have saved money from Holidays and Birthdays so far.
We are providing the example of a good work ethic and to save and pay cash because then it is yours, you own it!
Kieran's computer is awesome and he did it all and now the boys finally have a new game system.
Monday, June 13, 2011
How do you Unschool?
There is a lot of information about unschooling on the internet. Some great and some not so great. Two favorites of mine are Sandra Dodd and Joyce Fetteroll
Many people new to the concept just want to know HOW to do it. Where to begin? What do we do if we don't do school.
My advice is to first deschool. It is imperative to rid yourself of the years of indoctrination. This can take time, hopefully not too long. While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to to undo the damage of schooling.
Children learn through play if you have young kids you can check out my article.
Unschooling is living and learning, it is natural. School is artificial and school is what you need to leave behind.
Be with your kids, be interesting, curious and inquisitive. Talk about everything, discuss current events or your favorite thing.
We unschool by living our lives. My kids wake up each day and choose what they want to do. They play games, watch tv, look at books, maps, draw, create, imagine, talk, ask, research, explore etc... Each day is new, we all have a loose routine but we take each day as it comes.
Learning is happening all of the time, it's inevitable.
Many people new to the concept just want to know HOW to do it. Where to begin? What do we do if we don't do school.
My advice is to first deschool. It is imperative to rid yourself of the years of indoctrination. This can take time, hopefully not too long. While you are detoxing from the system allow your child the same courtesy. If they have been in school or homeschooled they need to to undo the damage of schooling.
Children learn through play if you have young kids you can check out my article.
Unschooling is living and learning, it is natural. School is artificial and school is what you need to leave behind.
Be with your kids, be interesting, curious and inquisitive. Talk about everything, discuss current events or your favorite thing.
We unschool by living our lives. My kids wake up each day and choose what they want to do. They play games, watch tv, look at books, maps, draw, create, imagine, talk, ask, research, explore etc... Each day is new, we all have a loose routine but we take each day as it comes.
Learning is happening all of the time, it's inevitable.
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