No school

School started here today, our  kids friends had to go back. I am just so thankful that our kids have never had to deal with back to school angst. They were home sleeping comfortably in their beds as they should be.

Childhood is too short to spend it in a classroom for 12 years. Kids grow up so fast, time flies and I wanted to spend as much time with our kids as possible.

Our oldest is 19 now and the rest are 16,14 and 12. They are not little kids anymore. They are growing up right before my eyes.

It seems like yesterday they were all babies, I just can't imagine not spending every day with them during the years that are so important for growth and development.

conversations

As my kids continue to grow and develop I continue to be in awe of  the wonderful people they are.

Talking with the older ones about political hot topics or the latest news of the day shows me how bright and articulate they are. They have their own opinions on various topics and are able to express them.

They aren't brainwashed by school or me or the media. They take in info and they form their own ideas, and conclusions.

It's an honor to share life with my children.

Growing Ups

You know how we call adults *grown ups*

Jared calls them *growing ups*

I think he is very perceptive.

I don't think that one day you are just a grown up, I mean we are always learning and growing. I believe if you stop growing you stop living even if you are alive.

Here's to all of the growing ups reading this :)

For my 17 year old cyber mate

First off girlfriend you do not make life altering decisions while you are hormonal. From one PMS'er to another, it is hard enough trying to decide what to wear or eat, nothing looks good or feels right, nothing sounds good or tastes right, nothing is RIGHT right now.

You are not a senior in highschool full of stress about exams and college and moving out. You are an unschooler who happens to go to a co-op and is surrounded by schoolish people. Do not buy into the hype, you do not have to figure everything out right now before you turn 18.

I realize we are kindred spirits, you were born free and grown up and want to just live your life. Trust me I get it more than you could know.
You do not need college and you do not have to leave the nest if you aren't ready.

Take some time and really figure out what you want to do with your life, what direction are you heading? College may or may not be the answer...

I went to school, I took those tests, I went to college...BFD!
What a waste of precious time.
Unless you know what you want and how to get it, step back and evaluate.

I highly recommend that you read The Teenage Liberation Handbook and read Gatto's letter to his 17 yr old granddaughter. I'll send it to you it's to long to post here.

You have a job, keep working, save your money, buy a car...

Your parents want you to be happy and to find out what you love, what is your passion?

The ball is in your court you decide what move to make. Don't blame others it's your life, you decide which way to go. Your parents will help, I will help, call me or email me if you want...

I remember 17 like it was yesterday, I was totally career oriented and gung ho to get what I wanted...

Things change, life happens, live it now.

Girl Stuff

The last two nights Cassie has wanted me to be in her room and talk about stuff...

We have covered a wide range of topics and played some tic-tac-toe and hangman too.

She has always been mature in areas, I don't even know if that is the right word, intellectually more aware of emotional type stuff...

OK she has always asked me questions that are far above her *age level* if you will, but it's what she needs. My poor husband says *Don't tell me, I don't want to know* LOL!
This is his only daughter, she has 3 brothers and a dad to protect her :)

Anyway now she wants me to watch the Ya-Ya's, I love the Ya-Ya sisterhood but I was trying to get us to bed sooner because we are meeting new friends tomorrow, well today :)

So I'm off for a bit of the movie then we shall head to bed.

My little boy

Isn't so little anymore. I'm just realizing how time flies and how fast our babies grow up. Kieran is 12 and he is becoming a young man, he isn't a little kid anymore. He loves fishing, he and Jason get up early and go alone while everyone else is still sleeping.

First sleepover

Brennan is staying the night at his friends house 2 doors down, it is his birthday and he asked for a sleepover.

I admit that I have mixed feelings about the whole sleepover thing but you all know I am open for discussion :)

When his mom called to ask I actually told her that I wasn't sure if Brenny was ready for that. Honestly I wasn't, he is my child who never left my side at all of those homeschool group meetings. He is the observer and is very introspective. I told him what I had said and he looked sad but wouldn't talk, pretty typical. So I told him if he really wanted to try this that I would let him and that if he changed his mind all he had to do was call and he could come home. Well it's 1:33am and he hasn't called, although he is usually awake until 2:00 and they probably will try to stay up all night.

Wow it's hard to cut that cord...snip by snip they keep growing up on me.