I am so disappointed in what the boys did yesterday evening. Anyone who knows me knows that I am extremely protective over the boys. I have actually been accused of being over protective (imagine that...is that even possible in today's world?). When we moved from the country to town I wouldn't let them play outside without an adult. I mean...they were only 4 and 5 years old at the time. But as we got use to our new home and the kids became familiar with the boundaries I agreed to let them play in the back yard (behind the house, away from the street) alone. Then they met a few boys from down the street and after meeting the boys parents and talking with them a few times we agreed to let them play in the other boys' yards. They were not allowed to go inside for a few reasons; 1) one or both of the parents of the other boys are smokers and my kids are allergic to cigarette smoke; and 2) I can't see what is going on inside their houses. I don't know them well enough to say that I would trust them with my kids behind closed doors.

So anyway, I let them go down to play in the other boys' yards and a little while later a neighbor who knows how protective I am, came to tell us that all of the boys were nowhere near any one's house. They had taken their bikes down onto a completely different street and were riding from one end of that street to the other and back. Well, at one end of that street is the busiest highway in the county! I freaked out. Needless to say, the boys are Grounded...with a capitol G! They are not allowed to leave our yard or have their friends over until further notice! They are allowed to play outside in our yard (but not with their friends) just to preserve my sanity. If I kept them cooped up in the house with me 24/7 we might all lose it! I'd say it won't be long until we allow them to have friends over but they will not leave our yard to play anywhere else in the neighborhood until they are responsible enough to be trusted with that freedom. That may be a while!

I thought I had found a home-school group for us to join. But I'm not so sure. It seems like a great group except for a few things. They seem a bit strict for my taste. It's not that I don't agree with their rules and standards. I think I do agree with the majority of them. One of the things I take issue with is the fact that they have a strict dress code. I agree with the way they say we must dress but I don't agree with the fact that they take that choice from the parent. It is my choice what I wear and what I put on my kids. I do dress modestly (Very modestly) and I don't allow the kids to wear anything inappropriate. I just don't like the fact that they have made rules about everything. Isn't homeschooling about freedom? And if it is truly a group of Christians there should be no problem with dress or conduct that requires that much control by the leaders of the group. I don't know, but I think I'll keep looking.

Well, the phone is ringing. Gotta go for now.

In Christ,

Shirley