A Little Spot to Share My Thoughts - Homeschool Blogger

Oy, I Am Neglectful

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0500

I created a new home at another website and I am afraid that I tend to forget that this place is here. It seems as though if I were really brave then I would link everyone to my other home.

There are some great people that frequent my little spot here and so at the risk of losing some of those ears and eyes, take a gander. But please be warned that I tend to be more of my vocal and opinionated self at this other site. Some content may offend some viewers. If you are wary of profanity, you may want to cover your eyes. http://onmywaytoo.blogspot.com/

I Have An Alter Ego

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 22:31:00 -0600

Most of you who frequent this blogger site wouldn't want to know about it, so don't worry, you're not missing much. But good 'ol Deb found me through the Library and I was kind of excited.

Tomorrow I go skiing with the fam. That's Mom and my sisters, not my kids. We'll see.

I Got Lost

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 22:26:00 -0600

Somewhere between Halloween and New Years, I got lost. But, I'm back, with attitude. I've been browsing old friends and catching up. Cute little munchkinmom over at Ponderings is pregnant. Wahoo!! In due time I will "catch" you up on my strang and bizarre life. Thankfully, It's currently boring.

If I Were A Swaped Wife

Wed, 4 Oct 2006 18:20:00 -0500

So Mama1420 wants to know what I would do if I were on Wife Swap and what qualities I would like to share with another family. Being the ever sarcastic, fasicous, and twisted individual that I am, I couldn't be on Wife Swap. I'm not a fan of the show. And some of the "special" individuals that do participate..... that producer should get a gold star. Right in the middle of their forehead.

Sorry, I just find reality (scripted) television a minor waste of good reading time. And as far as qualities that I would share, I'm afraid I would need to be a little more romantic about life. I'm far to practical and straight forward. I like the truth and generally, in our world, we don't get it. We're all about car wrecks in our society. You know the ones. The kind you stop cold on the parkway in rush hour traffic to stare at, like the gauker you are. I tell people the truth all the time and boy do I get some dirty looks. But, Mama1420, thanks for askin. It's always nice to be recognized for ones intellectual insight.

It's A Mood

Wed, 6 Sep 2006 22:15:00 -0500

I'm in such a mood. Sarcasm abounds. I find myself feeling thus, due to what I would say is my extrodinary brilliance. I rule today. Perhaps I am over confident, but, why be modest. I took the bull by the horns, made an executive decision and took charge of my little pool. I'm a member (of said pool, a psuedo private club.) and I'm supposed to be on the board. But the manager high tailed it, for reasons not worth detailing, and no one else seemed to want to be in charge. So, I, came to save the day. I kind of feel like Underdog. (Hands firmly on hips, ears waving in the wind. Cape billowing out the back. Red, of course.)

School Days, School Days....

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:21:00 -0500

So, after having dropped off the face of the earth recently, we regained our footing and cracked open the books for the new school year.

It always seems so new and exciting, for the first three minutes. Then my youngest pouts because he doesn't want to do math, my oldest whines because he has to write more than two word responses in his narratation and at some point as I watch my hair fall to the ground I wonder what the @!#$ possesed me to do this?

My sweet children unexpectedly gave me that answer. Unprovoked by yours truely we became engaged in a conversation with an aquaintence as to our motivation for homeschooling. Both my children responded without hesitation, "Oh, because we like to learn and we don't need to know how to school."

What a profound statement. We like to learn, we don't need to know how to school.

Well ladies, raise your glasses, here's to another year of educating our darlings at the kitchen table under our wings. May the lord bless us and keep us...from all of that, if you know what I mean. (Anyone ever met a good gypsy? I'm lookin' to sell one...kidding, I'm kidding.)

It's Holiday Don't Ya' Know?

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:41:00 -0500

I reside in a peculiar region of the country. I often wonder if the predominate population believes it is the only group in the surrounding universe. Today was no exception. It's a holiday. Everything that isn't closed is packed to the gills with sweaty bodies. Stocking up on food for the grill and fire-works for the after show. (Alcohol is not required, ever. Unless you're me.) And don't forget the parade.

So as I frantically spew my thoughts onto the computer, I can hear the fire and crack outside of my juvenile neightbors participating in the festivities. Now, while I am surrounded by a off center bunch, I don't mind them...much. They are a happy bunch with funny underwear, what's not to love? Then, there's my teenage neighbor. He's going to turn me into "Mrs. Kravitz". Remember her? To date I've only had to summon the authorities on two occasions, but I am wary that tonight might make number three.

I indulge in the occasional drink. But there are things in life that were meant to consume in moderartion and they were certainly never meant to mix with explosives, but when you're under 21..well, you are invincable. I only hope that the child still has his capacties in the morning. "Oh, officer, officer."

Where O' Where Did It Go?

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 21:03:00 -0500

The summer that is. Somehow we are almost done with July. I am suspiciously elated with this year so far. Because, so far, nothing of any significance has happened. (I need a golf clap here) My life has been so blissfully uneventful, I've had nothing to share. After the plethora of life that we experienced last year, I have prayed each day in thanks for sheer bordom.

Did The Thought Ever Occur?

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 21:58:00 -0500

I let my children enjoy televsion on a daily basis and there are programs that I view with them that I think are fun and harmless. Or so I thought.

Thursday night is their favorite. They will perform just about any act under the sun in order to have the privledge of watching this season's new show "My Name Is Earl". I think the show is funny. It has some content that perhaps falls in the objectionable area, but we have not had to visit any undesired topics so it's all good family fun. Or so I thought.

My very articulate son, my offspring that springs forth constant verbage, was in his usual form while getting something done, I don't recall. Forgive me, my life tends to be a blur of days with repeated, mundane activities, mashed together incoherently. Not unlike what I am typing. He informed some unfortunate individual foolish enough to fein interest in what was spewing from his mouth, that his favorite show was "My Name Is Earl". When relaying this story to me later this individual's response or tone suggested that this was a less than desirable activity. My immediate thought upon their expression of disapproval? Pull the stick out of your......I'll quit while I'm ahead. That way I won't have to pull my foot out of my mouth.

Since when did it become objectionable to watch television with our children. I see objectionable material all the time and with the advent of TiVO I am fortunate enough to be able to pre-view what my children think they want to see. In most cases I watch with them in the event that the subject matter, while having been reviewed by myself and my husband, may be translated differently than expected. It works well for us. And as I listen to this individual expound on the evils of media I thought again, when was it anyone's business but mine.

People are funny. Somehow what our neighbor is doing is always so much more interesting than what we're doing. Silly people.

Hmm, It never occured to me that this was an inappropriate activity for my children to enjoy. I guess the joke's on me, or is it? As my children get older I find it refreshing that with my honesty in parenting has come an openess in my family that has worked to my benefit in our everyday living and communicating. I won't lie to you and tell you that it's all roses, on the contrary, but my honesty with them has provided me with oportunities that I know I would not otherwise have had. Most importantly, my children are completely honest with me and my husband. I tell them when I have screwed up, when I make mistakes and when I don't like being the Mom. I tell them that I like them. Which I feel is different than loving them. Loving them comes naturally for me, because they are my offspring. Liking them, on the other hand, well that's debateable on a daily basis. My Dad used to tell me that he loved me and my siblings. That he loved my Mother unconditionally. But he wasn't required to like us all of the time. I get that now. I have been informed by my children what they do when they are with their friends when I am not around, or when they commit the most minor infraction. And when they have made a major infraction.

So what does this have to do with a television program? Well, I am honest with them in their viewing. I am not afraid to say, pointedly, that they can not watch certain programs for the sexual content or the violence. I don't sugar coat it, I just say it. When it comes to "My Name Is Earl" they understand most of the humor, we laugh till our sides hurt and we talk about wether the content in the show is realistic and appropriate. Our biggest obstical has been remembering not to repeat it to other adults. (Most of their friends don't get it, so they don't waste the time and effort to relay the episodes) But this was the first time I had a condsending reaction and I found it curious. Much the same way I find people's reaction to my choice to homeschool. Weird.

Can't Be Contemplative

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:20:00 -0500

There is so much psuedo-drama in my life right now I haven't the strength to be profound or contemplative. I couldn't possibly say anything worth reading. The killer is that none of the drama was created or initiated by me. (Let me tell you, in my life, that sucks. Breathe deeply the shock will wear off.)

I can usually create enough mayhem in my own life that I don't have room for anything else. Life is so slow right now, I had a passing thought yesterday that I missed winter. Then we would have more "school" to do. That wore off rather quickly as I completed my book, "Enslaved By Ducks" by Bob Tarte. Now there is an individual that I can relate to. Only in my case the enslavement is by children. (Relax, will ya. I didn't say that this was a bad thing.)

The drama that has been thrust upon me is so trivial it's grounds for a bad comedy. All I can say is this, when I grow up, I hope I can be as put together as this bunch that I have to deal with momentarily.(There is a lot of heavy laden sarcasm in all that expression.) (And no, strangley enough, it doesn't involve my children.) Try a room full of Mrs. Cravitz. Does that help?

The trauma/drama will continue and I will continue to poke fun. Seriously, there is so much of it I couldn't possibly elaborate. It's akin to the Ladies Church Auxilary getting thier collective panties in a twist over the city planting petunias instead of impatients in the parkway in front of the church. Kapish?

Stay tuned or visit the Alter Ego.

He Did It Again!!

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:35:00 -0500

Just a quick snip here. I am stealing a moment to brag about one of my children. He did a triathalon this morning. This is his second one. I am so proud. He swam a mile, biked 3 and ran 1 & a 1/2 miles. He improved his time by more than a minute. What a trooper. I followed through the whole thing. He pushed so hard and tried not to complain. He told me he can't wait to do it again.

A Little Education Hiatus

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:32:00 -0500

It's summer, so we scale down the 'acedemics' and focus on what really matters in summer - swimming! Today was our first day of swim lessons and we have succesfully completed one week of swim team in the early morning. We're off to a good start! Now if we can keep up the routine. If the heat continues like this it'll be a tough gig.

Swim lessons are always an adventure for our hero, Me. People watching abounds. I know I blend well with my surroundings, but it's still fun to look in the mirror and make fun of oneself. I was perked by the following conversation today. I 'read' my newspaper and listened in on the 'meeting' going on behind me. It went something like this.

Mommy #1 - "Those shorts are fantastic. Don't you just love the long look. I am so excited that long is the new syle."

Mommy #2 - "I know I don't have to tuck anymore. And with the long t-shirts I can cover up the back too."

Mommy #3 - "I get so sick of tucking from the bottom. If you pull to hard, they ride up to far and if you tug to hard they hang out the bottom."

Mommy #2 - "Have you tried the lycra design?"

Mommyy 1 & 3 - "Yes, I love them!"

Mommy #2 - "I know! They don't stretch out. It's such a blessing."

If you live where I live this conversation is perfectly normal. Based on the running dialogue in Molly's head, you are aware of what I was thinking. It's a good thing this was a gaggle of women. Sorry, I just couldn't help it. You do know that this conversation was about underwear, right? (The Mormon long john kind) I'm not kidding. I don't participate or wear it, but it makes it comical none the less. I had a little giggle.

If I Want Your Opinion, I'll Ask For It

Thu, 8 Jun 2006 18:13:00 -0500

Did you ever have a thought that the world is OK with your decision to home-school? Let it go, they're not. Which, of course, I was so helpfully reminded of recently. (Why I contiue to choose my current state of dillusion, I will never know)

Where I live, we have to, by law, notify the state that we home-school. If we excercise any other of our multitude of options (heavy laden sarcasm) we of course are required to do..........? Nothing. (Forgive my prolific abundance of verbeage. My alter ego site is down and I must publish somewhere.)

Back to my adventure. I have to notify the state. So, I receive an affidavit in the mail and, in the past, I have had this affidavit signed by a district individual and then I mail it in. Said individual has always been at the local elementary school. Usually the vice principal. Never an enthusiastic individual, but none the less accomodating. Recently we decided to drop the accomodating aspect and just go for down right pain in the a$$. (Take a deep breath, and move on...)

Now, one would think that this task of having a home-school affidavit signed once a year would be eased by the fact that my neighbor is one of three school secretaries at the elementary school located across the street from my home. (The irony is not lost here, I home-school and I live across the street from the public school that my children would attend if they went to a government institution.) We recently exchanged friendly conversation at our annual block party. When I arrived at the elementary school to have my little paper signed, she was there. We'll call her Betty. Betty looked right at us and then looked back at her work. She said absolutely NOTHING to us. The "head" secretary looked up and said, with not a little disdain in her voice, "Can I help you?"

"Yes," I said trying to be friendly and polite, "I need to see the principal, I have some applications for him to sign."

"He isn't here." Was her dead pan response. Followed by an uncomfortable silent pause.

"Do you know when he will return?" I ask. By this point I was suspicious, she wasn't offering any information and was obviously perturbed by our presence.

"He just called and is five minutes from the school," Uncomfortable pause, she then looks up and says to me "You can wait." And, like a timid puppy, for some reason, I did. Why I didn't just say to her, "Well, thank you, we'll come back," I'll never know. But I didn't, I sat down on their sofa with my kids and waited. Fortunately the principal did arrive very shortly after my lovely exchange with his secretary.

"Hello, my name is Mr. Baird. Can I help you?" He said very politely. Could my ears mistake me? Was he actually treating me like an adult. An educated adult. Earth shattering, I know. My neighbor was still cowaring at her desk as though she had never seen me before.

I handed him my paper, explained my purpose and he looked right at me and said, "I've never signed one of these before."

"Excuse me?" I inquired

"In my twelve year career I have never had to sign one of these. I don't think you have to have anyone sign it. Who told you that it needed to be signed by a district official?"

"The last principal here at this school." I answered.

"Interesting. Well, I'll call the district for you and double check, but I think that all you have to do is sign it yourself and send it in every year."

He disappeared into his office, made a quick phone call and appeared back at the counter.

"No," he said, "you don't have to have anyone sign this. I am so sorry you were misinformed." He handed me back my affidavit and ask the children how they like home-school. They piped right up and gave a full explanation with side notes. I don't think he expected them to give quite the diatribe that they did but he was sweet and polite and bid us good day. We left with our papers as the secretary shot her pins and needles at us all the way out the door. And I am sure continued her stream as we crossed the street and made our way home.

I thought about her when I arrived home and I wondered, why did she even give a #$%? If I wanted her opinion, I would have ask for it. Hmmmm, I struggle with ignorance. And as I always say, just one of 101 reasons we home-school.

How Can You Be Six?

Wed, 7 Jun 2006 15:53:00 -0500

We've all experienced it. Our children's birthdays. Yet, each time we mark a new milestone I find myself asking, What? (simultaneously shake head and squeeze eyes shut.)

Today, was of course no exception. Six years ago today, at about this same time, I was giving birth to my youngest. Somewhere along the way, he turned six. I am....contemplative. I am.....baby hungry. (I said baby hungry, not kid hungry. HUGE difference) I now have a percocious, comedic child that likes to pretend that somehow they are not as smart as I know they are. (Who's fooling who, really.) A forthcoming individual who announced at 7:00 a.m. this morning, that on ones birthday, one should not have to participate in lessons. It is a leisure day. Hmmmm, OK.

And so, as we sing 'Happy Birthday', eat dinner at said child's favorite restaurant and indulge in a cake with way to many flowers, I ponder and then wish my youngest a very Happy Birthday.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be President

Thu, 8 Jun 2006 16:03:00 -0500

Yes, well, be careful what you wish for Molly. It really is such an all encompassing title. And I do mean title. I don't think in my case it will amount to much more than that. Our hero has hesitantly agreed to take on the prestigious position of "President" of our swim club. Don't get any delusions of grandure. It amounts to a neighborhood pool. But based on the attitudes of a select group of members, you'd think we were all part of the Salt Lake Country Club. (Insert eye roll) Wouldn't they all like to believe....ha ha.

The behavior that permeates so much of my immediate surroundings (and some of these surroundings are not by choice, they are strictly by circumstance) is truly a fiasco to behold. I live in an area that is dominated by one religion. I don't share that religion, but that's OK, it's not like these people are Baptists (heavy laden sarcasm...don't get your panties in a twist). Truly it could be worse.

Consistently in my life I witness the same strange habits. 1)We, that being the populous that I am surrounded by, like to get something for nothing. That is, cheap people, not frugal. As the saying goes, bending over quarters to pick up pennies. 2) When it involves oneself the deal must be the best and cheapest for the most expensive item. When involving ones neighbor, not so much. 3) I live in the bankruptcy capital of the U.S. Need I say more? 4) One's spiritual status is directly correlated to the altitude at which one lives. (It may be Happy Valley, but you don't want to live in the valley.) 5) And finally, when something doesn't work for you religiously, legislate what you think does work. That way it will work for everyone, right? Or at least convert them (insert second eye-roll)

There in a nutshell is a well composed, broad generalization of the religious fanatics that I am surrounding by. This loving, family oriented group makes up about 50% of the membership of our little swim spot. Based on the assertion, one would think that it was 100%, but again, delusion runs rampant. Our current president, we'll call her Edith Enthusiastic, wants to do a little "make over" on our haven. All this should of course be carried out with all the above rules in place. Materials and labor for free, any and all time access for Edith and all of her friends. (It, our little swimming pool, sits at the appropriate altitude, so that should just seal any and all desires. Blessing should abound, should they not?) And let us not forget, that if you don't like it, you can always go elsewhere. Unfortunately for Edith, you don't always get what you want. And what she wants is systematically pissing off everyone she encounters, with exception to the those in her unique little "clique". (I sometimes wonder if we are all still working with our highschool mentalities)

The manager of eight years in this case, is one of a dozen people who have politely refused Edith's sense of entitlement and so, Edith is out for her job. That and the job of every other poor sap foolish enough to cross her. Said manager called me, Molly, and ask if I would consider taking over the job at the end of the summer. The board (That's the club board) would back me up.

True to my name, misadventure, I said yes.(Did you hear the Homer Simpson, "Doh!") Because when lacking sufficient reason or situation to get oneself into trouble, take on more!! This could prove to be more pseudo-trauma/drama than I can handle. (Let's face it, only our hero could go to visit in-laws, have a good time, and turn it into a certifiable relations disaster in 7 short days.)

Next week we dive headlong (pun intended) into the adventure. It will be our annual member meeting. I'll have so many characters and goss, I won't know where to begin. I'll give you an advance run down of who to look for......you have of course, met Edith. We also have Viv from Long Island, Viv's daughter, Sophia. (Both of whom we root for!!) We have a host of lifeguards and more, but the cast is long and sordid. Our Soap Opera has barely begun, you'll have to be patient. Before our story is through you will be asking yourself, Are these people for real? Why does our hero let it get to her? (Trust me, I don't. This is purely for sick entertainment.) And of course, where do I sign up?

Stay tuned.

Rites of Passage

Mon, 5 Jun 2006 12:51:00 -0500

It is that time of year again. High School students across the country will participate in the age old right of passage we all call graduation. Recently, I had an acquaintance inquire whether this saddened me that my children would never participate in these experiences. They seem to mourn that my children would not be participating in this and many other institutional exercises and rituals. Wasn't I sad that they would never experience things such as kindergarten graduation, Jr. High, High School prom, sports games, first days of school, dances and all the 'wonderful' things that kids and teenagers do when they are in government schools. They wistfully shared stories of by gone days and expressed their excitement watching their own children follow similar paths and shared experiences as they climbed the ladder through public school.

I thought about it for a few nano-seconds and realized very quickly that, no, I wasn't sad for them and I didn't feel they would miss anything. I felt that her pervasiveness was that of a sheep. Someone who didn't put any thought into what the institution itself would do to her children and their ability to think.

Oh, but that's so harsh and narrow minded you say. No, it isn't. My experience in these events was less than memorable. If I were lucky enough to participate at all. My experience was that of a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit, or a sheep that is just not quite white. I couldn't muster the strength to "fit in". And it wasn't for lack of want or trying. I just fell to the bottom of the pool. I wasn't the "Lord of the Flies". You understand.

I didn't go to the Prom. I wasn't invited. And I was turned down for two "girl's choice" dances. Not a good memory. I spent 4 long years trying to be skinny enough, pretty enough, and have the right clothes and car. I struggled to be religious enough and find that epiphany that seem to elevate all of my fellow students. Unlike them I didn't find it in seminary.

Graduation was the anti-climax of 4 miserable years in an institution that I bucked from the moment I entered. (I am that kind of person, contradictory, if you think the sky is blue, I'll say that it is grey.) I realized as I finished my first year of college that all those rituals, didn't matter. It wasn't what real life was like. It was..life in a bubble. The experience did not prepare me to enter my first job, or make my first major purchase requiring a loan and it most definitely didn't prepare me for college. No, those 12 years that we expect every young person to endure, are not years that I will mourn for my children.

So, when witnessing the annual "rite of passage" and you mourn for those of us whose children will not participate, don't. We are making our own memories and creating our own rites of passage. We started a new one this weekend, the annual marathon in our city. My children participated in the kids marathon and immediately upon completion, ask if we could do it again. So we signed up for the kids 5k coming up in 3 weeks. Now that my friends, is a rite of passage. A first in a long list of races that they are planning to participate in. We 'graduated' to a new lane in swim team, that is our rite of passage. We 'graduated' to the next level in our curriculum, and we are celebrating. My youngest lost his first two teeth, we had ice cream. And on Wednesday my baby will advance to the age of 6. (6 is magic you know.)

Mine will hopefully create their own memories. On their terms in their own time. They will make mistakes, but theirs will be different from mine. They will have memories and new challenges but I hope they have what can be wholly their own, not mine. I can only live with them, not through them. They can not do for me what I may have missed out on. For better or worse. And I do not expect them to perform in those areas that I may have failed in....or even succeeded.

See, we are still passing off all the requirements of childhood. We're just making our own!

Feathers Ruffled

Sun, 28 May 2006 21:25:00 -0500

Unlike my my cyber personality, it takes some doing to ruffle my feathers. But some days it just doesn't pay to hover. My heart hurts today for the world that my children may face as they grow up. My religion has been hi-jacked, politicized and is working like gang-busters to legislate any and all that seems morally fit.

I expressed my frustration recently to a sweet reverend. I could have kissed him when I was gently reminded to look to my left and look to my right, breathe, and just keep swimming. Thank you Reverend Goldsmith. And thank you to heaven for sending this wonderful man to my church, my city and this earth.

The ruffling began with this <a href="http://www.sonlight-forums.com/showthread.php?t=16571"> question </a></li> and it escalated in the current events section from there. What a dismal picture I find when reading what people think of current proposals for legislation in marriage, immigration and so much more.

I find it ironic that I ask a simple question. A simple yes or no answer is all that is required. Good grief, 200+ responses later I find that I have opened up the proverbial can of worms. I didn't ask a loaded question. I am not that sadistic. I know not to even broach certain subjects let alone respond to them when others are brave or naive enough to pose them. Like I said, somedays it just doesn't pay to even get out of bed. I suppose my avoidance of forums is a good idea. I'll stick to my original plan, get out, stay out. At least for a little while.

More Lessons From "Guitar Hero"

Tue, 23 May 2006 22:26:00 -0500

Remember when.........you were in highschool and every buck, bruiser, jock and john you encountered, at some point in their short careers, dreamed of being in a band? They gathered in the halls and exchanged knowledge of bands, songs and singers. They sat in their cars and turned it up way to loud. They played 'air guitar'.

I wish I had a taperecorder. I would play the sound emitting from my basement. Try to imagine a radio transmitter circa 1942, and a humming loud speaker translating the latest dog howl. It is my children. They are putting Legos together downstairs and comparing their favorite tunes from 'Guitar Hero'. (It's a video game. I believe I have neglected my children to it in the past.) They are 'singing' songs to each other, complete with the guitar solos, accapella, and then telling the other to guess the title of the song. I should be scared. They are singing 'Bark At the Moon' by Ozzy Ozbourne. Hmmmm.

Oh the talent of my children. I really better go settle them down, the dog next door is joining in. Ohp, there goes the rotwieler two doors down. Happy strumin' folks. May all your educational journeys be as enlightning. But perhaps a little less peircing to the ear.

WE HAVE A BATHROOM!!

Tue, 23 May 2006 21:45:00 -0500

The title would allude you to think that we have been without one. Now that it is warm outside I think that my neighbors are of this opinion. My children can't seem to find the time to come indoors. For anything!!

I find them, frequently, dropping trough and lettin' it go where ever they stand. This tends to happen in our yard, thankfully and not in other public places. Today, though, one of my children decided to practice his long shot. Over the fence into the neighbors yard. This entertaining event just happen to take place as I was attending the new pond in our back yard and as my neighbor arrived home from work.

He stopped, looked at my son and asked "Markin' your territory there bud?"

I whirled around to find my son lettin' her rip on the neighbor's lawn. Thank God he has a sense of humor. Oh horrors.

Birds of a Feather

Mon, 22 May 2006 22:12:00 -0500

Speaking of Bookstores, I envy writers. They're so good at it, most of them. And some, who are so good at it, don't write a book. Why? I peek at <a href="http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/BooksandBairns">Books and Bairns</a></li> from time to time and I am always awed at what simple events she can wind into eloquent prose. I liked her post, just thought I would say.

Then there are those out there, many listed to the right, who find the most wonderful things to share, I wish I could have a cup of coffee with you all. I dream of adult conversation. Without children interupting my every thought.(Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom........Yes, that's my name. Everyday of your life.) A conversation free of my screaming voice periodically penetrating the air as I herd them out of the room so I can say grown-up things. (Oooo, your neighbor did what?) Or stop them from doing those infernal 'kid' things. (No, the we don't eat cereal in the bedroom...on Mom's bed!)

Such a glamorous life we lead, eh? And we were possesed to add an education at home to the mix. I love insanity. Especially when it comes in groups. Birds of a feather will flock together. Oooo, maybe that means if I lurk a little more at these spectacular blogs, I might get better at myself...Hmmmm. Ugh, who has the time?