It's 5 O'clock Somewhere!!!!!

What makes a child go from being a sweet loving kid one minute to a lying, back talking pain in the you know what the next? Last night, Mark and I were getting ready to watch Law & Order SVU, when we heard a crash come from Sierra-Lynn's room. Mark asked her what fell and she says nothing, I dropped my necklace. There was no hesitation in the kid's voice, she just opened her mouth and told a bold faced lie.

I may get upset if her room is, well the tornado disaster area that it is now, but I can't stand liars. I see absolutely no reason for it. Ok, like most parents, we have brought to life Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy, but when it comes to real life it's the truth or nothing. Too many people in my life have lied to me, and I won't have a kid do it. I would rather have somebody hurt my feelings by telling me the truth, then try to spare me by lying.

Anyway, (if Mark gets home when he is supposed to) I'm talking a walk so that my head doesn't explode, then I'm going to try to relax in the thing that passes for a tub in this house, followed by a rum and coke to complete the relaxation process. That's what I want to do, but probably won't get to do, Mark may have to stay over 2 hours. Then it's a quick shower and maybe finish watching "Wrong Turn", before going off to bed (only to get up and do it all over tomorrow).

Of course I am also having with drawls. Now before you start thinking something that's wrong let me finish, k? My with drawls come from not getting a weekly shot of my favorite wrestler, Matt Hardy. His birthday was on September 23, which was a Tuesday, the same night that ECW is on. He wasn't on it or Smackdown (Friday night). So, if any of my friends wanted to get me the DVD "Twist of Fate: the Matt and Jeff Hardy Story" for Christmas (or a belated birthday gift), I wouldn't object.

I'm going to have to go for now, it's snack time and before Jackson completely trashes my living room, I'd better get him his snack. Speaking of Jackson, he is almost ready to cut another tooth.

;P

I'm A Flake.

I meant to put these photos on here last week. They are of last Friday, at the orchard with the home educators group. Jackson was so cute, I keep telling him not to pull on sissy's tree and then we take him to the orchard and suddenly it's okay to pull stuff off the tree.

Anyway, tomorrow is our second day of co-op and Sierra-Lynn has talked of nothing else all day. She woke up this morning and was all, "I have to go to bed early, because I have co-op tomorrow." Now if I could only get her to stop talking things out of Jackson's hands.

Jackson's new bed!

Is anyone other than me tired of all of the freaking recalls? Whatever happened to taking pride in what you do? Of being proud to put your name on something? Last year it was all the toys (Sierra-Lynn had some of the Barbie stuff), and this year it's candy, Chinese baby formula, and cribs. Jackson is, in theory, sleeping (in reality, he is sitting up whining) in his new crib, his other one was recalled. Apparently the movable side can fall off causing the baby to fall out and get hurt. I say we need more companies moving their factories back to the United States, not only would it help the economy, but the American people will have the peace of mind that the products that they buy for their children won't kill them.

Yesterday!

We have now had 2 Girl Scout meetings this year, and so far everything is going much better than last year. The new leader, Kristen, is somewhat creative and has OCD so she is very organized (something that we were needing).

The only thing that stinks about it is that Jackson isn't allowed to be there. He is too disruptive. We had fun last night though, especially Sierra-Lynn, she sat between Taylor and Samantha, though she spent a lot of time talking to Taylor about the singer Taylor Swift, they are both fans.

We got home and Mark and Jackson were watching the countdown to "Heros". I think that I am going to like having Mark work during the day, I love having him home at night. It gives us a chance to unwind and talk about our day, he's there to help with the kids, then we get to cuddle all night. And, the best part, most nights he'll be home for dinner.

Gotta go, God Bless.

Our First Co-Op

I am so tired. Who would have thought that spending the day playing with babies would be so exhausting. Mark got there to pick us up and Sierra-Lynn didn't want to leave. We told her that it was time to go and she's all "I don't want to go!" It was too cute.Jackson had his 9 month checkup yesterday. My God he is getting big (but yet he still seems so small). He is 30 inches (2 1/2 feet) tall, and weighs 19.6 pounds. And, like Sierra-Lynn has low iron levels, I think the doctor said it was 9 something. Next month we are supposed to take him and have a CBC panel done. Sounds like fun (note sarcasm here). Anyway, Mark and I had our first child free day in about 6 years (we went bowling), we also bought some Christmas/birthday stuff. I now need some time to rest after these past 2 days, five games of bowling (my highest score was 112, yes I suck), shopping and then co-op, it's all just too much. Next week all we are doing is apple picking, I don't think that we could handle the zoo, hopefully we can get there next spring. Gas prices will be lower then, right?

Buzzy Bee

We tried out Jackson's Halloween custumes. I'll let you see for yourself just how cute he is.

Just Wanted To Share.

I was sent this email and wanted to pass it on to my readers. It gives a little insight into the lives of me and my family and our decision to home educate.

The myths and misconceptions about home education are numerous and pernicious. I personally do not choose to use the term 'homeschool,' as what we do has nothing whatever to do with the institutionalized mob mentality pablum that masquerades as education in the public school system. We are home educators, and our children are educated in the home setting as were the majority of our great thinkers and leaders in history. Our children range in ability from average to far above average, but all understand that 'school' is a misnomer and is not applicable to real life. School is a season in the lives of most Americans; we don't believe in school, but in learning... and learning is for a lifetime. Critical thinking, logic, researching deeply into subjects, following rabbit trails of thought and exploring various points of view are what we teach. The public training system simply spoon feeds information and requires that it be regurgitated on the next test, after which it can be safely forgotten.

Those who are willing to continue this system into adulthood are the ones who believe the myths regarding home education that are propagated as fact in the media and academia. Both of these groups have a vested interest in a society of blind birds with open mouths who will accept without question the declamations given to them; it provides job security and a continuation of their bubble of self-importance.

Home educators, by and large, are NOT strange anti-social people living in compounds and handling snakes. Their children are capable of a wide range of social interactions, with all age groups. They have friends, and hobbies; they play sports, sing in choral groups, play instruments, create art, volunteer in the community, and often work part-time as they get older, all while continuing the learning process that will help them become good employees, good bosses, good neighbors, good parents, and good citizens.

We have run into resistance from well-meaning family and deep-seated antipathy from members of the teaching establishments who worry about keeping their jobs. Pouring more and more money into a system that is progressively deteriorating and finishing with an inferior product is no way to go. As parents, we knew that it was our responsibility to do better for our children. We have done so by educating our children at home, and preparing them well for a successful life as well-informed and active citizens.

Life According To A Duck!

LIFE THOUGHTS BY DUCKY
Marriage changes passion. Suddenly you're in bed with a relative.

I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with 'Guess' on it. So I said 'Implants?' She hit me.

How come we choose from just two people to run for president and over fifty for MissAmerica ?
Now that food has replaced sex in my life, I can't even get into my own pants.

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!

When I was young we used to go 'skinny dipping,' now I just 'chunky dunk.'

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over? AMEN, AMEN !!

Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?

Wouldn't you know it....Brain cells come and brain cells go, but FAT cells live forever.

Why do I have to swear on the Bible in court when the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed outside?

Bumper sticker of the year: 'If you can read this, thank a teacher -and, since it's in English, thank a soldier'

And remember: life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. Ya just might want to pass this along....