Phew! Part Deux!

We survived! Christmas was a blast and we even had a little snow on Christmas Day night! Had our usual gaggle of folks over who either do not have family around or who were just spending the day alone. Good food, good friends...complete with Jason's Flaming Figgy Pudding!

Spent Boxing Day with more good food (leftovers) and more good friends...

Now awaiting the arrival of Tanta and Papa on Thursday for more fun, food, and general merriment!

Some photo memories from the past few weeks...

The first pictures were taken at Panola State Park--they were done as gifts so I've resisted posting!

Rockin' Cupcakes!

Natan's friend at Waffle House who always treats us "real good!"

Natan's Rockin' Birthday Party!

Celeste reading "The Polar Express" to the kids--they LOVED it!

Jason's Tortiere...a favorite Christmas Eve tradition

Christmas Eve means new jammies!

Jason reading my Dad's book, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" before heading to bed.

Our little GA snow fall!

My favorite little munchkins...

Happy Festivus!

Since I won't get around to it tomorrow with the activities and company coming, "Happy Holidays" to everyone! We are ready.

The 2 Tortieres have been made by Jason as always for Christmas Eve dinner.

Several casseroles ready to go in the oven tomorrow.

Figgy Pudding is steaming--Jason again.

Red Velvet Brownies ready to be cut and served for Xmas Day dessert.

Wine lined up ready for consumption.

Gifts wrapped.

Kids have managed to stay sane in their anxious wait for Santa.

The big question: Will it actually snow as they are predicting?? I dare not hope for too much!

Happy Day!

Five years ago, Natan was born! Happy Birthday, Rock Star!

More craziness!

One more!

Being festive!

Click here!

Decade...

Ten years ago today Jason's parents, Bonnie and Bill, were killed in a car accident on their way through Tennessee Christmas shopping.

We were going to have my Children's Choir at the time perform "Star Journey" the next day but cancelled.

Last night, we performed it, ten years later.

Here is the talented group that I am privileged to direct:

2010

Annual Family Photo:

'Tis the season!

For activities, that is!

Piano recital today was a success--everyone played well, including our two!

Enjoying some delicious, home made goodies from Celeste--wasn't expecting carrot cupcakes, so I'm in heaven!

Christmas Program with 29 AMAZING kids this Wednesday--lots of fun!!

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Citizenship ceremony was fine--the Lee greenwood song/video at the end was a little on the cheesy side, but overall it wasn't too bad! 157 people, 63 different countries--a racist person's nightmare!!!! I enjoyed seeing and speaking with some of the other people and thought we made a pretty nice looking group!

So, no more Green Card! No more mean immigration people to deal with! Yay!

Now...bring on a referral, and Christmas will be complete!

Thank you, Celeste!

Dear Celeste,

Your bunny is a hit! When she's not holding her, Mimi is primping her and arranging her on the bed!

Thank you!!!!!!

Seriously??

My Mum just got off the phone with my Auntie Gail.

They tried to watch a movie with their granddaughter, Mishelle.

Easy, right?

Not for my Uncle Neb.

They ended up with the hockey game on the TV and the sound was the movie music.

Uncle Neb blames Benjamin--a one-and-a-half year old.

Who wasn't even in the room!

That's pretty low!

Auntie Gail "suggested" it was a senior thing.

I am inclined to agree.

They should have let Mishelle, run the DVD player.

She's all of 10 or 11--probably could take it apart and rebuild it!!!

Feliz Navidad

Kickin' off the holidays in style!

Click here!

Kid Talk

Vinny asked: "What are these?"

I answered: "Nipples."

Vinny said: "I gonna pinch my nickels!"

*****

George was practicing piano with Jason. Literally, every 30 seconds: "Can we be done?" or "Are we done?" or "Why is this taking so long" until he laid down a "You're mean, Daddy!"

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Two train whistles up!

The Polar Express was a HIT!!! We managed to keep it under wraps until we had them in their jammies at the Train Depot!

The look in their eyes as they waited for Santa to come was priceless...

The two waiters on our train were fabulous--they entertained us the entire time.

MERT: If you go, get first class tickets--it was awesome!! And have the kids wear their jammies! The website is: www.gsmr.com

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Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We had a lunch feast...Jason did the bulk of it with some help from yours truly! Delicious if I do say so myself!! Turkey, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, sausage and cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, and fried okra. Brownies for later when we've settled a bit! Not overly traditional, but that's how we role!!

Pool Party!

Outside Temp: 78

Pool Temp: 60

Crazy People Swimming: 3

Countdown!

One month until Natan's Birthday...

Less than a month until choir program...

Five weeks until Christmas...

Two days until we ride the Polar Express...

And a partridge in a pear tree!

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We wrapped up our unit on the Pilgrims/Indians/Pioneers with a feast of sorts last Friday with our friends, Celeste and Tom. Lots of corn, Mum's homemade bread and pumpkin pie, and chicken fingers and tater tots (just as in the Pilgrim days!). A good time was had by all!

Super Delish Pumpkin Pie!

Mimi is a workhorse!!!!!!!

Mimi and Nana making the canned pumpkin pie...very authentic!

George watching TV instead of helping...he would have made a lousy pioneer!!!!

Ready for the feast! Three pioneers and their friendly Native Canadian/Almost American!

Daisy Girl!

Last Monday Mimi became an official Daisy Girl Scout! We had a sweet ceremony and the girls did a great job! Mimi had her BFF Heidi there which made it all the more special.

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Saw a side of Mum today that I hadn't expected to see--in Toys R Us! Maniac!! I was actually putting things back from her cart!! Apparently there are things the kids NEED. On the count of three: "Thank you, Nana!!!!!!"

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Mimi and George are becoming voracious readers--reading everything they can! So much fun to watch! They are also keeping busy in Nana's room with puzzles and the newly purchased Lego. Mimi LOVES puzzles (it's genetic, so do I!). George loves Lego, so it's all good!

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Natan and Vinny are becoming better and better buddies every day. Natan likes to help him and be a big brother, and Vinny loves all the attention from his Ta Ta!

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And yes, we pulled out our Christmas stuff today. The kids are so excited we just couldn't wait! Not putting up the tree until T'Giving week, but still...Xmas is only 6 weeks away and we want to enjoy it as long as possible!

Monday, Monday!

Counted to 100...

Took a Math test...

Read two new stories...

Wrote down our 8 new spelling words for the week...

Practiced sight words...

Made handprint turkeys...

Walked outside with the dogs...

Made and at lunch...

Getting ready to make Mayflower ships while Vinny naps...

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The Tussahaw Young Singers are almost up and running! We are finally getting this done--will hold auditions in February and begin rehearsals the following week! been planning this for a long time and can't wait to start! This voice of mine may never get back to normal, and I'm tired of waiting for it!!

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Counting the days until Nana's surprise secret trip for the kids. January 17th!!!!

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George is in Nana's room "sewing" which actually means that he is "crocheting" which actually means he's just making a mess of her yarn which actually means he's probably just in there pissing her off!!!!

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Tonight is Mimi's Investiture Ceremony to make her an official GS Daisy! Very exciting! George will be at Basketball with Nana.

Good news!

OK, not a referral, but something great for the moment!

Natan saw his Developmental Specialist today and it went very well!

She tested his vocabulary and this time, he scored at a 5.3 year level!! Fantastic! She is very supportive of the home school aspect and thinks it is helping Natan by him being included. Score one for the Montagues!!!!

She did some other tests, and the language issue is still there, although she was impressed with how coherent he was. We'll go back in May as we try to figure out what to do next year. Thanks again, Kyron, for the wonderful recommendation for Dr. Bussey! LOVE her!

Some people still think Autism is something he will "grow out" of, but this is not the case. It just means that as other areas improve, we can focus more and more on behavior modification. Which we are doing. If we do not have a problem with Natan being Autistic, others shouldn't either.

A good day all round!

Success!

Had a GREAT time at the Heart Walk today!

15,000 walkers...over $1 million dollars raised--over $1 thousand by Team George!

Thanks to our team this year: Jennifer and Kate, Bob and Nola, Virginia, Mum, Pam, and the 6 Montagues!

Some pics:

Heart Walk here we come!

Today is the day! We're walking in our sixth Atlanta Heart Walk to raise money for the American Heart Association. You can still donate--go to the link on the right for our team page!

We have about sixteen dedicated walkers this year, and we are EXCITED!

We will walk the Survivors One Mile Walk since none of the kid will do the stroller thing anymore!

Go Team George!

Donate! And watch Fox 5 Atlanta for coverage of the walk!

Kid thoughts...

George: "When I'm 40 years old, will I be a father? If I am, I am going to Ethiopia to get a baby. I'm going to get two and name them Fred and Daphne."

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Mimi--as Jason was on his way to a Visitation for a friend whose father passed away: "Is Daddy going to talk to Celeste's Daddy?"

When I explained that no, when someone dies they can't talk to you, she was concerned, which led to the next statement:

"Am I going to die soon? I don't think I want to die yet. I would miss talking to you."

M and G are both very sad for their friend Celeste. So are we.

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George, after touching the cookie dough AGAIN after being told repeatedly not to:

"What the heck is wrong with me today?"

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Vinny: "I think I gonna need hot sauce!"

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Natan: "I like you, Mommy. You're cute. You're doing a good job."

Thanks, Tan...I needed that!

Questions...

Do baby ants bite?

Where do ants go? Do they go shopping for ant stuff?

Why does that dog have big boobies? (referring to yet another stray in our yard that has clearly JUST had babies).

Do puppies get born out of a tootie? (To which Mimi says to George, the questioner: "George, it's not called a tootie. It's a bagina"

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nothing much...

Getting ready for our day trip to B'Ham for some much needed BFF'ing with the Ingrams! Of all the people to move, why them????? See? I am still not over it!!!!!

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Mimi and George are doing great in school--both reading and starting spelling. May not sound like much, but it's HUGE!!! Natan is also coming along very well--starting to write his name, and getting all his letters down. Some weeks are better than others behavior-wise, but that's true for anyone!

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The Heart Walk is around the corner--so glad Mum and Pam will be here for it this year! It's so much fun now that M and G understand why we walk and feel more a part of it.

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Our first Daisy Scout meeting was great!! Eight girls and we had a blast! So glad I signed on as leader--Mimi is so happy! Great group of Moms as well which is a plus!

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My blogging has been rather slow lately, but I suppose it's a good thing. Nothing to vent about is always good! Wish there was some adoption news, but alas, nothing. Some more babies have come into the agency's care, but we are still just waiting...and waiting...and waiting...

At least we'll be good and ready for her when the time comes! Still don't know who gets to go--Jason or my sister. Depends on the government of ET.

Monday, Monday

Had a nice weekend...

I was asked to be a preliminary judge for the upcoming"Henry Has Talent" on Saturday and saw some pretty great talent! Can't wait until the final show on the 23rd!

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We all had a great time on Friday night at Natan's school's Fall Festival--so much fun to see him with his friends! Picked up a couple of neat Christmas gifts as well!

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We are gearing up for Nana coming for the winter and Pam's visit--VERY excited! Lots of stuff planned while they're here!

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Saw a bumper sticker the other day that I haven't seen in a while: "Mean people suck." I agree.

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Getting out of dodge this weekend with a much needed trip to Birmingham to get our Ingram fix!

Randoms

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous.

Thank you for asking about all the kids' school yesterday at dinner. You have no idea how many people never ask M and G how school is going, simply because they are anti-home school. They only ask about Natan because he is in "real" school. But really, he is in a dream situation just like they are. 5 kid and two teachers. It sure makes a difference!

Anyway, your inquiry meant a lot. Thanks!

*****

We are all excited about going to Natan's school's Fall Festival tomorrow night. Cakes made for the Cake Walk, 4 pound bag of candy to be delivered, and four very excited kiddos!

*****

Big news: George walked Reg alone today! As in, he held the leash without any support. He's totally pumped about it and ready to conquer the world! Since Reggie is such a dopey dog (Sara & Dwayne...you know what I'm talking about!), it was pretty easy! Mimi takes Stanely, and I get Daisy who needs the most "help." But, she is improving very day!

*****

Break time is over. off to do some more reading and social studies!

Bring on the cool weather...

We pulled out our crates of "winter" clothes this morning. Mimi exclaimed, "Yay! My cozy track pants!" It's genetic....she gets it from me!

Purging 101

It's Purging 101 and Jason flunks miserably!! We are cleaning out a section of our basement...full of stuff we have had since before we were married.

Top 5 items that I cannot believe we found:

5. Box of stuffed animals (mine)--I can still remember each of their names and who gave them to me. Found my pink elephant, Elliot, which my Dad got me at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) one year.

4. MULTIPLE envelopesd of fake confederate money (Jason's, obviously--I would not have Confederate anything!!). I would like to take it somewhere and in my stellar fake Southern accent, try to use it to buy stuff. My counter part is not so sure.

3. At least 100 post cards (seriously) that Jason has collected over the years. And they're not good ones. He claims it's because a post card is always better than a photo. I begged to differ, until I saw his photos. How does your finger get in so many?

2. A giant key. Jason admitted it was his dorm room key. ??????

1. All the contents from the car that we collected from his parents' accident. Holding the items and smelling a smell I haven't smelled in almost 10 years...To this day, neither of us will ever forget the exact details of that day. And we realize that so much in so many ways changed for us in the day and months that followed. But we're still kickin'!

So...we are done for the night. Our stuff has taken over the playroom, but we are confident all order will be restored by tomorrow night. If I find anymore boxes of postcards, I'm moving out!!

Just stuff

Had a busy but fun weekend--Friday night pizza with friends, the annual Music Party on Saturday, and a day with wonderful old friends on Sunday up in Alpharetta. Needless to say, we were all pretty tired by Sunday night!

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Bug hit me yesterday...'nuff said! George offered me his pirate ship pillow today and Mimi gave me back scratches to make me feel better. Nothing sweeter!

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People keep saying, "I don't know how you can home school...my kids would drive me crazy." I feel so sorry for them. I am so happy to have all this time with the kids. They won't always be here. They'll be busy doing and going. Someone also commented, "Well, you'll have to put them in school at some point so they can learn to sit still and behave." What do you think our classroom at home is like?? We're not running around wasting time. They do math, language arts, science, social studies, french, music and art. We are set up like a classroom but without all the other kids and with a whole lot more freedom!

So, the consensus is that so far, so good. The kids are happy and we are happy. Isn't that all the really matters??

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First Girl Scout Daisies parent meeting tomorrow night--Mimi and are both very excited!

7 Moms and 10 girls! In keeping with the motto, I am prepared!

Darn Dinosaurs!

Mimi: "I am SO glad we do not live in the Jurassic Period."

Me: "Huh?????"

Mimi repeats.

Me: "Why?"

Mimi: "Because we would be eaten by dinosaurs..."

Life Lesson Learned (one of many)

One of the kids, who shall remain unnamed, learned a valuable lesson today:

Never fart if you think you might have diarrhea...always get to a bathroom!

Pretty much sums up what's happening in our neck of the woods...

Ewwww...and things unrelated

Something has struck in the Montague household. Three out of four kids have diarrhea. Yep. The only thing to top this would be some simultaneous barfing.

On the upside...no fevers, and it seems to be "running it's course" so to speak!

Vinny now tells us he has "medicine bum" because we put butt paste on his reddening bottom. And, his favorite new trick which I really should record: Snapping his underwear band to make a cloud of baby powder poof out!

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Excited about another guest coming to visit in October--the kids know and are super excited! My cousin Pam is coming and will walk for Team George in the Heart Walk. Remember, even if you can't walk, you can donate! The website is up and updated:www.teamgeorgeatl.blogspot.com.

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Some more pictures from our week with the Mattinsons:

sigh...

Dropped our guests off at the airport today. Everyone was very sad, and it is a little too quiet here...

We had such a fun week, and the kids can't wait to see them again in June in Nova Scotia! We love us some Sa Sa and Unca Dane! Now we have Nana arriving in about six weeks to look forward to!

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George announced this afternoon that if it's OK with me, he'll "just be five years old for a while longer..."

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Mimi told me on the way home from the airport, when we were talking about our favorite part of the past week, that her's was "just being with my whole family..."

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Received an update of sorts from our adoption agency--still waiting. That's the update.

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Happy Birthday (almost)!

6 years ago about this time at night, we thought my water broke. Jason had read somewhere that if you microwave "it" and it solidifies, it's your water breaking. Mine didn't solidify. It was pee. Ever heated up pee in a microwave? Probably not and I do not recommend it! With a house full of an odor that seemed to take forever to go away, we had a good laugh and went to bed.

Turns out, I was in labor. The next evening at 8:00 during Hurricane Ivan and tornado warnings, George Williams came in like a whirlwind and hasn't stopped!

There are few moments in life worth remembering. Holding your newborn or having a newly adopted child placed in your arms for the first time are those moments for me. I am fortunate to have had four of them so far.

George has been counting down the number of sleeps until the day. He said today, "One more finger up and then down until my real birthday, right, mama?"

I love my kids.

Happy birthday, George!

Good times...

Our house guests arrived safely and on time. Been in the pool ever since! Well, in between eating!

Had a nice birthday party for George yesterday--he LOVED his Scooby Doo party but loved the remote control R2D2 given to him by SaSa, Dwayne, and Nana even more!

Super delish dinner at Buckner's Family Restaurant--even the kids loved it!!

Heading to the Aquarium and other fun ATL stuff tomorrow.

Having fun!!!

Eat. Swim. Doze. Repeat.

Ready or not!

Our guests are officially on their way--Jason picks them up this afternoon. Kids still have no idea! Beds made...pork butt cooking...making apple pie (thanks, Mary Liz--it's your recipe!) later today with the kids...

First, heading up to do a couple of hours of school, then taking Natan to school today so we can choose some books from the Book Fair for his classroom.

Tomorrow is the Ethiopian New Year. We will celebrate by having George's birthday party! Instead of Injera, we'll have pizza!

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All my trial and error regarding my vocal cords seem to be working. I am heartburn free--so here's to holistic medicine! Anyone taking Nexium or other similar medicines--read the fine print!

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Thankful

Some thought on being thankful:

I am thankful for a few nice people.

Mean people are all around, as I have sadly discovered over the past couple of years (yes, I was living in a bubble!). Folks who choose to be unkind when they have a different choice to make.

So it was nice to receive a kind word from a genuine person. A verbal hug. From someone I respect. I am thankful you took the time to make my day!

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I am thankful for Jason, who gives me a break to do stuff around the house or have some "me" time after he comes home from work. Not because he has to, but because he loves his kids and loves me enough to help out.

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I am thankful for my Mum. Lots of reasons but the tangible one is the adoption. We are still paying for two plane tickets, room and board, and the country fee from Natan's adoption! Without my Mum, there would be no number five.

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I am thankful for Jason and I sticking to our debt free budget. We are almost debt free. Yay!

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I am thankful for my secret co-venter. Meaning, she and I can vent to one another as needed and it stays right where we leave it. She was there for me today, and I am thankful.

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There are more, but the natives are naked, wet, and hungry. You know the ones--that I am INCREDIBLY thankful for!

Movin' Right Along...

Three weeks in and going strong!

Nailed our vowels, moving to consonants. Both kids are reading and more importantly, love to read!

The best part of school at home is that I get to be a part of their learning. I see the "click" moments and celebrate immediately.

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George is having fun counting the days (literally) until both his birthday party and his "real birthday day". The theme this year is Scooby Doo!!!

Spent part of this morning listening and watching Mimi practice her piano--without being told! YAY!!

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Preparing for our upcoming visitors (Another YAY!!!!!) who arrive on Friday! Kids don't know, so it will be quite the surprise!

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Having friends over for dinner--Jason cooking our weekly load of collards--mmmm!

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Good Times!!

Busy does not begin to describe this house now.

Loving our home school situation, mainly because we are working our tails off and seeing major results! It's a family effort for sure--I teach all four in the morning, then do "Specials" in the afternoon while Vinny naps. Jason does homework and piano practice each night.

We are finding our groove, figuring out what works and doesn't work, and basically having a great time as well!

I know there are families out there who give schooling at home a bad name--don't let them be the only impression you have. Take the time to see what others do and why we do it.

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Natan is still going strong and making great progress! He ran to the bus the other morning saying, "My friends! My friends!" Yes, there was a throat lump! To see him making connections outside his siblings, like the others have, blew me away and made it all worth it!

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I am an official Girl Scout Troop Leader! They needed someone for our district, and I needed Mimi to be a part of a troop, so I volunteered. Let the fun begin!!! She and I are both excited and also very amused by how pissed George is that he can't be a Girl Scout! He'll get his turn next year with the boys!

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After three years doing the dance thing, we have pulled out. We loved it and the kids seemed happy, but I have to tell you--it was killing our budget. We were also facing the two big kids wanting to try other things and trying to fit it all in. So...George starts three months of basketball this October, and Mimi is on board for Spring soccer.

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No vocal cord update and no adoption update. Still waiting on both...still not a patient waiter.

Phew!

Week Two is almost finished and I continued to be amazed by so many things.

1) Watching two kids the same age and how they learn SO differently. Seeing this just reinforces the great decision we've made!

2) People's continued denial that we can do this successfully and raise well-adjusted, happy kids. Umm, we can and we are!

3) How much Natan and Vinny are learning just by being around during class time.

*****

On a vocal note...saw ANOTHER medical person yesterday who is also baffled by my vocal cords. Everyone wants to attribute it to GERD, but it's not that. She, like all other doctors who seem obsessed with drugs versus getting to the root of the problem, dosed me with a steroid and gave me an antibiotic. A temporary fix for a 3 year issue. Thanks. Her parting words? "Well girl--good luck with this. I don't know what to tell you."

I have taken matters in my own hands and am not overwhelmed by those in the western medicine world right now!! But I am willing to be proven wrong by any doctor out there who thinks s/he can help!

Hump Day!

The first half of our school week has been great! I don't know how or why parents would not want to plan and execute solid academic lessons if they're homeschooling. We are loving the flexible structure that has been created. I say "flexible structure" because although we have a daily schedule that we are finding simple to follow, we still know that we can change things up at a moment's notice. We can shorten or extend any lesson depending on how things are going.

Mimi found a magnet which began to a discussion of magnets! Go figure! When not pressed for time, you can examine things even if they are not in your grade's curriculum.

Just remember that we are schooling at home--not avoiding school, not unschooling, not protecting our babies. We just think that right now, we can offer them a little more than what schools are able to because of all the crap that they have to deal with. I hear so many teachers complaining about having to teach, and so many kids complaining about school, I am more and more convinced we made the right decision!

And now for some photos. The first one is of M and G studying the properties of water. Once the straws came out, things got really fun!

The second is a quickie video of Mimi reading her first sentence alone! Baby steps are the best steps!

The third is just a funny Vinny video.

Fourth is Natan celebrating another great day of school with some Daisy snuggles!