Running errands yesterday after school and ended up in Target. While we were there, Vinny, aka Tinkerbell, picked up a bra as we were walking by the bra section (George runs through it due to his fear of big boobs!!), and announced (rather loudly), "Wook! Wet's get this bra for Sa Sa!!!!!" Since I almost always have my camera, I snapped the picture and assured him we would consider it for Christmas!! Although it may be a bigger hit with Uncle Dane!

Reason to Move #62:

We found our neighbor's dead cat in our front yard today...ewww. It is now in a bag in our garbage can, mainly because we try to avoid all contact with them.

*****

I asked George what he wanted for his birthday party menu, he told me, "Hot dogs, popcorn, but NO WINE." His explanation is a good one, but since I have been called out for a post in the past, I dare not say anything too incriminating! Let's just say this is one family that is choosing it's friends more wisely these days!!

So hot dogs, popcorn, and an angry birds cake it is!!

Flat Stanley is on the move!

I am so excited that some friends have agreed to help Mimi & George on their Flat Stanley project this year! I will update here whenever we hear back from folks. We have been writing one letter a week for three weeks...a slow process right now, but great practice for the kids! We will send them out to the people who have now responded and looking forward to more! An even better project would be to take our Flat Stanleys personally to these various places...wonder if there's an education grant for that...!!!

Sara and Nana...yours is coming. Like I said, these letters take time! George groans now when he sees the template (written in my pink pen!!). But they are excited! And that's enough for this teacher!

*****

Confessions: Teaching your own kids at home isn't always just sunny days filled with "Aha!" moments...today was kind of rough. I think it's caused by my seriously interrupted sleep the past few nights. Not by anyone,but by really bad/weird dreams which leave me wide awake in the middle of the night. Ugh. So, perhaps that makes me feel like no one is listening or that there are no quiet moments during the day. Normally it doesn't phase me. Today was just a little rough. Still wouldn't trade it for all the peace in the world!

Had another great week of school...learned a LOT about hurricanes, Osmosis, and Van Gogh.

Vinny's combo of "Sunflowers" and "Red Poppies".

Natan's "Sunflowers"

George's "Starry Starry Night"

Mimi's "Sunflowers"

Our Osmosis project waiting for us tomorrow--results!

Learning about seeds...you can't see them, but we planted some beans!

A bonus was finding this turtle on our driveway during recess one day last week!

Off to a late start this morning--attended a Faculty Recital at Woodward last evening, which my four sat through like old pros!! Mimi described watching Jason play as, "like something on fast forward." Natan thought he was kind of like a rock star! Me too--he rocked! Best one there!!

****

Had a great first week of school! The kids are loving their Flat Stanley project and want to know about EVERYTHING having to do with the world--that's a lot of information!

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I have noticed people's reactions when they ask about school and then find out that we home school. Of course, most people who already know do not ask the kids about school because they likely don't agree with us. Oh, wait...I don't care!! However, I do always clarify why--it has NOTHING to with religion--I do not consider that part of any quality academic curriculum. We chose to home school because our choices were slim (OK, and we couldn't afford Woodward!!)....because of the over-testing kids are subjected to...because every time I turn around, all I hear from teachers is moaning and groaning about their jobs... because arts programs are being cut all over....and mainly, because we love our kids enough to give up every last ounce of free time and devote it to giving them the best that they deserve. Is it easy? Of course not. Nothing good ever is!! Are we happy? More than I can describe here in words. Is it right for everyone? No. Do we know how long we will do this? No idea. But for now, it works. And we were able to stay out until late last night watching our favorite guy, Big Daddy J, perform Prokofiev.

I think things are pretty great around here...

The last few days in no particular order!

Vinny, the self proclaimed PreSchooler.

Last Friday at Dauset Trail...had a blast!

Mimi: "I've got a great idea!!!!"

"Angry Bird Pancakes" make me the "BEST MAMA EVER!!!!"

They are finally up--thank you, Tom & Celeste (& Tyler!!!). They are a hit!

Piss-ant kitty, Timbit.

I happen to think this Kindergarten artist is fabulous!

First day of school...everyone loves the new "Workbox" system and we all had a highly successful day! Phew! PS: George is working and not sitting in a corner!

(sniff...sniff) First Tiger Cub meeting! George has had his panties in a wad since Mimi started girl Scouts--the day finally arrived!

So that's it in a nutshell. What you don't see:

• Mimi and I had an awesome Girl Scout Daisy meeting yesterday afternoon--11 girls and lots of energy!
• Mimi had her first Gymnastics class today, and when I asked her if she liked it, she responded, "No--I LOVED it!"
• Vinny LOVED and ROCKED his first dance class on Saturday--the only boy in a sea of girls and he held his own! Ballet, tap and tumbling!

X-Rated Life...
(Sitting on the couch with Vinny--I'm working on school stuff and he's watching Caillou):

Vin: Mommy, wanna see my penith?

Me: Umm, not really.

Vin: Hewe it is..."

Me: OK, Vinny, why don't you put it away now...

Vin: I can't. It's stuck.
Me: Just stick it back in your pants.

Vin: I don't want to.

Me: But I want you to.

(At this point I realize that I am arguing with a 3-year old about putting his penis back in his pants. This is not going well.)

Vin: I wike my penith, Mommy.

Me: Silence. Seriously, what else can I say? He's all boy!!!!!

From Wikipedia:

Sabbath as rest

The word "Sabbath" refers to rest. To sabbath is the act of resting. Physical resting refers most often to a rest day, but can refer to sabbathing or resting for other periods of time such as a Sabbath year when the soil rested.

Look at that...no mention of religion! See what you find when you pick and choose?! I'm just sayin'...in my and my children's case, it is a rest period. The ONE DAY of the week where we have nothing requiring our time. No school, no soccer, no dance, no choirs--get the picture?

I "retired" from one of my Sunday a.m. jobs this past Spring and I must say, I am enjoying my new Sabbath Day. I have only one obligation, one Sunday a month--Girl Scouts. And that is because as the leader, I have no other free evenings. I am looking forward to those afternoon, spent with friends. But more importantly, I am looking forward to more Sundays with my kids, just being plain old Mom. Not their teacher. Not a piano teacher. Not a chauffeur. Not a choir director. Just a goofing off Mama! Pancakes, anyone??

Getting geared back up...

Starting back to piano teaching this week.

***

Tussahaw Young Singers starts tomorrow--already have a couple of gigs lined up!

***

Children's Choir starts next week...supposed to be writing a Christmas musical. So far, only have an outline but not worried!

***

Starting back to school for all four kids when Woodward starts--Vinny will do some PK, Natan will be K and the big kids will be in first grade! Tons of good stuff planned! Will be using a cool "Workbox" system designed for families where there are different ages, stages, learning styles, and challenges. I'd say that describes us pretty accurately!

***

Cub Scouts for George.

Soccer for G and M.

Gymnastics for Mimi.

Dance and tumbling for Vinny.

Girl Scouts for Mimi and me.

Natan only want to play Basketball with George this winter which is fine by me!

***

I think we're ready!

So...we received a call from the agent on Wednesday telling us, "Oops...my mistake--because of California Labor Laws, Natan can't be a movie extra since he's not 6." I had told him FROM THE BEGINNING that Natan is 5. Every time we spoke, texted, emailed, he asked his age. So, safe to say, you don't have to be too smart to be a casting agent. I think the kids were more upset that they weren't going to be able to watch a PG-13 movie!

To feel better, we headed to Tybee instead and had a GREAT DAY!

DAY IN REVIEW:

(cue sound of ocean, happy people, and the Savannah nightlife!)

Heading up 178 steps to the top of Tybee Island Lighthouse

Fake Tired photo at the bottom!

Hanging out at Ellis Square

Trefail Square (with Jason's foot for Sara!)

Not sure if the attraction was the parrot or the tank top...

Natan in my cover up working his stuff!

LOVING the big waves!

Mimi turns 7 today! Time is flying...

We are decked out for a Hello Kitty party and will celebrate with her friends!

Mimi loves to hear the story of how we met, and I never get tired of telling it. It's like it was yesterday and my, how she has changed from that quiet, shocked little baby to this clever, sweet 7 year old. Still takes a minute to size you up and then she just gives you her heart. Future Doctor/Vet/Spy/Cow Owner. Dreaming Big.

Happy Birthday, Mimi--we LOVE you!!!!!

July 2011

China, 2005

Elmo 2nd Birthday

3rd Thomas Birthday

4th Dora Birthday

5th Panda Luau Birthday

6th Hello Kitty/Cow Birthday

Jennifer Lopez and Natan Montague sign on for 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

by Jeff Labrecque (and edited by me!)

Image Credit: Tony Duran / FOX.

Jennifer Lopez has joined Cameron Diaz (and Natan Montague) in Lionsgate’s adaptation of What To Expect When You’re Expecting. The American Idol star will play Holly, a woman who adopts a baby from abroad with her husband after difficulty conceiving, in one of the four interweaving tales that will make up the ensemble film, à la Love Actually.

Based on the best-selling book by Heidi Murkoff, the movie will be directed by Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine). The film is scheduled for release on Mother’s Day weekend in 2012.

Yes, folks, it's true! Natan is slated to be an extra in this upcoming film. We are taking him there in about a week--cross your fingers!

Some stuff:

Mimi this morning as we snuggled with Reggie: "I'm glad I am not a dog." (I thought it would be for obvious reasons...pooping outside, dying young, etc.) Her reason: "I wouldn't want to lick my privacy."

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Later with Mimi while looking at pictures of deviled eggs: "They're called deviled eggs? I thought they were just called boiled eggs with stuff inside."

Can't believe she's turning 7 in a few days...if you know me well, you know this is killing me! I know growing up is all a part of it, but slow down!! At least she and George have announced they will NOT be living at college. I will be driving them every day to GA Tech.

*******

A thousand things are said it seems each day, but I can't remember anything by the end of the day!

Some of Vinny's sayings:

"Watch me what I can do!"

"Wuv you, Mama..." (yes, my favorite!)

"I ______, because I do." (seems as though "because I do" drives home whatever point he is making!).

And...swimming without his floaties! Awesome!!

******

Natan has decided that he is moving to Ethiopia to see his "Efiofia mom and dad" and would like to make them a card. The card we can do. The trip, not so much!! I will try my best to track them down on one of our two trips to meet Lovey, but it's a bit tricky. LOVE HIM!!!!

*****

George is George. Impulsive. Silly. Sweet. Unstoppable. Sees his cardiologist in August and is super excited to tell her ALL the activities he is doing that do NOT require him to do the things she restricted him from! Restrictions? Piece of cake! We have found things George can participate in at a level that he is comfortable with. And still no football! Yay!

*****

Good times...

Bra Humbug.

Stupid me...thought I would attempt AGAIN (remember a previous post?) to buy a nice bra. What the heck was I thinking???

I went to a website that is always sending advertising emails claiming to have ALL SIZES! ALL SHAPES! ALL TYPES!

First of all, all their bra models have big boobs. Wrong on so many levels!

Second of all, when I entered the "desired size", I assumed they meant of the bra I wanted to find. The model did not look like I would in the bra they chose.

I put in my size and here is what came up:R

Royce
My First Bra soft cup bra 2 pack

$26.50

• Product Info
• Material & Care
• Returns & Delivery

Royce has designed this soft cup bra in soft cotton jersey for developing busts. In a two pack, it is trimmed in lace and has a central bow decoration. It has slender adjustable straps and a single hook rear fastening

Are you kidding me?! MY FIRST BRA??!! Developing busts??

Well, this got me thinking. I have spent the better part of my life being embarrassed by my mostly flat chest. Now, after all this time, I am OK with this. Nothing sagging. Nothing hurting my back. Nothing to have to spend more money than I think is reasonable on!

In fact, if I could go back in time to the eighth grade when a couple of boys were making fun of me because of my flat chest (on a regular basis), I might have a different response than just ignoring and walking away (does the high road really pay?). I might make a comment about their small penis or something. In a sophisticated, 12-year old way!

So, my quest for a nice bra is over. I don't care anymore.

I am a proud 32AA.

Big boobs are overrated. And a little scary, if you ask me!

5-Day Re-cap:

Saw great fireworks at Nash Farms (good even in rain!) followed by bednight snack at Waffle House--nothing says "American" more than WH!

The kids FINALLY got their new kitten...this is Timbit (only the special few will know the significance of this name!). She is very tiny and cute.

Our July 4th fun was getting a fish. This is Mike.

Look how happy a goldfish makes them!! Crazy!!

Kids finally got to make their own pizza. I was declared the "Best Mama Ever." Thank you.

To end our week, we got our Chik-fil-a on and got some free food just for dressing up as cows--anything for free food! FUN!

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Home...sigh.

Laundry.

Unpacking.

Everybody moping.

Groceries.

Pool!

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We had a great vacation and the kids think it would be a nice idea to live in Canada. What a shock winter would be to them!

Posting pictures later to Picasa. For now, here is one from Mum's 70th "surprise" Bday party:

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1. Happy Canada Day! Celebrating today with the Midway and "water things" in Victoria Park.

2. This is the first time we've had internet access and I must admit, it has been OK!!

3. We are in ET court line...no idea what the wait time is until we'll travel.

4. Having a blast!

Jason and I got married in the Cobb County Courthouse 14 years ago to this minute. Well, 6:00 p.m.

This picture was taken in 2001 on Pugwash Point--more freckles and hair 10 years ago!

14 years!!!!!! Yay for us!

Spent the day packing, swimming, and packing...

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Pet Peeves:

1. Parents who do not volunteer but sit back and let others do it, time and time again. Their excuse? "I work all year--I need ME time." Hi, I work all year too--and I don't get summers off or other holidays. So, thank you for taking your ME time while my husband and I, along with other parents, grandparents, and just plain other generous folks volunteer so that you can drop your kids and have your ME time. Frankly, if I were you, I wouldn't want to spend that much time with myself.

2. Blonde jokes. Really? Are we still making them? I am convinced that blonds jokes are made by brunettes because they feel inferior. If you can't find anything remotely intelligent and funny to say, don't talk. You're annoying.

3. Bullies. Either kids or adults. My kids watched me get bullied last fall by someone we thought was a friend. I couldn't find a reasonable way to explain it to them. George summed it up by stating, "____ is just mean." Couldn't have said it better myself.

******

Other than that, life is great! Reggie is getting his rabies shot today so he can enter and exit Canada! First time travelling with a dog...this should be interesting!

******

So excited about the concert this Sunday! It's going to GREAT!

What a weekend! I had such great plans which were all foiled when I awoke at 3:00 a.m. Friday with a hugely spinning room, headache, and nausea. I actually spent all day in bed because I just couldn't move! So none of my Friday jobs got done!

I dragged myself to the Diva Dash Saturday morning (there to support the friend organizing it) and ended up walking the full thing instead of just taking the kids on the mile walk--it's amazing that the body can cooperate and hold it together when you need it! However, immediately upon retuning home, ended up back in the bed for the rest of Saturday...Jason covered my duties that day--took Mimi to her bday party and attended a friends' wedding solo.

Made it through all my Friday chores on Sunday morning and had a GREAT Girl Scout pool party here yesterday afternoon.

Feeling better today but still a little dizzy and stiff. Whatever it was, it liked my body and decided to stay a couple of extra days!

Today marks the countdown to NS! This time next week we will happily be leaving the bible belt!!

After my (first and last ever) massage experience last week (seriously...you not only talked to me during it, but you talked about religion?!!), I am more than ready for a break from all the bible thumping. Needless to say, I will not be returning there for a massage. Besides, it was rather underwhelming.

FYI...George has ceased to exist and has been replaced by my new son, "Freckles." Seriously. He has turned into a giant freckle. And that is WITH sunscreen!!

Anyone in the area this Sunday--come see a great concert. The Tussahaw Young Singers are making their debut and they are fabulous! Check one thing off my Bucket List! It may not be jumping out of a plane, but it is something I have wanted to do for more than a decade! Now...to get to kid #6 so I can check something else off!

After attending a Captain's meeting last night with M and G, I am ready to raise some money! This year, Team George will rise above the rest and be a Top Team again!

Go to www.teamgeorgeatl.blogspot.com to see how YOU can help by joining, donating, raising, and walking!

Ahhh...change CAN be good! "Retired" from one of my little part time jobs this week. I feel lighter in the step already!

*****

Enjoying the beginning of summer holidays with Jason home doing NOTHING! Well, our list of projects is as usual, long, and we are trying to accomplish hundreds of things in two weeks before our trek to NS. But, I am enjoying a second cup of coffee (decaf still) in my studio while Jason mans the troops.

*****

Vinny, sitting by the pool with me yesterday, started a conversation. It went like this:

"I have a penis."

"Yes, Vinny, you do."

"Georgie has a penis. Ta-Ta has a penis."

(pause)

"Mimi doesn't have a penis."

"No, Vinny that's right."

"I like my penis."

"Good for you, Vinny."

******

Now, to the pool!

This time four years ago, we were exhausted and glowing with the addition of Number Three! To us, it seems as though Natan was always here. Since his arrival, our journey has taken some unexpected turns but we wouldn't change a thing.

Leads us to our current adoption and the journey we have begun. Many unknowns, many adjustments. We just don't know her future, and that is OK. We think it will be pretty bright! Fortunately, we have in our lives a small circle of folks who are loving and supportive.

There is great photo somewhere with Jason and I at the airport with N. Probably my favorite from the whole trip! Will post when I find it!

lovey!

Referral papers are here--she is officially our's! Will not be able to post a picture until we pass the embassy in ET (months away...), but I can assure you she is one adorable little girl! Her papers say she loves to be cuddled and eats and sleeps well. What more can you ask for??

The kids are SO excited and, like us, impatient to get her home!

She will keep her birth name as her legal name, but to us, she will be called, "Lovey." So named by Mimi almost two years ago when we started this process. And she is a lovey for sure!

Yay! The wait is over. Now for the next wait...

One choir program (a couple of weeks ago)...check!

One piano recital (today)...check!

Jason's school concert this Wednesday...

Natan's last day of school Thursday...yay!!

One debut concert coming up on June 12!

Here are my two little stars...

Mimi

George