Things to be Grateful For...in no particular order!

1. I have a husband who comes home and makes TWO loaves of bread which are DELICIOUS!!!!

2. I have a daughter who is FEARLESS and loves to win (but still knows how to have fun!)!

3. I have a son who laughs his way through a soccer game but doesn't let ANY goals in on his watch!!

4. We have good friends that made our Saturday evening at Stone Mountain AWESOME!

5. We have some pretty silly boys who LOVE dress up!

6. We have a son who lets big sister pull his tooth out and saves me from doing it!

7. This one has no picture...I have a pretty awesome Mum! She knows why.

The new Pledge of Allegiance I will use in school from now on:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands,

One nation under Canada,

Indivisible, with some liberty and some justice for all, depending upon your race.

Since I don't own an American flag, I can't burn one on my lawn. Teaching my children the truth (for example that the US is on a level with countries like Iran and North Korea--all have the death penalty)--is the best I can do. I will not raise little racist, ignorant auto-bots.

My two older kids, at age 7, understand that when someone has hurt you, physically or emotionally, you don't hurt them back. I don't care what the crime is, killing is NOT the answer. It does not prevent crime, otherwise there would be no crime.

I truly think this country COULD be great if it followed what it set out to do...until then, I will teach the truth.

George: "I'm not into girls anymore...I'm just into Angry Birds."

Score one for video games!!!!!

Tell me why I changed my citizenship again because I have no idea!

I am ashamed of and disgusted with the state of Georgia.

Click to read the story:

Shame on you, state of GA.

Weekend Re-Cap:

We had a blast celebrating George's birthday with an Angry Birds party!

He declared it "the best day EVER!"

Angry Bird Cake Pops are delish!!!!

Thank you, Aunt Sa and Uncle Dwayne for the Legos--he's holding the helicopter here...

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George's other gift was attending his first organ recital today at St. Phillips Cathedral in Atlanta. The kids loved it and it was FREE--score! He met the organist afterwards and told him he wants to be an organist when he grows up--well, that and a superhero!!

I am not ashamed to admit that for both Mimi and George's 7th birthdays I was privately very sad...judge if you want. I love my kids--I loved them as babies, as toddlers, and even though I know they have to grow up, it doesn't make it easier on me!

A friend of mine is pregnant, and George asked, "So what kind of food did she eat to get the baby in her tummy?" If you know me at all, you know that we are a pretty open-minded family. We don't hide much from our kids, and they are pretty familiar with reality. So...they know where babies come from. I reminded George of two little things called sperm and egg and he said, "Oh yeah..." Mimi's contribution: "Oh, Georgie...we know that!"

I take a lot of criticism for the fact that we've always been open with our kids--they know good touch/bad touch and what to do in a bad touch situation, they know that babies are made in a scientific way involving sperm and egg, but that you can be born in one mom's tummy and live with a different family. Why hide that from your kids? It doesn't mess with their innocence...it may even help preserve it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...please do not offer your unwanted opinions on our child rearing. They are OUR children, and we're doing what works for our family! Whether you agree or not is your problem, not our's.

Great morning at Panola yesterday, "hiking" through the Rock Outcrop--the kids stood patiently while I read off the information at each lettered stop--eyes glazed over, but I think they learned a little something! Natan pointed out all the chlorophyll around us (pointing at the green leaves)! Yay--I must be doing something right!

Rockin' the self-timer at Panola!

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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.

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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!

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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!!

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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.

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

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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!!

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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!!!!

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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!

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Good times...