Little red shoes

So, my sister-in-law and I often grocery shop together. It's fun, we share food ideas, chatter, and meet people we know along the way.
If I have kids with me she takes some and I take some. She thinks it's fun.

Today was jobs day and shop day for my sister-in-law so she came over, got us ready and off we went.

Not long into jobs Jarah (aged 2yrs) decides that he's going to complain and beg. I've seen it before. He's in pain. He is non-verbally Communicating with me to stop the pain even though he can and does talk. I ask whats wrong and he wont say. I ask if he has a sore bum and he says "errm" in that same non-comunicative sound he's been making. He has nappy rash. Quite badly too for that much crying to be going on.

So I go into the shop to buy corn flour to cure the pain. Shock and disbelief it doesn't work. I can hardly believe it. Corn flour always works. He has a full set of toddler teeth so he shouldn't have bad nappy rash anyhow. (nappy rash = teething for this child).

I pull his nappy off hoping he doesn't wet me, my pram or the shop floor. He's still crying, squirming and carrying on. He looks at me confused at why I'm not fixing his sore, I look at him frustrated that he's in pain and can't do anything to relieve it.

Eventually fed up I abandoned shopping, sister-in-law & 3 kids to take two year old frustrated in pain toddler to the car to get the pants off to cure the red rash - which is now gone?

Pulling pants to knees they get stuck on the little red shoes so I start to unlace them. Screaming more he starts yelling hurt hurt. What hurts? There he says pointing to his foot. Oh. Your shoes hurt? Yes says relieved two year old that mum finally understands that his bum was a bit pink but not sore at all.

It was the little red shoes.

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Cultural Covering of Breastfeeding

I wrote a long post on this topic last night, but my husband put the kibosh on it, saying that I would probably offend people.  I decided to try again.  Please know that I am sincerely not trying to offend people with my opinion.  This post is not directed at the individual, but rather our culture. Please read with an open mind.

I posted this week on the BFBS Facebook page my belief that the breastfeeding covers have done more to hurt the NIP (Nursing in Public) cause than help it.  Before I go on, I know plenty of people that use the covers.  I am glad that they are breastfeeding and not giving their baby a bottle of formula.  I realize that for some women, it's all they can do to actually be out in public breastfeeding, even with a cover.  I've had moms come to childbirth class reunions and wear the covers and say, "Screw you, Donna, I'm using it!"  I don't really care.  I really don't.  I love them for that.  I really don't care about the individual use of the covers.  I am, however, concerned about the perpetual use -- the expectation that all breastfeeding women should cover -- that concerns me.   I think women are being told to cover up more often because of the covers.

We all know that the breasts are totally sexualized in the United States.  Breasts are sexual, like it or not.  I'm not going to tell you to not think of breasts that way.  But it is OK that they have a function too.  People -- men and women -- are uncomfortable with this.  We see breasts and cleavage hanging out everywhere we go, but using them in a functional way, to nourish a baby through sucking at the breast, makes just about everyone uncomfortable. We want rights and we demand that everyone not sexualize the breast, but then we wear the covers which, in effect, hides their function.

Several people commented on the Facebook page that they were concerned about men, teenagers, and children being exposed to breastfeeding.  This perpetuates the problem, that we are not allowing them to be around breastfeeding.  I've seen people make comments that "Everyone knows what's going on under there," but that's not necessarily true.  A lot of people have no idea what's going on under there because they've never witnessed a woman breastfeeding, especially if everyone is using these covers!  Children don't know what you are doing.  Teenagers probably don't know either.  Even if they do, it is obvious that you are hiding it, so by the very nature of the hiding behavior, it must be shameful or embarrassing.  They do not learn that breasts serve another purpose besides sexual excitement. 

I was at the park with a friend a couple of years ago who had a nursing baby.  My children were back and forth from the picnic table, but my son (then about 12), was hanging out at the table with us.  She always breastfed anywhere, so I was surprised when she asked if she should cover or go sit in her car.  For a split second, I thought maybe she should cover.  I immediately told her of course not.  Feed her baby.  She did, and Daymon didn't even bat an eye.  He didn't try to look away or look uncomfortable.  I think he was already aware that breasts have a function and the baby needed to nurse.

Likewise, my girls have never acted weird about it either.  They see women breastfeeding in our house all the time.  They don't look away or act embarrassed.  It's just how women feed their babies.  But I don't act weird about it -- or even draw attention to it -- and so they don't either.  Occasionally  I will have someone using a cover and at least one of my girls will stare.  She'll look confused, knowing there was a baby in her lap before, but now they are all covered up.  She has no idea she is feeding her baby.

I am happy you are choosing to breastfeed. I just want women to have confidence in themselves to breastfeed in public.  There are so many ways to wear your clothing.  You do not have to be immodest to not use a cover.  I believe that our children -- and husbands -- will be more excepting of breastfeeding and it will become accepted, not shameful, if women will just casually nurse their babies without hiding.  People often say they are covering because it makes them more comfortable, and this is what makes me sad -- that they are made to feel uncomfortable in our society. 

I realize that you may sweat bullets when you have to nurse in public.  It is stressful for some women. I don't want women to feel like they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.  All I am trying to get across is that if you feel like you could easily handle nursing in public without a cover, from a cultural perspective, I think it's good for people to see women proudly breastfeeding.   If you just can't get over it, then by all means, use a cover, knowing you are doing the best you can.  I promise I won't say a single thing to you if I see you using a cover!

Before I let you go, I wanted to show you the bathroom my students -- and everyone else that comes to my house -- uses.  It is devoted to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.  It's gorgeous!  For some, it's probably their only exposure to breastfeeding!  Enjoy.  If you come to my house, don't forget to ask to use my bathroom. 

"Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her child, and the earth."

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Markell does the election two-step, funds education in proposed budget

If I still had respect for the Gov (respect is easily lost and much harder to earn) I'd see his proposed education funding as a sign of improved economy and perhaps a sign that he got the message - you can't balance the state's budget on the backs of children.  But, I know better now... And I'll call it what it is (My comments are in red.):

From the News Journal, http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201270339

DOVER -- Delaware public schools were spared from a steep drop in funding next year in Gov. Jack Markell's proposed 2013 fiscal year budget. Classic Election Year Move to earn support of parents and educators.

Markell proposed $27.4 million in new spending for school operations to make up for the loss of one-time federal stimulus money Congress appropriated to stave off teacher layoffs during the recession. Back it up here! First Markell moved education funds  -eliminating line items like the one that paid reading specialists - into the general fund to support other state expenditures.  Then he backfilled with the federal stimulus monies all the while warning that the funding cliff was coming - coming mind you b/c he was moving edu-funds into general funds and eliminating needed programs...

"The bottom line is, putting in the $27.4 million will absolutely help us with staffing and personnel, which prior to today we were very concerned about," said Delmar Superintendent David Ring, who heads the state's Chief School Officers Association. "It would vary district to district, but we absolutely would have had major layoffs."  In Christina, RIFs have somewhat been mitigated by a year or two due to our tax payers who valued public education and passed an operating referendum two years back.  While you can't just move state and federal funds from one bucket to another, the district is better able to re-appropriate local funds to offset some of the damage inflicted by our Gov.'s past budgets.  It's not ideal or even close, but it helped to stabilize the district at a time when the Gov. was disenfranchising education voters. Absolutely, there are districts that would have been crippled if this funding was not made available now.  And I'll take it, knowing that the Gov. is already planning to hack away at education funds the second he's re-elected. 

The $3.54 billion total budget -- which includes $960.7 million for school district operations -- also appropriates $8.7 million to hire 111 new teachers across the state to account for projected growth in enrollment next school year.  This is a classic move for a politician up for re-election.  Spending money on more teachers is designed to engage union support.  If more teachers are hired, it safe to assume many of them will become a part of the unions that protect their rights resulting in more union dues and probably an endorsement from one of the most powerful unions in the state.  I live unions, but I fear that the Gov's move to buy their support will do just that.  I wonder how quickly our union leadership will forget about DPASS-II Component V and how our teachers evaluation will be tied to a test that measures student achievement and not a teachers proficiency? Will they forget that they have been demonized by the likes of the Gov's Buddy Skip Schoenals and the rest of the business roundtable? 

Markell's proposal also includes $8.8 million to pay contractual step increases for employees in K-12 schools and Delaware Technical Community College. Really? Is this noteworthy?  The key word here is "contractual."  These employees have a contract that ensure they get their step increases.  As the Gov. is not seeking across the board pay cuts as he has done in the past, this is non-news.  It was safe to assume that their wages would be paid as contractually obligated!  I hate feel good lines that are tossed into stories for the sole point of feeling good.  This is not an accomplishment.  This is business as usual.

In response to a study showing 1,000 paraprofessionals are underpaid in Delaware, he proposed giving each classroom aide a $750 raise, adding another $750,000 line-item to the budget.  Okay, the Gov. and I can agree on this one:  a number of education employees including paras are paid at below or just above poverty levels. This is income long deserved.  Sadly, it doesn't touch nearly enough employees and it's not enough, but it's a start.  Maybe the state-induced paycuts (and I predict our Gov will go there if he wins another term) won't hurt these employees quite so much...

Ring said the governor's education funding plan was the best news the state's school districts could have expected. Districts were worried about the loss of $27.4 million in federal stimulus funding, he said. 

Delaware schools received that money in 2011, but were urged by the Markell administration not to spend it until the current fiscal year, which bought the state another year to find the funds.  The A-HA Moment!  So those of us who have the spiteful job of approving education budgets knew this funding existed.  It was approved more than a year ago by the federal government and sent to states to distribute to districts.  In Delaware, the funding was held at the state level with the strong admonition that districts should not try to draw down these funds.  They are one-time funds meant to preserve education jobs.  Most, if not all, districts have not drawn on these funds, waiting until Markell's funding cliff materializes.  This is not special funding that our Gov. has secured for Delawareans.  It was already in the pipeline and many of us have spent the last year praying that the state would not find a way to raid this funding, too. 

"I pushed that problem off for a year and now we have to address it," said Ann Visalli, director of the Office of Management and Budget. Of course it must be addressed.  The funding sunsets - don't spend it and you have to give it back. 

The president of the state teachers union gave the Democratic governor's education budget good marks.  Please, Frederika, don't drink the kool-aid as some who have come before you have (and trust me, I hear from reliable sources, some are regretting it!)  Remember, Jack's buddy, calling you and your kin out as factory floor workers who are holding the ed-system hostage!  That's their true colors shining through!

"It's both financial and emotional support for the folks making it happen in our schools," said Frederika Jenner, president of the Delaware State Education Association.

Jenner said she was particularly pleased with the governor's $3.5 million appropriation for early childhood programs, which will add to $22 million the administration gave to those programs last year.  I wonder how much of the original $22 million came from funds previously dedicated to transportation?  Those funds were hijacked last year by the Gov.  Yes, I agree that we need to invest in early childhood, but programs like Baby Race to the Top are just misguided efforts. 

"I believe that many of our issues that we see in elementary, middle school and high school maybe started before the child entered our school system," Jenner said.  Frederika is a smart woman, she knows that longitudinal data absolutely supports this fact.  Children who do not participate in effective early education such as preschool start kindergarten and first grade with a gap.  I've heard from countless principals who saw this when our district moved from 1/2 day to full-day kindergarten.  Children who were 1/2 day K-students were often behind their full-day K counterparts in first grade.  

Heartbreaking:  The fact the internationally educators in the early childhood field have been fighting for funding for decades.  Though it's a start, Delaware's already late in the game to tackle the education of our youngest as an intervention to proficiency gaps.

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Breaking News: DPASS-II Component 5 will COUNT this YEAR!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <Secretary.Lowery@doe.k12.de.us>
Date: Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Subject: Message from Secretary Lowery
To:


Dear Colleagues,

First, let me thank you for your patience. I know many of you have felt angst surrounding the uncertainty and confusion around how Component 5 (Student Growth) would be measured on your evaluations during this development year. I want to thank the many of you who have shared your concerns with me, the Governor, legislators, district leaders and union representatives. Your voices were heard and appreciated, and we've continued to make changes because of the insights and suggestions you have shared. It is because of your dedication and assistance that with the agreement of DSEA leadership, we have reached a final policy for this year, one we can all point to as fair and focused. I will outline it further below.

I also want to thank the more than 400 teachers from across the state who have been joining us in Dover over the past few months to develop multiple measures across content areas and grades. You know the best ways to assess your students when they enter your classrooms and throughout the year, and many of you have been using these measures in your work for years. The reason our state's system will be strong next year is because of these measures, developed by our teachers and validated by national experts on our technical advisory committee.

With that work continuing through the coming months, we still must have a fair plan for this year's evaluations. With the help of your union leaders, we have finalized this year's policy:

For the 2011/12 school year, educator summative ratings will be determined without use of Component V except as used to identify highly effective teachers, as noted below. Using Components I - IV, an educator's summative rating will be determined as follows:

o 0 or 1 satisfactory components = Ineffective summative rating

o 2 satisfactory components = Needs Improvement summative rating

o 3 or 4 satisfactory components = Effective summative rating

Only teachers of DCAS-tested subjects (math, English Language Arts in grades 3-10) will receive a Component V score for this year. They will be eligible for a Highly Effective summative rating and therefore eligible for incentive and retention bonuses. Details on the incentive/retention program will be finalized and announced this spring and will be voluntary at the local level.

Thank you again for your patience and assistance in this work. I look forward to continuing to hear from you and working with you as we move forward together on this and other work with the shared ultimate goal in mind: a stronger school system for our children. Like all of our work, this begins and ends with the students. I know you share that motivation with me, and I thank you for your dedication to our students.

If you have any questions or would like more information on this change, please contact Deputy Secretary of Education and Chief of Staff Dan Cruce at dcruce@doe.k12.de.us.


Sincerely,

Lillian

Lillian M. Lowery
Secretary of Education

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Home School - week 1 - 2012

Vegetable steaming & preparing meals

Reading books

Skate park

Tent making, sign writing

Character:
I have four beautiful children, one whom comes to me with complaints about others.
They want me to tell the other child/ren off for not being what they want them to be/do.
In life, we need to learn and accept that we cannot change another person but we can change ourself.
This child is the one who is in training, or in trouble.
We need to look at ourself and identify the part that we did wrong so we can put that part right and (ideally) change our behavior.
We also need to learn to rise above the behaviors of others. We can't control or change them but we can find our identity and self worth in a better place. If we are being teased we don't need to take that on. Yes it might hurt but we are not defined by what others think of us.

School Curriculum Books & Readers

Sign made telling all visitors to use the back door because there is a cubby inside.
This had NOTHING to do with me! Although I did tell him where they tape was.
Unschooling/Natural Learning

Cubby Making
Unschooling / Natural Learning

Playing with the new chickens and making sure they have food and water.
They were released into the actual chook pen later ;)
Unschooling/Natural Learning

The local seal up close, after chasing some storms for educational purposes.
Unschooling/Natural Learning

Fly catcher, we had no fly screens. At all. 

Blogger kids taking a photo of blogger mum. Pay back?

Please Note: this was written somewhere in the begining of 2012 and for some reason not published. The beginning stages of unschooling.

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Rest Peacefully

Another child taken too soon...broken hearts all around...

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Mayor Baker Carves ANOTHER Notch on His Belt - When will he tackle guns and make our streets safe for children?

Yes, this is usually a mantra you'd read on Transparentchristina.wordpress.org.  I'm taking a play from their playbook and the question stands:  When will Mayor Baker dedicate the necessary resources to make Wimington's streets safe for children?

Larry J.A. Parks III was fatally shot in the chest shortly before 4 p.m. in the 300 block of New Castle Ave., where Wilmington police officers found him lying in the street.

Mr. Parks' deaths marks the THIRD homicide in Wilmington this year - that's an average of 1 per week. It's still January!  It's nothing short of criminal that the Mayor has failed to deploy the resources to tackle the issue of violence in the City.  He's failed to make the streets safe for our children. 

Rest Peacefully, Mr. Parks.  From what I've read, you will be deeply missed by your family, your peers, and your teachers. 

Mayor - It's time to get to work!

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A Simplified Life:

A new blog for a new season of life... That is updated not starting a fresh...

For anyone who has known me for a long time they would know that I often change things around in my life. I seem to have been this way only since being a Christian and it happens often enough. Therefore you shouldn't be overly surprised to discover a new one.

This has been more of a journey then a sudden change. A growing if you could say. I've been here before but dont seem to 'stick' to it.

Life is certainly about seasons and changes, the weather changes, the time of day change, our hearts change, our children grow, develop and change.

This latest change of mine? Eating more whole foods, eating home grown and organic & biodynamic foods, composting, worm farming, chicken/duck runs, changing the amount of garbage that enters our home through prepackaged stuff, living more simply, less stuff,... All things apart of the natural rhythms of my heart,.. to discover more meaning in life.

This is including,
* decluttering
* Recycle bin
* Being home more
* Routine - our family special routine
* Cooking afternoon once per week
* Better 'schedule'
* Allowing time for things to occur
* letting go of the things I want to do but have no time or means for
* Having more excursions or family outings
* Composting
* Worm Farming
* Vegetable Gardening
* Herb Gardening
* Chicken / Duck loving
* Natural Learning (Play for School)
* NO Facebook <----- it is a time stealer!!
* More ART work
* Letting go of things less worthy
* Doing only things that are valuable
* Saving money (Seriously)
* Laying on the floor rolling on my shaggy mat with the children

5 Things I am Thankful for:
1. Bloggers, for sharing parts of their lives and challenge new, better, improved ways of thinking and being and believing
2. Being set free from attempting at living life like other people do.. I am too unique for that ;)
3. The internal growing and developing in the heart
4. Opportunities that have risen for these things to take place
5. Knowing that Jesus is Lord, My Lord.

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Busy-ness of life

Has it ever occurred to you that you are too busy? And by too busy I don't mean that you've got kids with hunger needs, clothing needs, cleaning needs, I mean busy doing so many things you have no time for yourself? If you have no time for yourself then perhaps yes you are too busy. I mean I am too busy.

Have you noticed when we catch up with people we ask things like "so what have you been up to lately?" we never ask "so have you had a good rest lately?" maybe we should start.

Raising lots of little kids on a single income in a society geared to consumerism and doing things I am often questioning the whole decluttered thingy.. Until I was challenged in the 'mental clutter' things that clutter us mentally. Stress, financial burdens, drama filled lives etc. Even other things like running kids to various extracurricular activities.

I've lived with the burdens of mental clutter. I've been stressed, financial burdens, drama filled life. It is emotionally exhausting and with little kids you can hardly afford such emotional damage.

So what am I saying? I'm saying, cut back on the mental clutter, stop worrying about tomorrow when today has enough trouble of its own.

For me some of the things I have had to cut down on is going out. Just for a little season. Not because it's too hard or I don't cope or I can't handle the kids.. But because I lovingly did it daily for two weeks, and when school goes back (as in time hits feb) I will be running kids around 4 days a (school) week. Big deal you school mums might think ;) but for me it means entertaining 3 extra kids while one completes their lesson. Some days I just want to chill but I am knowing that when that time comes we will be busy. I will be busy.

I am busy.

I've been enjoying chilling out at home with the kids. I've rolled around on my shagpile rug with the kids fighting over who gets to sit next to me. I've dressed the babies in a singlet and mcn and that's it. I've let the washing pile up, I've cooked some wonderful meals and snacks and stuff for the family (chicken and zucchini lasagne, chocolate mud cake, yoghurt, and I forgotten the rest), I don't seem ever to get on top of the kitchen with all the use it gets.

*sigh*

I love what I do and the people that I do it with xx

5 things I am thankful for:
1. Being an ex-scrapper so the kids and I can see our past together. Time to start again?? ;)
2. My wonderful beautiful kids
3. Thermomix being back in action
4. Blogging to remember
5. iPhone camera at the ready :)

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More on the Voluntary School Assessment - Heffron missed the memo...

Rich Heffron, of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, said his group opposed the fee when it was first proposed more than a decade ago.  http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201220342

Something about this statement in yesterday's News Journal really rubbed me the wrong way - perhaps more than Reybold's veiled attempt to stimulate their profit margins...

And when I thought back to Delaware's Winning Race to the Top Application - you know the great plan to deform public education - I remembered  the "Letters of Support" - most notably the  Delaware Chamber of Commerce's letter which was includethe RTTT application.  It can be found in Appendix (A)(2) – 8."

These particular portions of that letter stand out to me:

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is the largest most influential business organization in the state. The mission of the state chamber is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state.  This can only be accomplished by growing a workforce that has a solid educational background with all Delaware public school students having access to the best possible education in the world.

The Chamber has embraced support of education as a primary, long-term strategic goal of our organization...

On behalf of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, I offer my full support to our state leaders and educators in your industrious dedication and tireless work to create world-class schools that will benefit all Delawareans...  Link HERE p 60

Um, yeah, and that's why the Chamber put it's full support behind the Voluntary School Assessment back in the 1990s.  NOT.  The Chamber supports education as long as business is likely to benefit financially from a new industry built entirely around NCLB/RTTT. But, the second education might actually cost them a red cent, they balk, and they do so publically in the News Journal.

The Chamber has opposed the Voluntary Assessment for more than a decade.  They believe that builders should not pay, nor act as a condoit for such payment, into the educational system that will serve the children of those who buy the homes they build.  The Voluntary Assessment helps build capacity in schools.  The funding is needed even if developments go up in reclaimed areas where schools are not at capacity.  Districts age and their facilities need attention.  Districts in turn pay-out to business for the minor and major capital projects. The investment returns itself in spades (and jobs) for the business community.  But, the Chamber seems to be of the same mind as Reybold that this assessment should be assessed over all tax payers.  Yeah, and school districts can raise your taxes anytime they want.  NOT.  Um, that's why we have referendums.

Anyway, I just wanted to put it out there - the Star Chamber of Commerce is speaking out both sides of their ass on this one.  They fully support DOE as evidenced by their letter in support of RTTT as long it doesn't affect their members' bottom line.  I'm calling bullshit!

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Delaware Builder Takes Aim at School Funding

Reybold wants their share of school funding back... Or at least a legislated change in the Voluntary School Assessment formula - a non-voluntary assessment that helps fund additional classrooms when new neighborhoods are built. 

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012201220342

Jerome Heisler, of the Reybold Venture Group, said in the suit filed Dec. 28 in U.S. District Court that the state's Voluntary School Assessment is flawed because the amount of the fee is the same whether the new housing unit is an efficiency apartment or a seven-bedroom McMansion.

"The Voluntary School Assessment, calculated on a per-unit basis, is discriminatory in that it ... burdens basic freedoms by limiting the selection of areas in which low-income persons, the majority of whom are ... minorities, can purchase new housing," the lawsuit says.

Department of Education spokeswoman Alison Kepner said she couldn't comment on the specifics of the suit.

The assessment on face value is probably unfair.  It is overly burdensome for builders who target housing for the middle class and the poor.  But, then, it's a safe statistical assumption that most builders pass that assessment cost onto their buyers.  And that's the crux of the Reybold argument: A buyer than can only afford a $30,000 mobile home will have a tougher time finding the same $6,000 that the buyer of the McMansion foots. 

However, Reybold's suit is asking for something more than legislated changes to equalize the assessment: 

The suit asks the court to declare the Voluntary School Assessment "discriminatory and/or unconstitutional, and therefore unenforceable." It seeks an injunction that would halt the collection of the fee and force the state to refund the fees collected to date.

I can go along to get-along with most of the argument - but this is where Reybold loses me.  The builder is suing to force the state to refund the fees collected to date.  So, off the top of my head, I find myself asking:

• Let's be clear here - If the management at Reybold truly thought this fee would hurt their clientele, they would have filed this suit back in 1999 when the Assessment hit the books. It's curious that they've waited 13 years to object. Perhaps this is a response to the recession and Reybold has seen their sales decline?  I'm just saying that the motivation as purported by the suit is not the true motivation of the builder, but just an ancillary fact that bolsters their argument...  
•  Say this suit gathers steam:  If the court orders a refund, who gets it? The builder who likely passed the fee down to his buyer? Or the buyer who may have paid the fee without even knowing they were funding schools?
• If the court orders a refund, what's the impact to tax payers?  From the DOE spokesperson:

If that were to happen, Kepner said, the school- expansion costs to accommodate the students who live in houses that paid the fee would have to be funded another way.

"All taxpayers in the school districts would have to pay the costs associated with building capacity to serve the new subdivisions," Kepner said.

That's DOE speak for we spent that money and we don't have any to refund, so we'll find away to push that along to the tax payers. 

That's part and parcel with the Governor's plan for fiscal responsibility and it's just scary.  Delaware's Gov has raided education spending for three years to balance the state's budget.  He's eliminated programs such as the one that provided reading specialists in our schools, moved dedicated education dollars into the general fund where such monies can be spent on things other than education.  Though he was rebuffed in year one in regards to transportation funding, last year he did manage to push off a substantial chunk of transportation costs to the local districts.  It's already been forecast that when the Gov. releases his next proposed budget that there will be more money diverted away from education. So just how would the Gov raise enough money to reimburse the builders for the not-voluntary Voluntary School Assessment Fees? 

Let's just hope that some of our legislators keyed into this News Journal story and will act to equalize the fee before the DOE has a chance to lose the lawsuit with Reybold.

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DIY -- Siblings at Birth Class

It's your lucky day!  I am giving you my outline for my Siblings at Birth class I periodically teach.  I've written on this topic of children attending birth before.  Here's a link if you are still thinking this is a little weird.
One of the first questions I get about this class is what age is appropriate?  You know your children better than anyone, but as a general rule, I think a mature 3-year-old does fine.  Many families like the idea of including their children, but it is important that the children make their own decision as to whether or not they want to be there.  Let them get the information and then decide for themselves.  Vena was 6 when Darcy was born and chose not to be in the room.  Of course, at 13, she regrets that decision, but at the time, that was the right decision for her.  

First off, I tell the children how often I get to teach the class, which is almost never.  Children rarely are invited to a birth, and if they are, I find that a lot of parents aren't real sure how to prepare them.  I hope you'll pick up some helpful tips here.

I let the children know that their parents really love them a lot to invite them to be at the birth.  We have some conversation about how they feel about the new baby.  Is it a boy or girl?  What do they hope for?  What do they think the birth will be like?  How do they feel about being at the birth?  You might be surprised at some of the answers.

We talk about the environment where the baby currently lives.  No hunger, perfect temperature, cozy, can hear voices, and the baby likes to be with mom.  I bring my baby and placenta and umbilical cord.  Pictures work great too.  Depending on the ages of the children, you can make this as complex or as simple as needed.

When we start talking about contractions, I find that simple pictures of contractions -- ie. the wavy pictures where they start out far apart and not very high, progressing to short breaks and high "hills" -- are pretty effective for the rest of the discussion.  I refer back to it when we are talking about appropriate things for them to be doing depending on which phase of labor their mom is in.

The visualization of a turtleneck pulling over your head , depending on what part of the country you live, is good for children when describing the cervix pulling back to let the baby out.  I taught this class this week and the kids had no idea what a turtleneck is!  That's Texas winters for you!

Tell them about the type of environment that is helpful -- dark, quiet, warm.  I suggest the kids pack a labor bag too, no matter where the birth is taking place, just like mom will be doing.  Pack special snacks, a new or favorite movie, and new puzzles or books.  Pack things that they can help with at the birth -- a massage tool to use on mom's back, suckers for mom (and maybe one or two for themselves), some juice boxes, a camera, or a journal.  Give them a job to do at the birth.  It keeps them focused and they feel valued.  They want to help but won't know how unless you give them direction beforehand.

It's always fun to ask the kids, "How does the baby get out?"  I tell the story of Daymon asking at 4 years old this very question.  I told him to think on it for a few minutes.  I was jumping out of my car briefly, and when I got back in, I asked him if he had an answer.  He said he thought that it must be like a really big poop!  The kids always think its funny, but then I go on to explain how it is similar.  They can understand pushing a poop out!

My favorite part of the class is talking about the sounds and facial expressions mom will likely make.  If you haven't read my post on Sounding Your Labor, you might check that out.  I have the kids relax all their muscles, take some good deep breaths, and let out the lowest longest sound they can.  Afterwards, I have them make a high pitched sound.  It's good if they watch each other when they do it, too.  Their shoulders come up and their breathing is shallow and tight.  I ask them which one they felt more relaxed.  Of course, they all say they were more relaxed when they made the low sounds.  I show them what their mom might sound like -- obviously, it's good if they hear this from their actual mother!  Tell them that is another way they can help her -- listen for the low sounds and encourage her to make those sounds (they won't be afraid of those sounds then).  If they hear the high-pitched ones, they can remind her to "bring it down."

A heads up about mom keeping her eyes closed during labor might be helpful too.  They need to know that during labor they cannot ask mom for help.  Her only job is to get the baby out and Dad's only job is to help Mom.  If they need anything, they need to ask the people that are there to help them. 

Speaking of -- There needs to be someone helping with the children at the actual birth and there needs to be someone who will be OK with leaving the birth to be with any children who decide they do not want to be in the room. 

Let's face it, some births are bloodier than others.  Letting children know where the blood is coming from is helpful.  When you talk about the placenta and how it is attached, be sure to tell them that the placenta will be "born" too and there will be some blood.  It's normal.  I've found that some kids are excited about being at the birth until they learn about the placenta.

Watching birth videos where children are present at the births is helpful as well.  It's good that they see how the other kids react.  If they can hear some "sounding," even better.  Talk about how good the mom sounds, how relaxed.  It gets the kids comfortable with these sounds being a good thing, not scary. 
Finally, talk to them a bit about the new baby.  The baby will know their voices and will like for them to play peek-a-boo or sing to them.  The baby will cry.  They can help figure out what makes the baby happy.   Give them special jobs to help with when the new baby comes.

I hope this post is helpful in preparing your children to be at their sibling's birth.  Forgive me if you have heard this story before - I'm getting old and have started repeating myself!  Daymon desperately wanted a brother and I was positive I was giving him one.  When Darcy was born, I held her for a long time, scared to turn this baby over.  What if it was another girl? I would very likely never be giving my son a brother.  When David announced it was Darcy, not James, 8-year-old Daymon shed big silent tears.  It was such a heartbreaking moment.  Ripped my heart out, in fact.  They stayed up for a while, but sometime around midnight we sent them to bed.  He was the first one up at 6:00 the next morning.  He snuggled in to our bed right behind Darcy and while he was looking at her, whispered, "I love her more than anything in the world."  

I believe that Daymon witnessing his third sister's birth -- and finding out with everyone at the same time that the baby was a girl -- greatly influenced his acceptance of this baby. 

I congratulate you for including your children in your birth experience.  Have the children write or draw a picture shortly after the birth documenting the experience from their perspective.  You'll treasure that forever.  Witnessing the birth will help to set them on a path of believing birth is a normal life event -- one to be treasured and shared with those you love most. 

*Photos used with permission.  Thanks to the talented Keri Duckett, a member of the Tarrant County Birth Network.

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Bullying Right Next Door in Cecil County Goes Viral

This ought to make you sick.  If it doesn't, you have no heart.

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Swimming lessons

For the past two weeks Isaiah & 4x uncle/aunts have been doing vac swim at one of our local beaches. Each day i take 6 kids down to the jetty (where swimming lessons are) and 2 ride/skate/scooter down together. The joys of having 8 kids with only 6 seats free in my car ;)

With an 8am class daily our entire routine has changed and I've really liked it. Actually I think the children have enjoyed it also. Something different.

Anyway, Isaiah passed his first swimming lessons ever and is now in level 2.

That means he can:
* enter water safely
* exhale in water
* open eyes under water
* submerge (waist deep)
* glide forward and recover
* float or glide backward and recover
* safety survival sequence No. 1

We've not really done any other 'school work' but certainly have been learning.

Hilights of the past two weeks include:
Building sandcastles with mould buckets
Jarah being ok with going into the water on someones back (hates moving water aka beach tides)
Taking near 150photos on our new camera (thanks G!)
Avigail learning to stand by herself during that time
Isaiah's attitude change from day 1 don't want to do it to loving it and happy to go
Learning new songs and teaching to siblings
I've enjoyed hanging with these little sister-in-laws & brother-in-law and getting to know each of them better/differently

I am thinking of putting Amalia into swimming lessons at the pools may r when school goes back and even putting Isaiah in again but we shall see how it works out.

Here he is: ((I have better pics than this on my big new camera but wanted to record this before I forgot))

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Supreme Court Declines to Hear Prayer Appeal for Indian River School Board Meetings

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to take up the issue of prayers at school board meetings.

The justices declined to hear the appeal of a school board in Delaware, which had its practice of reciting prayers before its public board meetings struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, in Philadelphia. www.edweek.org

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Markell the Union Maker!

While some states are union-busting, Delaware's apparently busting out new unions...

Pete Seeger on Unions...

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Look for the Union Label on Delaware Charter School

Well, well, well DEducrats - It's happened! It's really really happened! Delaware College Preparatory Academy has unionized!  Wonder what the Rodelleans will think when this hits the press in the morning?  Should the Delaware Charter School Network be concerned?  Are you? I'd love for you to be my thought partner on this one!!!

And let's just toss out there this game-changer:   if Charter schools are the educational panacea for which we all search - why would the staff of a Delaware Charter vote for unionization?

Link to the Most Recent published minutes of a DCPA Board Meeting:
October 2011
November 2011
Charter Unionized

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Gov. Commutes Gattis, Disrespects Victim and Family

"This commutation in no way relieves Mr. Gattis of his moral or legal guilt, and I am mindful of the fact that an innocent victim lost her life on the night of May 9, 1990," Markell said, adding the decision to spare Gattis life was "among the most difficult I have had to make in all my years in public service." - News Journal

Apparently the Gov. was not mindful enough the respect the sentence bestowed on Mr. Gattis by the jury of his peers for the murder of former girlfriend Shirley Slay. 


Normally, I wouldn't talk the death penalty on this blog - but this is just one more instance of poor judgement exemplified by Gov. 

"Keeping the person in prison is still protecting society,"said Richard Dieter, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, D.C.

Lest any one among us is confused... Keeping murderers in prison is "still protecting society."  But, the issue is deeper... Gattis murdered someone and was sentenced to death.  

"At last week's Board of Pardons hearings, Gattis acknowledged for the first time that he intentionally executed Slay in cold blood inside her New Castle-area apartment."

For twenty years, Gattis has had a free ride in prison and my tax dollars have supported him. Gov. Markell can see fit to expend more tax payer money to keep an admitted murder in prison for life, but he doesn't bat an eyelash when it comes to cutting state education funding and pushing the expenses off onto the local share...


The Gov.'s obligation was to uphold the decision of the jury and to do so in a fiscally-acceptable way.  He failed in both arenas.


 How very, very sad.

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Dear Avigail @ 10 Months

Your character and personality is shining brighter and brighter. You are definitely a wriggly baby like your big sister was. You hardly keep still. You are still being breastfed but mainly because you refuse a bottle. Even while feeding you will grab your leg and pull it backwards behind you and wriggle some more. Other times you spin around and rock while feeding. I can't say it's a pleasurable experience for me but it's amusing.. Sometimes.

You have the exploring thing too. Where you crawl all over the place searching and checking things out. You've discovered the spinner thing on your activity table so happily spin away for ages. You seem to have a fascination with pulling books off the bookshelf. I remain unamused at the book cover tearing and page scrunching.

Your an expert crawler but have just started standing and even taking just a few steps. 3 today actually. I'm impressed and your so clever.

You jabber a lot and say words like dadda to your papa and can say kitty and jarah.

You know your name.

I can get you to smile funny by opening my mouth wide open to bear my teeth and/or raising my eye brows. It's so funny.

You flap your arms around all the time. Even with stuff in them. I think your funny.

You still pinch and it hurts. You pull siblings hair and make them scream.

I think your unique in the way you enjoy a little tickle from your papa but will let out an outrageous roar when you've had enough. Your letting your feelings known quite... Loudly...

Anyway, I still love you, in fact my love for you just grows and grows.

Love Mum xx

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Tip run

For school (& home) today we took a trailer load of rubbish to the tip. The children have been asking where the rubbish truck takes the rubbish. Now they know.

There is a big shed near the front entrance which appears to house the recycling aspect. They have a giant conveyor belt with paper sliding up to the top to be packaged into giant paper cubes.

Up near the tip face is a multitude of rubbish dumped over the ground. It looks disgusting. We just added to it. Nappies, styrofoam boxes, cardboard boxes, bits of wood off cuts, plastics, more plastics, bits of metal and other unidentified objects. Then our stuff. Stuff we had lying around the yard and (gulp) inside my home :(
I'm disgusted by the sheer amount of stuff that WE had and what was out there. Telling myself "okay, let's kill these bad habits" recycle more. Use less plastics, throw less away.
(different post)

Any hoo

The kids were thrilled to witness a truck pull up and tip a heap of building rubble out.
Another truck came and tipped a heap of sand out. Dust went everywhere.

Another section was at the tip for green stuff like trees and branches and stuff.

I introduced recycling into our home in 2011. No joke our previous town did NOT do recycling. So it was a newish thing for us. I first checked out what our local town recycles, then taught the children how to identify rubbish to recycling. The triangle means its recyclable. How cool is that?

We've been watching the rubbish truck since Isaiah was 1 1/2 yrs old. Still comes by week in and week out. I'm so glad ;)

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"I Make A God Damned Difference, What About You?"

Taylor Mali (http://taylormali.com), one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and one of the few people in the world to have no job other than that of poet., gives his mind on what teachers make. Mali is a vocal advocate of teachers and the nobility of teaching, having himself spent nine years in the classroom teaching everything from English and history to math and S.A.T. test preparation.

He has performed and lectured for teachers all over the world, and his New Teacher Project has a goal of creating 1,000 new teachers through "poetry, persuasion, and perseverance."

Please visit http://taylormali.com for more on Mali and his New Teacher Project.

http://taylormali.com

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Buried Online - Charter Network Gets New Director

Advocacy Group Gets New Director

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The Pinch Hitting Husband - Hospital to Homebirth

For some men, the thought of a homebirth is frightening and a little weird.  I know that it was for me.

I didn't want a homebirth. I thought my wife and baby would be safer in a hospital. What if something were to happen?  I've always believed in Murphy's law -- anything that can go wrong will go wrong. (It happened to my Texas Rangers last year in the World Series!)

Besides, everyone goes to a hospital to have a baby, right? You have to be some kind of a new-age nut or hippie-wannabe to birth a baby at home.  Not to mention the mess.  I faint at the sight of blood. Does having a baby at home mean that I'm going to have to mop up after the placenta?

So how did Donna convince me that homebirth was the right choice for us?

We were all set to have our third baby in a hospital in Albuquerque. We had a good group of midwives, and everything was going as planned. Until Donna asked them about videotaping the birth. (We used videotapes in our camcorders back in those days.) The hospital had a no-videotaping policy. This pushed Donna over the edge. She called me at work in tears, yadda, yadda, yadda, we decided to have a homebirth.

My first concern of course was Murphy's law. How could I ever face my in-laws if something were to happen to Donna or the baby?

Our first homebirth midwife was an EMT and had worked as a park ranger at a national park. Her gear bag was reassuring.  It was a cornucopia of medical devices, oxygen, needles, vials, chuck pads, etc. She appeared capable of taking care of any emergency. At the time that was very reassuring.

And that surprised/reassured me why? Because I was ignorant that's why! I had a preconceived notion that a medical doctor was more qualified to deliver a baby. What did I expect a midwife to be?  Some daffy old fruitcake chanting and burning incense -- hoping that the baby makes it out OK somehow?

The truth is that most doctors are great at handling medical issues and not so great at delivering babies naturally. That's what they are trained for, right? As with any profession, you do what you are trained to do.  Natural birth is right in the wheelhouse of the homebirth midwife -- that's what they train and prepare for.

Looking back, having a baby at home was the best experience possible. We didn't have to worry about the drive to the hospital. We didn't have to deal with any cranky hospital personnel poking and prodding all hours of the day and night. We didn't have to deal with hospital regulations, the nursery, and the list goes on. And I never had to deal with any bloody mess whatsoever!

Our fourth and last baby, Darcy was born in our bed. I'll never forget lying down before Donna's labor started.  I could feel Darcy moving around. Donna's labor started shortly after.  The midwife made it to our house right as it was time to push. It was a beautiful birth. After everyone was gone, it was just me, Donna, and Darcy -- this time on the outside. I'll never forget looking at little new born Darcy, eyes wide open, snuggled up next to her momma nursing.

So, my fellow fathers and fathers-to-be, if you have the option to have a homebirth, make like Nike and just do it! You will never regret it. Plus it's a really fun conversation starter at office parties and so forth.

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Blessing upon blessing

Over the past two? Weeks I've been on a continuum of revelation and bountiful blessings.

See. A dear and old friend of mine made the statement that she thought I would be the most happiest person in the world. She said I always smiled, was always happy no matter what happened and always had these moments.
How right she was.

In my mind I have made the conscience decision, not to seek or make these "moments" but to recognize them and label them for what they are. It is a part of dancing in the rain when it's stormy, it's about shaking off the grumpies and getting on with it, it's about rising above your circumstances even though they totally suck.

I never thought that by making this change of mindset that I would see my abundant blessings that are bigger and deeper then being blessed with lots of little kids, they are deeper then having a house to live in, clothes for my family and food smoothed throughout my home.

It's about having unknown needs met, capturing a moment or a glimpse of someone else's perspective, it's hearing others stories in similar and same circumstances, it's hearing how others are blessed, it's hearing the wrong and the purity that has come for it, it's more than superficial stuff.

My circumstances haven't changed. I'm still the same me, live in the same house, with the same husband, with the same kids, with the same dog and a different cat.

The only thing that has changed is my decision to see and take note of my blessings.


I'll share just a few...

My ideal language of love is Quality Time. I adore sitting and being with other people. This past week I have done lots of sitting with people that I consider to be faith filled people, worthy of note, worthy of praise. I have been blessed by their presence and stories.

With a severe weather warning thingy it started to rain. So I bundled the kids in the car, grabbed gumboots and umbrellas and took them out for a photoshoot. We saw a seal sleeping on the beach. As you do in this sunny town.
But as I headed to the car, I looked out across the ocean and saw, a gorgeous seal flipping out of the ocean, dancing for my pleasure. It was Devine, it put me in a state of awe, it blessed my heart and I felt deep inside it was a special show put on JUST FOR ME!! Because that is how much HE cares for me!!!

I've been taking photographs almost daily using this iPhone thingy and putting them on instagram (lotsoflittlekids) and project 365 and now 1000 things. That too has been a blessing to me.

Anyhow, I encourage you to look above your circumstance and see the blessings, have more moments and just let yourself BE Blessed!!! Xx

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Skate park

For "school" we went to the skate park. I figure it's a greater overall learning opportunity then sitting in a classroom reciting phonics. Mind you it won't teach him to read and write but sure teaches them scientific stuff. It's a fairly well rounded lesson really fit for all ages.

Next door is the indoor mini golf shed who had maintenance men cutting drain pipes and putting new ones in. Isaiah wanted to know what they were doing.

There was this kid there turning 5 next month on a scooter doing jumps off the big bits and dropping down the bigger bits and I thought he was mad but he is really quite talented at it. Especially for a 4yr old. I was scared for him ;)

We took my bro in law (10) & sis in law (8) along too. Hubby even came with us as he is on holidays for a week.
A glimpse into life with 6 kids? Easy peasy..

We had a simple BBQ lunch before heading home for quiet time and a rest for the rest of us.

Not bad for a school excursion eh ;)

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8 kids...

... Does that sound daunting to you??

Several years ago it seemed daunting to me. Prior to having kids, 5 kids was an oh God!! Help!! And that was with another helper with me.

Now, kids are easy. 8 kids are easy. 4 kids are easy, adding a new born to the family is easy, doing shopping down town is easy, groceries are easy, it's all easy.

We have been doing swimming lessons. Actually only Isaiah is doing swimming lessons with his uncle & aunts. I'm supervising them while their mother (my mother in law) works.

So I have 8 kids every morning for two weeks.. And its easy.

5 things I'm thankful for:
1. Free swimming lessons for babysitting extra kids ;)
2. Relaxing outdoors first thing for an hour and a half
3. New Camera which is loving me... I mean that I'm loving
4. Enjoyable times with my children and sister in laws & brother in law
5. Prickle free grass :p

And if your wondering how it is I'm taking my sister in laws and brother in law swimming lesson with their nephew they are aged 12, 12, 10 & 8. Mine are aged 6, 4, 2 & 10 months. There is 9 of them ;)

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A mini dream - completed

For awhile now I have wanted to go for a hoon on a jet ski. Living in this beautiful beach town has meant watching other people hoon around and enjoy their expensive shed toys. Often making me think "one day I want a turn".

Today was my day. I was not disappointed.

For "church" in the month of January our church is closed but they have planned activities each Sunday to encourage a different kind of fellowship. Last year they were really blessed by it which was good.

Today was breaky at the park then beach activities. Bring your beach toys.

I got the pleasure of watching a man drive his boat off the ramp and his trailer off the side. Haha!! Yes I am laughing at their misfortune. I got to watch them try get it out too. They did eventually. Just to amuse me really though hey.

I didn't pack swimmers for myself. I don't usually swim. So I ended up going in my clothes cos mik wouldn't go get me some. He sat in the car the ENTIRE time! :( totally uncool

Later I got to watch and have a go at riding a kayak with the kids and without.
Isaiah had a go of rowing and did a pretty good job for a 6yr olds first time. (maybe we can get one eh?!) tipping a 6yr old & 4yr old off it isn't very comforting to this mummy but I managed to grab the 4yr olds arm and hold her above water.

But then, I had a ride of a jet ski!!!! Woo hoo!!! That was SO COOL!! so so so cool!!

I also got to drive. Was so impressed. It felt so free & alive & living life to the full. Around the bay where you can't usually go. Wind in your face breeze through your hair. It was great. I could have ridden for hours. Have I said it was great? It was freedom at its high point.

I felt so blessed, like I was given a gift. I loved it...

I love the water. I love being on top of the water. I'd still buy a boat.

It reminds me of a long time ago pre-marriage when I did these fun & crazy things. When I lived life to a fullness of a different degree to now. I skurfed, I skied, I jumped off the end of a very long jetty, I rollerbladed (haha), I rode a push bike as my 'car', I was happy behind the throttle of a 4 wheeler motorbike, or on the back of a 2 wheeler motor bike, fishing from a dinghy or hooning in a speedboat. I had fun. I was even referred to as wylde to do it. Hubby agrees I was wild. I tend to disagree. though I am now tame and I view it as an insult :( *sigh*
It was all alcohol & drug free unadultered fun.. What a life I lived!!

I'd still get a boat. I plan to one day. I'd buy a jet ski and use that. Maybe I will one day.

Anyway, just documenting a day that was thoroughly enjoyed by me.. Well most of it.. I was disappointed by other stuff that happened that day. Don't want to lie and make you think my life is an adrenalin pumping high all the time ;)

5 things I am thankful for:
1. The gift of a ride
2. The freedom I felt
3. The love that I have
4. The coolness of the water
5. A blog to remember it all :)

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Whole Foods & Chemicals

Recently-ish I've been challenged? Convicted? Shoom shoom'd? On the foods I've allowed the children to consume in the past year and a bit. How did I let it get so bad?

I know I have 2 possibly 3 kids who react negatively to additives and then we have a problem on our hands.

I've also been thinking about me. Gaining 30kgs with my 3rd kid, losing it in 10 months only to put 30kgs back on and KEEP it??? I'm not impressed. I'm so unhealthy. I'm so tired and worn out a lot of the time. I'm bruising easy again. I have these parasites that suck the nutrients out of my body and leave me with the left overs. *sigh*

But then there is also lots of little kids with developing brains and bodies. Forming habits. Watching mum.

*sigh*

This past week we've been eating organic, bio dynamic and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Mostly I can just say FLAVOUR!!

I've been juicing (kale & carrot, spinach & carrot, carrot orange and ginger) which I love.

We've been steaming veges. Also yum.

And I've begun to juice oranges. I don't like to eat oranges so it's the only way to get it happening.

Putting out a fresh raw finger salad for the kids has its perks. It's done in no time.

Bringing nuts & seeds & raw foods & whole foods & vegetarian & vegan back into things. With a bit of fish, lamb & beef on the side.

I still continue to use home made cleaners to clean and wash with. Except dish washing liquid. Keeps chemicals in the home to a minimum.

I think I am so convicted to grow more of our own edible fruits & vegetables that I've been doing it.

That and recycling more. Throwing out less. I took home from woollies over 10 plastic bags. That's 520 bags per year. I'm disgusted. Why can't I take my own bags? I always forget :(

Old habits die hard :(

Michael has been raising his chickens, collecting their eggs, incubating some eggs!!! And has plans to grow some for meat. No kidding. Really I'm a bit grossed out by the whole dead animal thing but proud of him and his little project. Think he could get me 52 chooks a year on a suburban block? He's a chicken farmer now ;)

Anyway, I guess my new plan is to get grass fed beef (is it already grass fed I wonder??) to see what it's like.

I might even begin blogging on food stuff ;)

Think my real estate agent will let us have a goat in the backyard?

5 Things I am thankful for:
1. Feeling better on fresher foods
2. Large property to grow own foods on
3. Chooks, ducks, worms - bringing recycling into our food
4. Food opportunities I've been given :)
5. Collaborating ideas and knowledge with other like minded people...

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Whole Foods & Chemicals

Recently-ish I've been challenged? Convicted? Shoom shoom'd? On the foods I've allowed the children to consume in the past year and a bit. How did I let it get so bad?

I know I have 2 possibly 3 kids who react negatively to additives and then we have a problem on our hands.

I've also been thinking about me. Gaining 30kgs with my 3rd kid, losing it in 10 months only to put 30kgs back on and KEEP it??? I'm not impressed. I'm so unhealthy. I'm so tired and worn out a lot of the time. I'm bruising easy again. I have these parasites that suck the nutrients out of my body and leave me with the left overs. *sigh*

But then there is also lots of little kids with developing brains and bodies. Forming habits. Watching mum.

*sigh*

This past week we've been eating organic, bio dynamic and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Mostly I can just say FLAVOUR!!

I've been juicing (kale & carrot, spinach & carrot, carrot orange and ginger) which I love.

We've been steaming veges. Also yum.

And I've begun to juice oranges. I don't like to eat oranges so it's the only way to get it happening.

Putting out a fresh raw finger salad for the kids has its perks. It's done in no time.

Bringing nuts & seeds & raw foods & whole foods & vegetarian & vegan back into things. With a bit of fish, lamb & beef on the side.

I still continue to use home made cleaners to clean and wash with. Except dish washing liquid. Keeps chemicals in the home to a minimum.

I think I am so convicted to grow more of our own edible fruits & vegetables that I've been doing it.

That and recycling more. Throwing out less. I took home from woollies over 10 plastic bags. That's 520 bags per year. I'm disgusted. Why can't I take my own bags? I always forget :(

Old habits die hard :(

Michael has been raising his chickens, collecting their eggs, incubating some eggs!!! And has plans to grow some for meat. No kidding. Really I'm a bit grossed out by the whole dead animal thing but proud of him and his little project. Think he could get me 52 chooks a year on a suburban block? He's a chicken farmer now ;)

Anyway, I guess my new plan is to get grass fed beef (is it already grass fed I wonder??) to see what it's like.

I might even begin blogging on food stuff ;)

Think my real estate agent will let us have a goat in the backyard?

5 Things I am thankful for:
1. Feeling better on fresher foods
2. Large property to grow own foods on
3. Chooks, ducks, worms - bringing recycling into our food
4. Food opportunities I've been given :)
5. Collaborating ideas and knowledge with other like minded people...

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NYC to Shutter Charter Network...

New York City and State Move to Shut Down Brooklyn Charter Network
http://www.districtadministration.com/news/new-york-city-and-state-move-shut-down-brooklyn-charter-network
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

City and state education officials announced that they plan to close an entire network of charter high schools in Brooklyn that have suffered management and financial woes for years.

One day after New York City Department of Education officials declared their intention to close Williamsburg Charter High School at the end of this school year, the state’s Education Department moved to shutter the two other high schools that are run by the same management organization: Believe Northside Charter High School andBelieve Southside Charter High School.

If the schools close in June, it will affect more than 1,500 students, the largest impact any charter school closing in the city would have to date.

The three high schools, all of which are located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, were founded by Eddie Calderon-Melendez, who runs their management organization, Believe Network. Mr. Calderon-Melendez did not respond on Tuesday to an e-mail request for comment, and someone who answered his cell phone hung up before answering questions.

Williamsburg Charter was authorized and opened by the city’s Department of Education in 2004, but the other two Believe schools were granted charters by the state in 2009 and are so new they have not even grown to serve grades 9-12.

New York Times

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