Peer Pressure

All the girls in the neighborhood have cut their hair really short like this. At first I told Taryn she couldn't have hers cut because she didn't need to be like everyone else. Then I realized that it would be easier for her to wash it and would be less greasy all the time. So I gave in and this morning we cut it. She says it's just a little too short, but likes it. I love the change a haircut can make.

Spotty

Erik drew this picture of his stuffed cheetah Spotty. I thought it was so awesome I just wanted to brag a little.

Bravery

My favorite part of blogging is seeing everyone's pictures, so that's why I add random pictures when I don't have a relevant one.

.

I consider my life to be very comfortable. There's really nothing I HAVE to do. My kids know how to make their own food, and I don't really have to leave the house if I don't want to.

.

So I've been trying to branch out a little, try some new things, and say yes to opportunities that come my way.

.

The first thing I did, was to try and find a new homeschool group. Since leaving religion, it's been hard for me to find a community. I also have been trying to find a non-christian oriented group. No offense to anyone, but I'd like my kids to meet other kids who believe like we do, so they don't feel so foreign. So I searched the internet for a secular group, and found four or five. I was really encouraged by my findings and decide to start visiting groups. The first few groups were really weird, I just didn't feel comfortable and couldn't relate to their lifestyles. Or they were really odd and unwelcoming. I was ready to give up, but then decided to finish out my list. My last group turned out to be a good one. All the women were so kind, and tried hard to include us. I'm so grateful to have found such a group and I look forward to getting to know these people over the next year.

.

The next thing that happened, was that I had a conversation with Vic about how I've always wanted to take swimming lessons, but felt like a dork. Seriously, the next day, my neighbor was holding a schedule to the local pool and said, I was thinking about taking a swimming lesson, but it's cheaper if you find someone to do it with you. So I went out on a limb and said I'd try. We put it off for weeks, until finally she made the appointment. I was so anxious, I kept thinking of how I could back out of it. But I went... and I had so much fun. It was really hard, but I learned a lot and was proud of myself for even trying.

.

The last thing I have scheduled, is I signed up to take a class from H&R Block to learn more about taxes. I have looked at this class for the last two years, and have put it off because it requires me to leave the house and meet new people. So I just signed up and will start in two weeks.

.

Wish me luck and go try something new!

Vic's Garden

Vic's garden finally started growing. This is the first year he has gotten corn to grow, it will be exciting if we can actually eat it. The whole neighborhood has been coming over and eating Erik's peas, they love it. This is one of the kids pumpkins they are growing for halloween. It's name is Fatty.

Camping at Mt St Helens

Vic took the kids camping this weekend. They went with my friend Cori's husband Mike and their two boys, Jack and Sam. They left at 10 am on Friday and didn't come home until 5 pm on Sunday. It was a glorious 3 days for me. When Vic got back, I asked him if he had fun. He says, there were parts of fun. I think it was a little hot and long for him. They had fun though, they played in the water, caught about a hundred frogs, and hiked through a lava cave.
I'm so glad to have a husband who spends so much time with his kids, and doesn't call it babysitting.

Tag Shmag

So Kelli tagged me...

6 random facts about me:

1. I'm spoiled. My husband cooks dinner for me almost every night and puts the kids to bed. He also let's me sleep in on the weekends.

2. Swimming in fresh water is one of my favorite things, but I'm also afraid of being in the water.

3. I am afraid of the dark.

4. I have crazy complex dreams almost every night. Last night I dreamt my mom's arm was burned off in a fireworks accident, and I was overwhelmed by how much I loved her and how glad I was that she was alive.

5. I love being alone. I love silence, not having anyone talk to me, and not having anyone touching me.

6. I can touch my nose with my tongue, but no, I will not show you.

I also like tag, so I'll tag Sara and Shauna.

Erik strikes again....

Erik has been our mealtime entertainment the last few nights. It seems like each night he says something that has me and Vic crying with laughter. Erik also does not like to be laughed at, it makes him more mad.

The first night he said something funny and we were laughing at him, so he looks at all of us and says.."what the heck is wrong with you people!"

Then the next night he got mad at me and gives me his best evil eye and says, "you are hell".

Last night was the best, he got upset about something someone said, and said to all of us, "you guys don't have my back... you just have your own faces....on your bums."

Obviously we're still dealing with his anger issues.