There is a book I’m ordering soon by Judy Arnall called Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children without time-out, spanking, punishment or bribery. This really appeals to me.

I’ve been reading some of Arnall’s free articles on her web site, and it seems the perfect middle for me. It talks about natural consequences, which I’ve read about before but always fallen back on the easy way out–”Go sit on your bed!” However, I think it’s time to get creative. I haven’t felt as close to DS recently, and I think part of it is that he feels “overdisciplined.” I am hoping, as it promises, that this approach will give him the control over his behavior that he desires and the peace of mind that I desire. Arnall makes the point that we are raising adults, not children. I want to give my children the tools they need to become productive, responsible, happy adults, and I need practical tips. Wish me luck!

On the day-to-day notes, we’ve been getting out more as the weather’s been getting better. Lily really loves to be out with friends and hates to come home afterward! Last week, we went to the roller skating rink, the park, a friend’s farm, and our homeschool co-op in addition to grocery shopping (fun-fun!). We already went to the park today, which was fun, even though it was only 50 degrees. The splendid sunshine made up for it.

The kids are changing as always, with Ginny getting her first tooth and itching to crawl. A.J. lost a tooth last week and has a very generous tooth-fairy (DH), who gave him $5! Good thing they only have so many to lose! Here are some pictures just for fun.

A.J. is entering three pieces in our upcoming art show, a collage of digital portraits of Ginny, a separate portrait of Ginny, and a painting he whipped out today. They are all very nice, especially the collage. He really got up close, and they are all very captivating. I am definitely hanging it at home once the art show is finished. I hope you homeschool friends of mine are entering the show and coming to see it in Staunton at the end of this month.

I may let Lily enter, too. I just have to find time to set her up at the table with some paints and paper. Why should that be so hard? I’ve always tried to enjoy my kids for the stage they are at, but I must admit, I’m looking forward  to a year or two from now when they are a little more independent so I can do more with them, if that makes sense. Right now, I spend a lot of time caring for Ginny and soothing Lily and feeling like I’m generally not getting anything done. Then again, having a baby and toddler around is kind of cool. Just a smile from either one of them lights up the room, not to mention a full-out belly laugh. What joy! That’s what makes it all worth it, I suppose.

Back to the art–maybe I’ll get photos of their pieces up at some point on the blog, but it will probably be after the show.

I am the leader of our co-op for the first time next month (this means I get to plan the activities for the month), and I’m finding it quite enjoyable already. I have to find a way to entertain and educate the kids without actually teaching. No way I could do much with carrying around Ginny and keeping the shy one (Lily) happy. So far, we’re tie-dying (led by a fellow homeschooler who has volunteered to help us out), and having a lady from Cat’s Cradle (www.catscradle.va) come and speak. I’m also hoping for a field trip to Boxerwood Gardens (www.boxerwood.org) and maybe a game day or another field trip. I was thinking about a field trip to or presentation from the Wildlife Center of Virginia (www.wildlifecenter.org), but that may be out of the co-op’s budget. Leading and planning is more fun than I realized it was going to be.

Oh, I added a bookshelf to my blog. I love this idea, since I love to read. I also feel like what you read can say a lot about you or ferret out hidden depths and pleasures you might not see on the outside. I’ve always been an introvert, so I guess that’s not too surprising.

Enough rambling for tonight. Peace out.