tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6682086334426883772024-02-20T11:53:31.785-08:00Odie's PageI'm an American Pitbull Terrier, yes one of those vicious dogs you read about in the newspaper. Yeah right, I'm the biggest woosy dog in the world. Just ask my dad.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-27442324479413938682008-03-26T05:56:00.000-07:002008-11-02T08:23:33.137-08:00 <div> <font size="3"><b>The Ostara Bunny</b><br style="font-weight: bold;"></font><br><br>Once upon a time there was a bunny family settling in for winter. The mother bunnies name was Mrs. Hopsington and she had ten little bunnies named Moppy,Toppy,Loppy,Coppy,Hoppy Boppy,Poppy,Floppy,Woppy and Chaos. Mrs.Hopsington and her children lived next to a chicken farm where they sold eggs to people around the world.<br> <br> The farmer who lived there was called Mr. Mickens. Mr. Mickens was a very nice man he'd seen Mrs.Hopsington around the farm and always planted some nice plants for her. It was a long winter but it was finally over when Mrs.Hopsington brought her children out on the first day of Spring. She told her children to take care of each other and don't mess with Mr. Mickens chickens. The little bunnies set out on that first day of spring. One at a time they popped out of their home. Sniffing making sure that Mr.Mickens orange tabby cat wasn't lingering about. Chaos the youngest bunny didn't stop but just started to run. Mrs.Hopsington yelled" Chaos". He slowly turned around and she just looked at hime. "What have I told you" said Mrs.Hopsington. Chaos looked up at his mother and said" Always look before you leap and there is danger around every corner." "Right" said Mrs. Hopsington. "Now be careful."<br><br> Chaos had never seen a chicken before and he was curious to know what they were so he set out for the chicken coup. When he got there he saw a whole bunch of hens sitting on their eggs waiting for them to hatch. Next to the barn which was red and green. And inside Chaos found some paint that was the same color as the barn. In another chicken coup there was a machine of sorts which took the eggs and rolled them into a conveyor belt. Chaos thought it would be funny if he took some of the eggs and painted them red and green like the barn. So he did. Mr. Mickens came out of his house to check on how the eggs were looking to his surprise he found some pretty red and green eggs. Mr. Mickens looked around to see who could've done this. He thought he saw something. He started to look all over but wherever he turned he didn't see anyone. Chaos thought this was all very funny. So when the day went on Chaos found more paints. He decided that he liked tricking Mr.Mickens, so this time he found some yellow and pink paint. He decided this time to paint suns and flowers on these eggs. <br> <br> After dinner Mr.Mickens had to make sure everyone was fed so he went to the second coup again to his surprise what did he see but more pretty painted eggs. Mr.Mickens had to go show his wife Mrs. Mickens. Mrs. Mickens looked at Mr. Mickens and said" Why are you painting these eggs." Mr.Mickens said "I didn't do it and I don't know who did it either." Mrs.Mickens looked at Mr. Mickens and said "Well, I think I know who did this." "Who" Mr.Mickens replied. "The Ostara Bunny" "Yer Right" Mr. Mickens. "I plum forgot today was Ostara". Mrs.Mickens went to her garden and took some of the best carrots,lettuce and dandelions and left a pile where she knew the Ostara bunny would find it. <br><br> Chaos did find it and he told his brothers and sisters where the food was. He found his mother,Mrs.Hopsington and told her what had happened. Mrs. Hopsington didn't let on that she knew about the Ostara bunny. She and Chaos found the food that the Mickens left out and started to eat. Mr. and Mrs. Mickens watched the bunnies as they ate and looked for which one was the Ostara bunny. Right away they saw it. "Look" said Mrs. Mickens "Next to Mrs.Hopsington that little one has red,green,yellow and pink on him. I think were going to have a good year. We've been blessed by more than one Ostara Bunny." Mr. Mickens smiled. "We've always been blessed. I hope the Hopsington family never leaves us." <br><br> Chaos and his family headed home and Mrs.Hopsington told Chaos that when she was little she was the Ostara bunny and every year on the first day of spring it was now his job to paint pretty eggs and leave them for the nice families in and around the area. I helped you this year but next year you will do it yourself. Till you find another bunny to take your place. Tomorrow I'm going to take you around to see all the good people who deserve Ostara blessings. And every year after the Ostara bunny comes and bestows blessings on those families who believe in him.<br><br>Danielle McSweeney<br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-76973806252465281052008-02-27T08:25:00.000-08:002008-02-27T08:26:49.964-08:00My Ding-A-Ling<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYnt3RTwl0M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HYnt3RTwl0M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I was feeling very nostalgic today so I figured I would share with you one of the oldies but goodies.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-73718324417396364002007-12-11T06:46:00.000-08:002007-12-11T07:01:36.775-08:003 Days to DisneyWell the countdown has begun here in our small part of florida. The house is a buzz because grandma is coming into town. It's great when my family gets together. Were very different than the people we live around and tend to have a great time. I love that my daughter gets to spend time with her grandma that she sees every 6 months due to distance. The whole week is full of excitement. Especially since grandma is taking me and Lassair to Disney World. It's a 3 generation party. Lassair is the focal point of this whole expedition and when there is more than one child I believe that every child needs to have their own experiences away from their siblings. It gives them time to be fawned over so that they feel special every now and again. Yes their birthdays and christmas are special, but these are the times when it's all about just them for no reason other than to just be with loved ones.<br /> Grandma comes on Wednesday and then we'll spend a little bit of time after we get her checked in to the hotel and get her rental car. Grandma doesn't like to stay with us as pets are not her thing, and we have more than enough to make her uncomfortable. <br /> Thursday were off to Disney and to our hotel the Coronado Springs Hotel and we'll be going to the Magic Kingdom for the first day, where Grandma will get to enjoy in the fun of Disney.<br /> Friday, were off to the Animal Kingdom for some fun where I want to ride Everest just because it's new and want to have some fun of my own. Then it's back home to Zephyrhills, Saturday I have to work I know this, and my mom will be taking Lassair to some performances for her ballet. Which grandma is paying for. <br /> Sunday is Lassair's early birthday party late in the afternoon and we'll probably do our christmas/Yule shopping for her and Grandma can keep her occupied while I get her presents. Then her party at 4. She can't wait. Of course major cleaning is involved tomorrow before grandma comes because you know how grandmas are about appearances. And Monday grandma is back home to New Jersey. But were definately looking forward to a great week. Remember that no matter how much you disagree with your families, it is a good thing for your child to see how you react with them for a good basis for their life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-24382740053881919452007-12-10T11:17:00.001-08:002007-12-10T11:35:25.499-08:00Holidays and kids presentsAs the girls get older and the holidays start to come around I think about the years before. Now my adorable little preemie who was 3lbs 1.8 oz now around 40lbs still small in comparison to other kids but grown so much in the past years. She's 39inches tall. I wonder what is best for her. The holidays just make you think back.<br /> It also makes you think of what type of presents are best for their age groups. My little one will be 4 just days after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">christmas</span>. She has the attitude of a 14 yr old and asks me questions like today which was just to cute. Mom is that baby real. Because she knows that there are toy babies that act like real babies. She wants so many things and unfortunately due to circumstances I can't give her and I feel like crap. But I guess that is a mothers curse. We all want to give our kids more than what we had. But is that the right way to go. My other half always says that kids today are given more than what they really need which buys into the entitlement mindset. Some days I agree and other days I feel that is a parents <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">privilege</span>. Do I want my child to know that I will buy her whatever she wants or should I make her earn those items she truly desires. But then you also have to look into the different backgrounds of the two of us to truly understand.<br /> I was raised so differently. In my younger years my grandparents raised me and they were born in the 30's. And I didn't live with my mother till I was in my teens. My mom still has issues over me being raised by her mother and me not wanting to be with her. She tries to take my child so that she had what her mother had with me. Doesn't work cause I won't let that happen.<br /> Now the other half he was restricted from a lot of joys that most kids have. He didn't have friends and couldn't ride a bike to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">some one's</span> house just to hangout. So the way we see things are very different. My little one does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">alot</span> of things, and has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">alot</span> of outside interests which we try to provide even if it means a bit more sacrificing on our part. So what do you get a child that wants presents for the holidays and doesn't realize that money doesn't grow on trees.<br /> Something to think about as we get closer to the holidays. Do they really need those presents or is it something that we feel obligated to do because we want them to have more than we did.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-37749142645381896302007-11-24T16:52:00.001-08:002007-11-24T17:17:48.492-08:00Wheel of the yearTeaching young children the wheel of the year isn't as hard as you may think it may be. My daughter is 3 going on 14. Tonight I decided to explain this to her. As a young child the easiest way to do this is thru pictures. So they understand slowly. I started w/the wheel of the year. With Yule at the top I drew a christmas tree. Then followed by a candle signifying that the light is slowly returning. Then at Ostara I drew an easter egg. Symbalizing the coming of age. Then Followed by the may pole for Beltane.We explained this is when the baby is born. Coincidentally Lassair is a Beltane Baby. Then Followed by Midsummer which we told her that the father was about to leave so the baby could grow up. Followed at Litha with Corn stalks for the Harvest. Then Mabon was Thanksgiving for us when we give thanks to the gods for what they have given us. Finally a pumpkin for Samhain and for the death of the god and goddess. She liked the story even though she fidgeted but will tell you that she enjoyed the story.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/dmwitch/wheeloftheyear.jpg" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /> Also today, Lassair set up her altar. A relative gave her a small vanity with a mirror. She told me weeks ago that she wanted to do this. We finally set it up tonight. She has a goddess statue with a tree on it and on the opposite side of it there is a spiral. She is nude. But for a young child this doesn't phase her. The goddess statue was given to her after the death of a friend and we had to explain to her what happened. We told her that her friend went to go live with the goddess and she didn't cry and understands that someday when she visits the goddess she will see her friend again. We went to the metaphysical store about a week ago when she then decided to make her own altar. She was given a piece of green flourite which attracts faeries. Although we don't need anymore faeries in this house. We welcome all new friends. So Lassair has decided to put a bunch of crystals on her altar. With a mini cauldron sitting on the altar and a wolf figure next to the goddess and a wand next to the goddess. She is very proud of these things. She started to pick up the crystals and feel them. She told me some were hot and some were cold. So we explained to her that the hot ones had alot of energy and she kept feeling them to see which ones were that way. I think she learned alot tonight when it came to the gods. She has alot to learn. We are going to be making homemade ornaments along with our traditional ones. This will be alot of fun. Plus it helps us make things that pertain to the gods and go into more detail.<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h284/dmwitch/lassairaltar.jpg" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-83237965843534248462007-11-20T10:05:00.000-08:002007-11-20T10:24:57.740-08:00Disney WorldDisney world is one of the best places for families to go together no matter what religion you are. Disney is one of my favorite places to go to on earth. Just because it takes me back to when I was a kid. I went 2x as a child. My child is lucky, we only live about 1 hr away from disney. And they have so much more now than ever. This is the first time Lassair is going with her grandma Pookie. She went the first time when she was about 2 1/2. Grandma can't drive at night so we've booked a hotel room at disney. Were staying at the Coronado Springs Hotel. I've never been to this particular hotel but it looks lovely from the pictures. Before Lassair was born her father and I went ourselves and spent the night at one of the cheaper disney hotels. It was nice but you could hear the neighbors toilets flush. So were going to stay at the moderate hotel instead of the cheap hotel. Although Disney is always a great place and the staff very accommodating no matter what age you are. <br /> Lassair is going to be wearing a snow white costume. Something her grandma thought that she would love. Depending on the weather all little girls wish they were a princess. And want to be like them. I was actually quite surprised she wanted Snow White for the longest time Belle was her favorite. Her grandma suggested she get a crown also well in the movie snow white doesn't wear a crown so my daughter decided she needed a bow. <br /> Lassair is just under the cut-off for the big rides but she's only going to be 4 next month so that's just fine. She is a thrill seeker though. She really wants to go on Goofy's Barn-Stormer ride because last year we did Dorney Park and she went on her first roller coaster and now at a early age she is hooked. Thankfully my whole side of the family is also hooked on coasters. My mom and aunt both in their 50's still go on coasters. Lassair really loved meeting the princesses as most little girls do. But also wanted to go on all the rides. So we have plans to go on as many as possible. Also if you can stay for the parades or the evening fireworks it's well worth it. <br /> Were also going to do the Animal Kingdom while were there. This is a great place for the kids to interact w/animals and also learn something in the process. This park doesn't take as long as the Magic Kingdom but w/Little ones you can take your time and just enjoy. And for the thrill riders there is Everest which just came out and I'm really looking forward to the ride. Pictures will be coming after the trip. Which is the second week of December but unfortunately Lassair can't get enough of just thinking about Disney and her grandma coming to visit her. She thinks she's such a big girl. This is a great vacation spot. If your in florida it's cheaper though to buy separately if your on a budget like we are. Set money also for souvenirs for each person and stick with it. It certainly does help. Out of Florida it may be cheaper to do an all inclusive package even then you're spending around 700 dollars for 2 days. But if you can afford it go for it. Also in Kissimee there are loads of hotels that have shuttle services to take you to the parks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-81016398235454288432007-11-16T11:44:00.000-08:002007-11-16T14:43:03.522-08:00The Golden CompassI've just taken the golden compass book out this week and couldn't put it down. Now I'm a northerner stuck in the south. I wish I could leave but that would mean abandoning my family and that's not something I will do. If any of you have been trapped in the southern christian society than you know what I'm talking about.<br /> So I got the book from the library on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wednesday</span> before my daughter had to go to dance class, so I decided I would read it while I waited inside like I normally do every <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wednesday</span>. So all the christian moms are discussing this and that, so I decided to chime in at a moment of silence. Has anyone else read the golden compass. Normally when I go out on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wednesdays</span> I'm in my yoga pants and a t-shirt just relaxation wear. Well that was the worst question you can ask a group of southern women who are christian. The whole room turned and looked at me as if I was a devil's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">minion</span> or something. The one mom chimed in we don't read those kinds of things it's not christian. So I mentioned Harry Potter. Well that didn't go over well either. So being the good hearted person that I am I didn't bring up much else. But Harry Potter was on the forbidden list with them as well. I decided then and there that I would go outside and call up one of my very open catholic friends. Well,first off let me say that these are mostly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">anglo</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">saxon</span> women all except one who is a teacher at a school and 1 black mother who is also a teacher at a christian academy. As I called my friend I started yelling in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">spanish</span> about their ignorance, my friend and I are both <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">knowledgeable</span> about speaking the language she more than I because her father is from <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Argentina</span>, So half <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">english</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">spanish</span> depending on what was said. She too gets outraged by the ignorance of others, she's not a practicing catholic but her children are.<br /> Today I spent a great deal of time with her on the phone discussing the Golden Compass. She hadn't read the book yet but I had told her I was going to get it from the library. So today I told her the story even if I ruined the movie for her, she still wanted to know why the c<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hristians</span> were in an uproar. From the way I explained the book to her she actually thought that the story was more on the lines of actually self-exploration and freedom to think as you wish. In metaphorical terms anyway. I agreed with her as I listened to her explanation. Well I have to say this as it's come up more than once. If you can't make up your own minds instead of listening to someone who is only concern is making money for their organization then you need to WAKE UP! I know this is why I left the church because I didn't believe in everything I was told. My mother would say that I'm easily led by others where the people who know me best know that if I have an opinion on something there is no changing my mind even if they try to change it there is no use arguing with me.<br /> So my suggestion to all of you is to sit down and actually read the book or go to the movie although from what I heard it's been dumbed down for younger viewers and make your own opinion.<br /><!-- Search Google --><br /><center><br /><form method="get" action="http://www.google.com/custom" target="_top"><br /><table bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top" align="left" height="32"><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/"><br /><img src="http://www.google.com/logos/Logo_25wht.gif" border="0" alt="Google" align="middle" /></img></a><br /><label for="sbi" style="display: none">Enter your search terms</label><br /><input type="text" name="q" size="31" maxlength="255" value="" id="sbi"></input><br /><label for="sbb" style="display: none">Submit search form</label><br /><input type="submit" name="sa" value="Search" id="sbb"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="client" value="pub-2300191423286312"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="forid" value="1"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="ie" value="windows-1252"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="oe" value="windows-1252"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="cof" value="GALT:#008000;GL:1;DIV:#C94093;VLC:663399;AH:center;BGC:E6E6E6;LBGC:336699;ALC:800040;LC:800040;T:000000;GFNT:0000FF;GIMP:0000FF;FORID:1"></input><br /><input type="hidden" name="hl" value="en"></input><br /></td></tr></table><br /></form><br /></center><br /><!-- Search Google -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-24236292717128002992007-11-13T09:54:00.001-08:002007-11-16T14:50:23.496-08:00Breed Specific LegislationDo you ever really think about what Breed Specific Legislation is all about or even care. Here in Pasco County Florida they are making consideration for changing our animal laws that any dog over 40lbs must be neutered and muzzled out in public. Well let me say this, I'm a very big advocate of those so-called dangerous dog breeds. Most of the time these animals are widely misunderstood. Personally I've grew up around Pitbulls and German Shepherds. My aunt was a breeder of American Pitbull Terriers. A breed that is widely known in the news for being vicious, which most people don't understand about. This is not the type of dog you leave chained in the backyard and spend no time with. They love their people and want to be with you constantly as most other breeds do as well. A little background info.<br />My aunt bred show pits and every summer I would go and visit her. Most of the time she would have to go to work and I would stay home and take care of her pits. Well at the time my aunt was breeding her bitch and had puppies. So I would play with mom and pups and get them used to being handled and around humans. Boom Boom the pit was a great mom and great dog. She was sweet and loving. Never tried to bite or snap or hurt anyone. My aunt lived in the woods of Pa but the neighbors weren't far away at all. Boom Boom lived to be 15 yrs of age and was my aunts pride and joy and one of the best show bitches my aunt and uncle had. Now for another so-called dangerous breed.<br />I grew up with an American bred German Shepherd from the age of 2-11. The dog would lay in my play pen with me when I took naps and watched over me as I grew up. This dog was my best friend and I still miss her till this very day. As I do with many of my other beloved pets that have gone onto the rainbow bridge. These supposed dangerous breed aren't going to go away even if we want to. Actually from stats it's actually proven that most pure bred pits would never attack the percentage is only 17% of pits that have ever killed. I have many friends who own these so called dangerous breeds. My husband is a proponent of getting rid of these dangerous dogs just because of what is on the news. I personally have so much personal experience with these types of dogs that I know better. Currently we have a chow mix. Chow nonetheless. She is very loving but also very protective. She would definately eat someone who tried to come into my home. And because of this she would be labeled a dangerous dog. Because of her instinct in protecting her family. I've known more little dogs who would try to take a bite out of you than a big dog would. I've had the most amazing experiences with pit bulls and those dangerous dogs. One day at work I was outside and this truck driver pulled up and out came his 250lb. English Mastiff, This dog was huge and was told he was just under a year. Well I saw the man go into the store and told the dog to sit and stay. The dog did just that and allowed me to pet him and just softly kissed me. He was a dream dog. I also have another friend who breeds pits and his stud would be the poster dog for the breed. He is the sweetest dog in the world. His name is Shine and his personality truly shines through when you meet him. As long as I've lived I've never met a pit that I didn't like that was bred properly and had good loveable owners.<br />So take this into consideration. If you treat an animal with love and attention as you would a child no harm will befall you. Be a strong pack leader and the dog will follow.<br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--<br />google_ad_client = "pub-2300191423286312";<br />google_ad_width = 125;<br />google_ad_height = 125;<br />google_ad_format = "125x125_as";<br />google_cpa_choice = "CAEaCCztQM8v_ZVmUEpQQlC4AVAiUOUEUCNQ1wFQJFgB";<br />//--><br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"><br /></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-272179587246455412007-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:002007-11-10T08:40:55.101-08:00HomeschoolingDo you ever feel that schooling today isn't what it used to be. I have friends whose children are older or the same age as mine. I'm constantly asking how are things going with school. Alot of times I see that when the children are given so much work to do after school. Do I think this is right, not necessarily. I think the only time I see the kids really learning is when they have these long projects that need to be completed. We've come to the conclusion that Homeschooling is in our best interest, only because some children learn differently. Now I have 2 girls. One not biologically mine but one of the heart as she is my stepdaughter. The other I give everything she wants within reason and see the difference between the 2 girls. My stepdaughter likes school seeing her friends as where my little one says outwardly no way am I going to go there. Now I can hear it already.<br /> What about socialization! Well to answer that question quite simply. We are a family that believes in activity. Both the girls take dance once a week. My little one tries to have conversations with the girls her own age and from what I see is that most of the kids that go to daycare just don't have the verbal skills my child has. Now I know that not every child has the opportunity to spend their day at a family members house. Lassair is one of those children who wants to be with her family and learn from us. She's very responsible for her age so I don't think school socialization is at all very necessary. We don't need to start school till she's 6. Which she's a winter baby so we would miss the cut-off dates just to start early. Which to me is a rip-off considering not every child is the same. Lassair knew her alphabet by just looking at the letters at 18mos of age. She is very bright for her age. She is loved by the people in the pagan community here and actually is called the Elven Princess. She knows how to spell her name and loves just to be w/us. There are so many choices don't turn a blind eye to Homeschooling because it looks like it would be alot of work. Judge your child appropriately and see if it is possible.<br /> Lassair also has decided that she wants to put an altar in her room. I know young child. But when she puts her mind to something she is fully determined to see it through. Recently on a trip to our local metaphysical shop she saw a wide varity of stones and crystals. One of the owners at the shop also gave her a piece of green flourite. It wasn't sellable due to the bottom looking like it had another mineral attached to it. I personally have over 20 different stones. And today I took them all down to clean my entertainment center off to make room for our new addition the budgie who will be arriving early next month. Lassair wanted to know the names of every crystal and object I pulled down. My athame,incense burner and some candles included. This is the kind of learning I love. I told Lassair we would put them in her room soon and set up her altar. She's ecstatic. Plus a dear friend of ours past a couple of months back and she knew Lassair loved the goddess and gifted her a statue. Learning is all around us. Why do we as parents expect the government to school our children. When we know what we want from our children.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-64432067015835675032007-11-07T11:15:00.000-08:002007-11-07T11:33:31.755-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">In our family pets are very much an important part of our household. Eversince our kids were born we've always had a pet in the house. I believe that pets help avoid allergies, also give a loving start in a child's life. Last night we decided on another addition to our family. Whenever choosing another member of the family is always important for all family members to be onboard with this subject. Originally I wanted to build a chicken coop but hubby wasn't so fond of that idea. So we decided on a bird. A budgie to be exact. Now first off let me tell you my hubby refers to our animals as the McSweeney Zoo. We have 2 dogs, one came from the pound and is a doxie mix. He's deaf and his name is blue. We also adopted a farm dog who is a chow mix named pinky. They're great together. Now I've had my 2 cats for over 10 yrs. My oldest Pooh is 11 yrs old siamese mix who is a vocal pain in the butt. Then we have Tajza our male tabby who just drools and wants to cuddle constantly and he is 10 this past october. And last but not least my daughter has a betta named marvin.<br /> I sort of talked my daughter into a bird for her birthday as a birthday present. She's almost 4. Now I know what most of you are thinking that at the age of 4 what child is competant in taking care of a pet. Well let me say this. My daughter does chores like feeding the dogs and giving them water and also taking the dogs out to go potty. Very responsible for a child of her age. If the water bowl is empty she goes to the fridge fills the pitcher and fills the bowls. The bird will be tamed and trained by me but eventually it will be her responsibility to feed and give the bird water. I don't expect her to clean the cage as that's just to much work and we plan on putting the bird on our eye level as not to have the bird skittish of young children. She wants to be involved in the animal care. She's a big help with our 2 dogs. The cats even tolerate her because they know never to scratch her. My cats have never attempted to put a claw to her.<br /> The budgie will be our 6th pet. We enjoy the animals. My hubby even has his favorite and even doesn't get mad when his dog messes in the house.It's all a matter of controlling the enviroment and making sure that everyone knows their jobs. My dog won't go outside for my hubby but for my youngest will do whatever she asks no matter how silly it is. We've decided to pick the bird out together and dad has the final decision. Because he wants to make sure this is the right decision. I've done alot of research in care of the animal as I've done with all my animals. I'm not one to do things on a whim. Which I suggest to do w/all animals because it is a lifetime commitment. Thankfully no one in my house is really allergic. My hubby does have a slight allergy to cats if they get close to his face, but the cats tend to not bother him in the first place. So as a pagan mom don't deny animals in your home even if it is added work because they will give you and your children a good lesson in love and responsibility<br /></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-668208633442688377.post-31175084789372232862007-11-06T11:54:00.000-08:002007-11-06T12:22:08.987-08:00Pagan camp-out.This is my first post and I am going to be showing you and others what it means to be a pagan mother. First off, being a mother isn't as easy as most people see it to be. There is always something that must be done. You rarely have time to sit down but for those of you who are already moms you already know this. I love to teach my children. Anything and everything under the sun. This journal will show what it means to be pagan and a mom. In the next two weeks my family and I will be going on a pagan camping trip. So as the primary organizer for this trip let me tell you what this details.<br /> First off you need to make sure you have a list. And don't just look at it once and think you've gotten everything. We go camping several times a year starting when the kids were younger. My daughter is almost 4. Now she's been going since she was 2 1/2. Everytime we go there is always something that we say were missing.<br /> Depending on the site you're camping at you should non the less have a roll of toilet paper. And some plastic baggies. Just in case there is no bathroom. As followers of the god and goddess you don't want some unsuspecting joe or jane stepping in something you wouldn't want to step into yourself. <br /> The standard camping equipment is a must. Tents,sleeping bags,bug spray and a stove if there aren't any fire pits or bbqs available. We've found that you should always have silverware of all types even if you don't think you'll need them. Trust me it helps to have it all together. Cups, Juice, Water jugs, Dried Ice and bag ice are also very helpful.Cooler fully stocked w/all that you need. When it's hot soda shouldn't be an option even for those of us who are addicted to caffeine. Like myself. If you just have to have that soda, bring a few cans for those emergencies where you feel that jittery feeling coming on. Now another important thing you should worry about is what are the rules of the place you are camping at.<br /> We've gone several hours away and when we finally got to the campsite, we were appalled by what the previous occupants had left at the site. We went to a primitive campsite and found that people had thrown gas containers into the fires and left them laying there. The sites were too close to our neighbors and they weren't the type of people we were used to camping with. This camping trip coming up we know the site we are camping at and who our neighbors will be so no real worries except for those not used to camping in a large group.<br /> Also if camping with small children they need to listen and understand that in the dark to go potty they need to let you know even if they think they can find the campsite. In the dark it maybe a bit harder to find. Flashlights are also very important. Especially if you need to find a place to use the bathroom. Alot of the modern campsites have showers. Be sure to have towels even if the weather report looks good. You'll never know if you will step in something unpleasant and that towel w/some plastic bags will come in really handy. <br /> For small children toys even if a pain to tote along are usually helpful just to give a sense of comfort from the familiar home settings. We've toted several toys and weren't always happy about it. Going camping is a really good learning experience for young children. This is a chance for them to learn about the cycles of the seasons. Also to learn about animals that live in this area. My daughter was amazed by the fact that she saw an armadillo and saw some tracks for other animals while we went on a hike. For those of you who have pets remember to bring some food and water and toys for the pup as well. And keep the dog with you at all times even if the dog is tame there are to many stupid people in this world who will hurt your dog.<br /><br /> Well camping is an amazing way to get back to knowing the goddess. If you think about it the whole world is a wonderful way for children to learn about the gods and goddesses. You just have to use your imagination.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03007027629134156628noreply@blogger.com0