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So things are cranking along here. Life is keeping us busy but things are good. My oldest got into her third car accident last week - this time totally not her fault. She was rear-ended by a taxi and we'll need to bring the car in to the body shop next week for repairs. Fortunately, it will be fully covered by the insurance.

Spring is springing so I'm busy washing winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves and packing them all away. It's fun to see that happen. I think I have the last load just finishing the washing machine now.

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a good day despite starting it off at the motor vehicles office because I needed the eye test for my new license. What was great was that I finally got a new photo! My last photo was taken when I was 9 months pregnant with my son - NOT a good time to take a permanent picture of someone! My face was HUGE and my hair was pulled back in a ponytail with my thick bangs which have since all grown out so it totally didn't look like me. LOL. Later in the day, I was able to ride Whirl, which is great since it's been 2 weeks since the vet said no riding. We just walked but we both were quite happy to get out. We'll see what the next step with his leg is.

I just wanted to share something with you guys too. On one board I'm on (a secular board), there was discussion of discipline and I discussed my ways of discipline which never goes over well since I do spank. So these women were getting all over me telling me how terrible it is that I spank - when they're the ones who are dealing with children who are defiant, disobedient and driving them so nuts that they're asking for advice constantly. I finally posted what my children wrote in my birthday card yesterday and asked them where I went wrong. The proof is in the pudding, honestly. I have 2 little ones who are still in the growing process but I have 2 teenagers (16 and 19) who have given me very little trouble at all. And the trouble they've given me? They don't always do their chores because they forget and their room is a mess. Yep, that's it. So how damaged are my kids? Here you go - my birthday card:

Joanna (6 years old) - I (heart) you mom. I thank you so much for taking care of me. I love you. JoJo

Robby (8 years old) - I (heart) you. I love your hugs. You are the best mom in the whole wide world. Love, Robby

Nicole (16 years old) - Mommy, You have no idea as to what a terrific mother you are. You have taught me many a valuable lesson about various things that I will NEVER forget. You always understand me because I am your clone. I love you and I am extremely blessed to have you as my mother. (heart) I love you, daughter clone, Nicole

Lauren (19 years old) - Mom - You are amazing! I have so much fun with you and I love you so much. I thank God every day for giving me such a fun, awesome, loving, supporting, crazy, adoring mom. Thanks for everything you have done and will continue to do for me (like driving into Hempstead to pick up the police report! ) Love, Lauren


Yep - scarred for life. ;) I told them that I have two teens who I trust, enjoy being with, who enjoy being with me and are happy when we go out with their friends too, who are constantly complimented on their respect for others and behavior in public - and my 16 year old was just offered a job by one of her customers at the grocery store because of how well she deals with the customers! The woman came to ME one day when she realized I was Nicole's mom and told me how she was an architect and would love to give Nicole a job in her office but Nicole felt committed to the grocery store and she still had a lot of schoolwork too so she couldn't accept the job right now.

So, yeah, my kids are completely messed up because I spanked them. ;)

Oh and those of you who know me will get a kick out of this. Since I'm a Christian and I spank, I must follow Gary Ezzo or Michael Pearl's teachings. ROTFL!! I of course cleared that up telling them I RABIDLY will fight their teachings because they are WRONG. In addition to spanking, I attachment parented my kids with co-sleeping, baby-wearing, breastfeeding, never CIO sort of practices. Not everyone who's a Christian and spanks follows these guys teachings.

Ahh - the life of a Christian having to defend what we believe. But that's OK. I'm not offended. I'm sorry they are because that's very telling of the state of their hearts. I pray for them but that's about all I can do. It's up to God from here.