Got MLK?

I am not going back and individually tagging all my entries.
I am also not putting an Adult Content flag on my whole journal - since as a mom I think it is the job of a child's parents to moderate what their kid is exposed to. While reporting a post to LJAbuse might be quicker and easier, I think THAT just encourages the whole excessive censorship in the name of The Children. So what I ask is:

If there is a post that you come across that you feel needs to be flagged, please comment here (screened) and I will take it under consideration.

There may well be nothing more that I hate more than hearing children say they are bored. There is a variety of reasons, from the beauty of stillness, to the fact that this proves just how damn ungrateful they are for the life they live where they have time TO be bored. Hey look, you are not working in a field, scrubbing floors, chopping wood, hunting something, in a war, running for you life, whatever. And yet as I child I did it too. Most do that have the opportunity to, as soon as they learn the word. And I have had it.

So the other day we wrote a list. It started small, and grew to 50 items before we stopped for lunch. We may add more things if they get "bored" with this list too. But for the curious, this is the spring/summer activity list my 4/7 year old came up with

( In case you are not BORED enough to read it )

Can anyone recommend a really good restaurant in Boston or the Upper Cape Region?

TIA!

3 eggs are confirmed in the nest at the Duke farms near my house, and they have set up a nest cam. The eggs are due to begin hatching April 4th.

Hey Warcrack fans!

Amazon has World of Warcraft 60 Day Pre-Paid Time Card on sale for $3 off

Now back to packing.

Does anyone want??

From our bathroom remodel:
A toilet. No, really. with tank. It needs new guts, but is in good condition, it was just the wrong size.

A sink - white, only six months old before the remodel?

Baby stuff... I have kept these favorites all these years just in case we changed our minds about having another baby, but we are done, so anyone want:

Stroller - combi. Compatible with most baby carseats, with the included bar. I *loved* this stroller. Really light and easy to fold, but NOT an umbrella stroller. I have kept this all these keats just in case we changed our minds about having another baby, but we are done, so anyone want?

I also have a Maxi Cosi car seat in ok condition that has never been in an accident, just recently outgrown. This carseat also a favorite of mine because it can be reclined/sat up on the go. The lever to adjust the recline is in the front of the seat! Cover is fade from the sun, but might could be replaced.

Hrm I also have another carseat of unknown make, and unknown history that was a handmedown. I do not even know if I ever even used this or if it has just sat in my closet all these years...

Baby Tiny Love Gymini. Used half a dozen times??? Lived at grandparents house.

I am cutting the friends list like woah, (it was WAY over 100 again gah) and resetting filters. Nothing personal yall, I really need to be a bit more focused with my time.

Ok, some of you at least are really enjoying these posts, and we seem to have come to happy middle ground with me just doing one a day and updating it through out the day as new deals and stuff come up, to minimize those of you that hate em. I am also trying to mostly keep them text only, unless I am pimping for an actual friend, not just random product.

So, that having been said, go check out murnkay's Crazy Little Things ETA - Amazon has it on sale for $11.04 (from $12.99)


Barnes and Noble is offering 25% off any one item via coupon code "P7P7Y9N" - and they are offering FREE shipping right now too. They have a surprising selection of toys and stuff (mmmm LEGOs) besides books and music if that's not your thing. Ebates will give you 8% back right now too. Coupon only good till 12/18!

Hmm, anything esle catching my eye? Erm... LeapFrog Explorer Smart Globe on sale for $44.99 (list $99.99), and finally Philips 6.5-Inch Digital Photo Frame (Clear & Black)
on sale for $59.99 (list $129.99).

ETA-
Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder on sale for $35.11 (list is $144.00, and while I can find it for $44 elsewhere this is still a better price), Hoover H2510 Impulse Cordless Electric Power Mop, Lavender Mist with Mystic Lime on sale for $36.99 (list is $109.00, but usually goes for around $84.99).

In childrens toys we have:Littlest Pet Shop Hideaway Haven Game from Target via Amazon for $8.00 with free shipping (List $14.99), Dora the Explorer: Doodle Mat $5.99 (List $19.99, though others have it for $9.95).

I had a sleep study last night. Which I would not even bother to mention, except that I learned something funny. Apparently, if you fall asleep on the arm that the has the index finger they put the oxygen sensor on, a tech comes RUNNING into the room to make sure you are not dying or whatever when your stats drop as you cut off the circulation to that arm. She looked SO panicked, as she slammed on the lights and started waking me up trying to figure out what was wrong. When we figured it out I just started giggling in my half asleep state. She looked very annoyed and informed me I COULD NOT sleep on that arm. I told her I *always* sleep on that side, mean to or not, and could we please just move the sensor to my other arm if she wanted to prevent a repeat? She blinked a couple of times like it had never occurred to her, smiled, said sure, moved it, and wandered away after turning off the lights again. It took *every* drop of self control, not to do it on purpose on the other side when I woke up later on, but I figured once in a night was enough, poor thing. That having been said? If YOU ever have a sleep study? I highly recommend trying it.

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Attention owners of breasts, or those that love them!!!! I got a card from Elenors - they are having a 25% off sale for the entire month. OR Shop via biggerbras.com online today only and use the coupon code "hamlet" to get 20% off your order with FREE shipping on orders over $75.

And in the realm of deals good enough I am going to post (more may be added rather than spam my friends page, so check back if you are so inclined):
Amazon has the Martian Matter Mega Set on sale for $8.99 (from $29.99), Fisher-Price Shake 'n Go Crash-Ups Speedway on sale for $20.99 (from $69.99), and the Leapfrog Fridge Words Magnetic Word Builder
on sale for $9.99 (from $27.99) all with free shipping with $25 order or Prime

And speaking of Amazon Prime... Amazon Prime Membership for only $59 for the first year (Unlimited FREE two-day shipping with no minimum order size, and upgrade to one day shipping for only $3.99)

ETA:
Star Wars Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot on sale for $59.99 (from $89.99 with a list of $169.99!) ONLY till 3pm EST with FREE shipping. Click on View Gold Box Offer on the right side of the page.

Playskool Dressy Daisy Doll - Blonde on sale for $5.99 (from $14.99), EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles on sale for $49.99 (from $79.99), KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White on sale for $169.99 (from $269.99) all with free shipping with $25 order or Prime...

EyeClops BioniCam on sale for $19.99 (from $79.99) with free shipping with $25 order or Prime

Mens shirts from The Dress Shirt Group via Amazon. Shipping is a bit tricky here... it is free for standard shipping, that might not get to you in time for xmas if you care, so you may need to pay for expedited shipping - maybe not as amazing a deal. If you are just looking for shirts on sale, and dont care about when they show up like me? order away! Also, not all colors on as deep a sale, so shop carefully for best bang for your buck. ( erm wow thats a lot of shirts on sale, I love yall have a cut )

Oh hey look, Amazon small appliance sale - up to 50% off. Of note is the Cuisinart 1-1/2-Quart Automatic Ice Cream Makers which is the ice cream maker I have and adore. It is actually a hand me down from my mom, and if she did not break it, lose any pieces, and used it until I begged it from her without throwing it out, that is a high review indeed! Oh yeah, on sale for erm.. $49.95 from $80.00.

Not my thing, but thought maybe some of you might get a deal out of this... TODAY ONLY is the once a year one day sale 20% off Season Passes.

I like to shop. A lot. But not as much as I like to save money. So I was thinking that occasionally, when I come across those deals that make me giggle like a 4 year old, I would share.

These last couple of weeks have been rather nice shopping wise, and I thought I would start with some Milk. Yes, Milk.

Horizon Organic Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk, 8-Ounce Aseptic Cartons (Pack of 12)
or Horizon Organic Reduced Fat Vanilla Milk, 8-Ounce Aseptic Cartons (Pack of 12)
when purchased from Amazon for $14 - choose "Subscribe & Save" and use coupon code HORZNORG to cut the price to $9.10 (which is less than $0.76 per each) with free shipping - Just cancel the subscribe and save after your order arrives if you do not want any more!

Now on to something a bit more, erm... frivolous than groceries. And a bit harder to find a place to put. I know because I can't figure out where to put one. Oh well. Target has the Lego Millenium Falcon on sale from $499.99 to $349.99. Use coupon code 7N584R3M to take off another $35. Target will give you free shipping, but you may have to pay sales tax (you will in NJ). Ebates will give you 4% back too!

Oh! There is an AeroGrow AeroGarden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit on sale for $89.99 (but only in white - the black or stainless are still $129.95).

PetFoodDirect.com has 22% off using coupon code PF120B - also use with Ebates for another 5% back.

That is all for now. I am back to trying to figure out what 10yo & 12yo boys might want for the holidays...

ETA: Oh, and since I am pimping? Go check out: and get$5 off purchases at CafePress of hoodies, jackets and sweatshirts, excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax. Code: DCPHOL5

Copy this sentence into your livejournal if you're in a heterosexual marriage, and you don't want it "protected" by the bigots who think that gay marriage hurts it somehow.

I just received this :D

Dear Home Educators of New Jersey,

We now have the opportunity to share good news!

A little over three weeks ago, you first read about a new threat to New Jersey homeschooling freedoms in the form of Assembly Bill A3123. A task force consisting of Catholic Homeschoolers of New Jersey (CHNJ), Eagle Forum of New Jersey, Education Network of Christian Homeschoolers of NJ (ENOCH), Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), New Jersey Homeschool Association (NJHA), and the Unschoolers Network worked to unite all NJ homeschoolers by apprising you of the threat and recommending united and focused actions.

Due to our recent conversations with key legislators in the State of New Jersey, we believe all of our exemplary calls, personal conversations, and meetings with lawmakers regarding principled reasons to oppose A3123 have been respected. For now, and in the foreseeable future, there is little likelihood that A3123, or any amended part of it, will be introduced at a hearing in the Assembly Education Committee. Although the Bill has not been officially withdrawn, that is not unusual in the State of New Jersey. Countless bills die in Committee and are not re-introduced in a new term. And, many legislators will continue to stand with us to protect our freedom to home educate. Importantly, we will, as always, remain vigilant. Thus, no further contact with your legislators about A3123 is advised at this time.

With sincere appreciation, our 40-years of home school success in New Jersey continues unabated because of all of you who continue to home educate with extraordinary love, wisdom, and dedication; who are committed to defend your right to home educate with respect and fortitude; and who quickly unite as one voice for such a noble cause as proven in the last few weeks.

Congratulations! It has always been this parent’s joy and blessing to home educate; an honor to be part of the esteemed home school community; and a privilege to continue to support the freedom to home educate in New Jersey and in the USA with you!

Faithfully,
Carolee Adams, State President
Eagle Forum of New Jersey

Addendum: Representative of many conversations with legislators and their staffs we enjoyed, I share one in particular. A chief of staff happily reported that she went home “chipper” the night before after taking many of your wonderful calls herself. (In fact, while we spoke at 5 pm, the phone was still ringing.) After working in legislative offices for over a decade, she expressed that she had never experienced such a high quality of calls with each of your! Then, she rendered this heartwarming compliment: “Because of the tenor of those calls, now I know why home education is so successful!”

Home educators of New Jersey – you rock!!!

Ganked from awoogala

Are you an Asshole Parent? a quiz:
( While it's ok to answer 'yes' to some of these questions, if you reply affirmatively for six or more of them, you're very likely an asshole parent and it is incumbent upon you to take urgent measures immediately: )

Yes I am aware of it. I have been for a few days. I am still processing and forming opinions and thoughts. The full text of it is here for those interested.

ETA: Also available for those that are interested is the New Jersey Department of Education Homeschool FAQ for the Law as it stands now.

Below is the full text of an update I just received: (emphasis in bold mine)
New Jersey Assembly Bill 3123 - UPDATE #1

In 2004, a task force consisting of leaders of various State level
organizations in New Jersey, spearheaded the effort to oppose anti-
homeschool freedom legislation.

That task force has convened again, has communicated by a series of
emails, and an hour long conference phone conversation this
afternoon. Our goal today, as it has always been, is to oppose any
legislation which threatens homeschool freedoms in New Jersey. Our
motto remains the same: "Many Voices - One Message." That message
is that homeschooling in New Jersey has worked for 40 years without
government interference and none is needed now. Just like we did in
2004, to be most effective, homeschoolers in New Jersey need to
bring our united message to our respected lawmakers in a united way.

The task force consists of (in alphabetical order by organization
name):

Kevin Kiernan, Catholic Homeschoolers of New Jersey (CHNJ)
Carolee Adams, Eagle Forum of New Jersey
Mark August, Education Network Of Christian Homeschooler (ENOCH) of
New Jersey
Scott Woodruff, Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
Nan McVicker, New Jersey Homeschool Association (NJHA)
Nancy Plent, Unschoolers Network

What we are doing:

We are speaking to New Jersey lawmakers.
We are attempting to gather information about the motive behind this
legislation at this particular time.
We are preparing material to distribute to you, which will help you
better communicate arguments against this oppressive legislation.
We are trying to coordinate efforts - so that the lawmakers involved
in this legislation will receive a coordinated, powerful message
outlining our opposition.

What we know:

The bill was introduced and immediately sent to the Education
Committee, which will not meet again until October 16. There is no
information about whether this bill will be discussed at that
meeting. Right now many of the legislators are unavailable because
of the current religious holidays. Because this bill was sent to a
committee, most of the legislators have no knowledge of this bill.

Many of you have been asking, "What can we do?!!!!"

What we are planning:

While we are hoping that it will not be necessary, we are planning
to ask all homeschoolers in New Jersey to join us in a coordinated
email, phone, letter writing campaign targeted to those lawmakers
who do have knowledge of the bill and who could influence its status
at this time. We will be contacting you all early next week with
the coordinated plan of action, including a list of talking points
you may choose to use, and a list of contacts.

We may be asking some of you, who live in key districts, to join us
in visiting your lawmakers to make personal appeals and arguments.

Right now we are not calling for you to make calls, write emails or
write letters. We believe coordinating that effort will have a
greater impact.

If you have any direct information about the motives behind this
bill please contact me or someone on the task force. If you have
had contact with a legislator about this issue already, please let
me know about that, including whether the legislator had any
knowledge of this bill and how your input was received.

If you have short talking points that you think would be helpful in
this battle, please send them to me.

Please continue to pray for our freedoms.

Faithfully,

Mark August
ENOCH of NJ

I am a bad dragon mommy cause my kids have been taking up all my attention. Oops :P

Here I am about to skip the commercials and I hear Los Abandoned playing at me on a Payless commercial of all things! I love my cousin, but I still don't fit in their shoes.

I try not to beg for money too often. But my mother in law is doing the Avon Walk in NYC in October and she is a survivor herself. We donated as much as we could, but I hope you can find $1, $5, $10 or whatever you can to support her.

Please click here to donate.
I am going to once again participate in the Avon Walk for
Breast Cancer in New York in October. I have committed to walking 26 miles in 2 days.
I am doing this for many reasons.
First, I am dedicating this endeavor to my physicians who are truly my heroes. Specifically, Drs. Elissa Santoro and Richard Michaelson. They are amazing doctors and people.
Secondly, I and my sisters are blessed and I want to celebrate that blessing.
Lastly, I need the exercise and I love the training...but I need your help.

Thank you for your encouragement and support whether or not you donate.
Please click here to donate.

( 4 little eggies all in a row )