Joe Rockin Out a Castle

I peeked in on Joe today finishing up a castle as Soulfly blared in the back ground. I love to watch him work in the shop.

He really loves what he does and it shows. He's such a cool, awesome guy, really. I know it sounds totally played out, but he really and truly is my best friend.

Wearing Orion

Orion is worn most of the day. His needs are met so perfectly this way. The only time he is put down is for diaper changes nursing and the occasional picture. He loves his "mommy-nook", I call it.

I have so many different baby carriers, but the Wrap-n-Wear is my absolute favorite! No back pain like with the sling. It really, really rocks!I just got the white one for our upcoming trp to Florida. I can't wait to take on Disney & Sea World wearing my little guy!

Babies Are Born To Be Worn!

A Sea Of White Flowers

Today was such a wonderful day! The kids and I had a picnic and we went for a long walk to get in shape for Disney World in three weeks.

We ended up among a sea of white flowers which was so beautiful!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my sweet friends tomorrow!! I love you all.....

The Business of Being Born

Watch this amazing documentary about Birth in our culture.

http://quicksilverscreen.com/watch?video=45525

ORION - 10 Weeks Old

I couldn't update the blog without adding some recent pictures of our little chubby baby-dude!

Here is Orion at 10 weeks! He loves to smile at his sisters, be on Mama..... and nurse the day away.... Ahhhh what a life!

The Martin Fighting Fish

Well....you live and learn.......

The girls really wanted new pets. We decided on fish when we got to the store. We thought that the cute little fish would be great company for eachother....well....little did we know they were Siamese Fighting Fish! Ahhhhh!

We got home, put the fish in the tank and within minutes they were taking bites out of each other very violently! It was crazy! They were like piranhas! As interesting as it was to watch two beautiful fish fighting, we had to split them up into two tanks. We jumped online and realized what kind of fish we had bought.... Yes, it's sad to say that male Siamese Fighting Fish will fight to the death....

It was an interesting day and we all learned so much!

Here are the newest little Martin's.....Rainbowy & Flowery (happily named by Tiff and Ivy)

Celebrating Spring With Watercolors

This morning the girls and I were feeling creative and were inspired from the first spring flowers we saw outside. We put on some Sheryl Crow (Tiff's favorite artist right now) and as she sang along, "I ain't takin shit off no one baby...that was yesterday...I'm an all America rebel making my big get-away....cause I want to fly...." in her best singing voice....she painted an ode to spring.

Here are our Spring pictures proudly displayed for us all to enjoy...

WELCOME SPRING! We're so glad you are here!!

Spring Is Here!!

It has been a long winter here in NH! This morning we awoke and went outside to enjoy the sunshine. We saw something peeking out from the snow......it was the first spring flowers!! The kids were SO excited! Devin and Ivy picked the flowers and wanted to post a picture of them on the blog, so here they are.

Dayna & Josha Kickin It

Josha and I finally meet! After almost a year of supporting others on the RU & LoA paths, Josha drove the 3 1/2 hours from Vermont to meet us in person! We had such a fun time together. We went swimming, the kids played videos games, and Josha and I cooked dinner together. It was so special and a time that I will never forget.

There's nothing like spending time with others who really *get* you so you can relax into *Who You Are* so amazingly.

To me, a good friend is someone that you spend time with and while doing so, you feel so great about yourself and your life.. This is the gift that Josha has given me....Unconditional, Joyous Friendship! I am so grateful for the wonderful friends that I have in my life.

The Martin Art Gallery

I have always been in awe of the beautiful artwork that my children create. Since Devin was a year old and could scribble, I have cherished his art. Putting things on the fridge was never enough for those awesome pictures that brought tears to my eyes. (yes, I'm sappy like that).

I love framing their art and embellishing our home with it.

I really enjoy when we go to the store together and pick out a frame for each of their unique pieces that show off their creations best. It's really become such a special part of our lives that I wanted to share it here.

Here is a small selection of Devin, Tiffany's and Ivy's framed artwork. I can't wait to see what Orion creates! I just love our home, and I am so grateful that every day that passes it becomes more and more of a reflection of our families passions and Joys in life.

Land Ho!!!!

It's been the snowiest winter in over a hundred years here in the mountains of NH! Well... the kids having been waiting and waiting to see bare ground... they are longing for the sound of birds and spring flowers!

Yesterday was the day! The kids had on their snow clothes and were in their bliss standing on snow-less ground! It was just so funny, Joe had to snap a picture.

Ten Things I've Done That You Probably Haven't - Meme

I was tagged by Mindy for this Meme.

1 - I was called up on stage at a David Copperfield Magic Show where I was an assistant for one of his tricks. He put a sword through my throat.

2 - I won the Faculty Award for Science and Astronomy in college.

3 - I grew up in the city and for fun we used to spray paint Graffiti on the back of buildings. I've run from the police several times and hid in a dumpster once. I was never caught.

4 - I've lived in Sweden for 6 months with a Swedish family. I learned how to speak Swedish by them only speaking Swedish around me.

5 - I accidentally lit myself on fire when I was a teen by spraying hairspray on my hand and lighting it. I was trying to do a trick that I saw someone else do, but I used way too much hairspray. I spent the night in the hospital.

6 - Bought an RV on eBay.

7 - I've been to many heavy metal concerts since the age of 14. Some of which were Slayer, Metallica, Napalm Death, Primus, Megadeth, Obituary, Sepultura, Slipnot (and many, more!). I was usually the only female in the mosh pit. I met the singer for Slayer when I was pregnant with Ivy.

8 - My Mom caught my last baby as I gave birth to him. She said it was the most incredible moment of her life.

9 - I've taught at a Midwifery School educating student midwives about birth and breastfeeding.

10 - Oh ya... I was a featured guest on the Dr. Phil Show. ;)

A Very Martin Easter

Here are some pictures of the kids on Easter. We had two Easter Egg hunts for them. One in the house and one over in my studio/playroom.

It was such a special day! I made a big ham dinner and I made cupcakes with the kids that looked like little Easter baskets.. So cute!

A New Chapter Begins

After almost 8 years as a LLL Leader I have retired.

I have decided to focus on my new endeavour Unschooling United. It is a new organization focused on parent-to-parent support for Unschooling and Respectful, Peaceful Parenting. I have so much support and encouragement behind me as I create this person to person information and support network.

UU Facilitators will offer meetings complete with lending library's and free phone help to parents on their paths to Unschooling. I know in my heart that this is a much needed resource as a shift in our culture is taking place. Parents are wanting alternatives to the traditional schooling and parenting model and I look forward to watching this organization grow organically as those looking for this type of support are drawn to it.

Look for Unschooling United Meetings in your area soon! We have aspiring facilitators in almost every state interested in helping you on your path to Unschooling and Respectful, Peaceful Parenting.

Cardboard Box Derby Winners!

For the last 10 days Joe and the kids have worked on creating a cardboard box racer to enter in the annual Cardboard Box Derby. This is the first year was have taken part in it.
We decided to go with a Star Wars theme. Joe worked so hard on it this week adding the finishing touches.

We all had a fun day at the ski mountain and the kids loved spending time with some of their friends who were also competing.

The race slope was really steep and I was nervous for the kids when I saw it, but they said it wasn't too scary. There were three categories to compete in. One was for speed, one was for durability and the last was for style.

We won 1st place for Style! Woo hoo!

Here are some pictures of the event and our Cardboard Box Y-Wing Fighter. (notice R2D2 in the back.)

Paper Pizzas...Rainsticks and Runescape...

We had one of those, laid back, creative days today. Everyone was cozy in their sweat pants and jammies. The heat was just toasty enough in the house to make you grateful it was winter. Sheryl Crow was playing as we pulled out construction paper, glue and scissors. We were totally in the zone....
First we made Paper Pizza's and then rain sticks. We put uncooked rice in paper towel tubes and decorated them. They came out so neat! The girls had a blast while Devin played....you guessed it! Runescape!! Today on Runescape they had a really cool Easter Egg hunt that Devin was totally stoked about.
Now it's time for dinner and it's looking like leftover corned beef and cabbage is going to be the menu. Ahhhhh, what a life!!


You can see Tiff's loose tooth and Devin's crazy morning hair. ;)

Introducing.....The Martin Kids!

This is the first picture that we have taken of all of the kids together.

Here is Dakota (6) (a/k/a Tiffany), Orion (6 weeks), Ivy (3) and Devin (9)

Gaming With Sis

Tiffany just adores Orion. She spends all day sharing her joys with her new baby brother. She wants to hold him all the time. Here she is playing a video game with Orion on her lap.

The Young Naturalists

A few days ago we went to a Wild Animals of New Hampshire Exhibit and Class. They had a live porcupine, Owls and a Coyote. The kids really loved it! They were able to ask questions about the animals and we learned so much about the habitats and what the animals ate. Ivy loved the owls so much! It was a fun thing to do on a cold Sunday afternoon.

Orion 6 Weeks Old!

Wow, the time has flown!

Orion smiled for the first time the other morning. It was just he and I that were awake and I was holding him on the couch looking into his eyes. I smiled and his eyes lit up and he smiled back! No matter how many children I have, that first smile never looses it's magic!

Learn To Read With Runescape!

Devin recently discovered the Joys of the online game Runescape! He has had so much fun creating his character and building a house for himself. One of the features of the game is that you can walk around and chat with other online players.

Although Devin knew how to read to a small degree, he has learned SO much more just from asking other players questions and trading their online items among one another. This is the perfect example of how a child will learn what they need to learn in life from internal motivation. Devin has a real need to read and type to be able to communicate with other players. His brain was ready for this huge leap in his reading ability. I always trusted that he would learn what he needs to in life, and this is yet another example of this philosophy in action.

Yesterday I surprised him with the Runescape Guidebook that I found online to help feed his passion. When my kids are interested in something I do all that I can to give them as much of that interest as possible.

Whatever interest and passion my children have at any given time becomes the nucleus of their learning in that moment. It is my job to connect with them and feed their interests with anything connected to that passion that they may be interested in. I love this aspect of my role as their parent. Every interest is seemlessly connected to yet another interesting hobby or thing to explore. The learning and growing flows so authentically and naturally. It is such a Joyful way to Live and Learn together.

It all comes down to *Trust* living this life.

Here Devin is playing his newest passion Runescape.

~Tiffany Rose~

Dakota decided to call herself Tiffany over a year ago. She feels that the name Tiffany suits her much better than Dakota. We have always honored this request as Joe and I both feel that it should be her choice what to be called, no one else's. Over the last year we have received a lot of negative criticism about honoring our daughters request. We have stood unwavering that she should be called what she wants to be called.

I have referred to her as Dakota on this blog since I began it, but today is a turning point for me. I am honoring her request at a new level and although she can't read yet, I will be referring to her as Tiffany on our family blog.

I have seen Tiffany's bright light inside of her grow since Orion joined the family. She is the most nurturing and loving human being toward him. She treats him like a little Buddha and jumps to help in anyway that she can. She has grown in ways that I can't explain. I have never witnessed such love from one sibling to another.

Tiffany is a very highly sensitive child. She feels everything so intensely. Not many people "get" her. We get annoyed looks from some folks (sadly, some of which are family and friends) when they hear her intensity. It seems they are only focused on seeing things through cultures filter of "good or bad behavior" and they never take the time to understand *Who She Is*. She feels this rejection and being so sensitive experiences others energy and it hurts her. This has been something that I help her navigate through and understand. She can't help her own intensity. What she needs is UNconditional love and acceptance and for people to look past how she is communicating and hear what she is trying to express and why. I believe that our culture is so focused on "good" behavior that highly sensitive and intense kids are labelled "bad" for something that they can't help at all. It is *Who They Are*. It is one of the reasons so many kids are medicated and have their spirits broken. It seems that to most obedience is the main focus. Not many people take the time to look at the needs under the behavior.

I am so thankful that we are Tiffany's parents so she isn't labelled and drugged.

Since I gave birth to her I have grown as a human being in so many ways. Tif has taught Joe and I patience and understanding on a level that we never knew before. If it wasn't for her I may not be so *Joyful* in life. The contrast she gives our family has been such a gift.

Her *Shine* is so bright. I love everything about her.

So this is to you Tiffany Rose! Thank you for being *You* I am so honored to be your Mommy. I love you so much my sweet girl.

The Last Days Before Orion

Here are a couple of pictures that my friend Rachel took of me and the family before Orion was born. I am so glad to have them to remember such a special time in our lives as a family. Everyone was anticipating Orion's arrival. I will never forget those last few days waiting to meet him.






Dayna, Joe, Dakota (a/k/a Tiffany), Ivy & Devin



Some belly huh? This is what a 10 lb. 10 oz. baby looks like right before birth. ;)

More Than Just "Getting Through the Day"

An important aspect of being an Unschooling family is having my children see that learning never ends. There is never a point in life when we say, "Ok, all done! I've learned enough."

Being creative and interested in every thing around me has helped my kids to learn that this is how one can *Be* in life. Whenever the kids are using pastels, or paints I often join in. Not only to be *Present* with them, but to really enJoy doing something together. I try to make our lives as rich as possible. Life to us is more than just "getting through the day". Striving to be *Present* in life is challenging at times, but I am getting better at it everyday.

Here is a piece of Art that I created with the kids. I framed it to be able to remind myself what is important in my life. Allowing my "inner-artist" to emerge has been interesting. I never thought of myself as very creative when it came to art. I am now exploring this side of myself that was never allowed to grow because of my own past judgements of my artistic ability. Focusing on the process, rather than the finished product has been something I have shared with the kids. For them to see me enjoying my creative side has helped them create without judgement of themselves also. This parenting gig is pretty cool stuff. Growing along side my kids has been quite a ride. I look forward to our future while striving to be utterly *Present*.

This Life Rocks!

The Unschooling Unmanual

My new friend Jan Hunt asked me to reveiw her latest book, "The Unschooling Unmanual". I am very honored to do so. Jan is the founder of "The Natural Child Project", an incredible resource for parenting and natural living. Jan is also a sweet, down to earth, genuine person.

The Unschooling Unmanual was a unique and empowering book about the growing trend of Unschooling. There hasn't been such a ground-breaking book since Rue Kreams, "Parenting a Free Child, An Unschooled Life" (which I gave a copy to Dr. Phil, by the way) ;)

The Unschooling Unmanual is an an incredible compilation of essays by Unschooling Adovcates and parents. It is an easy, inspiring read. Joe has been reading me quotes from the book for the last few days. It isn't often that a parenting book will spark this kind of enthusiasm in him, so I know how special this book it. It is THE book to give to doubtful or fearing partners and family as well as anyone considering or interested in this life. So many cool Unschooling quotes that I have heard over the years are in this book.

Kudos Jan! You rocked out an amazing resource which will certainly make history!

Devin's Snowman

The other night I went to bed early and when I woke up the next morning Devin showed this to me. He made it from an old wash cloth, buttons and felt. I thought it was so amazing that he just got the idea to make this and then, by himself in the kitchen, created it!

He didn't think it was as big a deal as I did. I was just so impressed that he sewed it on without help. I told him how cool it was and hugged him. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "It's only a snowman Mom." Well.....I just loved it.

Orion - Our Newest Sparkling Dude

It took me two weeks before I put Orion down long enough to snap a few pictures of him. Before taking these I started crying looking into his eyes. I'm so happy he is part of our family. Today Orion was really *Awake* for the first time. His eyes shined and he was aware of everything around him. It was a truly magical day!

Unschooling America Gets a Makeover

www.UnschoolingAmerica.com

Freedom to Learn With Liberty & Justice For All

Recently I have had a lot of inquires about speaking appearances. It is my dream to travel and speak about respectful, peaceful parenting and Radical Unschooling.

I thought it was the right time to give my website a face-lift. I love how it came out and I look forward to what the future holds for us as Advocates for this amazing life.

I know this is only the beginning!

Whatcha Watchin'.......In Labor?

I wanted to share a few more details of my incredible labor and birth experience with Orion.

Laughter was such an amazing tool for me to enjoy the whole experience. Staying in a positive vibration throughout the labor was so essential for me to enjoy every aspect.
In early labor I watchted the movie "The Secret" (for like the 20th time). I also watched the Dr. Phil episode we were on. It reminded me that if I can go on stage and share our life with 50 million people worldwide, than I can do anything! But, the best thing I watched in labor was the movie "Tenacious D". It isn't a movie that the average person would enjoy more than likely, but where Joe and I grew up in the 80's as "metal heads" we could relate to the movie so much. It was just so funny! I was belly laughing with contractions 2 minutes apart. I stood while I watched it and rocked as a laughed.

Another really funny thing that Devin kept saying to me during a contraction in his own supportive way was a Spongebob quote; "Bring it around town Mom! Bring it ARRRRRROUNNNNNDDDDD TOWWWWNNNNNN!" It would make me laugh out loud every time he said it. It really helped me! He has such a good sense of humor.

This was just a little peek into my labor that I wanted to share.

Welcoming ORION!

Our son Orion William Martin was born on January 29th. He was 10 lbs. 100z. I labored alone most of the time, and with Joe until the kids woke up. Orion was born just as Joe brought the kids into the bedroom. The labor and birth was Joyful, easy and very plesurable. It was my first painless birthing experience. Yes, it was intense and extremely powerful, but it was also the most incredible, romantic, sensual time in my life. I was never afraid. I embraced and worked with the great energy which brought me to a new level and understanding of how amazing and positive birth can truly be.

Ivy cut the cord about an hour after the birth.

Orion was also Born In The Caul (amniotic sack) which suprised us all! Here is some great information about the history of this rare occurance. Thanks to my friend, Stacey from http://www.myfriendoprah.blogspot.com/ for posting it to my Yahoo group.

In medieval times the appearance of a caul on a newborn baby was seen as a sign of good luck. It was considered an omen that the child was destined for greatness. Gathering the caul onto paper was considered an important tradition of childbirth: the midwife would rub a sheet of paper across the baby's head and face, pressing the material of the caul onto the paper. The caul would then be presented to the mother, to be kept as an heirloom.

Over the course of European history, a popular legend developed suggesting that possession of a baby's caul would give its bearer good luck and protect thatperson from death by drowning.
Cauls were therefore highly prized by sailors. Medieval women often sold these cauls to sailors for large sums of money; a caulwas regarded as a valuable talisman. Other legends also developed. One popular legend wentthat a caulbearer would be able to see the future orhave dreams that come to pass.

The most common portent of good luck in recent centuries is that the baby born with a caul will never drown, the second most common myth is from Scotlandand that believes the child will be fey, or psychic. Another British meaning is that the child will travel its entire life and never tire. Also an important myth hails from ancient Egypt, and that story claims the newborn baby is destined for the cult of Isis, again a mystically inclined fate. Other legends also developed. One popular legend wentthat a caulbearer would be able to see the future or have dreams that come to pass.

Ivy's Birthday

Ivy turned 3 on January 28th! We had such a fun day with her! We all made her cake together. Ivy wanted a pink cake with blue frosting.

Devin made Ivy a very unique and special gift which he called a "sewing center". Devin created a pocket for patches and one for buttons. There is also a place for Ivy to put her pins and needles. Here is a picture of Ivy and Devin as Devin teaches Ivy to sew. She learned to sew on a button and put a patch on her doll. Devin is so sweet and patient with her. The girls learn so much from him.

Woodworking Adventures

Having a Daddy that is a toymaker has it's perks. There is always tons of scrap wood and plenty of tools to build amazing creations. Devin and Dakota love spending time in Willow Toys workshop alongside Joe. They have learned so much about tool safety, sanding, waxing and building in the last few years. The kids have so much *Fun* out in Daddy's shop!

A New Joy.... Crocheting!

This week my Mom introduced the kids to a new hobby. She bought yarn and crochet hooks for the kids and showed them all how to crochet. Devin and Dakota have absolutely loved it! Devin is on his way to making a blanket for himself and Dakota has made the worlds longest crocheted chain. Ivy hasn't really grasped it yet, but loves to tie the yarn around her crochet hook and play along side her brother and sister.

Rockin Out With New Fruits

Part of my role as an Unschooling parent is introducing my family to new and exciting experiences. Even a simple trip the grocery store can become a wonderful, enriching trip when we are looking for new and fun foods to bring home to try.

The kids and I love to browse the International Foods aisle and choose something new and yummy looking. This leads us down many interesting paths and introduces us to new cultures and ideas. Whenever my Mom comes over from England she brings us so many new things to try. It is always so fun and an aspect of her visits that we always anticipate.

This week we decided to try some new fruits from the grocery store. We bought a Cuke-asaurus (horned fruit), and a fresh Coconut. Everyone tried the coconut milk and even though no one really liked it, they enjoyed trying something new.

My Beautiful Blessingway

My Blessingway was just beautiful. It was the sweetest, most loving ceremony. I had about a dozen friends here all wishing me well on my upcoming birth. Joe and the kids were here too and all put beads or charms that they picked out on my Birthing Necklace. I soaked my feet in lavender oils and warm water with rose petals floating in it. It was very relaxing. Everyone who attended also brought a candle and at the end of the ceremony lit the candles and shared a wish for our family. When I am in labor I will light the candles for strength and support.

I have hosted Blessingways in my area for over six years now. I love facilitating and honoring other women in this way. Being on the receiving end was very different for me, but so incredible. I am so grateful for my friends who put their time and energy into making me feel so loved and supported.

After the ceremonial part of the Blessingway everyone ate yummy foods and created a tapestry with empowering art and words for our family to hang. It came out so beautifully. My sweet friend Rachel made me a beautiful flower halo/crown for my head which she put on me after this picture was taken.

Every woman deserves to be honored, pampered and supported like I was to prepare for birth. It was amazing and something that I will never forget.