Another School Year

Well we are off to another great start after the first period of school! Elizabeth made honor roll again! I am not surprised since I monitor all her work and homework daily. We are constantly working with her on various things, from math to science things...So a proud Mommy moment..

Trick-or-treating was a blast, as always and I'll be posting pictures in the a.m.

A Young Republican in the House

I will not comment on whether I agree or not, but Elizabeth voted for McCain today in the election at school. On the news the other night, they had a stat saying that most elementary and/or young kids vote Republican!

Last night I took the girls for a walk after dinner. We passed loads of Obama signs and for some reason, I thought that the name would stick with her...

Jillian's 4-yr Well Visit

Well today Jillian had 4 yr well check. She is 45 & 45...45 inches and 45 lbs...Yes, she's right up there with Elizabeth and 2 yrs younger....But she had an excellent visit....even had her 4 vaccinations and she cried, but not as bad as I thought...She's such a big girl in so many ways.

Last night we were at Nativity for our Girl Scout Leader's meeting and discussing Camporee. Next week, I will be going with my Daisy Troop, just for the day, to the Camporee. This is the first year that Daisy's can sleep over the first night, but we are a new troop. I think that's too much too soon. This year's theme is Disney...What a perfect theme for my troop and the rest of the girl's.

I need to finalize Jillian's Birthday party plans for Saturday. We are having a Birthday/Halloween/Costume Party for her and she is beyond excited!!!Its amazing the list of friend's she has...even Elizabeth is sad that this party is having Jillian's friends and wonders why not hers...But there are those siblings that are friends with Elizabeth that she seems to forget..LOL!

What a Filling Weekend!

I sure had a busy weekend!!! First, Friday evening, my husband catered a Bunco party...Sounds too me like there will be some more bookings, which he is thrilled about...

Sat. early a.m., Elizabeth and I went with the Scouts to see High School Musical 3. Its funny, some people compare it to Grease and I can see some things that they have in common, but it is so much different. But it was great being in a theater with all girls, ranging from Daisy's up to the older girls. Then we had some family time and went to St. Andrews to pick out our pumpkin and take some pictures...There was a great craft fair/flea market and I just walked by because I had the girls plus with family and friends that we buy for living up North, these were items I would not buy. Beautiful items, but some people just do not enjoy nicknacks...But beautiful.

I think Elizabeth looks absolutely beautiful!!!

Is it me or does it look like my cute little Jilly is trying to take off with this pumpkin!!! LOL!

Then I received a phone call about good friends of our's that were in an accident in the afternoon. So I went over and sat with her while we waited for her husband to be released from the hospital. She was released about 4 hours prior to his release. They are pretty banged up and I pray for a speedy recovery for both...Thankfully, they both are fine in retrospect...

Today, went to church and brought my friend's husband's car home from the hospital and then did at least, 5 loads of laundry. Between the Fall Fest and just general day-to-day things, laundry backed up...Now I need to finish planning Jillian's birthday party. Doesn't it seem that kids have many days of celebrating...??!! How fun for them!

Happy Birthday, Jillian!

Today, Jillian turned 4 yrs old. Of course, she was up at 6:00 a.m., one minute before the time she was born...Its amazing how 4 yrs have passed and how much things have changed or things have happened in our lives...

Today, she enjoyed her actual Fall Festival. She thought it was one big ole' happy party for her...We did our usual Birthday dinner, her choice which of course, was Wendy's, cupcakes, bath, etc. She loves her new VTech laptop we bought her....But now, its all nice and quiet...the time of day I absolutely love! Here is a Fall Festival pic and then her opening one of her presents...

(Her feet look so big in this picture..LOL!)

Well Happy Birthday Jilly! I Love You!!!

Fall Festival Begins

Wouldnt' it figure...Our Fall Festival starts tomorrow and rain is in the forecast...and Friday too. But we'll make out fine...Last year, the first day was in our Fellowship Hall and if that's what it takes, so be it.

Elizabeth had dance today and I must say, not only do I think she is a graceful and beautiful dancer, but so do others in her class. Her class will be performing on November 15th at the Novemberfest at Nativity. How exciting!

Another great day outside. The girls are enjoying playing outside after dinner when they can...Here are some pics from yesterday.



..

Then of course, pictures before church on Sunday where Jillian had her 2nd performance with the choir...





Yes, I think my daughters are the most cutest people in my life...They are everything to me, even though the rough spots. And through those rough spots, I just think of a Trace Atkins song "You'll Gonna Miss This"......

What a Busy, but fun day....for the kiddies

I've expressed my marathon day on my facebook and myspace pages. And I didn't sell myself short. But everything and everyone was where they needed to be with the help of my husband.

We skipped the gym...no way we could squeeze that in. Instead, we had a nice hot breakfast. Elizabeth had dance and Jillian went to her BD party. Prior to the party, I took a cute picture, a picture showing her little pimple right on the tip of her nose. I kept kissing the pimple last night....

The party was fun for the kids with a big bouncy/waterslide thing. Jilly just jumped and jumped, stopped to eat and jumped more. She was exhausted and fell asleep on the way home.

When I came home, I had to put black nail polish, yes, BLACK nail polish on my 6 yr old. Heck, its Halloween, age does not matter...But I will take it off before church tomorrow! She had a blast and was an Elegant Witch. What mommy liked was that her part was a simple dropoff. The party was in Plant City! BUT, I made it to TRU to get a few things for Jillian's birthday, NY COMPANY for some things I wanted and Penny's. All before getting Elizabeth...Amazing!



But now we are watching the Rays and its just not looking as good as it should.....Hopefully, the Ray's have 2 more chances up and things will turn around. But for now, I'm almost ready to hit the hay...Been on the computer for over 2 hours doing Parent's Association stuff!

The Busiest Time of the Year

I have to say, that October has always been the busiest month for me. For most, it might be Thanksgiving straight through Christmas....But ever since I became involved in Jillian's school, now my 3rd year, that's changed. Not only have I started ever so little with my Christmas shopping, I am involved in the planning of LVC's annual Fall Festival. Hard to believe that its next week already....Harder to believe that the following week, we are planning our Thanksgiving Festivities!!!

But busy is good. I thrive on this type of hustle and bustle...Oh yea, I need to squeeze Daisy activities in with plannign Jillian's birthday party and the fact that George is catering a large Bunco party and then going up to NY for a long weekend....But again, I love it!

This weekend should be a challenge. Lets see, we need to go to the gym in the a.m. Jillian has a birthday party from 12 -3 in Mulberry and Elizabeth has dance from 11:30-12:15. Then Elizabeth has a birthday/costume party from 5:00-7:30...WOW! Sunday is sounding more inviting than ever before!!!

Family Day

Like others, today was completely with the family. After breakfast, we all went to the gym and then after Elizabeth had dance. After that, we just didn't do anything. Played around with the girls, actually went in the pool because the pool warmed up. Then we gave the girl's an early bath and then ate dinner. I had a moderate amount of laundry to do while we played a game of Candyland.

We are having AC problems. Our AC is leaking. We discovered this tomorrow. Thank God for Home Warranties. We have to pay a $60 service call, but everything else should be covered...Even if God forbid we need a new unit. But with the fans on, we'll be fine. The AC company said that we can still use the air, but with the leak, I do not want to damage the rug...(Thankful we have a wet vac!) But Monday morning they will be out...Hopefully, nothing serious, but our last maintenance for the summer, our guy said that we would probably need a new unit in a few years. We'll see if a few year's came sooner than expected.

Tomorrow is church and maybe a trip to the pumpkin patch...We'll see...

Well back to the Rays and the race!!!

Daisy's, Daisy's and Daisy's

We had our 2nd meeting tonight and a lot of fun. Out of 11 girls, more than 1/2 has learned the Girl Scout Promise...I'm very proud and impressed.

We have our first outing, not us as a Troop, but us among many troops. One of the leaders has arranged for 2 theaters at the Regency for a showing of High School Musical 3. So some of the girl's and their mom's are going...Then we have Camporee. This was going to be difficult, but I arranged for a babysitter. George is out of town that weekend and I was worried about if Elizabeth and I could go. But it all worked out..

We read our first story in the "journey" book and the girls planted some basil, thyme and daisies in plastic containers. We are all going to watch the process of these plants growing...How sweet is that...

Next week there is no meeting since there is no school...It'll give me a week to recoop from being so busy..

Here is a picture of Elizabeth in her vest...How cute...I wanted the apron, but saw a lot of vest...Its her choice..




I would love to show our planters and just what a great group of girl's we have, but being that they range from 5-7 yrs old, I do not want to throw those pics on a blog....But trust me...they are all so cute and excited about the Troop!

Tagged

Tagged...
I was tagged by several people!!!, with this Meme:

The rules are, you have to answer with only one word. Then pass it on to 7 others.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2.Where is your significant other? Working
3. Your hair color? Brownish
4. Your mother? Deceased
5. Your father? Deceased
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Daisy's
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. The room you're in? Family
10. Your hobby? Exercise
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Dance
14. What you’re not? Wild
15. One of your wish list items? Jacuzzi
16. Where you grew up? Jersey
17. The last thing you did? Drove
18. What are you wearing? Capris
19. Your TV? On
20. Your pet? None
21. Your computer? Friend (lol)
22. Your mood? Okay
23. Missing someone? Mother
24. Your car? Blue
25. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
26. Favorite store? NY
27. Your summer? Short
28. Love someone? Yessire
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Morning
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

Passed to:

Karlise
Heather
Elaine
April
Karen
Sharon
Jae

Me....A Calmer Me!

First, I want to address Elizabeth's behavior from the other day. I spoke to her teacher yesterday and we both agree that with Elizabeth's shyness, she can possibly have a fear (somewhat) of asking questions, ie, what to do with the homework. I am not sure if she feels that she will get in trouble, if she would be embarassed, or something along that line. Her teacher assured me that she isn't goofing off (or talking like I used to do in class).

I spoke to her teacher regarding the whole testing vs. scoring vs. reduced lunch vs. the whole crappy situation. (Let me just say, I am still on this with the District, but back to my point). Elizabeth can easily be in what they label as the gifted program. BUT, the gifted program is not want is made such a big deal over for Kindergarten through and including 2nd grade. First of all, Elizabeth's testing was done at the beginning of the year by the recommendation of her Kindergarten teacher. They have put her in accelerated math assignments, has had older girls was reading buddies, etc. In fact, Elizabeth is in a "fast readers" group which has demolished. It demolished due to the fact that whether you are a fast reader or not does not matter if you cannot explain what you read. Elizabeth could not keep up with the other kids because they were going through the motions. That, I truly believe, would of been deterimental to her being that we ALWAYS discuss books and what the story means or about the story. Her teacher challenges her everyday. Her teacher becomes frustrated because she knows Elizabeth knows the answers, but is bashful to express them. When she answers, she whispers.

Anyway, her teacher is an older teacher. I have to say, there is something extra special about the older teachers than the teachers in their younger years. Some, I need to stress, not all. But some of the younger teachers act as they are buddies with the students. That cannot be...So her teacher is from the old school. She gives homework, but really does not believe in too much homework at this age. She believe the work needs to be done in class, where questions come up and the kids learn together by working on things. She is strict and you can see it, but she is also loving.

So back to the gifted program. In talking to her, how can a child be pushed at 5, 6 or even 7. They are still finding themselves. 5, adjusting to school, 6, adjusting to the curriculum of a more regular academic schedule and learning through worksheets, not just through play and visuals. I have a little different feeling about the whole idea of being put in a gifted program, whether you are financial wealthy, whether you get the free or reduced lunch, etc. Our kids have enough burden's in this world these days. So, I am still looking into the "point" thing with the lack of points, if in fact, you can "earn" points just by being in the reduced program, etc. Only because of fairness.

As far as Elizabeth is concerned, we will revisit this. With her shyness, this would not be a good thing for her anyway. And her teacher will be sending home additional work if needed. In fact, she was given a Level 4 Book to read and for us to sit down with her to talk about the stories. So I am satisfied with the "old school" thinking than the rush, rush, rush, push our children and God forbid, have them struggle more...Struggling too much can bring down their confidence. And as long as she is learning every day, being challenged every day, there is NO rush on learning a different grade level's work.

Elizabeth's Strange Behavior

Ok, so I am truly pulling my hair out trying to deal with Elizabeth lately. Something is going on, and I do not know what it is...But I think we are nailing it a bit.

Without going into details, I truly believe that Elizabeth is so timid and shy that it is affecting her in ways that you could only imagine. Ex., I believe that she did not pay attention to directions for one of her homework assignment. I explained that she needs to ask her teacher. Her response, "I'll just take the zero". Then she was kind of physically upset last night, so I wrote a note to her teacher. She never gave her teacher the note. I was livid. At dinner, though, I was able to somewhat think that she was talking to her friend, never heard clearly what needed to be done, and the teacher might of said that she is not repeating it. For those that know Elizabeth, this is so not her. Unfortunately, yes Jillian, but I never had issues with Elizabeth. And not to give the note...OMG, I have no words for this. Yes, I did things in school, etc. but I know they are wrong. I need to snap her back to reality, into the responsible 6 yr old I love to brag about.

This is just a small problem, I guess, but when its so far from her personality, it just catches me off guard.

Tonight, went to the gym, upped my weights for my arms and pray that they are not too sore tomorrow:o)

School

I have to watch how I word this because I do not want to come across like a complainer.

Elizabeth was "tested" and scored above average. I was told by another personnel member of her school that if I apply for the reduced lunch, she would have enough points to go into the gifted program...

I cannot express how much this irritates me. She scored very well, needs to be challenged as she is reading on a 3rd grade level, does very well in math including those lengthy word problems, etc. So why should I have to apply for something for my daughter to get the proper education? What the f*ck am I paying taxes for? Why should I have to apply for some sort of assistance for my daughter to get the education she so rightfully deserves? I am hot about this. Here I am, having her bring her lunch, Friday's is a treat, she buys, not trying to take something we do not need and she still gets shafted??!!! It just does not make any sense to me.

This situation has been escalating for a couple of weeks now with numerous calls to the school and counselor, including the person responsible for the testing. Oh it does not end there...I am not looking for the gifted program because I have not heard that Yates gifted program isn't anything special, I am just looking for the proper treatment of my child due to her abilities, not due to any sort of prejudicial reason.

I did receive a letter from her teacher who wants to meet with George and I this week. I will also plan on taking this to the school district. I feel this way, I am one person and the chance of me doing anything, making a difference is slim. But to bitch about something and not do something or be heard is worse. I cannot sit back with this...I've dealt with family members taking advantage of the system by being put on Medicaid instead of getting off their asses and getting a job, etc. I can go on and on and like I said, just challenge my child. I do not expect my 1st grader to be taught algebra, but just let her think. The problem in some schools is that kids get bored and just go through the motions. I will not allow that.

Thankfully, Yates is not the only school in Hillsborough County with this vicious point system crap....

Thanks for letting me vent!!!

Daisy's and Disney

I had my first Daisy meeting yesteday and it was awesome. Special thanks to Kari and Donna, my assistant leader and mentor for the troop. We have 9 girls with a possibility of going to 11. They are all so into it and adorable. I will not post the troop picture being that they are only 5 and 6 yr olds and I know that I would not want my girl's posted on a stranger's blog... But I am excited and hope the girl's and their parents are equally excited.

Today went to the gym and we went to Disney. We really have not had that much quality family time on the weekend lately. George was away last week and all the other weekends, someone was sick, getting over being sick or we've been working outside. We've had our new passes for over a month and today we finally activated them. (But they are good for a year from today...date of activation, which we knew) We went later than normally. I figured that we do not have to be there when any of the parks open. We've done that dozens and dozens of times, not necessary. Well the last time I went there with the girls was in January. My sister and family were down. Whenever we go, we rent one of their double strollers. It makes getting to the park much easier or on the Disney bus, much easier. Back in January, it was $20, might seem high, but convenient. Found out today that this past April, the stroller rental increased. Now when you here increase, ok, everything is going up...But there is no freakin reason that the current price is now $31. I LOVE Disney, but I have to say, that's just pure freakin greed. Disney or not Disney, that is just ridiculous. I feel like writing to someone and even though I am one person, I cannot change what Disney does, at least I will feel better being heard...(or the letter going in the garbage!)

All in all, we had the best day, and I mean that. I never really get the chance to say that the girls, both girls, same day were perfect, but they were. I was amazed, especially after Jilly being in a wild mood in the a.m. I really do not have many pictures to share. I took about 10 in total of the girls, but I am not taking pictures of the parade, etc. Being there so much, I have a lot of pictures that look the same, just different clothing being worn. Plus, I just want to enjoy my girls without breaking for pictures. (I tend to go overboard w/pictures!)

Well I am beat right now...I need to rest or get started on my letter. To the book, my back area, right by my lung, is killing me. Has been all day and I was coughing last night. So am I getting sick so soon, again?? Maybe, hope not, but maybe!

Anniversary Cards....

I meant to share these on Monday...These are the cards and pictures Elizabeth made for me on my Anniversary....All on her own...what a kept secret and nice surprise....George did not even know because he was away....How sweet she is!!!

Daisy Troop Update

My first troop meeting is tomorrow afternoon, after school. I am very excited about it, a bit nervous because I want to make sure the girls are interested, but very excited.

I did get my Troop # which is 556..Whoohoo for us. I also have 8 definite girls in my troop and a possible 3 or 4 others. That to me is a full troop. Good vs. bad....our of the 8 definite, all the girls pretty much know each other or know one through another girl or whatever. It really does not give an opportunity to meet new girls. What it does do is that the girl's knew each other thru preschool and/or church. It does give them a sense of building a stronger relationship, one that is not necessarily established at 4 yrs old or during a school day.

I met with my Asst. Leader today and we basically have a rough idea of our meetings for the month. We are going to go along with the school schedule, ex. no meeting on the 17th. I will still have a meeting on Halloween being that kids do not trick or treat before 6:00. We can have a little party or Halloween celebration during our meeting with a nice craft.

I am also very proud to say that Jillian has taken a complete 180 in school. Her behavior has been very good, something I am not used to having consistently.

So as we end the week, we are probably hitting Disney this weekend...Whoohoo! A nice way to end a pretty good week!