Breaking Up is Hard to Do

I had to break up with a Mom this week.

Have you ever had to do that?

There were just too many things that I didn't agree with, too many things that impacted my child when our children were together.

It was not a fun thing to do at all.

I had to tell her that I didn't think it would be a good idea for our girls to play together outside of school anymore.

I am not a perfect parent, but any means. I let my kids stay up too late, they don't always eat their veggies and sometimes we have important conversations after they see something on tv (see a meth-lab blow up on tv..."Boo...don't do drugs, things blow up when you do" I know...Mom of year here!). But there are some thing that I just don't do, and that is what made this choice an easy one.

I have expectations for my kids, and for their friends when they are at my house. I don't take attitude very well, don't handle rudeness or any lack of respect. I lay down the law whenever a child walks into my house, even the cousins, because I don't want anyone surprised. I have only had to call a parent once to pick up their child early, and now the story has gone full circle.

I don't blame the child, don't even really blame the parents but I have to control the people that my children are exposed to while I can. It won't be long before I will lose the control on this, where Boo will no longer see the people the way that I do.

There are very few moments where we can teach our children the right way to treat another child, and this was one of them. Boo and I learned an important lesson this week, one that hopefully will carry with us for sometime.

School Update

We have some news on the Boo-School front.

First off, her principal is retiring and I just might hog-tie him to his desk so he can't leave.

Just saying.

Love that man.

Anyway...

We are keeping her at her current school for the time being, at least two more years we think. She goes to a school that has a focus on Math, Science etc. It is a great school, and the teachers are learning right along with the kids as this is the first year that they are going this direction. We love that school.

I met with a principal of another school Friday morning, and her principal and teacher that afternoon. I let her principal know that we were looking at this other school and he asked what we were looking for when it came to changing, and we agreed to give Boo the chance to find out if the Sciences and Math is what she excels in and go from there. So at least two more years there and then we will reevaluate.

On the front of her being bored...her teacher has done a great deal of digging to find out what Boo likes, what she is REALLY good at and what resources she can bring to the room for Boo and another student. I was shocked to learn that her math scores were higher compared to others then her reading score.

She gets that from her Daddy...me and numbers do NOT get along.

She has mandated testing next week, so we will look at her scores during conferences the weeks following and figure out a more firm plan. Her teacher agreed that Boo needs more, so we have her on board which I was nervous about.

We are moving forward, and we have a team that listens and agrees that something needs to be done to ensure that Boo gets the most out of everything.

A step in the right direction I think.

The BEST School Project EVER!

What what Hunter making? The BEST homework assignment EVER, that’s what!


Thursday night Hunter called to let us know that he had to make a WWI trench to bring to school. Instantly he and Hubby started planning how to make this thing come alive!

We started with the spray foam (the white stuff in this post) and made sure that he had a great base to build off of.

He built little artillery buildings out of mini popsicle sticks that he painted brown and glued together.

He made Army Guys out of molding clay since the only ones we could find to buy came in packs of a million. Didn’t need that many.

The one above is in No Man’s Land, Hunter said he was dead, I said just sneaking up on the enemy.

Not only did he have to make the trench, he had to label everything too! There was No Man’s Land, Artillery, Communication and Support areas in his trench.

Even a flag…

This was by far the coolest school project he has ever had to do, and so much fun. He did it all himself, except using the hacksaw.

What homework would be complete without a hacksaw…

What in the world...

What could Hunter be making...

He has this...

These...

And these...

I'll tell you when he is done tomorrow! This is such a cool school project!

Boo's love to Read

On Thursday we had Parent Night at Boo's school. I had been e-mailing with her teacher about reading groups, reading levels and just what to do with Boo this year. She has a very high reading level, and finishes books that are normal for her age group in barely two hours. The easy reader books, even faster. It is hard to find books for her that are challenging, yet age appropriate.

We have started looking at the classics. Today, I am giving Boo her first copy of Pippi Longstocking. This is a book that I loved growing up, and loved the movie even more.

But after this, I am at a loss. There are so many great books out there, but 90% of them are not appropriate for a little girl of 7.

She has some Judy Moody books, and Junie B. Jones too, but she flies through them so fast (plus, Junie B. Jones has some MAJOR attitude). Ramona Quimby books are good, but I don't think she likes them as much, plus they focus on a 4th grader.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is one she could read, but I don't want her too. I don't like the message the book gives as much. I thought about letting her read Where the Red Fern Grows with me, but she gets so emotionally tied into books, she will cry at the end.

Any ideas? I need some help here...

Box Tops Giveaway!!

The Giveaway is now closed. Congrat to Melissa of girlymama!

This post is sponsered by My BlogSpark

School is back in session, and kids are running wild! Well, not wild but like little people that have way too much energy to burn. Boo runs and JUMPS on her swing at least 5 times a night. I kid you not. I worry for the poor swing.

With the pent up energy, comes the need to snacks. Both of our kids would eat us out of house and home if we aren’t careful, but they do need something. We have the standards, fruit, veggies with dip and crackers. But some days require a special treat, something we don’t have very often.

My kids LOVE when we have Totino’s Pizza Rolls and Pillsbury Toaster Strudel for snacks. It is a rare treat, but one they relish every time. They are a quick snack, and filling so I won’t hear about hungry kids leading up to dinner time.

Plus, these products have Box Tops that you can clip for your school, and some even have bonus Box Tops! Like many parents, I am an avid clipper of Box Tops, so this was a huge thing for me. If you aren’t sure how Box Tops for Education works, head over here. It is a wonderful program that has raised a ton of money for Boo’s school.

Totino’s and Pillsbury have teamed up with Box Tops for Education for a great contest. You can enter daily to win 5,000 bonus Box Tops for your children’s school, and free Toaster Strudel and Pizza Rolls. PLUS, you can win school supplies from Avery, Box Tops new partner. We donated a lot of our supplies to Boo’s school. There are always classrooms in need of highlighters and glue sticks!

Win It!

Thanks to My BlogSpark I have one of these great gift packs to giveaway! You will win 1 Free coupon for Totino’s Pizza Rolls, 1 Free coupon for Pillsbury Toaster Strudel and some great school supplies. These supplies have up to 14 Box Tops for you to clip for your school!

The Rules:
There are three ways to enter!
- The Must – leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing about the start of school, either from growing up or shipping your kids back.
- Tweet the giveaway, leaving me a comment with your link.
- Become a fan of The Fritz Facts on Facebook. Leave me a comment letting me know you have or if you already are.

I will draw the winner on Sunday September 20th by noon.

It wouldn't be normal day without something going wrong

2nd Grade.

I think there is some sick twisted game going on. There is no WAY my little girl is starting 2nd grade.

She was up on time, eating her breakfast as we reviewed all the important information: bus number, lunch pin number (remember when we had tickets...the good ole days), what to do if something happened to her cast and her classroom number. We sat and talked about what she was excited about (new teacher, new friends, new bus) and what she wasn't (quiet time topped the list). She wondered if her friend was in her class, and remembered that another wasn't for the first time.

As the time drew near, Hubby got her out to her stop, our driveway (score!) and they waited. Almost on time the bus came down the road, and she was off for her first day in her same-but-revamped-school.

As 3:15 came closer, Hubby waited for Boo to get home. Excited to hear about her day, and wanting to make sure his little girl had "the best day ever". As 3:30 came, he called me, "She's not here!". Not to panic...but almost 20 minutes late.

I told Hubby to call the Transportation Department, it was the first day so they may just be late. He called, and they FREAKED him out, "We can't get the bus on the radio" and then "the bus is in {CITY NAME}" which is on the other SIDE of our city. Not good. They corrected where the bus was (love GPS on buses!) and said it was coming down the hill right now (the person had typed in the wrong number), he looked and there it was.

Boo was home, smiles and giggles as Hubby gave her hugs and kisses. She was safe and happy.

Her first day was great. She was nervous, but almost half her kindergarten class is in this class, so she had friends. She had Science and LOVES the new teacher that has a very strong background (bonus for a Science school...don't you think....).

Boo was happy. She talked our ear off, telling us stories of class time, recess and the bus ride "Mom...I got to ride in the WAY back! The WAY back Mom...in the little seat. Can you believe it" as she grinned from ear to ear (she got high-fives for that, the way back is huge! lol).

Boo was happy. Her first day was a success.

Now, lets see how day two went.

As they start to wind down

I just got back from a short walk with Koda, and by short I mean a block because the little guy can't handle much more than that.

It is gorgeous out today, as it was yesterday. Except it is going to be FREAKIN warm out today. We have the most dramatic weather-mood-swings. Saturday Boo was in jeans and a sweatshirt, today shorts and a tank top. It never ends.

With this warm weather comes the end of another school year. Only 11 days left for Boo, and 12 for Hunter. It seems like they just started, and now they are in the winding down stages already.

Yesterday, Boo spent the entire afternoon at the park. THE ENTIRE AFTERNOON.

Hunter, he had Track and Field Day on Monday and will have only a half day on Friday that he will spend fishing...with school.

I wish I could do that when the weather turned nice.

An amazing friend

I have a wonderful friend at work. He thinks of my kids all the time.

He is a habitual Cheerios's eater, and if you eat Cheerios's you will know they often put little books in them.

Boo has every one. Thanks to my friend from work.

Now, he has gone even above and beyond.

I cried at work on Wednesday a little bit, at his generosity.

He has given Hunter such a wonderful gift, such a generous gift I can't even begin to thank him enough.

He has give Hunter Level 1 and Level 2 of the Rosetta Stone French software.

I know...wow.

Hunter took French this year at school and loved it. He was disappointed when the term ended and he had to move onto his next extra class (which was Industrial Tech, he missed French).

I told my co-worker about it, and he told me he had this software that he never used.

He wanted Hunter to have it.

I was floored and amazed.

This is the kind of person I WANT my children to turn into.

Generous, kind and thoughtful.

Willing to help a friend out, giving and charitable.

How can I thank someone for this. I don't even know where to begin.

Boo and her Lego's

Everyday Boo blows my mind. She is such a wonderful balance of girl/tom-boy. She loves her dolls, but would love to spend all day playing in the dirt or playing with her Lego's.

Last year for her schools Learning Fair Boo made a wonderful scrapbook that showed her life so far. She did ALL the work, I am a stickler for the rules of Science/Learning Fairs.

This year, Boo decided she would go to the other end of her talents.

She built a house out of Lego's.

Without the pattern (since Mom wouldn't let her use one, I am so mean).

Her description says "I built it because I like to build with Lego's. People live in in". Don't ask me what the drawing is...I have no clue whatsoever.

See the Dinosaurs at the front door, they are the guards.

I swear.

The house has a bed, a washing machine (no clue on that one either) and a glow-in-the-dark tooth hanging from the wall (behind the row of Lego men).

I asked her if the Lego men were in a time-out, they are all lined up like they are.

Maybe Darth Vader is in charge, since he is in there too (the red stick standing up is his Light Saber that actually lights up when you push his head down).

The best part, she had the most comments of any project in her class. The boys loved that she plays with Lego's.

The girl cracks me up.

What I learned this week

Our week was filled with school meetings and sickness. There are many things that we learned this week, but one really stands out.

My daughter's school is the best place for her to be. Both academically and on a level of respect for the students.

This week Boo was assigned the job of helping a new student to and from the bus his first couple days in her class. Boo was excited about the job, and I was proud of her, not only because she was asked to do this, but because she was asked by the Principal.

Her principal is a wonderful man that I have spoken too many times. He knows most of his students by name, and has a great relationship with Boo. He knows her, and knows what she is capable of. Knows that she is more than willing to help another student.

The office staff, who he says "really run this place" always make an effort to be in the halls at the beginning and end of the day. The main contact in the office gets more hugs each day than any other person in Boo's school. She is one loved lady.

And the teachers...I can't say enough about the amazing teachers at Boo's school. Her Kindergarten teacher was amazing. She still seeks out Boo at least once a week for an update, and we run into her all the time at the grocery store. She is an incredible woman.

Her first grade teacher is just as incredible. She has made so many opportunities for Boo this year, and so many of them she might not have had with another teacher. Between her Literary Circle and SEEKERS Boo has been exposed to so many wonderful things thanks to this outstanding teacher.

The other teachers that Boo has interacted with are just as stupendous as the rest. Her music teacher was her favorite last year, she even did her big "Make your own book" project on her. She was in her class when Boo got sick a few weeks ago, and she called that afternoon to see how she was doing, something that many people wouldn't do. Her gym and art teacher are just as wonderful, always going the extra mile to make sure the kids understand and want to learn more.

Even the older grade teachers take the time to know the younger kids. At the school meeting on Thursday I stepped into a second grade room to learn about the new stuff for next year, there are major changes coming, and the teacher knew who I was. She told me that she loved Boo, and hopes she has her next year in her class. That blew my mind. That was not something that we have ever heard before.

Going into Kindergarten last year we had a mind-set of how elementary school went. We didn't have the best experience with Hunter, and were worried that Boo's school was going to be the same. We have been surprised at every turn, amazed at every event and over joyed with how her school time has passed so seamlessly.

Boo's school is definitely where she belongs. As we look forward to the changes the school is going through, it makes me even more excited about what is to come. There will be so much room for growth, and more opportunities for each child to learn so much more.

For more What I Learned This Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Crap

We got this notice from our leasing office tonight:

"Thursday January 14th there was a major city water line break on County Road #&&. This was no fault of our property, but rather strictly a city issue.

As a result of this occurrence you may notice that your water will be brown in color. We would strongly discourage drinking, bathing or washing clothes with this water until it has flushed it way through. We will suggest running Cold Water for a few minutes to see if this will help. "

Lovely...so not only are there bright lights from the construction crew fixing this water line, but I can't take a shower. At least not until tomorrow if they are done working. Great...lovely...fabulous.

Another joy to our -17 day! Tonight is going to be "the coldest in 5 years" hitting -25 without wind chill. With wind chill it will feel like -40. Hunter's school has already called for a two hour delay, but not Boo's. If the buses will run she will be going on time. But, either Hubby or our fabulous neighbor's will be driving the kids to school. Way to cold to wait for the bus outside.

Man I love Minnesota!

Baby it's cold outside

Do you remember being a kid, and walking to the bus stop in weather so cold your nose froze the minute you stepped outside. By the time your feet and hands warmed up it was time to head home and do it all over again.

While there were times my parents would drop us off at school, usually we were left to walk to school or take the bus. We lived 5 blocks from our elementary and high school, so walking was the option there. I remember how cold it was, but how fun it was to have mini snow ball fights on the way.

In middle school we took the bus, and that had it's moments too. Both my parents usually left for work by the time we needed to go to school, so the bus it was. I loved taking the bus, for the most part. It was cold in the morning, but still a good time. I sat with my friends, we laughed the entire way to school.

There were always a couple kids whose parents would drive them to the bus stop when the temperature dropped. The kids would sit in the car until the bus appeared, then run for it. We always laughed at those kids. "It's Minnesota...it cold".

Well...I am now one of those parents.

This morning it is a lovely -16 (-35 wind chill). Brisk I tell you.

This morning I will be driving Boo to the bus stop. I offered to drive her to school, but she wants to ride the bus with her friends.

So this morning, my kid will be the one that runs for the bus when it gets close and I will be happy she isn't freezing her fingers off.

1+1=2

Boo is a perfectionist.

I am not talking a minor "Hey that letter needs to re-written" perfectionist.

I am talking tears, wails almost a temper tantrum (remember she is 6) perfectionist.

I am not a perfectionist. If you could see my house you would know this. I can't see the top of my computer desk...don't remember what color it is.

But, I think I know where it comes from, and that makes me sad.

Time and time again Boo sees what happens when you don't turn in your homework, and when you are lazy about it. She sees the reality of not doing the most important job a child can have...school work.

With Hunter as her big brother, Boo has seen these hard lessons first hand. Hunter is an amazing child, but homework is not his strong suit. Not a big deal...yeah right.

Hubby and I want better for our kids, we want them to succeed in whatever they choose to do. With this dream, we have expectations. Some think they are too high, but I think in this current world, they are what needs to be.

-Late homework is not acceptable. I don't care what your reason is, unless you are absent from school, your homework MUST be turned in.

-Homework must be completed on time, and to the best of your ability. I don't care if you don't like to add color (like you are asked too), that is part of the assignment: DO IT.

- Do your best, and work hard. That is all we ask. If you do your best, and ask for help if you have questions you will get no problems from us.

- Don't lie to us about missing homework, that will only make the punishment worse. Tell the truth, and you will get off easier. One day with no tv is much better than two weeks for lying on top of it.

- No, I am not kidding when I say I will take your room apart. Do your homework and it won't happen. Want to try me and find out. It won't be fun for you.

The past school years were rough, and this year has had it moments. But we are working through.

I only hope that we can break Boo of this habit. She is so hard on herself, and she doesn't need to be.

At the Book Fair

Yesterday was a fun day for Boo. Her school had their yearly Book Fair, and her class got to go in and buy a book, as long as they brought money. We told Boo that she could buy a book, as long as she used her own money.

She had no problem with this, as we figured out which book she wanted to get. We looked through her paper thin catalog, and found just what she was looking for, and of course it followed a recent theme.

So Boo counted out her money, counting by 5's and 10's to get to that magic number. She checked and double checked to make sure she had the right amount, not wanting to take a chance she couldn't get her coveted book.


I wish I could have seen her walk up, all proud, ready to purchase her first book on her own, without me there. She had her money in a little Ziploc, and the smiles that must have come from her.

She was so excited about the book fair, and the minute she walked in the door, she was ready to read the book. She sat down and read the entire book front to back, and smiled the entire time.

Boo just bought her first book.

The list of the day

While this weekend was not the greatest, it is time to get the week going. Yesterday was a post-headache fog, not fun. I wasn't normal person at the office, and was in bed by 9:15 last night. Exhausted.

Today, is a better day. There are a ton of things that I need to take care of today, and some things that I have to let slide for the good of all.

- Have to go through Hunter's toys and pull what he never plays with. If I let him do this, he would never get rid of anything.

- Go to Archivers to price out scrap book bags. I have a gift card and a coupon!

- Figure out the final schedule for the holidays. There are so many things to do, and I am that anal. I wanted this taken care of in September.

- Have Boo put together this cool review item I got from Mom Select. She has been giddy since Friday when it came. Hunter was going to do it, but he is grounded, so not happening!

- Resist calling Hunter to find out if he turned in the missing homework, must resist!

- Worry about Boo, nothing in particular there are just some changes at school. I want to see how she adjusts to them.

- Work a full 8 hours, plus some overtime.

Do you think there is enough time in the day?

Strep by strep

What does strep look like at your house? Kids sprawled on the couch, water and juice being drank, and low energy right???


I stinkin wish!!!

This is what strep looks like at my house...normal.



I can't get the girl to sit still to save my life! I had to threaten early bed time to get her to sit down. She ate TWO helpings of Tacos, has had two Popsicles, two pieces of Halloween Candy and is looking for more.

I know that the normal appetite is a good thing, but can I get a quiet sick day just once?

No?

Man...

Not even movies are enticing her.

And we have another day of this tomorrow. Stupid strep.

I talked about how Hunter has struggled the past few weeks, and it hasn't gotten much better. The school is working more with us, and will hear about our dissatisfaction again this Thursday at conferences. He isn't making the effort now, and this makes the frustration 100 times worse. The school can only do so much, and then Hunter must take over, and do the work...bring the work home. As we get ready for his conferences, we remember that the school is only one area of the issue, and that makes it hard when as a parent we want them to fix it now. A lot falls on Hunter himself.

With that comes the complete opposite. Boo's conference was wonderful, and I went into it with a light mind since she doesn't struggle like Hunter does. She is doing great, and loving being on Student Council. She has another meeting this week, on Pajama Day. She can't wait to wear pajama's to school.

Her teacher is working to make Boo part of a Literary Circle with another couple children. Boo is a very advanced reader, and her teacher wants to challenge her as much as possible. The Literary Circle will give Boo and the other students more control of how much they read of the special book, what activities they do and what they talk about. It will be huge for her.

Both of my kids excel in certain areas. While Hunter's isn't always school, when he is on he is wonderful. Boo struggles with some activities where Hunter is a rock star. It is a balance game, one that is in constant motion.

Schools and kids...they both can drive me nuts

This week has been a major struggle in our house.

Hunter has been doing so well at school (or so we thought) until the past couple weeks. Homework has been the constant battle for as long as I can remember, but his teachers have always been pretty good about letting us know.

This year, most of his teachers have been on top of it, and I do mean most. Of course everyone forgets from time to time, but for the most part the ones that have taken the time have been wonderful.

I can't even tell you how much I love his homeroom/language arts teacher. She is wonderful. She understands him and his situations on two huge levels. 1) His need for extra help and reminders and 2) his having step-parents. That last one is huge. He has never had a teacher that is in the same type of situation, that really understands the struggles a child with two families goes through. This has been a wonderful thing for Hunter to have at school.

The issue is this...

When a child with "mild" special needs has a 504 Plan in place, the school must do certain things, as spelled out in the 504. Ours is quite simple, especially compared to others I have seen. Seat Hunter away from distractions, including distracting students. Provide Hunter with extra time on tests, as needed (the state tests are the biggest thing he struggles with). Provide Hunter with the opportunity to move about the classroom (this cuts way down on the fidgeting). Post the daily schedule. Give Hunter a 5 minute notice before changing activities or tasks. Follow up with parents when assignments are missing, or if other issues arise. Be open with weekly parent e-mails (parents send). Monitor assignment completion and provide reminders to Hunter to hand in completed work.

Now, the big ones that we are having a BATTLE with one teachers on is "Be open to weekly parent e-mails, monitor assignment completion and provide reminders to Hunter to hand in completed work and follow up with parents when assignments are missing". It took three days for this teacher to reply to the e-mails asking what is going on with his grades. Why are assignments not graded and listed and what do we need to know to help him out.

THREE DAYS

As the boy struggles, and has to deal with the consequences of not turning in his homework at home, he is getting no help from this teacher, until our e-mail comes. Only then does she take him aside and ask him for the missing assignments, and give him copies of the missing assignments.

So, my Friday at work was spent talking to the principal (an amazing principal at that) and the 504 Coordinator on the phone. The principal was going to talk to the specific teacher, and remind her that there is a 24 deadline for e-mail returns, and that Hunter has a 504 in place that she must comply with. She legally has too. She has no choice on the matter.

Now, we are going to have to have a meeting at the school, with all his teachers and they are not going be happy, the ones that have been working so hard and one that is messing it all up.

Hunter now has a lot of work on his hands. His 504 is not there to give him a get out of jail free card, but to give him some extra help. He still needs to be responsible for his work, get it done and turn it in. He has a planner that he can list his assignments out on, he just need to do it. One teacher is having him come in right off the bus to write the assignments down and turn in his homework, something that no one has ever been willing to do for him.

Grounding, limitations and lack of trust now haunt us. This is both the school and Hunter. It will take work to build it back, and we have a long road ahead of us.

What do you do to get your boys to get their homework done? Hunter gets home, gets a snack and gets down to work. Nothing else until it is done. Still, he doesn't always bring it home, and we do not know until a big read MISSING is listed on the parent website. Any tips would be a huge help. We are at the end of ideas, and have taken the tough love approach. We don't know what else to do.

Student Council

The first student council meeting went really well for Boo. They spent time getting to know each other, and there are a couple of her friends on Student Council, including our neighbor. The planned Pajama Day, and the coin drive they do the Humane Society. I am very excited for her, and can't wait to hear about all she does.

I didn't take any pictures of her, because the morning was a little chaotic for some major reasons.

But, she did wear an outfit I have talked about before. She wore these...





Now these say power right??

Oh, and yes I caved in and let her wear them to school ( I just realized that I never posted about my choice on them). They are growing on me a bit. Just like denim skirts and leggings.