We have a chore chart in our home that involves the living room and the kitchen. Both KatieJo & Samuel take turns being in charge of keeping one of them clean, and it rotates weekly. This week Samuel happens to be in charge of the Kitchen. When one is in charge of the Kitchen the chore is that they are responsible for putting clean dishes away and making sure the floor stays clean...i.e. picking up any toys that may have somehow gotten in there or sweeping etc.
Yesterday there were a lot of dishes to put away, and Samuel had just wiped out on his bike and hurt his knee. However, it was chore time so he had to go in and do his chores. I kept hearing moaning and complaining from the Kitchen and didn't really think a lot about it other than it was irritating me a little bit that he was complaining so much about doing his chore. It's not like this isn't something that happens everyday!
After a while he was still putting dishes away...yes there were a lot, but not so many that he should have taken an hour. I needed to get into the kitchen to start dinner and Stuart was about to get home and so unless the person in charge of the Kitchen is helping with dinner I usually kick them out. Yesterday was no exception. So dinner got made, put on the table and consumed. And as the kids were clearing the table I happened to have to use the bathroom.
As I walk into the bathroom I noticed a cake pan on the back of the toilet. Mind you this is the same cake pan Samuel had asked me where it belonged. As it turns out he hid dishes all over the house. I am laughing now, but at the time I was a tad bit irritated. There were baby bottles hidden behind step stools and other places, etc. It took him longer to hide the dishes than it would have if he had put them away. On top of that he started re-arranging my cupboards instead of putting dishes away, and even after I told him no he told me "trust me mom, it'll really be better this way."
I'm proud to say that I didn't yell, I didn't send him to his room, I didn't even get red in the face trying not to do these things. Instead I calmly (albeit a bit smugly) told him he had to do the dishes next week as well. He was less than thrilled (KatieJo did a happy dance though because neither of them like Kitchen duty). He also lost movie privledges-not that we really ever watch anything for the rest of the week.
My mom found it terribly funny, and got a really good laugh out of it. I on the other hand am frustrated. I don't really know any other children who would come up with something like that...and then to re-arrange the cupboards too? I'm going to go gray because of him! Thank goodness I love him!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Scare....I mean Square
Phillip and I were reviewing shapes tonight and he started being silly. When we got to the Square and this is what transpired:
M: What is this shape Phillip?
P: That's a ball
M: No it's not, what is it Phillip?
P: It's a Circle.
M: You know it's not a circle Phillip, what is it?
P: It's a letter. (by now his laughing)
M: Phillip, it's a square.
P: RARRRRRRR....I scared it mom.
M: I said Square Phillip, not scare.
P: RARRRRR....I scare you too mom!
He's been getting "scared" of things lately, like the trash can down the hall from Stuart's classroom. We have tried to make it better by helping him deal with things so he won't be scared. For instance with the trash can (that he said was a monster) we had him "scare" it so that he wouldn't be scared of it. It sort of backfired however, because now he "scares" everything!
M: What is this shape Phillip?
P: That's a ball
M: No it's not, what is it Phillip?
P: It's a Circle.
M: You know it's not a circle Phillip, what is it?
P: It's a letter. (by now his laughing)
M: Phillip, it's a square.
P: RARRRRRRR....I scared it mom.
M: I said Square Phillip, not scare.
P: RARRRRR....I scare you too mom!
He's been getting "scared" of things lately, like the trash can down the hall from Stuart's classroom. We have tried to make it better by helping him deal with things so he won't be scared. For instance with the trash can (that he said was a monster) we had him "scare" it so that he wouldn't be scared of it. It sort of backfired however, because now he "scares" everything!
Monday, August 31, 2009
And we're BACK!
Summer is no longer...so sad really! Today was the first day of school.
We now have a Second Grader and a First Grader. Samuel had a hard time sleeping last night due to excitement! He was still wide awake well over 2 hours after bedtime. I asked if they wanted to stay home with me today. They said "maybe tomorrow". That was a mistake however because tonight they asked if they could stay home tomorrow and do their school work on the computer. OOPS!
Both looked exceptional in their new glasses and new clothes. Gotta LOVE the first day of school! And I only cried during Family Prayer which Stuart asked me to say, I do have to add that crying only then is pretty good for me.
I figured I'd take a picture of everyone, particularly since Phillip thinks he's in High School...so that someday when he really is going to High School I can show him his "First" High School picture! Aren't they a good looking bunch?
We had our meeting last week about Samuel and attending 2nd grade. Even though he scored high on his testing and showed that he knows the material for 2nd grade they felt that because he is young for a first grader they want to keep him in 1st. So, in order to do that they are providing the academics to him IN his classroom. Last year they took him out of his classroom to attend 2-3 different other classrooms and we requested that they not do that this year because it was hard on him. So, they are providing a Math Aide everyday to work with him on the level he needs to work and they will be doing some more assessments as to where they are going to put him reading wise since he is reading at a 3rd grade level right now. We aren't necessarily pleased with the results of the meeting, however if they truly provide what he needs they will have our support 100%. I guess we'll see. I will be having a weekly meeting/e-mail as to his progress so that it will be easier for me to monitor.
We now have a Second Grader and a First Grader. Samuel had a hard time sleeping last night due to excitement! He was still wide awake well over 2 hours after bedtime. I asked if they wanted to stay home with me today. They said "maybe tomorrow". That was a mistake however because tonight they asked if they could stay home tomorrow and do their school work on the computer. OOPS!
Both looked exceptional in their new glasses and new clothes. Gotta LOVE the first day of school! And I only cried during Family Prayer which Stuart asked me to say, I do have to add that crying only then is pretty good for me.I figured I'd take a picture of everyone, particularly since Phillip thinks he's in High School...so that someday when he really is going to High School I can show him his "First" High School picture! Aren't they a good looking bunch?
We had our meeting last week about Samuel and attending 2nd grade. Even though he scored high on his testing and showed that he knows the material for 2nd grade they felt that because he is young for a first grader they want to keep him in 1st. So, in order to do that they are providing the academics to him IN his classroom. Last year they took him out of his classroom to attend 2-3 different other classrooms and we requested that they not do that this year because it was hard on him. So, they are providing a Math Aide everyday to work with him on the level he needs to work and they will be doing some more assessments as to where they are going to put him reading wise since he is reading at a 3rd grade level right now. We aren't necessarily pleased with the results of the meeting, however if they truly provide what he needs they will have our support 100%. I guess we'll see. I will be having a weekly meeting/e-mail as to his progress so that it will be easier for me to monitor.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The end is Coming!!
The end is coming sooner than we wanted! Stuart had to start back to work last Friday, which has proved a bigger deal than I originally thought. Before he went back Phillip was pretty much potty trained....then he went back and now Phillip is almost flat out refusing to use the toilet (except at bedtime when he doesn't want to be in bed.) GRRRRRR.
Everyone else seems to be doing fairly well with Stuart being back to work. Although because dad is back to work that means we are closing in on the kids going back. KatieJo is THRILLED to be going back and is anticipating 2nd grade with JOY. Phillip thinks he's going to High School because that's where dad is. (Luckily for him, he'll be able to go to the HS everyday for lunch with dad). Maija is blissfully unaware of anyone leaving, although I predict she'll be looking for KatieJo & Samuel next week.
But, Samuel is feeling a little displaced. During the last school year he attended 1st grade for most academics and attended kindergarten for most of the other classes. We were told at the end of the year that he would be put in 2nd grade if he passed the end of the 1st grade tests with 80% or better...which he did. Then because we were getting a new principal she decided that the tests weren't accurate enough and flat out vetoed the move.
However, we didn't agree with the decision and after doing our own research and talking to Gifted and Talented directors from other districts etc. We decided to fight the decision. So a few weeks ago we had a meeting with the Superintendent and the Special Ed Director. As it turns out the people that made the decision at the school level shouldn't have been involved in the decision, so last Thursday Samuel had testing for over 5 hours, and I had to be there for approximately an hour to answer questions and do a social history. Now we are waiting for the results so we can schedule a meeting and find out what grade Samuel will be in come Monday morning.
We are frustruated because there is an open house tomorrow night to meet the teachers and drop off their school supplies. And as we'd like Samuel to attend a different school so that none of the kids will know he was supposed to be in 1st grade we were hoping to have the answer and be able to attend tomorrow night. No such luck!
We are also keeping the option open to enroll him in what is called the k12 program. It is an accredited online program monitored by licensed teachers.
I guess what frustrates us more than anything is that everytime we go in and ask for more testing or tell them that he's smart they look at us like we're idiots. Yes, most parents feel that their child is brilliant (and really...who's isn't?). Then, because Stuart works for the district they decide to do the testing and...OH MY GOODNESS he really is smart! You're right.
I know it's hard to have kids who don't get it and to have to get the district your kids attend give them the services they need. But we feel like they are sweeping our kids under the carpet because they'll be able to perform on the tests...so why do anymore for them? Why does it have to be such a fight to get kids at the opposite end of the spectrum the services they need?
Oh, and did I mention that I LOVE principals from other schools who neither know my child or know that my husband works for the district (because I failed to mention it to see how she would treat me), that LIE to you? She told me that there is a district policy about advancing kids....which there isn't....we read the ENTIRE school district policies. And, she also told me it's normal for a 6 year-old to read Harry Potter....Really? Hmmmm, I guess those children's literature classes I took lied to me and so did the Superintendent who said it's atypical.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.....Maybe.
Everyone else seems to be doing fairly well with Stuart being back to work. Although because dad is back to work that means we are closing in on the kids going back. KatieJo is THRILLED to be going back and is anticipating 2nd grade with JOY. Phillip thinks he's going to High School because that's where dad is. (Luckily for him, he'll be able to go to the HS everyday for lunch with dad). Maija is blissfully unaware of anyone leaving, although I predict she'll be looking for KatieJo & Samuel next week.
But, Samuel is feeling a little displaced. During the last school year he attended 1st grade for most academics and attended kindergarten for most of the other classes. We were told at the end of the year that he would be put in 2nd grade if he passed the end of the 1st grade tests with 80% or better...which he did. Then because we were getting a new principal she decided that the tests weren't accurate enough and flat out vetoed the move.
However, we didn't agree with the decision and after doing our own research and talking to Gifted and Talented directors from other districts etc. We decided to fight the decision. So a few weeks ago we had a meeting with the Superintendent and the Special Ed Director. As it turns out the people that made the decision at the school level shouldn't have been involved in the decision, so last Thursday Samuel had testing for over 5 hours, and I had to be there for approximately an hour to answer questions and do a social history. Now we are waiting for the results so we can schedule a meeting and find out what grade Samuel will be in come Monday morning.
We are frustruated because there is an open house tomorrow night to meet the teachers and drop off their school supplies. And as we'd like Samuel to attend a different school so that none of the kids will know he was supposed to be in 1st grade we were hoping to have the answer and be able to attend tomorrow night. No such luck!
We are also keeping the option open to enroll him in what is called the k12 program. It is an accredited online program monitored by licensed teachers.
I guess what frustrates us more than anything is that everytime we go in and ask for more testing or tell them that he's smart they look at us like we're idiots. Yes, most parents feel that their child is brilliant (and really...who's isn't?). Then, because Stuart works for the district they decide to do the testing and...OH MY GOODNESS he really is smart! You're right.
I know it's hard to have kids who don't get it and to have to get the district your kids attend give them the services they need. But we feel like they are sweeping our kids under the carpet because they'll be able to perform on the tests...so why do anymore for them? Why does it have to be such a fight to get kids at the opposite end of the spectrum the services they need?
Oh, and did I mention that I LOVE principals from other schools who neither know my child or know that my husband works for the district (because I failed to mention it to see how she would treat me), that LIE to you? She told me that there is a district policy about advancing kids....which there isn't....we read the ENTIRE school district policies. And, she also told me it's normal for a 6 year-old to read Harry Potter....Really? Hmmmm, I guess those children's literature classes I took lied to me and so did the Superintendent who said it's atypical.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.....Maybe.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
$55.79
We went to City Market today (our version of King Soopers) to get some misc. produce that I didn't have. And while we were walking by the meat section Stuart mentioned that he wanted bacon with breakfast tomorrow morning. Well, typically I don't buy extra bacon. I buy exactly what is on the menu for the month and that's it. Well, since he was "dying" for breakfast sandwiches with bacon he started picking some out and the meat guy looked at me and said "there is some reduced sodium bacon right over here for 49 cents a pound."
My response was something to the extent of...."You've got to be kidding me!"
Well, what do you know there was a whole bunch of bacon labled 49 cents. So I grabbed 10, and then we decided that it was such a good price and we have room in our freezer so Stuart grabbed the rest of the packages. Which means we got 20 packages. We also got a package of pork ribs half off.
The bacon was normally $3 a package and if we bought it at a normal price we would have spent $60, and we got it for $9.80. (And it was a BONUS that it's reduced sodium as I'm not supposed to have a lot of salt.) The pork was normally $11.12 and we got it for $5.53.
So, we saved $55.79 today, and we only spent $17.91 which means we saved 75.6% of our bill!
WOOOHOOOOOO! Ok, so I'm a tad bit excited about saving so much money. And, to make it even better we've added about 9 months of bacon to our food supply. That may sound silly, however everything counts :0).
My response was something to the extent of...."You've got to be kidding me!"
Well, what do you know there was a whole bunch of bacon labled 49 cents. So I grabbed 10, and then we decided that it was such a good price and we have room in our freezer so Stuart grabbed the rest of the packages. Which means we got 20 packages. We also got a package of pork ribs half off.
The bacon was normally $3 a package and if we bought it at a normal price we would have spent $60, and we got it for $9.80. (And it was a BONUS that it's reduced sodium as I'm not supposed to have a lot of salt.) The pork was normally $11.12 and we got it for $5.53.So, we saved $55.79 today, and we only spent $17.91 which means we saved 75.6% of our bill!
WOOOHOOOOOO! Ok, so I'm a tad bit excited about saving so much money. And, to make it even better we've added about 9 months of bacon to our food supply. That may sound silly, however everything counts :0).
Friday, August 21, 2009
My beautiful daughter...I mean son.
Last week we decided on a rainy day to take the kids to McDonalds for lunch so they could play on the play place and get some energy out. On our way out the door Phillip grabbed all of the kids hats. Samuel and KatieJo ended up with baseball caps, which was appropriate. Phillip however ended up with KatieJo's Easter hat. Stuart wasn't happy, but we went with it. He's 2, it's a hat and he is very much a little boy. Did I mention the fact that he had a jacket on that had footballs all over it?
So we're standing in line ordering and Phillip was jumping up and down because he's was so excited that we actually agreed to let him have a happy meal. Some guy in line behind us says "Your daughter is sure excited to be here." Enter Stuart being MORTIFIED, and I politely tell him that my *son* is very excited to be getting a toy. He appologized and then started laughing and said we should take a picture and show it to him in 20 years. (Note, since then Phillip is NOT allowed to wear KatieJo's hat or any of her clothing out of the house per Stuart's new rule.)
Oh, and on the way to McDonalds on the same day Phillip (who ALWAYS tells us he's a boy) looks at us and says "I a girl." Stuart immediately said "No Phillip, you're a boy." And Phillip smiled and started laughing and said "I just joking!"
I thought it was terribly funny, Stuart on the other hand. Didn't.
We also had a guy yesterday (when KatieJo wasn't in view) ask us if we were going to "go for a girl". Mind you Maija was wearing a yellow onsie and she keeps taking the bows out of her hair. At first we weren't sure what was talking about and then Samuel said "We have two girls". The man did a double take and appologized for thinking Maija was a girl.
Most people look at us like we're crazy when they see that we have 4 kids, so it was particularly funny that some random guy asked if we were going to have more. Oh the ironies in the world!
So we're standing in line ordering and Phillip was jumping up and down because he's was so excited that we actually agreed to let him have a happy meal. Some guy in line behind us says "Your daughter is sure excited to be here." Enter Stuart being MORTIFIED, and I politely tell him that my *son* is very excited to be getting a toy. He appologized and then started laughing and said we should take a picture and show it to him in 20 years. (Note, since then Phillip is NOT allowed to wear KatieJo's hat or any of her clothing out of the house per Stuart's new rule.)
Oh, and on the way to McDonalds on the same day Phillip (who ALWAYS tells us he's a boy) looks at us and says "I a girl." Stuart immediately said "No Phillip, you're a boy." And Phillip smiled and started laughing and said "I just joking!"
I thought it was terribly funny, Stuart on the other hand. Didn't.
We also had a guy yesterday (when KatieJo wasn't in view) ask us if we were going to "go for a girl". Mind you Maija was wearing a yellow onsie and she keeps taking the bows out of her hair. At first we weren't sure what was talking about and then Samuel said "We have two girls". The man did a double take and appologized for thinking Maija was a girl.
Most people look at us like we're crazy when they see that we have 4 kids, so it was particularly funny that some random guy asked if we were going to have more. Oh the ironies in the world!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sugar Crystals
Samuel has REALLY been into rocks lately. For his birthday he got a rock tumbler which is currently churning away in our dinning room, and several other rock things. He also wanted to learn how to make Rock Candy. So, that's what we did for FHE this week.
Then you wait! Just like we are waiting for the rocks to be polished (which may take up to 4 weeks), and waiting for school to start!
Then you have peach cobbler for dessert because we have 2 bushels of peaches....YUMMY!
First you have to boil 1 cup of water. Then you dissolve (1 TB at a time) 3 cups of sugar (or the amount it takes to make it saturated...or when the sugar stops dissolving and starts collecting at the bottom of the bowl). 
Stir....stir.....stir.....stir.....stir.....stir!
Stir....stir.....stir.....stir.....stir.....stir!
Cute short people....if you'll be kind enough to notice KatieJo & Samuel's new glasses they'll be tickled pink.
Phillip wasn't making sugar crystals, he was making "Cookies".
Then you add color....we chose green
Then tie strings to a pencil or pen and hang it into the clear glass (so you can see the crystals forming).
Phillip wasn't making sugar crystals, he was making "Cookies".
Then you add color....we chose green
Then tie strings to a pencil or pen and hang it into the clear glass (so you can see the crystals forming).Then you wait! Just like we are waiting for the rocks to be polished (which may take up to 4 weeks), and waiting for school to start!
Then you have peach cobbler for dessert because we have 2 bushels of peaches....YUMMY!
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