 |
| Ready to go! |
 |
| Yee Haw! |
 |
| Hayride |
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Calling all the Monsters
I've had this song in my head for two days now! It's called "Calling all the Monsters" and was one of the dances that Madi did.
 |
| "Calling all the Monsters" |
Time is ticking away, tick tick ticking away...
Another week gone and past. Madi had choir on Monday. They're doing so good! We're getting ready for their Grandparents' Day performances which will be in three weeks during the school day. They sing four songs, have a feast and then go to the book fair. She had Zumba on Wednesday and prepared for her performance that was yesterday. She was nervous about it and practiced on Friday. She did a great job!
This weekend was a really great one for all of us. Poppi and Grammy came up late on Friday night. On Saturday, we all went to the Ethridge Fall Carnival. Grammy, Kathryn, and I were a vendor at the fair. Madi performed with her Zumba class. Was really great! Jeremy and Gaylan have the performances on their iPads so we'll get them downloaded onto facebook or here for you to see. She really did great! They had a booth at the vendor part where Madi was able to get a feather in her hair. She's been wanting one for a long time, but being that they charge $25 for haircut and feather, we haven't done it. Poppi and Grammy got her one for $5 - long turquoise one. Then Madi and Tripp went with Poppi and visited with Mamaw. Madi said she was quite quiet the whole time and cried when they left. I'm sure she loved seeing them.
After the Ethridge Fall Festival, we went home and the girls put on their costumes. Madi is Cleopatra, Riley is a cowgirl, and Julia is Alice in Wonderland. The girls look sooo cute!! We drove to my parent's house and picked them up and then went to their subdivision Halloween party. They had a few bounce houses, food, hay rides, face painting, an animal petting farm, and pony rides. The girls were so excited. And it was free!
I don't think there was anything the girls didn't do! Madi especially loved the face painting and was going to get her face painted as a cat, but changed her mind and got a vampire face instead. Riley loved the pony rides and rode twice. Jules and Madi also rode the ponies one time. The girls all did the bounce house and we all rode the hay ride and got popcorn. Julia loved the petting zoo especially the bunnies and picking up the baby chicks (poor chicks!). She leaned her head to the side and talked to the bunnies. Was so cute.
This weekend was a really great one for all of us. Poppi and Grammy came up late on Friday night. On Saturday, we all went to the Ethridge Fall Carnival. Grammy, Kathryn, and I were a vendor at the fair. Madi performed with her Zumba class. Was really great! Jeremy and Gaylan have the performances on their iPads so we'll get them downloaded onto facebook or here for you to see. She really did great! They had a booth at the vendor part where Madi was able to get a feather in her hair. She's been wanting one for a long time, but being that they charge $25 for haircut and feather, we haven't done it. Poppi and Grammy got her one for $5 - long turquoise one. Then Madi and Tripp went with Poppi and visited with Mamaw. Madi said she was quite quiet the whole time and cried when they left. I'm sure she loved seeing them.
After the Ethridge Fall Festival, we went home and the girls put on their costumes. Madi is Cleopatra, Riley is a cowgirl, and Julia is Alice in Wonderland. The girls look sooo cute!! We drove to my parent's house and picked them up and then went to their subdivision Halloween party. They had a few bounce houses, food, hay rides, face painting, an animal petting farm, and pony rides. The girls were so excited. And it was free!
I don't think there was anything the girls didn't do! Madi especially loved the face painting and was going to get her face painted as a cat, but changed her mind and got a vampire face instead. Riley loved the pony rides and rode twice. Jules and Madi also rode the ponies one time. The girls all did the bounce house and we all rode the hay ride and got popcorn. Julia loved the petting zoo especially the bunnies and picking up the baby chicks (poor chicks!). She leaned her head to the side and talked to the bunnies. Was so cute.
Overall she's doing well. We had a few talks with her this week about behavior and school work. No long lectures, but just small talks. She's doing really well in her classes overall, but is starting to speed through her work and making mistakes that wouldn't be made if she was taking her time. As Mrs. Campbell said, she's a 100% student who is just trying to coast and because she is so smart, she's still getting A's, but just not giving her best work. She had silent lunch on Friday because of not following directions during lunch time and laughing uncontrollably (in the teacher's words). And we had a talk about behavior during school assemblies after she screamed so loud I could hear her over the entire school. Now, the entire school was cheering and loud and excited. The high school kids were there (Hometown Heroes as we call them) and the teachers were pitching whiffle balls filled with shaving cream. Was awesome and fun!!!!!!! I heard an incredibly loud scream and knew exactly who it was. Looked on the other side of the room to see a teacher correcting her. Madi said she was just cheering for her hero, but we talked about there is appropriate cheering and cheering that involves screaming as loud as you can because you just want to be loud. I had told her at the beginning of the year that there is not anything that I don't find out about at school. Either by way of just being told, hearing, seeing, whatever. Not always easy being a teacher's kid. Though it does keep her held accountable and that can be a good thing.
Today the girls woke up incredibly early and we'll be going to church and then possibly relaxing (is there time for that?) and then maybe going to the fall festival at church. Not sure about that one yet.
Tomorrow is book character day where we all dress up. Madi will wear her Cleopatra outfit and I'll wear my goddess outfit since our team at school is from the Percy Jackson series. The girls will go out trick or treating tomorrow night while my mom and I pass out candy and keep people from ringing the doorbell while Jules sleeps. Friday is the Fun Run at school and should be fun.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Catching Up
Well, where has the time gone??!! Seriously.
Rest of the week was good. Had an upper respiratory infection and stayed home Thursday. Jeremy was also not feeling well - claims it was a cold, but he's still coughing. Guess it's a bad cold then :)
Friday we had her conference with Mrs. Campbell. She said a lot of things that we have talked with her about. Choices, friends, responsibility. She was very positive and said she loves teaching Madi. Talked about how bright she is and friendly. Said that Madi needs to be pushed and challenged. Suggested that we go back to IXL for Math, but not doing as much as she was doing in the summer. Working on slowing down and not just zooming through work to get it done. She said she is a kid who should be getting 100% on every assignment because she is capable of it, but that she's rushing. Still getting awesome grades, but could do better just by taking more time. Suggested more book series that Madi would probably enjoy so we'll check into them and let her decide.
Saturday morning all of the girls (my mom, riley, jules, madi, me) went to the Dallas Arboretum for the Fall Festival. Madi enjoyed seeing everything and really wanted to get her face painted, but they didn't have it the day or time we went. So we just enjoyed walking around. Jules loved the water fountains and cracked up at the frogs. Riley loved running around and wanted to pick flowers so badly. But instead just enjoyed running. It was gorgeous weather for it. Starting to feel "fall" - or at least a Texas fall.
Came home for some lunch and then headed out to Willow Bend Mall to walk around. Each girl used their allowance money to purchase something. Madi got another feather hair clip. Riley used her money for a tiny beanie baby dog.
Came home and enjoyed a quiet night. Jeremy and my dad were golfing all day and late into the evening so I did the night duties. Madi and I stayed up and watched an episode of Glee that she'd already seen before. Jer got home and Madi fell asleep on the couch while we watched the Ranger game. Go Rangers!!
Sunday we went to church in the morning. Then hung out at home and Madi played on the computer. My parents came over late afternoon (about 4) and hung out with the girls while Jer and I went out. The girls used their fashion stencils and had a great time with them. My dad watched a little bit of Harry Potter with her, as he's never seen it before, and was asking her all sorts of questions about it.
Speaking of Harry Potter, Madi took the AR test on book 1, passed it and now has 43 AR points as a result. Not including the other AR books she's read this six weeks. I thinks he has 46 or 47 total?! Not completely sure.
Today she turned in her project for Diversity - one week early. Allows us to not have to remember it next week with halloween, fun run, birthday, and piano students. So now it's done and turned in. Check!
Madi had choir after school today. The kids are doing a great job. Tomorrow is picture day so she's picked out her outfit - her favorite silky blue-green shirt. Will be stunning. We ordered a picture package and since I'm a teacher, we get 50% off which is great! Will have plenty of wallets to give to family, a 5 x 7 and some 3 x 5.
Madi has been doing really, really great. After talking with her a week or so ago (sorry - my memory is pitiful these days), we've laid off again and let her take over the responsibilities and she's really doing great. Has remembered to do things without needing reminders and as a result, she's getting them done quicker and sooner in the night and having more time to just play or whatever. Her homework was nothing tonight so the girls enjoyed a Wii game that we got called "Horse Life" or something like that. Was $15 at Walmart. They can create their horses, jockeys, run races, train, take care of the stable and horse. Perfect for them. A little tough for Riley to do yet, but she really loved seeing it.
The talk of Christmas has come up several times. She made a short list of 25 things she wants for Christmas. She's very much trying to figure out if she believes in Santa or not. She said she half believes, but that she is starting to think that the adults buy the presents. Things she wants range from gift cards to stuffed animal cats to more Warriors books and a conair chi from Justice. The biggest item she wants is a laptop. So we've shared with her that she can hope for whatever she wants to hope for, but that it doesn't mean that she'll get everything.
Not too much else to say. Madi is in great spirits and really doing great! Had an incredible last few days. Very calm and relaxed.
Rest of the week was good. Had an upper respiratory infection and stayed home Thursday. Jeremy was also not feeling well - claims it was a cold, but he's still coughing. Guess it's a bad cold then :)
Friday we had her conference with Mrs. Campbell. She said a lot of things that we have talked with her about. Choices, friends, responsibility. She was very positive and said she loves teaching Madi. Talked about how bright she is and friendly. Said that Madi needs to be pushed and challenged. Suggested that we go back to IXL for Math, but not doing as much as she was doing in the summer. Working on slowing down and not just zooming through work to get it done. She said she is a kid who should be getting 100% on every assignment because she is capable of it, but that she's rushing. Still getting awesome grades, but could do better just by taking more time. Suggested more book series that Madi would probably enjoy so we'll check into them and let her decide.
Saturday morning all of the girls (my mom, riley, jules, madi, me) went to the Dallas Arboretum for the Fall Festival. Madi enjoyed seeing everything and really wanted to get her face painted, but they didn't have it the day or time we went. So we just enjoyed walking around. Jules loved the water fountains and cracked up at the frogs. Riley loved running around and wanted to pick flowers so badly. But instead just enjoyed running. It was gorgeous weather for it. Starting to feel "fall" - or at least a Texas fall.
Came home for some lunch and then headed out to Willow Bend Mall to walk around. Each girl used their allowance money to purchase something. Madi got another feather hair clip. Riley used her money for a tiny beanie baby dog.
Came home and enjoyed a quiet night. Jeremy and my dad were golfing all day and late into the evening so I did the night duties. Madi and I stayed up and watched an episode of Glee that she'd already seen before. Jer got home and Madi fell asleep on the couch while we watched the Ranger game. Go Rangers!!
Sunday we went to church in the morning. Then hung out at home and Madi played on the computer. My parents came over late afternoon (about 4) and hung out with the girls while Jer and I went out. The girls used their fashion stencils and had a great time with them. My dad watched a little bit of Harry Potter with her, as he's never seen it before, and was asking her all sorts of questions about it.
Speaking of Harry Potter, Madi took the AR test on book 1, passed it and now has 43 AR points as a result. Not including the other AR books she's read this six weeks. I thinks he has 46 or 47 total?! Not completely sure.
Today she turned in her project for Diversity - one week early. Allows us to not have to remember it next week with halloween, fun run, birthday, and piano students. So now it's done and turned in. Check!
Madi had choir after school today. The kids are doing a great job. Tomorrow is picture day so she's picked out her outfit - her favorite silky blue-green shirt. Will be stunning. We ordered a picture package and since I'm a teacher, we get 50% off which is great! Will have plenty of wallets to give to family, a 5 x 7 and some 3 x 5.
Madi has been doing really, really great. After talking with her a week or so ago (sorry - my memory is pitiful these days), we've laid off again and let her take over the responsibilities and she's really doing great. Has remembered to do things without needing reminders and as a result, she's getting them done quicker and sooner in the night and having more time to just play or whatever. Her homework was nothing tonight so the girls enjoyed a Wii game that we got called "Horse Life" or something like that. Was $15 at Walmart. They can create their horses, jockeys, run races, train, take care of the stable and horse. Perfect for them. A little tough for Riley to do yet, but she really loved seeing it.
The talk of Christmas has come up several times. She made a short list of 25 things she wants for Christmas. She's very much trying to figure out if she believes in Santa or not. She said she half believes, but that she is starting to think that the adults buy the presents. Things she wants range from gift cards to stuffed animal cats to more Warriors books and a conair chi from Justice. The biggest item she wants is a laptop. So we've shared with her that she can hope for whatever she wants to hope for, but that it doesn't mean that she'll get everything.
Not too much else to say. Madi is in great spirits and really doing great! Had an incredible last few days. Very calm and relaxed.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Brrrrrr....
Swimming was great today! Though all the kids said it's completely freezing!! Madi was able to do the backstroke today and said it was fun. She had a great time at Zumba.
We got home late as my meeting at school ran very late. Jeremy went home sick this morning, Jules fell on the corner of a toy bin and has a black eye and Riley was pushed by a kid on the playground into a metal pole and has a bump on her forehead. My throat hurts, but I'm hoping it just goes away after some rest. And Madi is healthy as can be. Loving her immune system and wishing she'd pass some of it our way :)
Madi had a really, really great day today. No laps in school. Did homework with no problem despite doing it so late. Was very on top of things and relaxed tonight. Was a very, very good day!!
She and I read Luke 18. Then sat on her bed and talked for over 30 minutes. Just let her talk about whatever. She shared stories about you and Marcus and stories about things she did over there and her friends.
We got home late as my meeting at school ran very late. Jeremy went home sick this morning, Jules fell on the corner of a toy bin and has a black eye and Riley was pushed by a kid on the playground into a metal pole and has a bump on her forehead. My throat hurts, but I'm hoping it just goes away after some rest. And Madi is healthy as can be. Loving her immune system and wishing she'd pass some of it our way :)
Madi had a really, really great day today. No laps in school. Did homework with no problem despite doing it so late. Was very on top of things and relaxed tonight. Was a very, very good day!!
She and I read Luke 18. Then sat on her bed and talked for over 30 minutes. Just let her talk about whatever. She shared stories about you and Marcus and stories about things she did over there and her friends.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Late Start
Second day in a row Madi turned off her alarm and woke up late. We've given her a few warnings about it as it's happened randomly, but has been happening more and after two days in a row, we gave her back the old alarm clock that has no radio and has a more annoying buzzer. She'll have no problem waking up to that!
So we briefly talked with her. Let her know that she has more control over when she gets it back than she thinks. Then she set out a plan to help herself get up on time and we just said "Sounds great! Go for it!"
So the day started off to a bumpy start, but turned out very, very well. She had swimming today. Said it was pretty boring. But go figure - she's such a good swimmer, she already knows the basics. Though they did get to work on how to dive and do lane swimming which she enjoyed. Said the water was cold.
It really was a chilly day outside. Loved it!
After school, Madi wanted to just do part of her homework, but I told her that we'd leave school once she had her Fasttmath and Spelling work finished. She tried to work her way out of all of it, but I held firm and told her that we'd leave when she was finished. Depending on how much free time she wanted before dinner, she could move as fast or slow as she wanted. She worked diligently and well and got done in about 30 minutes.
Got home, dinner, some computer time before dinner, and then bed.
Tomorrow is swimming and Zumba!
So we briefly talked with her. Let her know that she has more control over when she gets it back than she thinks. Then she set out a plan to help herself get up on time and we just said "Sounds great! Go for it!"
So the day started off to a bumpy start, but turned out very, very well. She had swimming today. Said it was pretty boring. But go figure - she's such a good swimmer, she already knows the basics. Though they did get to work on how to dive and do lane swimming which she enjoyed. Said the water was cold.
It really was a chilly day outside. Loved it!
After school, Madi wanted to just do part of her homework, but I told her that we'd leave school once she had her Fasttmath and Spelling work finished. She tried to work her way out of all of it, but I held firm and told her that we'd leave when she was finished. Depending on how much free time she wanted before dinner, she could move as fast or slow as she wanted. She worked diligently and well and got done in about 30 minutes.
Got home, dinner, some computer time before dinner, and then bed.
Tomorrow is swimming and Zumba!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Cool Front Coming!!
The girls are all sooo excited to wear a coat tomorrow. We'll see how cold it actually gets here. Madi's been asking "When will it snow? And how cold does 60 degrees feel?" I'm really hoping we get some snow this winter so she can enjoy it. A few snow days would be great too!!
Normal day of school. Tomorrow starts swimming. It's shorter than I thought - only one hour each day. Should still be fun though! She's got everything packed and ready.
Had another talk about friendships very briefly tonight. She shared that a friend cupped her hands around her ear and yelled into it. We shared that she should really think through how it makes her feel and decide if this is really the kind of friend she wants. And then we shared a few things that true great friends do. And just let her think on it. No lecture. Just thoughts.
Read Warriors and Luke 16. Now going to eat dinner at 8:00pm. So hungry!!!
Normal day of school. Tomorrow starts swimming. It's shorter than I thought - only one hour each day. Should still be fun though! She's got everything packed and ready.
Had another talk about friendships very briefly tonight. She shared that a friend cupped her hands around her ear and yelled into it. We shared that she should really think through how it makes her feel and decide if this is really the kind of friend she wants. And then we shared a few things that true great friends do. And just let her think on it. No lecture. Just thoughts.
Read Warriors and Luke 16. Now going to eat dinner at 8:00pm. So hungry!!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Winter is Coming... I hope
Today was good. Went to church (yea!!!!) and everyone was healthy for the first weekend in over a month. Came home and Madi did her Fasttmath and then read quite a bit. Finished the last book in the six book Warriors series and is now able to start on the next series.
We went to the mall this afternoon - just us girls - because I had some coupons and I had been watching online that winter coats were out and deals on them were starting. And our weather will be in the low 40's at night this week which will make for chilly mornings and potentially chilly recesses outside. We walked through several of the girls favorite stores and found some cute, affordable coats that should last them through the entire winter season.
Madi chose a super cute and very versatile jacket from JCPenneys. It is black with pink. Has an incredibly soft inner lining that can be worn separate or inside the coat for added warmth. Also has a fur lined hood that can be attached or separated. Gives her lots of options. I'm hoping to make a hat for her that will coordinate with it. Was originally $99, but we got it for half off.
Then found coats for Julia and Riley at the Gap. Madi didn't like the coats that they had for her age. Weren't as soft or versatile as the one she'd seen at Penney's so we went back and got the one she liked. They had put out the coats early at the Gap for Julia and RIley's age and are needing to clear them out to make room for the next group of clothing they are bringing out. So their $50 coats were marked down with an additional 40% off. So we got their coats for only $20 each. A steal!
Madi has some boots that some friends had given us so she'll be able to wear them very soon. She goes swimming Tues-Fri at the LISD Aquatic Center. Will be SO fun for her!!! I know she misses swimming so much.
I gave her the letter from you this afternoon and told her that you had wanted to write her something that she could read over and over anytime that she missed you. She was so happy about it. I told her to put it somewhere special in her room so she can pull it out anytime she wants. She read it and smiled so much. And then told me all about what was written in it! She especially loved hearing stories that you remember about her. And told us several times about how she said "I'm articulate!" We all smiled about that one. Such a bright girl! She seriously loved it. Another letter anytime would be a big hit!!
Tomorrow is choir practice! And she has gym for specials. So it should be a great start to the week!!!
We went to the mall this afternoon - just us girls - because I had some coupons and I had been watching online that winter coats were out and deals on them were starting. And our weather will be in the low 40's at night this week which will make for chilly mornings and potentially chilly recesses outside. We walked through several of the girls favorite stores and found some cute, affordable coats that should last them through the entire winter season.
Madi chose a super cute and very versatile jacket from JCPenneys. It is black with pink. Has an incredibly soft inner lining that can be worn separate or inside the coat for added warmth. Also has a fur lined hood that can be attached or separated. Gives her lots of options. I'm hoping to make a hat for her that will coordinate with it. Was originally $99, but we got it for half off.
Then found coats for Julia and Riley at the Gap. Madi didn't like the coats that they had for her age. Weren't as soft or versatile as the one she'd seen at Penney's so we went back and got the one she liked. They had put out the coats early at the Gap for Julia and RIley's age and are needing to clear them out to make room for the next group of clothing they are bringing out. So their $50 coats were marked down with an additional 40% off. So we got their coats for only $20 each. A steal!
Madi has some boots that some friends had given us so she'll be able to wear them very soon. She goes swimming Tues-Fri at the LISD Aquatic Center. Will be SO fun for her!!! I know she misses swimming so much.
I gave her the letter from you this afternoon and told her that you had wanted to write her something that she could read over and over anytime that she missed you. She was so happy about it. I told her to put it somewhere special in her room so she can pull it out anytime she wants. She read it and smiled so much. And then told me all about what was written in it! She especially loved hearing stories that you remember about her. And told us several times about how she said "I'm articulate!" We all smiled about that one. Such a bright girl! She seriously loved it. Another letter anytime would be a big hit!!
Tomorrow is choir practice! And she has gym for specials. So it should be a great start to the week!!!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Big Girl Talk
Has been a good weekend. Annaliese, Madi's good friend from school, came over and spent the night last night. We went for a walk to the park. The girls took the walkie talkie and went ahead of us. Just reported in as they went. Gave them space and freedom, but gave us security in knowing where they were. We played for about an hour and then came home.
Jeremy made Madi's favorite meal - chicken with pasta and cream sauce with parmesan cheese. Then the girls had Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. They loved it. They had a hard time deciding on a movie, but finally went with "Elf!" Jeremy and I went upstairs and hung out in our room watching Mad Men on the laptop. Heard them giggling a few times. They were quite good. The girls went into Madi's room around 11pm. Madi was very tired, but Annaliese wanted to stay up quite late. Jeremy and I went right to sleep in our room, but the girls were up until 12:30pm. Madi woke up at 4am. Annaliese woke up around 5pm, I think?! Riley and Jules were up at the usual 6:15am time. So early morning all the way around.
Annaliese and Madi played a little bit in the morning. Madi kept going to play on the computer and leaving her friend with nothing to do. So she played with Julia in the playroom. Jeremy took the girls to get donuts while I had my piano student. Kept it from being totally crazy trying to teach her. And gave them something fun to do.
My mom picked up Riley to run some errands and let her hang out at her house in the afternoon. Gave us a chance to have a short talk with Madi and allow us to all rest when Julia took her nap. Was a God send!
We had lunch and then Madi did her FasttMath for the day. We sat on the couches and asked Madi to come chat with us. We had listed out five things we wanted to talk with her about:
1- What went well at the sleepover?
2 - What did not go well at the sleepover?
3 - Friends
4 - Choices
5 - Consequences
Before we had the talk, we both read a little bit in the Children: the Challenge book as well as referred to a few sites on the internet to gather some information. There were a few things that came up - especially on Friday - that we were not pleased with and that needed to be discussed with her. And though we weren't happy about the choices involved with them, we didn't want to approach it in anger. Knowing that the sleepover had planned for a while, we wanted to still keep that as we wanted to watch the interaction between the girls and get an idea of their friendship and how they relate to each other.
So we asked her the first two questions. Madi listed a few things that went well at the sleepover. We agreed. Then she listed two things that did not go well at the sleepover. Namely that the girls interact negatively with each other (saying "I hate you" (this was not something Madi said) or shoving or pushing each other even if it was just considered "playing" by them). And that Madi kept leaving her friend when she didn't want to do something or didn't know what to do with her and had to be reminded several times to spend time with her friend.
We let that lead into a time of talking about the importance of choosing your friends wisely. And we talked about how your friends influence you in the choices you make in life. Gave her the quote "Show me your friends, I'll show you your future." Choosing the wrong friends leads you to a future that isn't so great. And now is the time to make sure you get the right friends and make sure you are happy with the choices they make.
We tied this into how she felt when told "I hate you" or "Go away" or a range of things that were said in "joking." She said she didn't like it when she was really mad about it and that she didn't want her to be mad, but that she felt ok with it. So we talked about what a true friend should do: make you feel special, talk to you respectfully, treat you respectfully, lift you up and not tear you down. And if they don't do these things, they are not the kind of friends you want to have. So we told her that if she decides that she is not liking how she is being treated, she has the right to say "I'm just wanting to be alone right now" or "I'm going to play with ____ today. I'll play with you again some other time." And that if there is a problem with it, then it will show her the true value (or lack thereof) of that friendship.
The other thing we talked about her with (in regards to friends) was on her end. Through her actions, bossiness, bragging and meanness to other students who are the right kind of friends that you want her to have, they are choosing not to spend time with her. They are not being mean to her or leaving her out. Rather they are just choosing to spend time with other students.
Mrs. Campbell had a talk with her on Friday because she was bossing a friend in class. This is something that is done often - the bossing, not the talk. Madi isn't aware of how she treats others and tends to blame everyone else rather than looking at her behavior.
Mrs. Campbell told her that she needs to think through her actions because through her actions and the way she is treating others and talking to them, she is pushing every friend she has away from her. She asked if she hurt her feelings by telling her this. Madi said "yes." And Mrs. Campbell told her "It is something that has been going on for a while now and you need to think through your actions. I don't want you to lose the good friends you have. And you need to be aware of what is happening. It makes me sad to be the one to tell you, but you need to know so that you can continue to have good friends. And the right friends."
There's really not an easy way to say this - other than to say she is absolutely right. We've watched as she's gone from being with the "right" kids to now being with kids who are just ok. The good news is that the "right" kids still like her and would gladly accept her if she can start thinking more about them and less about talking about how amazing she is and making them feel bad about themselves or bragging or bossing or rolling her eyes at them. She had a hard time hearing the talk from Mrs. Campbell as well as our talk today. Though she completely understood what we were saying.
We then tied this into talking about being aware of her surroundings and aware of others and aware of what she is supposed to do in the mornings and at night. We had her list out on Thursday what her responsibilities are. She was able to completely list every single one of them. And she knows what she is supposed to do. Just is choosing to read. Or dawdle. Or not do them at all.
For instance, every morning her vitamins and her zyrtec are on the counter - without fail. Always in the same place. She's been picking up her vitamins, walking around or doing other things and forgetting the zyrtec. Which is something she very much needs! We've been waiting for her to pick it up. After over 30 minutes this morning, Jeremy goes "Hey Madi - did you take your zyrtec?" To which she mumbled something and still didn't come and get it. Walked by it two more times and finally I had to point to it and say "Do you need this?"
On Thursday night, Madi went up and changed into her pjs. We had just talked with her about being aware of what she needed to do. And she had just listed out what needed to be done at night (snack packed, water filled, planner out, pjs on, teeth brushed). Jeremy goes in to read with her and she's reading. Asked if she brushed her teeth to which she replies "Oh I forgot."
She gave us the excuse that she's been in the Philippines for three years and just didn't have to remember things. To which Jeremy replied that she needed to stop the excuses because she has now been here five months and knows the expectations. There isn't anything new that we've added. And she can handle them. School has been in session 8 weeks. A habit takes 21 days to change and she's had more than that amount of time. Not to mention our routine stuff stays the same every single night without change. We let her know that we don't make excuses for her. That it doesn't help you in life. She needs to be responsible and take responsibility for what needs to be done rather than making excuses. Excuses don't help her - they hinder her and keep her from achieving what she can achieve. In school and in chores and homework and just daily tasks.
We talked about where she will be in 8-9 years. Graduating high school. Looking at colleges. Moving out on her own. And needing to be able to make the right choices without someone there. Being accountable. We told her that she has so many things going for her: beauty, brains, heritage, fun, friendly, outgoing. But that if she can't figure out how to focus her talents and her intelligence, she'll have a more difficult time getting things done. We told her that the world is in her hands. She will have so many opportunities waiting for her if she can make the right decisions now and learn responsibility and character now. We told her that it seems like it's far away, but it really isn't. And that good character and right choices start young so that your future can be the best possible. And that we all want the best for her.
We talked about her choices at school. Mrs. Campbell pulled me aside on Friday and gave me the pointy hook that is used on the loom to pull yarn over with. Quite sharp. She took it from her in the morning. Though Madi told us she had taken it to school the last three days and out to recess on Wednesday. She asked Madi why she had it. Madi told her she was going to stab woodchips on recess and poke holes in them and toss them with it.
**Side note: the hook is considered a weapon at school as it is sharp and could definitely hurt someone if poked. This almost resulted in an office referral and could have gotten quite ugly. Either suspension or possibly even expelled. Not to mention that the only things allowed outside on recess are balls and things in the bin from the room. They are not allowed to have toys or small items like this in school. She knows this, but chose to do it anyway on Wednesday.
Moving on - she had been stabbing her eraser with it during class and was rubbing the eraser on her paper and other things. And was not on task in class with it. When asked why she had it, Madi told her what her plan was for it. She was asked if I knew that she had it. To which Madi lied and said "Yes, she knows." Mrs. Campbell asked her again if I knew that she had it. Then Madi said "No, she doesn't."
I was asked what we should do about it. I told her that I would think about it. She was ready to write up an office referral. I asked her to have her sign her planner which causes her to miss out of a fun activity and told her that we would deal with it at home. And if it happened again, she is free to do what she needs to do.
I had Madi's class that morning and then pulled her aside to talk to her briefly before going to class. Gave her a "come to Jesus" meeting, sent her to class and told her I would find out how the afternoon went before deciding to cancel or keep the sleepover. The only reason we ended up keeping it was because it is truly necessary for us to see the girls in action together.
So finally to the consequences! Sorry this is so long winded! We chose to take away all computer time and iPod time for the entire weekend. She is to think through all we talked about. Writing it down took more time than our talk did. She is going to bed early. And there will not be another sleepover for a while until we see how things go with how she's treating others. Doesn't seem to harsh for what is going on, but we feel that Madi has two things that she loves. Three really: reading, ipod, and computer. We took away two of her favorite weekend activities. And if we don't see improvements, we'll do more.
We've had a few weeks of lull. And I am tracking on the calendar every 28 days to see how hormones may be playing out. We're a little less than a week away from it being 28 days. We have no plans of giving her the excuse of hormones, but definitely want to be aware of the fact that she may be having them. If we do, she'll use it and become manipulative about it. Instead she needs to learn how to manage them. Some of that includes good sleep, good nutrition and exercise. Some of it includes life choices and just figuring life out. And now is definitely the right age to help her work through her behavior choices and to be aware of the consequences of her actions.
On a good note - we had a great afternoon. Had Pei Wei for dinner after Madi had a good nap. Came home and Madi and I read Luke 15. Perfect chapter talking about choosing to be humble rather than exalting yourself to others. We chatted for a while and laughed. Then prayed for wisdom, guidance, right choices and help in making the right friends.
It was a lot for her to think on. And she cried at the end of the talk. Sometimes she makes herself cry - she's very good at this and can do it on command. Today was not that kind of cry. It was sincere and she was genuinely thinking about it. Didn't have anything to add at the end of the talk. Just took it in.
We love her and we love you guys! She'll be all the better for thinking through all of this and then moving forward. As Jeremy says, we tend to lay it on heavy, have big girl talks and then ease back and let her work through it. And just help guide from there. Giving her the responsibility for her actions/choices.
Jeremy made Madi's favorite meal - chicken with pasta and cream sauce with parmesan cheese. Then the girls had Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. They loved it. They had a hard time deciding on a movie, but finally went with "Elf!" Jeremy and I went upstairs and hung out in our room watching Mad Men on the laptop. Heard them giggling a few times. They were quite good. The girls went into Madi's room around 11pm. Madi was very tired, but Annaliese wanted to stay up quite late. Jeremy and I went right to sleep in our room, but the girls were up until 12:30pm. Madi woke up at 4am. Annaliese woke up around 5pm, I think?! Riley and Jules were up at the usual 6:15am time. So early morning all the way around.
Annaliese and Madi played a little bit in the morning. Madi kept going to play on the computer and leaving her friend with nothing to do. So she played with Julia in the playroom. Jeremy took the girls to get donuts while I had my piano student. Kept it from being totally crazy trying to teach her. And gave them something fun to do.
My mom picked up Riley to run some errands and let her hang out at her house in the afternoon. Gave us a chance to have a short talk with Madi and allow us to all rest when Julia took her nap. Was a God send!
We had lunch and then Madi did her FasttMath for the day. We sat on the couches and asked Madi to come chat with us. We had listed out five things we wanted to talk with her about:
1- What went well at the sleepover?
2 - What did not go well at the sleepover?
3 - Friends
4 - Choices
5 - Consequences
Before we had the talk, we both read a little bit in the Children: the Challenge book as well as referred to a few sites on the internet to gather some information. There were a few things that came up - especially on Friday - that we were not pleased with and that needed to be discussed with her. And though we weren't happy about the choices involved with them, we didn't want to approach it in anger. Knowing that the sleepover had planned for a while, we wanted to still keep that as we wanted to watch the interaction between the girls and get an idea of their friendship and how they relate to each other.
So we asked her the first two questions. Madi listed a few things that went well at the sleepover. We agreed. Then she listed two things that did not go well at the sleepover. Namely that the girls interact negatively with each other (saying "I hate you" (this was not something Madi said) or shoving or pushing each other even if it was just considered "playing" by them). And that Madi kept leaving her friend when she didn't want to do something or didn't know what to do with her and had to be reminded several times to spend time with her friend.
We let that lead into a time of talking about the importance of choosing your friends wisely. And we talked about how your friends influence you in the choices you make in life. Gave her the quote "Show me your friends, I'll show you your future." Choosing the wrong friends leads you to a future that isn't so great. And now is the time to make sure you get the right friends and make sure you are happy with the choices they make.
We tied this into how she felt when told "I hate you" or "Go away" or a range of things that were said in "joking." She said she didn't like it when she was really mad about it and that she didn't want her to be mad, but that she felt ok with it. So we talked about what a true friend should do: make you feel special, talk to you respectfully, treat you respectfully, lift you up and not tear you down. And if they don't do these things, they are not the kind of friends you want to have. So we told her that if she decides that she is not liking how she is being treated, she has the right to say "I'm just wanting to be alone right now" or "I'm going to play with ____ today. I'll play with you again some other time." And that if there is a problem with it, then it will show her the true value (or lack thereof) of that friendship.
The other thing we talked about her with (in regards to friends) was on her end. Through her actions, bossiness, bragging and meanness to other students who are the right kind of friends that you want her to have, they are choosing not to spend time with her. They are not being mean to her or leaving her out. Rather they are just choosing to spend time with other students.
Mrs. Campbell had a talk with her on Friday because she was bossing a friend in class. This is something that is done often - the bossing, not the talk. Madi isn't aware of how she treats others and tends to blame everyone else rather than looking at her behavior.
Mrs. Campbell told her that she needs to think through her actions because through her actions and the way she is treating others and talking to them, she is pushing every friend she has away from her. She asked if she hurt her feelings by telling her this. Madi said "yes." And Mrs. Campbell told her "It is something that has been going on for a while now and you need to think through your actions. I don't want you to lose the good friends you have. And you need to be aware of what is happening. It makes me sad to be the one to tell you, but you need to know so that you can continue to have good friends. And the right friends."
There's really not an easy way to say this - other than to say she is absolutely right. We've watched as she's gone from being with the "right" kids to now being with kids who are just ok. The good news is that the "right" kids still like her and would gladly accept her if she can start thinking more about them and less about talking about how amazing she is and making them feel bad about themselves or bragging or bossing or rolling her eyes at them. She had a hard time hearing the talk from Mrs. Campbell as well as our talk today. Though she completely understood what we were saying.
We then tied this into talking about being aware of her surroundings and aware of others and aware of what she is supposed to do in the mornings and at night. We had her list out on Thursday what her responsibilities are. She was able to completely list every single one of them. And she knows what she is supposed to do. Just is choosing to read. Or dawdle. Or not do them at all.
For instance, every morning her vitamins and her zyrtec are on the counter - without fail. Always in the same place. She's been picking up her vitamins, walking around or doing other things and forgetting the zyrtec. Which is something she very much needs! We've been waiting for her to pick it up. After over 30 minutes this morning, Jeremy goes "Hey Madi - did you take your zyrtec?" To which she mumbled something and still didn't come and get it. Walked by it two more times and finally I had to point to it and say "Do you need this?"
On Thursday night, Madi went up and changed into her pjs. We had just talked with her about being aware of what she needed to do. And she had just listed out what needed to be done at night (snack packed, water filled, planner out, pjs on, teeth brushed). Jeremy goes in to read with her and she's reading. Asked if she brushed her teeth to which she replies "Oh I forgot."
She gave us the excuse that she's been in the Philippines for three years and just didn't have to remember things. To which Jeremy replied that she needed to stop the excuses because she has now been here five months and knows the expectations. There isn't anything new that we've added. And she can handle them. School has been in session 8 weeks. A habit takes 21 days to change and she's had more than that amount of time. Not to mention our routine stuff stays the same every single night without change. We let her know that we don't make excuses for her. That it doesn't help you in life. She needs to be responsible and take responsibility for what needs to be done rather than making excuses. Excuses don't help her - they hinder her and keep her from achieving what she can achieve. In school and in chores and homework and just daily tasks.
We talked about where she will be in 8-9 years. Graduating high school. Looking at colleges. Moving out on her own. And needing to be able to make the right choices without someone there. Being accountable. We told her that she has so many things going for her: beauty, brains, heritage, fun, friendly, outgoing. But that if she can't figure out how to focus her talents and her intelligence, she'll have a more difficult time getting things done. We told her that the world is in her hands. She will have so many opportunities waiting for her if she can make the right decisions now and learn responsibility and character now. We told her that it seems like it's far away, but it really isn't. And that good character and right choices start young so that your future can be the best possible. And that we all want the best for her.
We talked about her choices at school. Mrs. Campbell pulled me aside on Friday and gave me the pointy hook that is used on the loom to pull yarn over with. Quite sharp. She took it from her in the morning. Though Madi told us she had taken it to school the last three days and out to recess on Wednesday. She asked Madi why she had it. Madi told her she was going to stab woodchips on recess and poke holes in them and toss them with it.
**Side note: the hook is considered a weapon at school as it is sharp and could definitely hurt someone if poked. This almost resulted in an office referral and could have gotten quite ugly. Either suspension or possibly even expelled. Not to mention that the only things allowed outside on recess are balls and things in the bin from the room. They are not allowed to have toys or small items like this in school. She knows this, but chose to do it anyway on Wednesday.
Moving on - she had been stabbing her eraser with it during class and was rubbing the eraser on her paper and other things. And was not on task in class with it. When asked why she had it, Madi told her what her plan was for it. She was asked if I knew that she had it. To which Madi lied and said "Yes, she knows." Mrs. Campbell asked her again if I knew that she had it. Then Madi said "No, she doesn't."
I was asked what we should do about it. I told her that I would think about it. She was ready to write up an office referral. I asked her to have her sign her planner which causes her to miss out of a fun activity and told her that we would deal with it at home. And if it happened again, she is free to do what she needs to do.
I had Madi's class that morning and then pulled her aside to talk to her briefly before going to class. Gave her a "come to Jesus" meeting, sent her to class and told her I would find out how the afternoon went before deciding to cancel or keep the sleepover. The only reason we ended up keeping it was because it is truly necessary for us to see the girls in action together.
So finally to the consequences! Sorry this is so long winded! We chose to take away all computer time and iPod time for the entire weekend. She is to think through all we talked about. Writing it down took more time than our talk did. She is going to bed early. And there will not be another sleepover for a while until we see how things go with how she's treating others. Doesn't seem to harsh for what is going on, but we feel that Madi has two things that she loves. Three really: reading, ipod, and computer. We took away two of her favorite weekend activities. And if we don't see improvements, we'll do more.
We've had a few weeks of lull. And I am tracking on the calendar every 28 days to see how hormones may be playing out. We're a little less than a week away from it being 28 days. We have no plans of giving her the excuse of hormones, but definitely want to be aware of the fact that she may be having them. If we do, she'll use it and become manipulative about it. Instead she needs to learn how to manage them. Some of that includes good sleep, good nutrition and exercise. Some of it includes life choices and just figuring life out. And now is definitely the right age to help her work through her behavior choices and to be aware of the consequences of her actions.
On a good note - we had a great afternoon. Had Pei Wei for dinner after Madi had a good nap. Came home and Madi and I read Luke 15. Perfect chapter talking about choosing to be humble rather than exalting yourself to others. We chatted for a while and laughed. Then prayed for wisdom, guidance, right choices and help in making the right friends.
It was a lot for her to think on. And she cried at the end of the talk. Sometimes she makes herself cry - she's very good at this and can do it on command. Today was not that kind of cry. It was sincere and she was genuinely thinking about it. Didn't have anything to add at the end of the talk. Just took it in.
We love her and we love you guys! She'll be all the better for thinking through all of this and then moving forward. As Jeremy says, we tend to lay it on heavy, have big girl talks and then ease back and let her work through it. And just help guide from there. Giving her the responsibility for her actions/choices.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
So Much Talking!!
Wow - Madi must be tired today. And yesterday. The amount of talking and sound and more talking has been out of this world. Though I love her to pieces!
Good day for her today. Nothing really big happened. She had Zumba after school and got to play indoor hockey in gym. Not completely sure what the true name of the hockey game is, but she had a lot of fun doing it.
We ate a late dinner tonight because Jules and Riley had their bath and then were both so tired so we put them to sleep first. Madi wanted to know why we couldn't go out to eat. I simply asked if she would like to take us out to eat and use her allowance to pay for it. She said "no" and I said "do you understand why we aren't going to go out?" She said "yes." Wanted her to think about the cost and not just the fact that she wants fast food or restaurant food. And by putting the cost on her, she understood that it is a bigger deal to the person paying than it is if you're just going to eat food when someone else pays. I wasn't rude about it, but very much to the point.
Madi read a bit today. She's on book 5 in the Warriors series - just started it. Jeremy is going up to read with her now. We're almost through the middle of Luke in the Bible. Finished Matthew and Mark so far. Has been really great doing a nightly devotion that's on her level. And it's nice to hear her asking questions about what Jesus meant and being able to explain it to her. Like what does "woe" mean? And why is it said so many times to the Pharisees?
Normal activities - Fasttmath, Spelling work that is due tomorrow.
Tomorrow is piano student day and then Friday is sleepover time with Annaliese. She's really looking forward to that! Hope your finals are going great!!!
Good day for her today. Nothing really big happened. She had Zumba after school and got to play indoor hockey in gym. Not completely sure what the true name of the hockey game is, but she had a lot of fun doing it.
We ate a late dinner tonight because Jules and Riley had their bath and then were both so tired so we put them to sleep first. Madi wanted to know why we couldn't go out to eat. I simply asked if she would like to take us out to eat and use her allowance to pay for it. She said "no" and I said "do you understand why we aren't going to go out?" She said "yes." Wanted her to think about the cost and not just the fact that she wants fast food or restaurant food. And by putting the cost on her, she understood that it is a bigger deal to the person paying than it is if you're just going to eat food when someone else pays. I wasn't rude about it, but very much to the point.
Madi read a bit today. She's on book 5 in the Warriors series - just started it. Jeremy is going up to read with her now. We're almost through the middle of Luke in the Bible. Finished Matthew and Mark so far. Has been really great doing a nightly devotion that's on her level. And it's nice to hear her asking questions about what Jesus meant and being able to explain it to her. Like what does "woe" mean? And why is it said so many times to the Pharisees?
Normal activities - Fasttmath, Spelling work that is due tomorrow.
Tomorrow is piano student day and then Friday is sleepover time with Annaliese. She's really looking forward to that! Hope your finals are going great!!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
PTA Reflections
Madi is having a great start to her week! Thank God her immune system is so strong. I woke up sick - not fun - and then called into work. Heard Julia cry and told Jeremy that the cry sounded as though she had probably thrown up again. Sure enough - was sick all over her bed again. Poor girl. So we stayed home together. Madi was picked up by the Waesch family and then Rita, the art teacher, brought her home on her way to the mall. Super kind of them!!
Yesterday we had the day off so Madi worked very, very hard on her painting. Jeremy took the day off and took her to purchase an easel so that painting would be easier for her. We called Kathryn a few times and she was a lot of help. Riley made one as well. She wanted to do a sunset.
Madi painted the entire canvas black. We waited for it to dry and the girls went upstairs to play warriors. Madi drew an outline of the globe and colored in the countries. Then Jeremy held a green crayon with tongs while I aimed a hot blow dryer at it and Madi used the end of a pencil to guide the wax around. She then wrote out the names of the different words from various countries that all mean "Diversity." She used pencil because we found that she could erase it and it didn't show up.
Then used the thin brushes to paint the different words on the canvas. Not as easy to do! She had a hard time getting it the way she wanted it because she couldn't get the paint on the tip of the brush and wanted to write many letters with only one dab of paint rather than taking her time and using more paint and writing them slowly. So she ended up going over some of them a few times.
Riley finished her painting of the sunset and moved onto a mixed media project involving her hands and yarn.
 |
| Riley's Sunset |
 |
| Blue-purple girl |
 |
| Mixed Media |
Madi's final result ended up excellent!! She is very proud of it and should be. She worked extremely hard on the concept and research of the words from each country as well as a rough draft of how she wanted the painting to look. Not to mention the final work! The only thing she has left to do is write "Diversity Means" somewhere in a corner of the painting (as it is required for the artwork) and to write up a paragraph or short page of why she chose this and how it shows the concept of "Diversity means" and give it a title.
One of the best parts is that now we've got some great painting tools and supplies so that they can paint again just for fun!
 |
| First Draft |
 |
| Great work, Madi! |
 |
| Final Draft |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)