Today was interesting. Morning was fine. Got to work to do morning duty and as we were about to leave the music room, we have the following conversation:
Madi: I'm going to the nurse today.
Me: Good luck with that. You know she'll give you crackers and send you back to class as you're feeling fine.
Madi: Crackers! I love crackers. Sounds good to me.
Me: Well, again. Good luck with that.
So Madi tells her teacher about mid-morning that she doesn't feel well and gets sent down as she is feeling warm. The nurse comes to me and tells me Madi is down there. I tell her that I'm not surprised as she had told me this morning that she was going to come. She said that she looked fine and she took her temp. She said that she told Madi she was fine to go on to class and Madi was going out no problem and sauntered out. Then read the temp and it said 99 degrees and mentioned that she has a low-grade fever. Madi replied "well then, I can't go back to class. I'm not feeling good." And walked back in. Nurse told me that her whole demeanor changed once she labeled it a low-grade fever.
She asked me what I wanted to do. And I asked if she had any other signs of sickness. She said "no" and that she was looking fine and that 99 was still low enough that she can stay in school. She wouldn't worry about it unless the fever got above 100 and then they have to go home. Since her class was coming to me in ten minutes, I told her to go ahead and send her to class. That way I could see how she was doing and watch her. So Madi came in with her class. Was completely fine. Sang fine, moved around, was her bouncy self. I could feel that she had a temp, but had no other signs. I gave her Motrin after class and she went on her way.
I checked on her at lunch a little more than an hour later and felt her. Still warm, but down from earlier. She ate her whole lunch and was chatting like crazy with friends. They did keep her inside for recess since she was warm.
At the end of the school day, she was supposed to have Zumba and I had a staff meeting, but the daycare called to say that Riley was running a fever of 101.8 so I had to go get her. I left sub plans just in case and we went to pick the girls up.
The two of them laid on the two couches and watched a movie. Madi ate her dinner and then went upstairs. Riley had a little to eat and plenty of liquids. We made sure Madi had more water than normal.
We told her we'll see how things look in the morning. Riley has to stay home tomorrow as the daycare won't let her back in with a fever over 100.
We know Madi isn't feeling completely herself, but it's very hard to tell how sick she really is. She looks perfectly fine. Moves great. Wanted to play computer games, eat candy and drink gingerale. So we'll see how she feels in the morning and go from there.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Happiness
A good day today! Madi said school was incredibly boring. And that's even with it being a gym day which she loves!
She has a solo in choir :) She'll do the second solo in the song "Masters in the Hall" and will get to record it on the cd next week too!! Was trying to figure out whether to have her do one (due to her being my niece and it looking like favoritism). Just decided to give it to her anyway because she has such an awesome voice! Will definitely get a copy of the cd to you :)
She has quite a bit of homework. Fasttmath, spelling, and a project about another country and how they celebrate Christmas/Winter Holiday. She chose the country of Scotland. She couldn't pick the Philippines because it has to be a country she doesn't know about already.
So she's having her after-school snack as we had to go to Walmart for my prescription for my epipen and we picked up some cheap nail polish for the girls to use. Love the 99 cent stuff :)
She has a solo in choir :) She'll do the second solo in the song "Masters in the Hall" and will get to record it on the cd next week too!! Was trying to figure out whether to have her do one (due to her being my niece and it looking like favoritism). Just decided to give it to her anyway because she has such an awesome voice! Will definitely get a copy of the cd to you :)
She has quite a bit of homework. Fasttmath, spelling, and a project about another country and how they celebrate Christmas/Winter Holiday. She chose the country of Scotland. She couldn't pick the Philippines because it has to be a country she doesn't know about already.
So she's having her after-school snack as we had to go to Walmart for my prescription for my epipen and we picked up some cheap nail polish for the girls to use. Love the 99 cent stuff :)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Back to the Grind
Tomorrow is back to school. Bleh is all I have to say about that. Have loved every second of being home and will miss the girls like crazy!!! Thankfully there's only 17 1/2 days of school until we are off for a week and a half for Christmas break.
Madi enjoyed her time with Poppi and Grammy this past week. She said that she spent most of her time with Kathryn and Tripp and didn't really get to spend a lot of time with Poppi and Grammy, but enjoyed the time she did have.
She was fairly calm last night - super tired!!! Back to herself today. We made it to church - late, but we got there! Just running behind as we aren't used to having to get up and get anywhere. Amazing how quickly you adapt to getting up at 7am instead of 6am and taking your time instead of dashing out the door. Church was great. We then stopped at Michael's as we had 20 minutes to kill before meeting my parents and Jon and Allison at Texas, Land and Cattle for lunch.
While in Michael's Madi wanted to buy something. Or I should say, wanted us to buy her something. Jer told her that we were only getting yarn for an order that I have (got a $10 off a $10 purchase coupon so it was perfect timing!). Madi scowled and pouted. I asked her if Poppi and Grammy got to see that face. She said "No. They never say no to me." We simply smiled and said "well, we're not grandparents so we do say no."
We had a pretty good lunch. Julia was super active trying to keep herself awake so I spent a bit of time taking her for walks outside the restaurant. My dad helped as well and Jer stepped in a little to help walk her around.
At home, Madi got some time to play her game. Okay - like hours and hours of time from 1pm until 5pm. She folded her laundry and put it away and got her things ready for school. We had done everything before she left so there really wasn't much left to do. Made the night easy. She's up reading with Jer at the moment. They're almost through with their Drittz (sp??) book.
Here's to hoping the next 17 1/2 school days fly by!!
Madi enjoyed her time with Poppi and Grammy this past week. She said that she spent most of her time with Kathryn and Tripp and didn't really get to spend a lot of time with Poppi and Grammy, but enjoyed the time she did have.
She was fairly calm last night - super tired!!! Back to herself today. We made it to church - late, but we got there! Just running behind as we aren't used to having to get up and get anywhere. Amazing how quickly you adapt to getting up at 7am instead of 6am and taking your time instead of dashing out the door. Church was great. We then stopped at Michael's as we had 20 minutes to kill before meeting my parents and Jon and Allison at Texas, Land and Cattle for lunch.
While in Michael's Madi wanted to buy something. Or I should say, wanted us to buy her something. Jer told her that we were only getting yarn for an order that I have (got a $10 off a $10 purchase coupon so it was perfect timing!). Madi scowled and pouted. I asked her if Poppi and Grammy got to see that face. She said "No. They never say no to me." We simply smiled and said "well, we're not grandparents so we do say no."
We had a pretty good lunch. Julia was super active trying to keep herself awake so I spent a bit of time taking her for walks outside the restaurant. My dad helped as well and Jer stepped in a little to help walk her around.
At home, Madi got some time to play her game. Okay - like hours and hours of time from 1pm until 5pm. She folded her laundry and put it away and got her things ready for school. We had done everything before she left so there really wasn't much left to do. Made the night easy. She's up reading with Jer at the moment. They're almost through with their Drittz (sp??) book.
Here's to hoping the next 17 1/2 school days fly by!!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
To Killeen
Madi had a great time at Elizabeth's house yesterday. Though she said there was another girl over that doesn't really get along with Elizabeth, but had been invited over and was very quiet and not very nice. However, seems as though she had fun. They went to the movies and saw "Jack and Jill." And had pizza for lunch.
Today she got her things ready to go down to Killeen with Kathryn and Tripp. They came up to get her and had a day with Ranny. Jeremy told her that I'd check over her things before letting her get on the computer. Just to make sure she had the right things packed - including her Zyrtec/Claritin! She's almost out of Zyrtec so I had the Claritin out (small blue pills that she doesn't like to swallow). Asked if she packed them to which she said "yes I put them in my bag." Got downstairs to see that she hadn't even brought them up. When asked she gave the usual line of "Oh, I must have forgotten." (the line always used when she didn't forget - she just didn't want to take them) I asked her to put them in her bag and told her that she was not to ask your mom and dad to buy her more Zyrtec because she just didn't want to take the Claritin for two or three days. That they didn't need to be getting it and that we'd have more Zyrtec for her here when she got back. She said 'ok.'
The other thing I did check was her clothes to go down. Wanted to be sure she had what she needed (as in the past, she had forgotten panties or bras or whatever and thankfully we were able to remind her ahead of time). Today she had most everything she needed. Though I noticed that several of the outfits she chose are very small. When asked if they still fit, she said, while shrugging her shoulders, 'I think so. It'll be fine." One of the shirts she's planning to wear as an undershirt so that's fine. Not sure what the temp is down there, but it's been in the 50's or 60's here for the most part - has gotten into the low 80's a few days which has been quite warm. She had mostly jeans, sweatpants, ... in fact as I write this - I can't remember if she packed any pjs! And thinking that I may have missed that one! Will call your Dad now to see if I'm right. Would feel very bad about that if so!
And just talked to him - totally forgot! Feel like a total moron for missing that one.
She had packed a few tshirts so I had her pack some long sleeved shirts - though surprised at her choices in what she brought. I suggested a dress or something like a skirt for church, but she told me that she doesn't like to dress up. I was surprised by that as any time she has been able to dress up, it seems as though she jumps at the chance. She said she prefers to be more casual now. So I let it be and didn't say anything about her choices in clothes other than asking if they all fit. Figure that she's getting to that age where she will be comfortable in things that she will be comfortable in and as long as it's not suggestive or inappropriate, it's fine that she chose what she wanted.
Kathryn came around noon and they were going to drive down to see Mamaw before heading to your parents. They said that they just had dinner and were eating dinner and ending dinner. I'm sure she'll have a great week with them. She'll be back some time on Saturday or Sunday - not sure which.
Today she got her things ready to go down to Killeen with Kathryn and Tripp. They came up to get her and had a day with Ranny. Jeremy told her that I'd check over her things before letting her get on the computer. Just to make sure she had the right things packed - including her Zyrtec/Claritin! She's almost out of Zyrtec so I had the Claritin out (small blue pills that she doesn't like to swallow). Asked if she packed them to which she said "yes I put them in my bag." Got downstairs to see that she hadn't even brought them up. When asked she gave the usual line of "Oh, I must have forgotten." (the line always used when she didn't forget - she just didn't want to take them) I asked her to put them in her bag and told her that she was not to ask your mom and dad to buy her more Zyrtec because she just didn't want to take the Claritin for two or three days. That they didn't need to be getting it and that we'd have more Zyrtec for her here when she got back. She said 'ok.'
The other thing I did check was her clothes to go down. Wanted to be sure she had what she needed (as in the past, she had forgotten panties or bras or whatever and thankfully we were able to remind her ahead of time). Today she had most everything she needed. Though I noticed that several of the outfits she chose are very small. When asked if they still fit, she said, while shrugging her shoulders, 'I think so. It'll be fine." One of the shirts she's planning to wear as an undershirt so that's fine. Not sure what the temp is down there, but it's been in the 50's or 60's here for the most part - has gotten into the low 80's a few days which has been quite warm. She had mostly jeans, sweatpants, ... in fact as I write this - I can't remember if she packed any pjs! And thinking that I may have missed that one! Will call your Dad now to see if I'm right. Would feel very bad about that if so!
And just talked to him - totally forgot! Feel like a total moron for missing that one.
She had packed a few tshirts so I had her pack some long sleeved shirts - though surprised at her choices in what she brought. I suggested a dress or something like a skirt for church, but she told me that she doesn't like to dress up. I was surprised by that as any time she has been able to dress up, it seems as though she jumps at the chance. She said she prefers to be more casual now. So I let it be and didn't say anything about her choices in clothes other than asking if they all fit. Figure that she's getting to that age where she will be comfortable in things that she will be comfortable in and as long as it's not suggestive or inappropriate, it's fine that she chose what she wanted.
Kathryn came around noon and they were going to drive down to see Mamaw before heading to your parents. They said that they just had dinner and were eating dinner and ending dinner. I'm sure she'll have a great week with them. She'll be back some time on Saturday or Sunday - not sure which.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Performance Videos
Here are two links to Madi's performances with her Zumba class at the Fall Festival:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jjlgrant#p/a/u/1/fZ4CBGkrW68
http://www.youtube.com/user/jjlgrant#p/a/u/0/ZWQiF1-QW2g
Enjoy! :)
http://www.youtube.com/user/jjlgrant#p/a/u/1/fZ4CBGkrW68
http://www.youtube.com/user/jjlgrant#p/a/u/0/ZWQiF1-QW2g
Enjoy! :)
Tree Time
We always put up our Christmas decorations and tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year we put them up today since Madi won't be here next weekend (she'll be with your parents starting Tuesday thru Sunday). We wanted to be sure she was included in getting it up.
She was excited to see a tree lit up again and hung a few ornaments, but was more interested in playing her World of Warcraft game. But at least she was able to see it go up and had the chance to add to it if she wanted to.
We also put up some garland on the stairs and the banister at the top of the playroom. There's a wreath on the door - had to get a new one because the birds built a nest inside of the old one last year.
Today we all went to church. All of our lessons/sermons were about thankfulness. Was an awesome service. Riley actually learned about being thankful for friends and that God gives you people around you that help you. She made a card that says "Best Friends Forever" on it at the bottom. The teacher wrote her name on one heart and Riley had to tell the teacher the name of her best friend. She chose Madi. When we showed Madi what Riley had written, she looked very touched. We've tried to tell her that Riley looks up to her, but it was really great that she was able to see it in this way.
Riley also listed "her big sister Madi" as the first thing she was thankful for on her placemat that she made for her Thanksgiving Feast at school last week. Madi was also very touched by that.
This afternoon Madi and Jeremy spent most of their day playing the W.O.W. (world of warcraft) game on the computers. They really enjoyed it.
Tomorrow Madi will go into work with Jeremy and have a day at Elizabeth's house. She's really looking forward to it!
She was excited to see a tree lit up again and hung a few ornaments, but was more interested in playing her World of Warcraft game. But at least she was able to see it go up and had the chance to add to it if she wanted to.
We also put up some garland on the stairs and the banister at the top of the playroom. There's a wreath on the door - had to get a new one because the birds built a nest inside of the old one last year.
Today we all went to church. All of our lessons/sermons were about thankfulness. Was an awesome service. Riley actually learned about being thankful for friends and that God gives you people around you that help you. She made a card that says "Best Friends Forever" on it at the bottom. The teacher wrote her name on one heart and Riley had to tell the teacher the name of her best friend. She chose Madi. When we showed Madi what Riley had written, she looked very touched. We've tried to tell her that Riley looks up to her, but it was really great that she was able to see it in this way.
Riley also listed "her big sister Madi" as the first thing she was thankful for on her placemat that she made for her Thanksgiving Feast at school last week. Madi was also very touched by that.
This afternoon Madi and Jeremy spent most of their day playing the W.O.W. (world of warcraft) game on the computers. They really enjoyed it.
Tomorrow Madi will go into work with Jeremy and have a day at Elizabeth's house. She's really looking forward to it!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Second Six Week Grades
Report Card for the last six weeks:
Gym, Art, Music - all 3's (exceeds expectations) except for behavior grade in art is a 2.5 (doesn't quite exceed, but is better than average)
Academic:
Math - 97%!!! Up 4% since the first six weeks. Awesome job! Fasttmath and IXL truly helping.
Science - 93% - down from 100% the first six weeks - not focusing and being too fast in her work
Social Studies - 94%
Language Composition (Writing) - 90% (down from 97% the first six weeks - just needs to slow down and be neater in her writing. Had one assignment that was very low this six weeks that was sloppy. We had a talk about it and she has since worked on things more. Expecting a higher grade next six weeks... don't meant that this one is bad! Just know her well enough to know she can be doing more and with as smart and capable as she is, this should have been higher)
Reading - 98% - up from 96% first six weeks
Spelling - 99% - up from 96% first six weeks
Combined Language arts grades - 95%
Life Skills (such as accepts responsibility, demonstrates organization, positive attitude, respects others, uses time/completes work well, shows effort, follows directions, listens) - All 2's (meets expectations)
Relates academic Concepts - 3 (exceeds expectations)
A really great report card again!!
No absences, no tardies.
I don't have her LEAP grades in, but Mrs. Fuller told me that she is doing a great job and that she'll get me the report card as soon as she can.
Can really tell in which areas she has focused and done a fabulous job. She should really be proud as these are great grades.
Gym, Art, Music - all 3's (exceeds expectations) except for behavior grade in art is a 2.5 (doesn't quite exceed, but is better than average)
Academic:
Math - 97%!!! Up 4% since the first six weeks. Awesome job! Fasttmath and IXL truly helping.
Science - 93% - down from 100% the first six weeks - not focusing and being too fast in her work
Social Studies - 94%
Language Composition (Writing) - 90% (down from 97% the first six weeks - just needs to slow down and be neater in her writing. Had one assignment that was very low this six weeks that was sloppy. We had a talk about it and she has since worked on things more. Expecting a higher grade next six weeks... don't meant that this one is bad! Just know her well enough to know she can be doing more and with as smart and capable as she is, this should have been higher)
Reading - 98% - up from 96% first six weeks
Spelling - 99% - up from 96% first six weeks
Combined Language arts grades - 95%
Life Skills (such as accepts responsibility, demonstrates organization, positive attitude, respects others, uses time/completes work well, shows effort, follows directions, listens) - All 2's (meets expectations)
Relates academic Concepts - 3 (exceeds expectations)
A really great report card again!!
No absences, no tardies.
I don't have her LEAP grades in, but Mrs. Fuller told me that she is doing a great job and that she'll get me the report card as soon as she can.
Can really tell in which areas she has focused and done a fabulous job. She should really be proud as these are great grades.
Telling the Truth
Jeremy had a very short talk with Madi this morning about telling the truth. When asked about her laundry the other day, she said she had it all. I asked her where the rest had gone because she didn't even have half a load in her basket and five of the outfits were pjs. She said that she got it all. I asked her again if there was any under the bed, on the floor, in the closet. She said no. So I did it and left it alone.
As we were helping get her room ready for them to sleep last night, we walked in and saw a ton of clothes on the chair and soooo much clothes under the desk. I simply told her "Madi, you'll want to check under your desk and we'll discuss it tomorrow. Sleep well and goodnight!"
Jeremy and I talked about how to handle it as lying is a habit with her that we're trying to help her break. She has been wanting to play a computer game Jeremy has, but we decided that before she could play, she needed to have a thorough cleaning of her room to make sure everything was where it belonged. He told her that we don't tolerate lying or even halfway telling the truth and leaving parts out. That we'd rather her just be honest about things as her consequence would not have been as hard had she just told the truth.
So this morning she cleaned her entire room and bathroom. She worked so fast and so hard on it. Not sure I've ever seen her that motivated to get something done before. She has been wanting to play the game so much and was willing to be thorough and fast so she had more time. Once she finished, she asked if we would check her room. Jer was getting lunch ready and I was putting Julia down for a nap. So we told her that we're proud of her for cleaning it, but she'll have to wait. She was not wanting to wait. She asked us several more times and while she stayed calm, she looked as though she was about to bust a few times. We kept calm and told her that after lunch was made, we'd go up together and check it. We made her wait a little while to show her that you don't always get immediate gratification and we also gave her time to double check what she'd done to make sure she'd been thorough.
She really did an awesome job. Room looks incredibly clean and things are where they are supposed to be. And she has a laundry basket now overflowing! So I'll do that before tomorrow so she'll have time tomorrow to put it away.
We also talked with her about if she had noticed that every lie she has tried to tell, we have caught her or called her on it - sometimes very gently, sometimes more firm. And she said "yes." So we simply said to stop lying and be honest about her actions. Hoping that is something that will stick so that it will prevent issues with it later on - especially in the teen years.
As we were helping get her room ready for them to sleep last night, we walked in and saw a ton of clothes on the chair and soooo much clothes under the desk. I simply told her "Madi, you'll want to check under your desk and we'll discuss it tomorrow. Sleep well and goodnight!"
Jeremy and I talked about how to handle it as lying is a habit with her that we're trying to help her break. She has been wanting to play a computer game Jeremy has, but we decided that before she could play, she needed to have a thorough cleaning of her room to make sure everything was where it belonged. He told her that we don't tolerate lying or even halfway telling the truth and leaving parts out. That we'd rather her just be honest about things as her consequence would not have been as hard had she just told the truth.
So this morning she cleaned her entire room and bathroom. She worked so fast and so hard on it. Not sure I've ever seen her that motivated to get something done before. She has been wanting to play the game so much and was willing to be thorough and fast so she had more time. Once she finished, she asked if we would check her room. Jer was getting lunch ready and I was putting Julia down for a nap. So we told her that we're proud of her for cleaning it, but she'll have to wait. She was not wanting to wait. She asked us several more times and while she stayed calm, she looked as though she was about to bust a few times. We kept calm and told her that after lunch was made, we'd go up together and check it. We made her wait a little while to show her that you don't always get immediate gratification and we also gave her time to double check what she'd done to make sure she'd been thorough.
She really did an awesome job. Room looks incredibly clean and things are where they are supposed to be. And she has a laundry basket now overflowing! So I'll do that before tomorrow so she'll have time tomorrow to put it away.
We also talked with her about if she had noticed that every lie she has tried to tell, we have caught her or called her on it - sometimes very gently, sometimes more firm. And she said "yes." So we simply said to stop lying and be honest about her actions. Hoping that is something that will stick so that it will prevent issues with it later on - especially in the teen years.
The Nutcracker
Today my mom and I took the girls to see the Frisco Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Was awesome. They really produce excellent dancers. It was fun to reminisce and really fun to watch the girls as the ballet was going.
At first the red curtain was closed for the overture, but once it seems like it should have opened it continued to stay closed. My mom turned to Madi and said "We were just kidding. We're really not here to see a ballet. We're just here to stare at a red curtain and listen to music." Riley kept asking "Where are the people? Are the people coming??"
We've been reading the book to Riley the last few nights and her eyes just lit up watching the dancers. They did a variation on how the nutcracker gets broken and Clara didn't have a brother. Riley kept asking "Where is Fritz? And where's the couch? And why doesn't the mouse king have a red crown?" Thankfully she was quiet about it in the first act. Second act, a little louder "Hey mom! What are those people? Oh - she's pretty. I like her. Is it over yet?"
The girls were really well behaved. Madi actually took a couple minutes of a cat nap during the Waltz of the Flowers (I always thought that song was WAY too long too). Both of the girls came out dancing and twirling. Madi said she loved it. Though she did say it was very dancy :)
Riley will probably be acting the whole thing out for the next few months. Absolutely loved seeing it!
At first the red curtain was closed for the overture, but once it seems like it should have opened it continued to stay closed. My mom turned to Madi and said "We were just kidding. We're really not here to see a ballet. We're just here to stare at a red curtain and listen to music." Riley kept asking "Where are the people? Are the people coming??"
We've been reading the book to Riley the last few nights and her eyes just lit up watching the dancers. They did a variation on how the nutcracker gets broken and Clara didn't have a brother. Riley kept asking "Where is Fritz? And where's the couch? And why doesn't the mouse king have a red crown?" Thankfully she was quiet about it in the first act. Second act, a little louder "Hey mom! What are those people? Oh - she's pretty. I like her. Is it over yet?"
The girls were really well behaved. Madi actually took a couple minutes of a cat nap during the Waltz of the Flowers (I always thought that song was WAY too long too). Both of the girls came out dancing and twirling. Madi said she loved it. Though she did say it was very dancy :)
Riley will probably be acting the whole thing out for the next few months. Absolutely loved seeing it!
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| "This seat is number 3. I don't want to be number 3." |
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| Ready for the show! |
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| Loving us the nutcracker |
One week off baby!
SOOOOOOOO excited to be off for a week!! Has been a jam packed couple of weeks so it will be nice to semi-relax. Yesterday Madi had her friend Riley stay after school to hang out. We had our hair appointments at 4:30 and Riley wanted to come with us so we checked with her mom and the girls were able to play on the iPod and hang out until around 6pm. They really wanted to do a sleepover and being that she is the type of friendship we really want to encourage, I called Jeremy and talked to him while the girls waited in the van. I figure that any way that we can have an example of the type of good friends to have and any chance we can encourage those are a very good thing. So we stopped by Riley's house to get her things and then she came over to spend the night.
The girls were great. They played some Wii, drew fashion designs and just chatted. Jeremy took Riley home when he had his haircut this morning.
The girls were great. They played some Wii, drew fashion designs and just chatted. Jeremy took Riley home when he had his haircut this morning.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Performance Pics
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| "Good morning! Welcome to Ethridge. My name is Jessica Morrison.. errr... Grant. Sorry I was looking at my mom and got a little confused about what my name is." |
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| Madi is second row, second person from the right |
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| Singing: Flying Eagle Three Sightless Rodents (3 Blind Mice with a twist) There Will be Peace |
Grandparents Day
Today's performances went incredible. Fourth Grade did an amazing job. Their harmony was great in two of the songs. Had a tough time in the three part round the second time around (the middle part got lost and just stopped singing), but still did amazing. Doubt the parents even noticed.
My mom got to eat lunch with Madi, Kayla, and Riley from Mrs. Campbell's class. After the turkey meal, they went to the book fair. My mom bought her a cute clean joke book. Madi used her allowance to get two more books and a bookmark. So she'll have a few new books to keep her busy for.. umm... about a week :) Glad she's got some good new ones because she's almost finished with both of the Warriors series.
We got Sonic for dinner as our "meeting" went late after school. Girls finished eating and are watching Gnomeo and Juliet together. Jules is behind me ripping up paper.
Good day!
My mom got to eat lunch with Madi, Kayla, and Riley from Mrs. Campbell's class. After the turkey meal, they went to the book fair. My mom bought her a cute clean joke book. Madi used her allowance to get two more books and a bookmark. So she'll have a few new books to keep her busy for.. umm... about a week :) Glad she's got some good new ones because she's almost finished with both of the Warriors series.
We got Sonic for dinner as our "meeting" went late after school. Girls finished eating and are watching Gnomeo and Juliet together. Jules is behind me ripping up paper.
Good day!
Why Teachers Rock
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| Winner of the "Sweep" award for two strikes |
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| Turkey Bowling in the hallway |
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| Rock it out Mrs. Ward |
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| Go Mrs. Waesch! |
So after school today we had our first annual frozen turkey bowl. Was a blast! Madi got to watch us after Zumba and we all had some good laughs. Best staff meeting ever :)
Indian Shoe Box Project
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| Entire Project |
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| Printed pics of the apache indians glued them to popsicle sticks then glued them in the box |
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| Her paragraphs about the box. |
Fun Run Pics
So I'm a little behind getting some pics up, but here they are! These are the pics of our School Fun Run!
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| Led half a mile to the park by the fire trucks! |
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| Madi and Annaliese |
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| Oranges rock |
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| From L to R: Elizabeth, Madi, Hailey, Aimee |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Indians
Madi finished her project on her Indian tribe. A diagram in a shoe box of how her tribe lived. Ended up looking quite cool - took some pics so I'll put them up here when I get a chance.
Tomorrow she has Grandparents' Day at school. Her entire grade will perform three songs - one in two part harmony and the other in a three part round. Should be great! And then they'll have a Thanksgiving Day feast and go to the book fair and take their families around. My mom is planning to come to it. My dad is going to Riley's on Friday.
Her grades this six weeks were really great! In fact her math grade was one of the highest at 97%!! I have no doubt that her time on IXL and Fasttmath are really improving her confidence in it as well as her ability. Her English grade was a 93% - compared to a 99% last time. Just a matter or taking her time and writing neater. Though we were getting on to her about one of the sloppiest papers I have ever seen in her folder. Couldn't believe she would have been so sloppy. Turns out - it was another student's and it was in her folder by accident! I was like "why does your paper say Andrew?" :)
Every grade was above a 90% so another all A six-week grading period! Go Madi!!!!
I went to the book fair at school today and got Madi three new books that looked really great for her. Got Riley two new books and we've already read them this afternoon. Madi started on one of her new ones today as well.
Yesterday was choir. Kids are super chatty this week - all ready to be out for the week next week I think. We have the whole week off - woo hoo!!! My brother is bringing his fiancee down to Dallas. Can't wait to meet her.
Girls all got showered/bathed tonight and are either sleeping (Jules) or reading (Madi) or writing (Riley). Madi is trying to reach you since Marcus said he'd be there today. If she doesn't get ahold of you, let me know if there's another night this week that would be good for you guys to chat!
Tomorrow she has Grandparents' Day at school. Her entire grade will perform three songs - one in two part harmony and the other in a three part round. Should be great! And then they'll have a Thanksgiving Day feast and go to the book fair and take their families around. My mom is planning to come to it. My dad is going to Riley's on Friday.
Her grades this six weeks were really great! In fact her math grade was one of the highest at 97%!! I have no doubt that her time on IXL and Fasttmath are really improving her confidence in it as well as her ability. Her English grade was a 93% - compared to a 99% last time. Just a matter or taking her time and writing neater. Though we were getting on to her about one of the sloppiest papers I have ever seen in her folder. Couldn't believe she would have been so sloppy. Turns out - it was another student's and it was in her folder by accident! I was like "why does your paper say Andrew?" :)
Every grade was above a 90% so another all A six-week grading period! Go Madi!!!!
I went to the book fair at school today and got Madi three new books that looked really great for her. Got Riley two new books and we've already read them this afternoon. Madi started on one of her new ones today as well.
Yesterday was choir. Kids are super chatty this week - all ready to be out for the week next week I think. We have the whole week off - woo hoo!!! My brother is bringing his fiancee down to Dallas. Can't wait to meet her.
Girls all got showered/bathed tonight and are either sleeping (Jules) or reading (Madi) or writing (Riley). Madi is trying to reach you since Marcus said he'd be there today. If she doesn't get ahold of you, let me know if there's another night this week that would be good for you guys to chat!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Fireworks!!
We got a fun surprise when the girls were going to bed. Madi was reading and I was reading to Riley and Jeremy was with Jules. We kept hearing loud banging sounds. We both remembered that they were doing a special Veteran's Day celebration at the Five Star Complex which is directly in front of our house - near Hawaiian Falls. I took Riley to the balcony to watch and then got Madi. Jeremy took Jules to her window and they stayed in her room watching them. Jules kept saying "Pi-ty (pretty) and Wow!!"
Madi was talking with Marcus so she was able to show him the fireworks show. The girls and I went outside and watched them. Some of the best I've seen in a long, long time. Was so loud and Riley was singing her Fireworks song the entire time - not the Katy Perry version. She just made up her own words like "Fireworks you look like spider's legs, but you don't crawl on me. You are so cu-u-u-te." She literally sang for a good 20 minutes at the top of her lungs. Bet the neighbor's loved that :)
Girls loved getting to see them. Madi then talked with Marcus for a while and started to get tired and told him she had to go to bed. We didn't want to end their conversation because we knew he was only there for a day. She'll call him again on Tuesday night (our night, your morning) around 7pm.
Madi was talking with Marcus so she was able to show him the fireworks show. The girls and I went outside and watched them. Some of the best I've seen in a long, long time. Was so loud and Riley was singing her Fireworks song the entire time - not the Katy Perry version. She just made up her own words like "Fireworks you look like spider's legs, but you don't crawl on me. You are so cu-u-u-te." She literally sang for a good 20 minutes at the top of her lungs. Bet the neighbor's loved that :)
Girls loved getting to see them. Madi then talked with Marcus for a while and started to get tired and told him she had to go to bed. We didn't want to end their conversation because we knew he was only there for a day. She'll call him again on Tuesday night (our night, your morning) around 7pm.
Day Out with My Parents
This week went great. Madi really did an awesome job this week in each area. Still needed reminders, but that's completely expected and it wasn't a big deal. She had no laps at school this week! So goooooooo Madi!
She enjoyed talking with you today a lot. The news that you will be over there a few months longer made her sad, but she understood. She handled it well. She shared the news with my parents and told them that she missed you, but that it wouldn't be that much longer.
Today she had an entire day with my parents. They took Riley for a day out last Saturday - just play time and hanging out. So this Saturday they took Madi for the day. My mom picked her up around 10am or so. They went to the mall and walked around. Madi got new earrings at Claire's, some cute anti-bacterial soap from Bath and Body works - hangs on her backpack and tons of kids at school have them (she now has three and asks her friends if they want alcohol because that's what she calls them), and she also got some cool scented nail polish as well as a nail polish cover called crackle that is applied over a solid color and create a neat crackled look.
They had lunch at my parents' house and then she and my dad watched Harry Potter movie #2 upstairs. She played on the computer a little bit and had her iPod and books with her as well as her knitting that she started.
I learned how to knit from our art teacher at school and taught Madi the knit stitch and the drop stitch. She's taken to it easier than crochet which I find interesting because the kids in the art club found it easier as well. I was expecting that crochet would have been easier for them, but glad to see she likes it so much.
She has a project about Indians due next Tuesday as well as a writing sample for Language Arts. She passed all of the addition on FasttMath and is the second student in her class to complete it. Huge accomplishment and she's doing really great on her multiplication. We're hoping that her confidence in math is growing and she's seeming to enjoy it more because it's easier. Not sure if it's because of what they're learning or because she's more comfortable with it since she's doing it more. Shorter bursts, but more frequent.
We had dinner at our house tonight and Madi just finished painting Riley's fingernails purple. She's very excited to talk to Marcus tonight!!! She misses both of you and it's great that she can talk to you both more now.
She enjoyed talking with you today a lot. The news that you will be over there a few months longer made her sad, but she understood. She handled it well. She shared the news with my parents and told them that she missed you, but that it wouldn't be that much longer.
Today she had an entire day with my parents. They took Riley for a day out last Saturday - just play time and hanging out. So this Saturday they took Madi for the day. My mom picked her up around 10am or so. They went to the mall and walked around. Madi got new earrings at Claire's, some cute anti-bacterial soap from Bath and Body works - hangs on her backpack and tons of kids at school have them (she now has three and asks her friends if they want alcohol because that's what she calls them), and she also got some cool scented nail polish as well as a nail polish cover called crackle that is applied over a solid color and create a neat crackled look.
They had lunch at my parents' house and then she and my dad watched Harry Potter movie #2 upstairs. She played on the computer a little bit and had her iPod and books with her as well as her knitting that she started.
I learned how to knit from our art teacher at school and taught Madi the knit stitch and the drop stitch. She's taken to it easier than crochet which I find interesting because the kids in the art club found it easier as well. I was expecting that crochet would have been easier for them, but glad to see she likes it so much.
She has a project about Indians due next Tuesday as well as a writing sample for Language Arts. She passed all of the addition on FasttMath and is the second student in her class to complete it. Huge accomplishment and she's doing really great on her multiplication. We're hoping that her confidence in math is growing and she's seeming to enjoy it more because it's easier. Not sure if it's because of what they're learning or because she's more comfortable with it since she's doing it more. Shorter bursts, but more frequent.
We had dinner at our house tonight and Madi just finished painting Riley's fingernails purple. She's very excited to talk to Marcus tonight!!! She misses both of you and it's great that she can talk to you both more now.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Mondays are blah
Madi has decided she really doesn't like Mondays. She would really like it just to be Fridays and Saturdays. Jeremy just wants every day to be Saturday. So we're putting in our orders for them.
Was a good weekend. Madi got a lot of computer time and iPod time. She didn't have any homework so there wasn't anything like that to have her do. Ever since we added IXL time to her consequences for laps, she hasn't had any laps. Two days in a row! This is a fantastic thing!!
Not quite sure what was said in your conversations with her, but you must have made her think because she has done a nice job of putting things up in her closet and has been much more respectful. There are going to be times where she's moody and I realize that. It's just so much nicer when it's pleasant and calm.
Today was definitely a pleasant and calm day. She finished her homework and had her planner ready to sign. She didn't have much homework, but just one page for reading which she finished easily and answered correctly. She had choir after school and I let three of the girls hang out with Madi for an extra 20 minutes or so. They talked and played games with a yarn ball and it was great. I especially enjoyed hearing them because the three girls are in fifth grade, are great examples and very, very good kids. They all walk home each day together and wanted to hang out for a little while. I figured it was a good time for Madi to spend some time with them and have some good influence.
Annaliese was absent today so Madi played with Riley a little bit, but she said she mostly did her own thing at recess. No laps today. She had a sub because Mrs. Campbell participated in the three day Susan Komen walk.
It was a fairly low key day. Girls were all awesome when they got home. Riley and Julia went into Riley's room and colored and played while Madi read a book and spent some time playing Warriors games on the computer.
This weekend we had a very (and I mean very) small earthquake. More like a tremor as a reaction to the one that was in Norman, OK. I had put my Sonic care toothbrush on the counter and was watching it shake back and forth like crazy. Was so odd. I called Jeremy in to see it and we just stood there watching it. Though I didn't actually feel the shaking in my body. All the girls slept through it.
Riley spent some time with my parents on Saturday afternoon. Next Saturday Madi gets a day with them. They're going to go to the mall and then she'll watch a Harry Potter video with my dad with some popcorn or brownies or something. They are very excited about it and asked if they could have her over to get to know her better. Should be fun for her!
Was a good weekend. Madi got a lot of computer time and iPod time. She didn't have any homework so there wasn't anything like that to have her do. Ever since we added IXL time to her consequences for laps, she hasn't had any laps. Two days in a row! This is a fantastic thing!!
Not quite sure what was said in your conversations with her, but you must have made her think because she has done a nice job of putting things up in her closet and has been much more respectful. There are going to be times where she's moody and I realize that. It's just so much nicer when it's pleasant and calm.
Today was definitely a pleasant and calm day. She finished her homework and had her planner ready to sign. She didn't have much homework, but just one page for reading which she finished easily and answered correctly. She had choir after school and I let three of the girls hang out with Madi for an extra 20 minutes or so. They talked and played games with a yarn ball and it was great. I especially enjoyed hearing them because the three girls are in fifth grade, are great examples and very, very good kids. They all walk home each day together and wanted to hang out for a little while. I figured it was a good time for Madi to spend some time with them and have some good influence.
Annaliese was absent today so Madi played with Riley a little bit, but she said she mostly did her own thing at recess. No laps today. She had a sub because Mrs. Campbell participated in the three day Susan Komen walk.
It was a fairly low key day. Girls were all awesome when they got home. Riley and Julia went into Riley's room and colored and played while Madi read a book and spent some time playing Warriors games on the computer.
This weekend we had a very (and I mean very) small earthquake. More like a tremor as a reaction to the one that was in Norman, OK. I had put my Sonic care toothbrush on the counter and was watching it shake back and forth like crazy. Was so odd. I called Jeremy in to see it and we just stood there watching it. Though I didn't actually feel the shaking in my body. All the girls slept through it.
Riley spent some time with my parents on Saturday afternoon. Next Saturday Madi gets a day with them. They're going to go to the mall and then she'll watch a Harry Potter video with my dad with some popcorn or brownies or something. They are very excited about it and asked if they could have her over to get to know her better. Should be fun for her!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Fun Run!!!
Today has been amazing. So fun!!!!! Hopefully Madi thinks so as well. I am on my planning time for today and thought I'd try to blog a little bit before the day got away. It was 37 degrees this morning and quite chilly. We had Madi bundle up and she was able to shed some layers and leave them with me during the run. The kids all met in the cafeteria for about 15-20 minutes for a pep assembly before the entire school walked down to the lake to start the race. They were led by The Colony Firefighters in their firetruck and The Colony Police. Was totally awesome to watch!!
I was already at the park helping set up so I got to watch their entrance. Was very cool. 3,4,5 grades had a track marked out for them and K,1,2 had their track marked out. The tracks were each a quarter of a mile around. Every student in the school has a free tshirt for the run that was given to them. On the back is 16 boxes and each time they did a lap, one of the policemen and firefighters would check a box. The kids were able to go at their own speed and walk or run or jog. For 45 minutes, the entire school of kids moved. All of us were on the sidelines cheering them all on! Was a blast!!!
Madi spent the entire time walking with Annaliese and looked like she was enjoying herself! She jogged for a little while a few laps in. She did several laps - though I'm not sure how many total. I'll have to check her shirt later. But I do know that she had a lot of fun.
The kids all met with their classes at the end and got to eat oranges and have water. There were water stations set up on the course so they were able to get drinks as they went.
It was the most perfect weather for a run!! Not very windy, started chilly, but warmed up beautifully. And to be on the lake was just awesome.
Now the kids are having a barbecue lunch outside under the trees, having recess and watching a movie. I'm thinking Madi will probably be quite tired tonight. Proud of her! And hoping she loved it!
I was already at the park helping set up so I got to watch their entrance. Was very cool. 3,4,5 grades had a track marked out for them and K,1,2 had their track marked out. The tracks were each a quarter of a mile around. Every student in the school has a free tshirt for the run that was given to them. On the back is 16 boxes and each time they did a lap, one of the policemen and firefighters would check a box. The kids were able to go at their own speed and walk or run or jog. For 45 minutes, the entire school of kids moved. All of us were on the sidelines cheering them all on! Was a blast!!!
Madi spent the entire time walking with Annaliese and looked like she was enjoying herself! She jogged for a little while a few laps in. She did several laps - though I'm not sure how many total. I'll have to check her shirt later. But I do know that she had a lot of fun.
The kids all met with their classes at the end and got to eat oranges and have water. There were water stations set up on the course so they were able to get drinks as they went.
It was the most perfect weather for a run!! Not very windy, started chilly, but warmed up beautifully. And to be on the lake was just awesome.
Now the kids are having a barbecue lunch outside under the trees, having recess and watching a movie. I'm thinking Madi will probably be quite tired tonight. Proud of her! And hoping she loved it!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Here's to Positive Thinking
Has been an interesting week. Let's just say it's a great week for learning, growth, change, and character development. Much for Madi to think on this week as there have been some tough lessons along the way. So I'm really working on thinking positive about what is going on and asking for prayer for her (and us!). I really don't mean for the blog to be a dumping ground for what is happening negative. Trying to just use it to let you know what is going on and how it's being handled and as a way for us all to look back and see what happened throughout this year. The last few days in particular have just been very difficult.
I'll go back starting yesterday since the last blog was on Nov 1. I don't always write about every single event going on because some of it is small stuff that is easy to deal with, some of it is really great, some of it I totally forget before the day is done anyway and some of it just doesn't need to be said. :) Great thoughts huh?!
Yesterday was a tough day. All the way around. You name an area that is of difficulty right now and we're in the midst of it all. This will be fairly lengthy and I'm not trying to dump. But you do need to be made aware of what she is doing and how we're handling it and how others are handling it. I'll start with school.
Madi has been having trouble rushing through her work at school and as a result, her grades are not what they could be. Please don't confuse that as meaning that she's not doing well. Her grades are low A's and a high B. High B is in math and low A's in everything (most are 92's or 93's or 90's) except spelling which is 100% and that is based off of turning in spelling homework and a short quiz at the end of each week. The issue is that she's producing sloppy work that is done in hyper speed and while correct for the most part, is not her best work and therefore she is not getting even better grades. So Mrs. Campbell is having to get on to her about being on task, slowing down and not talking. And while the talking seems like it's not that big a deal, when it keeps others from getting their work done and they are not "A" students, that is an issue. And when it keeps Madi from being on task and achieving what she should be achieving, that is also an issue. So she's having a hard time with producing great work.
At lunch, the kids are given ten minutes to eat in silence at the end as most chatter away that they don't finish their food unless they are sitting in silence for a short period. Lunch is only 30 minutes. This has happened numerous times and yesterday she chose to goof around and laugh very loudly. She was given laps at recess as a result. But she was mad that she was given the laps because she didn't want to do them. She didn't see an issue with not following directions and being loud. Not just loud. Extremely loud, obsessive and obnoxious (as was described by a very kind and calm teacher who got on to her - not me or Mrs. Campbell).
Yesterday was also an eventful day when it came to friends. As we've shared before, Madi has moved from being in the crowd you'd want her to be in to now being in the crowd you would not want her to be in. She has bossed, sassed, and ordered enough kids around that they choose not to play with her and now she is with two girls who will play with her and one of them is fine; the other one is not at all. Mrs. Campbell came to my room after school yesterday and asked me where Madi was. I told her she was in Zumba and she told me that she needed to have a frank conversation with her and wanted me there so that I could learn exactly what had happened to hear it from both sides. So I asked if it was good or bad. She simply said "you'll see."
The three of us met in the hallway away from other students. Come to find out that both of her friends got into a very loud argument at recess. Madi was in the middle and didn't want to have to choose sides because she wants to be friends with both of them. (And yes, some of this is just girl drama that happens. And the girls were chatting away today. We're more concerned with how Madi handled it.) One of the girls stands up and starts screaming at the other one and accusing her, name calling, and putting the other girl down. The other girl starts to cry. Then the one who was screaming starts crying. Madi chooses to console the one that screamed and the other girl is left alone. When asked why she consoled the one who was screaming, she said it was because she was crying. Mrs. Campbell asked if the other girl was crying. Madi said "yes, but I went to my friend." She asked if the other girl was her friend. Madi said "yes." And she asked why she would console the one who was saying the hurtful, horrible things. Madi said it was because she was crying. So Mrs. Campbell asked her what needed to happen next. And we talked it through and she went to Zumba, I went to my meeting.
I had a talk with her again about friendships. And shared more insight into the mean girl. Told her that it is her choice to have friends like that (we've had her over for a sleepover already just to see them interact - not good), but that friends influence who you become, how you behave and where you life goes. I told her that we don't approve of their friendship, she will not be allowed over her house and the other girl will not be allowed over our house. Madi was quite sad because she likes the girl and says "well, she's nice to me" when asked how she treats others. I told her that she's not even nice to her - it's just that Madi puts up with her rudeness. Encouraged her to try to play with other kids and to seek out other girls that she had started to make friends with this summer.
Today at recess both of her friends were at study hall inside and she didn't have many people to play with. She said some girls were flying kites. I asked if she could have played with them and she said "Oh yea. I could have done that. I just didn't." Instead she spent the recess chasing two boys. And they chased her. The issue with this is that they are two boys that are in the group you wouldn't want her in. Found it interesting that she'd go to them instead of taking the opportunity to hang out with the good girls.
Now to home...
Last night several things came up and Jeremy spent 40 minutes talking with her about her behavior, attitude, choices, etc... I spent about 20 minutes talking about friends. We're really on overload because there are so many areas that she needs direction and help on that it's just hard to start small because every area affects another area. And I'm sure she's on overload as well.
She's having consequences for her actions and behaviors at school because we feel that if she's accountable at home, then maybe her misbehaviors at school will stop. For every lap she earns at school, she has to complete a section of IXL. The reason being that she is getting laps for the same thing every day and having to do more math will not only increase her math abilities, but is making her think twice about talking out in class and goofing around. Today was the first day in a while that she had no laps. However, she pouted and threw a fit about her two sections yesterday and sat in front of the computer putting on fake tears for a little while yesterday and wasted time she could have been getting it done. She got to a point last night where she walked into the living room and said she couldn't do it. We said "Madi, you're doing great! You're at 90% and don't have far to go. Keep going! You've got this!" To which she glared (she's got some evil stares, I tell you!) and said "I don't want to." And immediately turned off the tears. Jeremy and I looked at each other and said "So sorry. Get back in there and get it done." To which she pouted more. We simply gave her a time limit, told her she'd finish tomorrow and then let her know that there would be other consequences if the attitude continued as we don't deserve it and she is the only one who can change her situation.
We've had many things we're dealing with on the home front. Several attempts at lying and being called out on it. Telling us her laundry is put away only to find she's shoved her Halloween costume and her freshly washed and folded clothes all over the back of her closet among shoes and other items - right next to her dirty clothes - while there are tons of empty hangers. Telling us she had more laundry to bring down and me asking her (after just loading her hamper in the wash) "where were they?" and her lying to my face telling me she thought they were behind the hamper and me saying "tell me where they really were" and her mumbling the truth. Needing to be told to put trash in the trash can instead of in the middle of the counter. Leaving shoes,bags,clothes,etc... in the hallway after being asked to move them at least several times by both of us. Not flushing the toilet and letting it sit there for hours each day unless Jeremy and I double check on each time she goes to the bathroom to remind her and then docking her allowance if it's not done. These are literally small things that are becoming very challenging to handle because we've talked with her about them and she either shrugs it off, lies about them or simply just doesn't do them and doesn't care. We've docked allowance, we've taken shoes/nail polish/alarm clock radio/items that are left in the middle of the floor and stored them in our room until further notice. We're trying positive things and negative things. She gets extra time if things are done. She gets computer time.
We've praised her for anything that has been done positively. This morning I gave her a "you go girl!" when she flushed the toilet and said "thank you for doing that!" Don't think I've ever been so happy to see a toilet flushed in my life.
She was asked by a teacher as to which country she prefers (here or the philippines) and she told me that she said that she likes both places, but missed the Philippines because she could be sneaky and get away with things and do whatever she wanted. And I said "not as much freedom here, huh?" She said "No. not at all." So we're doing the best we can do and we're being fought every step of the way. It is taking much time and much patience and much endurance. She'll be all the better for it and I can only hope we'll become better people and parents as a result too. Just a tough period to push through.
I'll go back starting yesterday since the last blog was on Nov 1. I don't always write about every single event going on because some of it is small stuff that is easy to deal with, some of it is really great, some of it I totally forget before the day is done anyway and some of it just doesn't need to be said. :) Great thoughts huh?!
Yesterday was a tough day. All the way around. You name an area that is of difficulty right now and we're in the midst of it all. This will be fairly lengthy and I'm not trying to dump. But you do need to be made aware of what she is doing and how we're handling it and how others are handling it. I'll start with school.
Madi has been having trouble rushing through her work at school and as a result, her grades are not what they could be. Please don't confuse that as meaning that she's not doing well. Her grades are low A's and a high B. High B is in math and low A's in everything (most are 92's or 93's or 90's) except spelling which is 100% and that is based off of turning in spelling homework and a short quiz at the end of each week. The issue is that she's producing sloppy work that is done in hyper speed and while correct for the most part, is not her best work and therefore she is not getting even better grades. So Mrs. Campbell is having to get on to her about being on task, slowing down and not talking. And while the talking seems like it's not that big a deal, when it keeps others from getting their work done and they are not "A" students, that is an issue. And when it keeps Madi from being on task and achieving what she should be achieving, that is also an issue. So she's having a hard time with producing great work.
At lunch, the kids are given ten minutes to eat in silence at the end as most chatter away that they don't finish their food unless they are sitting in silence for a short period. Lunch is only 30 minutes. This has happened numerous times and yesterday she chose to goof around and laugh very loudly. She was given laps at recess as a result. But she was mad that she was given the laps because she didn't want to do them. She didn't see an issue with not following directions and being loud. Not just loud. Extremely loud, obsessive and obnoxious (as was described by a very kind and calm teacher who got on to her - not me or Mrs. Campbell).
Yesterday was also an eventful day when it came to friends. As we've shared before, Madi has moved from being in the crowd you'd want her to be in to now being in the crowd you would not want her to be in. She has bossed, sassed, and ordered enough kids around that they choose not to play with her and now she is with two girls who will play with her and one of them is fine; the other one is not at all. Mrs. Campbell came to my room after school yesterday and asked me where Madi was. I told her she was in Zumba and she told me that she needed to have a frank conversation with her and wanted me there so that I could learn exactly what had happened to hear it from both sides. So I asked if it was good or bad. She simply said "you'll see."
The three of us met in the hallway away from other students. Come to find out that both of her friends got into a very loud argument at recess. Madi was in the middle and didn't want to have to choose sides because she wants to be friends with both of them. (And yes, some of this is just girl drama that happens. And the girls were chatting away today. We're more concerned with how Madi handled it.) One of the girls stands up and starts screaming at the other one and accusing her, name calling, and putting the other girl down. The other girl starts to cry. Then the one who was screaming starts crying. Madi chooses to console the one that screamed and the other girl is left alone. When asked why she consoled the one who was screaming, she said it was because she was crying. Mrs. Campbell asked if the other girl was crying. Madi said "yes, but I went to my friend." She asked if the other girl was her friend. Madi said "yes." And she asked why she would console the one who was saying the hurtful, horrible things. Madi said it was because she was crying. So Mrs. Campbell asked her what needed to happen next. And we talked it through and she went to Zumba, I went to my meeting.
I had a talk with her again about friendships. And shared more insight into the mean girl. Told her that it is her choice to have friends like that (we've had her over for a sleepover already just to see them interact - not good), but that friends influence who you become, how you behave and where you life goes. I told her that we don't approve of their friendship, she will not be allowed over her house and the other girl will not be allowed over our house. Madi was quite sad because she likes the girl and says "well, she's nice to me" when asked how she treats others. I told her that she's not even nice to her - it's just that Madi puts up with her rudeness. Encouraged her to try to play with other kids and to seek out other girls that she had started to make friends with this summer.
Today at recess both of her friends were at study hall inside and she didn't have many people to play with. She said some girls were flying kites. I asked if she could have played with them and she said "Oh yea. I could have done that. I just didn't." Instead she spent the recess chasing two boys. And they chased her. The issue with this is that they are two boys that are in the group you wouldn't want her in. Found it interesting that she'd go to them instead of taking the opportunity to hang out with the good girls.
Now to home...
Last night several things came up and Jeremy spent 40 minutes talking with her about her behavior, attitude, choices, etc... I spent about 20 minutes talking about friends. We're really on overload because there are so many areas that she needs direction and help on that it's just hard to start small because every area affects another area. And I'm sure she's on overload as well.
She's having consequences for her actions and behaviors at school because we feel that if she's accountable at home, then maybe her misbehaviors at school will stop. For every lap she earns at school, she has to complete a section of IXL. The reason being that she is getting laps for the same thing every day and having to do more math will not only increase her math abilities, but is making her think twice about talking out in class and goofing around. Today was the first day in a while that she had no laps. However, she pouted and threw a fit about her two sections yesterday and sat in front of the computer putting on fake tears for a little while yesterday and wasted time she could have been getting it done. She got to a point last night where she walked into the living room and said she couldn't do it. We said "Madi, you're doing great! You're at 90% and don't have far to go. Keep going! You've got this!" To which she glared (she's got some evil stares, I tell you!) and said "I don't want to." And immediately turned off the tears. Jeremy and I looked at each other and said "So sorry. Get back in there and get it done." To which she pouted more. We simply gave her a time limit, told her she'd finish tomorrow and then let her know that there would be other consequences if the attitude continued as we don't deserve it and she is the only one who can change her situation.
We've had many things we're dealing with on the home front. Several attempts at lying and being called out on it. Telling us her laundry is put away only to find she's shoved her Halloween costume and her freshly washed and folded clothes all over the back of her closet among shoes and other items - right next to her dirty clothes - while there are tons of empty hangers. Telling us she had more laundry to bring down and me asking her (after just loading her hamper in the wash) "where were they?" and her lying to my face telling me she thought they were behind the hamper and me saying "tell me where they really were" and her mumbling the truth. Needing to be told to put trash in the trash can instead of in the middle of the counter. Leaving shoes,bags,clothes,etc... in the hallway after being asked to move them at least several times by both of us. Not flushing the toilet and letting it sit there for hours each day unless Jeremy and I double check on each time she goes to the bathroom to remind her and then docking her allowance if it's not done. These are literally small things that are becoming very challenging to handle because we've talked with her about them and she either shrugs it off, lies about them or simply just doesn't do them and doesn't care. We've docked allowance, we've taken shoes/nail polish/alarm clock radio/items that are left in the middle of the floor and stored them in our room until further notice. We're trying positive things and negative things. She gets extra time if things are done. She gets computer time.
We've praised her for anything that has been done positively. This morning I gave her a "you go girl!" when she flushed the toilet and said "thank you for doing that!" Don't think I've ever been so happy to see a toilet flushed in my life.
She was asked by a teacher as to which country she prefers (here or the philippines) and she told me that she said that she likes both places, but missed the Philippines because she could be sneaky and get away with things and do whatever she wanted. And I said "not as much freedom here, huh?" She said "No. not at all." So we're doing the best we can do and we're being fought every step of the way. It is taking much time and much patience and much endurance. She'll be all the better for it and I can only hope we'll become better people and parents as a result too. Just a tough period to push through.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
November is Here!
Good start to the week. Girls had some of their Halloween candy tonight. They went through the neighborhood with my dad and Jeremy to many houses. Got tons of sweets! My mom and I passed out candy after I put Jules down to sleep. Though Julia did get to go to a few houses. One of the houses had candy in a bowl with a singing/talking skeleton head. Someone pointed it out to Jules and Julia goes "Doggie!!!"
Today I was out again - grrr... these nasty stomach virus things. So ready for them to get gone and stay gone. Spent most of the day in bed or in the bathroom.
Yesterday Madi went to the nurse and I was called down. I wasn't feeling well yesterday either, but tried to plow through. I went down to check on her when they let me know she was there and she looked simply green. Very pale in the cheeks. She said that her stomach hurt and she thought she might throw up so they had her lie down. She fell asleep and woke up about 30 minutes or so later. She looked a little better and then ate all of her lunch. After lunch she felt better and asked to go to recess so they let her. And she was completely fine. She had choir after school and that went well.
Yesterday was also Book Character Day. Madi got to wear her Cleopatra costume and looked beautiful. Very stunning on her. Then she came home and played on the computer since she had no homework and then got ready to go out trick or treating.
The girls stayed up late until after 9pm and were a little tired today.
Tomorrow is Zumba. Madi has done awesome on her Fasttmath. She has completed the entire addition section - and it's quite large. Just has to change a few practice facts into focus facts. She told us today that she never thought that she'd ever finish it because there were so many today and that she was so happy to see that she did it. We briefly said that sometimes it's a matter of just starting where you are and doing a little each day that makes the difference.
She and I read John 5 tonight and then talked for a little while. She started a weaving with Rita after school today and finished a small section of it tonight. Loved doing it. She's very artistic.
Today I was out again - grrr... these nasty stomach virus things. So ready for them to get gone and stay gone. Spent most of the day in bed or in the bathroom.
Yesterday Madi went to the nurse and I was called down. I wasn't feeling well yesterday either, but tried to plow through. I went down to check on her when they let me know she was there and she looked simply green. Very pale in the cheeks. She said that her stomach hurt and she thought she might throw up so they had her lie down. She fell asleep and woke up about 30 minutes or so later. She looked a little better and then ate all of her lunch. After lunch she felt better and asked to go to recess so they let her. And she was completely fine. She had choir after school and that went well.
Yesterday was also Book Character Day. Madi got to wear her Cleopatra costume and looked beautiful. Very stunning on her. Then she came home and played on the computer since she had no homework and then got ready to go out trick or treating.
The girls stayed up late until after 9pm and were a little tired today.
Tomorrow is Zumba. Madi has done awesome on her Fasttmath. She has completed the entire addition section - and it's quite large. Just has to change a few practice facts into focus facts. She told us today that she never thought that she'd ever finish it because there were so many today and that she was so happy to see that she did it. We briefly said that sometimes it's a matter of just starting where you are and doing a little each day that makes the difference.
She and I read John 5 tonight and then talked for a little while. She started a weaving with Rita after school today and finished a small section of it tonight. Loved doing it. She's very artistic.
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