Madi told me today that she had nothing to look forward to. For today anyway. And then we started talking about Wed (Zumba), Thurs (cleaning and setting up for the par-tay) and Fri (the party). All of a sudden there's plenty to look forward to!
Has been a slow week as far as speed. Feels like it should be Friday already. Some weeks are just like that.
Madi worked on her project a little bit on Sunday and we gave her 45 minutes last night that she had to use to work on her project. While we're "hands off," it doesn't mean completely free reign. Just giving her a basic time to work in where she doesn't have choices to do anything else.
I talked with Mrs. Fuller again about the project and she asked me if Madi had shown me the grading rubric. I told her that I had not seen it. So I asked Madi about it yesterday and she got it out. Was dated 1/19. So she's had it for a while, but hadn't mentioned a thing about it. Is she ten or what?! :) Tells her exactly what she needs to accomplish to get which grade. It's graded on a scale of 1-5 with five being the best. I asked her today if she needed to do any work on her project. She said that she is completely finished. We talked about the bibliography and if her citations were correct. She claims they are. She was very frustrated that the website she was given didn't do all the work for her, but it does have tons of places to put whatever information you do have and then it will give you the correct way to cite the source.
We watched some funny baby videos on YouTube for a little while - the three girls and I. We were smiling and laughing, but Julia found them hysterical!! Was so cute to see her laugh so hard. Madi said they made her think of Micah. So we went upstairs and the girls did their baths/showers. Got ready for bed. Jeremy read with Madi tonight. She's almost finished with Galations.
A few nights ago we talked about the bible passage we were reading. The next morning she asked me if I was able to sleep all the way through the night without waking up. (I'd been having trouble staying asleep due to stress at work) And I had been able to sleep all through the night. She was so sweet and goes "Oh good. It worked. Because I prayed for you." Thought that was incredibly sweet. She has also been praying for Jeremy since he's still fighting off this horrible cough thing. And of course, hasn't gone to the doctor yet. Not that he has lots of time, but it's been several weeks now.
She and Riley are getting along really great lately which has been fantastic. Julia has been tough with the girls - stealing their things, getting lots of time-outs and redirection. And she's talking literally non-stop... even though half of what she says we can't understand. Though every morning when I drop the girls off, when I open the door to get Jules out, she calls out "Bye Maneee (Madi)!!! Yuhve You! (love you)."
Madi has a stye in her right eye that she's putting warm compresses on. She's had it for a little while and we're praying it goes away soon.
She also received a big bag of clothes again from a friend of mine - 20 shirts, 2 pants and 2 beautiful dresses!! So she went through her clothes and found some that she either doesn't want or can't fit into and we sent them away to my second cousin who actually lives with her aunt in Michigan. Her dad died about a year ago or so and now my aunt/uncle have taken her into their home. So it was nice to be able to give back to them. I'll have to get a pic of Madi in her favorite dress - red and white on the bottom with a black velvety top.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weekend
Good start to the weekend. I spent most of the morning doing laundry (7 loads) and then putting it away with help. Or not so much help as would be Julia's role. She decided to open the drawers to her dresser and dump out ALL the clothes that I had just folded and put away. Only she dumped two drawers of clothing in a big pile. I just used that as an opportunity to weed through the clothing that doesn't fit and reorganize her drawers. Kept it a positive opportunity :) My favorite part was when she said "Oh Man Juwia!" after she dumped it out and then laughed. I guess I say "oh man Julia" a lot - as she has been saying it after anything she does. Like pushing Riley's plate of eggos with syrup on the floor, stealing her water and dumping it all over Riley and her chair, and squirming when trying to get her diaper on. Madi and Riley find it hilarious. (and so do we)
Madi spent much of her day reading, playing (not on the computer though) and going for bike rides. I think she went on two bike rides. Maybe three?? But I think only two. She has a major project due for LEAP this Thursday. And another major project due in her classroom on March 6.
With each project that has been given, we've tried to be a little less hands-on. Not because we don't want to help. Sometimes we have some 'great' ideas that we're super excited about, but we try to hold back so that she can actually do the project the way she envisions it. So far she's done a really great job on each one. The first project of the year, we tried to guide and give directions and help her through it. The next one, we took a little less investment in and let her do more of the work. And so on it has gone.
This project for LEAP was assigned over a month ago. They've had tons of time in class every Thursday to work on it and Mrs. Fuller has gone over everything in detail. I've kept in good contact with her through the entire thing.
It's coming along. Madi rewrote/recopied one page out of the four or five she has to do. She has to finish her blueprints for the project and create a 3-D presentation. There was quite a bit of reworking in her outline and of the items she would change to the bridge. Mrs. Fuller told her to think more detail-oriented rather than big picture because her ideas are so large, but she has very surface detail to them. And she wants them to think big, but provide many details.
We have talked with Madi through the whole process of the assignment and explained that we will stay mostly hands-off. That we are giving her more of the responsibility this time to plan out what she needs to do and simply get it done. We told her that we're very good at micromanaging and that it can get in the way of her really learning how to be responsible. She told us that she likes when we micromanage. To which we said "Of course! Because then the pressure to get it done on time is on us and you just simply do it. But that won't always serve you well and for her benefit, we'll start to help her learn to navigate time management and deadlines." Then we shared some things we have to do in our jobs and how our bosses handle things. That these lessons carry on through all of life.
We're not doing it in a rude way. Not like "figure it out!" It's more of a "we're taking you through what you need to do and you've been shown and taught what to do. You take the reins and be responsible for it now." After all, she has had time to work on it. And now is the time for her to start taking some of the responsibilities for work on her own. It'll serve her better in the future if she doesn't have to be micromanaged. We realize she's not 18 and it's not like she may not need a little help. But she is old enough and smart enough and capable enough to decide to get her work done. And she'll be all the better for it.
What was interesting today was that she spent a good hour in her room with the door closed this morning(never does that unless at night). Normally on a Saturday, she'll ask for WOW first thing. She never even mentioned the computer. So it was late morning before she came out and started talking. We mentioned that she didn't need to wait for us to tell her how to dictate her day. She could decide when to work on her project and what she needed to do. As we've helped her along the way with it, she's now at the point where she can be responsible to finish the task. And she's very able to do it. She goes "ok."
She finished Fasttmath as well. She and Riley played together for a little while. The girls were spinning in the playroom - Julia was following and falling everywhere! Then they played hopscotch which was hilarious too. Julia would run across the pads and then run in front of both of the girls. So we worked on following people and taking turns. Both girls were very patient with her.
Madi has absolutely loved going for bike rides. It's so good for her. She gets exercise, fresh air and time by herself to just be and do whatever she wants. We'll be going to church tomorrow and then getting the house ready for the party. She's beyond excited about that. Everyone is coming that was invited which will make it a big, fun, loud party!
Madi spent much of her day reading, playing (not on the computer though) and going for bike rides. I think she went on two bike rides. Maybe three?? But I think only two. She has a major project due for LEAP this Thursday. And another major project due in her classroom on March 6.
With each project that has been given, we've tried to be a little less hands-on. Not because we don't want to help. Sometimes we have some 'great' ideas that we're super excited about, but we try to hold back so that she can actually do the project the way she envisions it. So far she's done a really great job on each one. The first project of the year, we tried to guide and give directions and help her through it. The next one, we took a little less investment in and let her do more of the work. And so on it has gone.
This project for LEAP was assigned over a month ago. They've had tons of time in class every Thursday to work on it and Mrs. Fuller has gone over everything in detail. I've kept in good contact with her through the entire thing.
It's coming along. Madi rewrote/recopied one page out of the four or five she has to do. She has to finish her blueprints for the project and create a 3-D presentation. There was quite a bit of reworking in her outline and of the items she would change to the bridge. Mrs. Fuller told her to think more detail-oriented rather than big picture because her ideas are so large, but she has very surface detail to them. And she wants them to think big, but provide many details.
We have talked with Madi through the whole process of the assignment and explained that we will stay mostly hands-off. That we are giving her more of the responsibility this time to plan out what she needs to do and simply get it done. We told her that we're very good at micromanaging and that it can get in the way of her really learning how to be responsible. She told us that she likes when we micromanage. To which we said "Of course! Because then the pressure to get it done on time is on us and you just simply do it. But that won't always serve you well and for her benefit, we'll start to help her learn to navigate time management and deadlines." Then we shared some things we have to do in our jobs and how our bosses handle things. That these lessons carry on through all of life.
We're not doing it in a rude way. Not like "figure it out!" It's more of a "we're taking you through what you need to do and you've been shown and taught what to do. You take the reins and be responsible for it now." After all, she has had time to work on it. And now is the time for her to start taking some of the responsibilities for work on her own. It'll serve her better in the future if she doesn't have to be micromanaged. We realize she's not 18 and it's not like she may not need a little help. But she is old enough and smart enough and capable enough to decide to get her work done. And she'll be all the better for it.
What was interesting today was that she spent a good hour in her room with the door closed this morning(never does that unless at night). Normally on a Saturday, she'll ask for WOW first thing. She never even mentioned the computer. So it was late morning before she came out and started talking. We mentioned that she didn't need to wait for us to tell her how to dictate her day. She could decide when to work on her project and what she needed to do. As we've helped her along the way with it, she's now at the point where she can be responsible to finish the task. And she's very able to do it. She goes "ok."
She finished Fasttmath as well. She and Riley played together for a little while. The girls were spinning in the playroom - Julia was following and falling everywhere! Then they played hopscotch which was hilarious too. Julia would run across the pads and then run in front of both of the girls. So we worked on following people and taking turns. Both girls were very patient with her.
Madi has absolutely loved going for bike rides. It's so good for her. She gets exercise, fresh air and time by herself to just be and do whatever she wants. We'll be going to church tomorrow and then getting the house ready for the party. She's beyond excited about that. Everyone is coming that was invited which will make it a big, fun, loud party!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Awesome Week!
Madi had a great week! She worked hard on her project, had Zumba, three days of bike riding in the neighborhood after school (loving this weather!!), and we took a trip today to get some more food items for her party next week. Before picking up the girls, Madi and I went to Wallyworld (Walmart) to get food for the week. Also picked up the chips and pop. It's exciting to think of having a bunch of girls over the house next weekend! Hoping it goes as well as we're hoping it will!!
Today was Rainbow day at school. Madi came up with the idea of dressing as a rainbow. So I wore a red headband, orange necklace, bright yellow shirt, bright green pants, blue socks and brown shoes - don't have any purple! Madi wore it all backwards - orange socks, yellow leggings, green shirt, blue necklace and purple hair clip. She looked really cute. We were quite the sight walking around Walmart in our crazy colorful outfits! :)
Jules is crying... I better go.
Today was Rainbow day at school. Madi came up with the idea of dressing as a rainbow. So I wore a red headband, orange necklace, bright yellow shirt, bright green pants, blue socks and brown shoes - don't have any purple! Madi wore it all backwards - orange socks, yellow leggings, green shirt, blue necklace and purple hair clip. She looked really cute. We were quite the sight walking around Walmart in our crazy colorful outfits! :)
Jules is crying... I better go.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Where is Winter??!!
87 degrees today. 87. Totally crazy!!! I don't think we'll be getting much of a winter this year. Total bummer because it'd be great to get some snow for many reasons. Most of all so Madi could see it.
Today was Zumba and gym. She's upstairs taking a shower at the moment. We stopped at the store to get weights and tape for a project she is working on in LEAP tomorrow. Mrs. Campbell told me today that she is doing a fantastic job in class. Was really good to hear! Already shared it with Madi.
Grades will be posted next week. She's been making much better choices and turning work in on time which is good (unless there is work we don't know about, but I don't think there is).
So far we've heard from almost every girl for her birthday party and everyone is coming. Will be a full house and tons of fun!! Only one more week!
Today was Zumba and gym. She's upstairs taking a shower at the moment. We stopped at the store to get weights and tape for a project she is working on in LEAP tomorrow. Mrs. Campbell told me today that she is doing a fantastic job in class. Was really good to hear! Already shared it with Madi.
Grades will be posted next week. She's been making much better choices and turning work in on time which is good (unless there is work we don't know about, but I don't think there is).
So far we've heard from almost every girl for her birthday party and everyone is coming. Will be a full house and tons of fun!! Only one more week!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fat Tuesday
Had to explain to Madison why today is Fat Tuesday. So Happy Fat Tuesday!
Madi had a really great day today. She worked hard on her LEAP project. Spent about an hour finishing up the sections that weren't finished yet. She'll bring it in on Thursday and have Mrs. Fuller look at it then. Just glad she has work already done so that there's only some tweaking needed now. As well as the 3-D project she'll do this weekend for it - building a double decker bridge.
She brought a lunchable from home for lunch and thoroughly loved it. Had music today and learned a fun folk dance that is done in groups of eight.
As soon as we got home, she wanted to ride her bike so she went for a really nice bike ride and then took a shower/bath. She also said that she'd like to try running club again so we'll definitely work to get her to school a little earlier if she really wants to do it.
So far everyone that has been invited to the party is able to make it. We got the party bags that hold favors today. Cute bags with polka dots and stripes.
Tomorrow is Zumba!
Madi had a really great day today. She worked hard on her LEAP project. Spent about an hour finishing up the sections that weren't finished yet. She'll bring it in on Thursday and have Mrs. Fuller look at it then. Just glad she has work already done so that there's only some tweaking needed now. As well as the 3-D project she'll do this weekend for it - building a double decker bridge.
She brought a lunchable from home for lunch and thoroughly loved it. Had music today and learned a fun folk dance that is done in groups of eight.
As soon as we got home, she wanted to ride her bike so she went for a really nice bike ride and then took a shower/bath. She also said that she'd like to try running club again so we'll definitely work to get her to school a little earlier if she really wants to do it.
So far everyone that has been invited to the party is able to make it. We got the party bags that hold favors today. Cute bags with polka dots and stripes.
Tomorrow is Zumba!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Happy Monday!
I love President's Day. Actually Jeremy probably loves it more because it's one of the only holidays he has off that I don't. Not that he doesn't want to be with me, but it means he gets some time off to relax. And do taxes. Sounds fun, huh!? :)
Jeremy took Riley and Jules to preschool this morning. I surprised Madi and took her to the donut shop near the school and celebrated what I call 'Happy Monday' with a few glazed and chocolate sprinkle donuts. She was very excited and it made for a fun morning that would otherwise be more of the same old same old.
Today went great. Madi had a fun time at Yarn Club. Then came home and worked on part of her project for LEAP and did all of her spelling homework. She has three more sections to finish for her project. We're having her write out what she can for each section so that she has something to show Mrs. Fuller on Thursday. This way she has one more class period to show what she has done and find out if she needs to tweak anything. Then we'll make her visual with her over the weekend.
We'll also be getting the playroom ready for the party this weekend. Moving all the toys and furniture to our bedroom (except the couch). Will start making the tissue paper poms next week and do a few each night I think. Should be very fun!!!
Tomorrow Madi has music class - they're doing some fun cup routines and streamer activities and solfege - major scales - descending/ascending - mixed with harmony. Hopefully it's a fun day!
Jeremy took Riley and Jules to preschool this morning. I surprised Madi and took her to the donut shop near the school and celebrated what I call 'Happy Monday' with a few glazed and chocolate sprinkle donuts. She was very excited and it made for a fun morning that would otherwise be more of the same old same old.
Today went great. Madi had a fun time at Yarn Club. Then came home and worked on part of her project for LEAP and did all of her spelling homework. She has three more sections to finish for her project. We're having her write out what she can for each section so that she has something to show Mrs. Fuller on Thursday. This way she has one more class period to show what she has done and find out if she needs to tweak anything. Then we'll make her visual with her over the weekend.
We'll also be getting the playroom ready for the party this weekend. Moving all the toys and furniture to our bedroom (except the couch). Will start making the tissue paper poms next week and do a few each night I think. Should be very fun!!!
Tomorrow Madi has music class - they're doing some fun cup routines and streamer activities and solfege - major scales - descending/ascending - mixed with harmony. Hopefully it's a fun day!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Park, Bikes and Projects
Madi spent some time on her project this weekend. She had some WOW time on Friday, but not yesterday or today.
Yesterday we spent time with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are in town looking at A and M school. He's planning to go there in the fall and is very excited about. We went to Buca for dinner and hung out for a little while at my parents' house.
Today we went to church which was awesome. So glad to finally be able to go now that the girls are all healthy again. Jeremy and I aren't feeling great, but just hoping it's a passing thing. Bad colds or sinus stuff. Unfortunately where it's hitting us is our voices so singing is near impossible at the moment. Makes teaching tough!
Madi asked to ride her bike today and since it was a gorgeous day, we let her. She took her walkie talkie and went out for around 15 minutes. Then went back later for a longer bike ride and spent time at the park.
When she got back, my mom was here to pick up Riley to play, but Julia was crying hard because she wanted to go. So I went along with all the girls and we all went to the park near my parents' house. Played there for almost an hour and a half. Felt great to be outside!! Julia stayed in the swing for at least 30 minutes, Riley spent most of the time on the slides and walking along the walls. There was a girl about Madi's age and they played together climbing and doing basketball on the court nearby.
Got home and had a delicious chicken dinner. Madi took a shower and we got all the girls to bed.
Tomorrow is Yarn Club and normal school activities! Three weeks until spring break!! Will Julia be here in time for our spring break on March 12?? We'll definitely find some time for the girls to get together while she is here!!
Yesterday we spent time with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are in town looking at A and M school. He's planning to go there in the fall and is very excited about. We went to Buca for dinner and hung out for a little while at my parents' house.
Today we went to church which was awesome. So glad to finally be able to go now that the girls are all healthy again. Jeremy and I aren't feeling great, but just hoping it's a passing thing. Bad colds or sinus stuff. Unfortunately where it's hitting us is our voices so singing is near impossible at the moment. Makes teaching tough!
Madi asked to ride her bike today and since it was a gorgeous day, we let her. She took her walkie talkie and went out for around 15 minutes. Then went back later for a longer bike ride and spent time at the park.
When she got back, my mom was here to pick up Riley to play, but Julia was crying hard because she wanted to go. So I went along with all the girls and we all went to the park near my parents' house. Played there for almost an hour and a half. Felt great to be outside!! Julia stayed in the swing for at least 30 minutes, Riley spent most of the time on the slides and walking along the walls. There was a girl about Madi's age and they played together climbing and doing basketball on the court nearby.
Got home and had a delicious chicken dinner. Madi took a shower and we got all the girls to bed.
Tomorrow is Yarn Club and normal school activities! Three weeks until spring break!! Will Julia be here in time for our spring break on March 12?? We'll definitely find some time for the girls to get together while she is here!!
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