Nice List

The sticker chart prevailed! Well, not on its own mind you. I kept thinking "it takes twenty one days to break a habit." For the first two weeks we were fit free about every other day. I think what finally penetrated was when I told her to think about Cinderella, The Stepsisters were selfish and mean and had a fit tearing her dress to shreds! No happy ending for them. Cinderella was kind and generous. That's why she deserved the magic that took her to the ball. Honestly, that was the one I saw register. I guess I shouldn't be to surprised, it would have had an impact on five-year-old me.

Sticker charts, Cinderella and identifying a serious growth spurt were what she needed. With Disney princesses cheering her on and a jam packed lunch box we soon had a perfect week! The next one was even better she earned smiley faces every day. She even had a day with the elusive gold star! Her teacher and I were so proud! We still check her chart every day before we leave school, but it's been a long time since we had a fit. I can honestly say I can't remember the last one. Thank Goodness!

She was beaming when her video message from Santa revealed her nice list status. She's a superstar! Don't get me wrong every now and then we have a bedtime fit or some mean words, but for the most part my Riley is back. Take heed parents, light at the end of the tunnel. I've heard the odd years are rougher for kids. The beginning of 3 and 5 certainly were for Miss Roo. Gold stars for both of us!

What the Right Decision Looks Like

After three weeks of school I transferred Riley. The details aren't important because after three weeks at her new school it is clear I did the right thing. Thank God! My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Look at the evidence, I found my sweet happy girl again.

There was a new first day sign for our fresh start. She's collected leaves for a nature collage, learned new songs, discussed science topics, practiced her handwriting, made friends, made art, taken a field trip, befriended the stuffed dinosaur in the front office (Diney), learned about a different culture, practiced her musical scales, been to a party and danced a lot! The bulletin board inside the door says "You are artists! You are bright! You are explorers! You are loved! You are the reason we are here." Isn't that great? I'm glad she's happy and learning again.

Kindergarten Have We Got A Spot...Or Not?!?

The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No

You may remember me mentioning in this summer wrap up that enrollment for the 2015/2016 school year kindergarten class started in the beginning of August. I fired off my application that same afternoon. After a week or two enrollment closed and I inquired when we would hear something. I was told I'd hear by mid-September. So, I kept waiting. Today I got the news that Miss Roo is on the wait list for a spot in her current school's kindergarten class. So....we keep waiting I suppose.

It's anticlimactic to wait only to be told to wait some more for sure. That's the way the cookie crumbles. What makes me sad is that during these first weeks of school I am forced to think about splitting up these kids. It breaks my heart. I love Riley's class so much and so does she. It's traumatic to consider. It's been so hard on everyone losing both the PreK and the VPK teachers, but at least the kids were still together. It's the only reason some of parents didn't follow our beloved teachers to their new campus. We wanted the kids to stay together.

I understand most children leave their preschool friends behind to go to kindergarten, but it's a big transition. Being on the wait list isn't the worst news, but being in limbo isn't anyone's first choice. Mike keeps telling me not to worry, she'll get a spot or she won't. I'm just sad to leave the kids, parents and some of the staff behind. Growing up is one thing, but this feels like a break-up. We're parting ways with so many people we care about.

It's still up in the air,
And very confuzled
We'll just have to see where
When all is un-muddled and un-fuzzled
The wubulous kindergarten journey of Miss Roo unfolds
And the places she'll go...to school.

Week One: Done!

Overall, it was a good week. Isaac has lots of friends at school already. He's enjoying riding his bike very much. I think he's still getting used to the schedule, but he's hanging in there. The paperwork did come in a flood on Tuesday and Wednesday. His classes all sound interesting. He has eight classes on a block schedule, four each day alternating. I'm so glad he changed his elective to art. They started with a graffiti project, how fun is that? All my communications with teachers so far have been very positive. Way to start the year off on the right foot, buddy!

Riley had a good week too. She's lucky to have a lot of her old friends in her class. She comes home with fresh stacks of drawings everyday. Don't you just love her two-headed monster and goblin? My lunch notes are a huge hit! Her favorites were: "(picture of an Orange)you glad it's lunch time?" and "You make me hoppy (with a picture of a bunny)." Oh the puns! I'm sorry I hadn't discovered these when Isaac was little he would have been a fan too. I used to write him little poems, but Miss Roo isn't really reading yet so these are perfect.

It was a hard week for me. I was emotional about how gosh darn independent both kids are. On top of which for the first time ever I was having an issue with Roo's school. I tied myself in knots over it, before I finally said something. I was assured that my feedback was appreciated and my concern would be addressed. I feel confident things will get better or at least change. I had become so accustomed over the last school year and the summer to everything running so smoothly, I felt almost betrayed. I didn't want to believe this could happen. It was disorienting, but not altogether shocking with so much change. I'm so glad I spoke up. Now the weight is off my shoulders.

Miss Roo was completely unaware of any of my distress. She is happy as a calm.

First Day of School

It's here! The first day of school is here. Hurray! Lunch packed, new clothes and smiles are on. Time for pictures! Now they're ready for VPK and sixth grade!

Mike rode his bike with Isaac in the morning, but Isaac rode back home on his own. He reported that the day was "Great!" They spent most of their day in homeroom doing icebreakers. Later in the day they went to gym and someone got elbowed in the eye when someone else spiked a beach ball, volleyball style. It was a big to-do and his group had to sit out after that. He must have gleefully recounted that tale ten times. He got to see a lot of his friends and was relieved that they didn't have a rope in the gym. I told him that I think that's just in the movies because I've never seen one. Have any of you been made to climb a rope at gym? One odd thing, he came home completely empty handed not a single solitary piece of paperwork. I bet I get buried in forms tomorrow.

My poor dog always has a rough time on the first day of school, but she wasn't the only one. It wasn't easy for me waiting for 4:00 to hear about Isaac's day. Speaking of waiting, I was anxious to pick up Miss Roo as well! She hadn't batted an eyelash when I dropped her off in the morning. She helped me put all of her things away and then skipped merrily off to the art center. She drew me an amazing alligator swimming over curly seaweed! When I was ready to go she had to be reminded to say goodbye. I did get two goodbye hugs at that point though.

When I got home there was a post on Facebook from Riley's teacher from last year who was wearing the apple earrings we gave her in honor of her "original twelve" and wishing them a great first day of VPK. That's when I cried for the first time today. She was the absolute best and we miss her very much. Later in the day she got the flowers I sent her. When she thanked me she said "I promised myself I wouldn't cry today...and then these showed up." So, we're even.

When I went to get Riley she was very busy playing. I started packing up her things and heard the teacher tell her twice it was time to go before she looked up. Mrs L had to promise that the toy cash register would be there in the morning before she would agree to leave. Roo was also paperwork-less, she brought home some drawings she'd done that morning though. There was a note on the white board by the door to let us know what they'd done that day. When I asked her how the day went she said "We didn't sing any songs, but we played on the playground!" She also told me she had a new Greek teacher. The preschool's director reported that Roo "was making sure our new Greek teacher knew everything that they learned last year. :)" in an email later that day. Miss Roo told her grandma on the phone that her teachers "were very nice, so nice she could love them."

For fun I had the kids fill out these sheets when they got home. I thought they both did a great job. I adore all the enthusiasm. Miss Roo insisted on writing a lot of her answers herself. My favorite Roo responses: Favorite Food: Broccoli, Favorite Subject: Bugs, Activity: Pinball (WHAT?!?) and the best I think...(Roo Wrote) VPK is Awesome.

Enterprise Village

It's an amazing thing...a tradition and a rite of passage. For six weeks every 5th grade class in the county learns about being a grown up (well, the financial side). They go over budgets and banking. Each class is assigned three-four businesses and they get to apply for jobs. Isaac's teacher gave him the position of city planner. When I was in fifth grade I was the receptionist at the hospital. When Mike was in fifth grade he worked at the better business bureau. After six weeks of study and preparation your class spends one glorious day at Enterprise Village!

The kids get to dress up, work their job, cash pay checks and shop. Everyone eats lunch at McDonald's, gets a check-up and tries to complete their list of job responsibilities. It's super fun. So, I volunteered to help out. Unlike the kids I had a little over an hour of orientation to prepare. On the plus side I did get to wear a snazzy vest!

I had to give back my snazzy vest, but I came home with a kick ass t-shirt. I got it for making a $10 donation to a scholarship fund (Yay!). Isaac had a great day and was thrilled to get to keep his hard hat. I enjoyed myself too. I was wiped out by the end, but told Mike as long as I only have to do that every seven years, I'm good.

End of Pre-School Picnic

When you're a parent you often find your life revolving around your kids milestones. I felt like everything was leading to this big day. The day we celebrate all the pre-schoolers moving up. There were hot dogs, chips, lemonade, kites, face painting, a wet sponge fight and moth release. A few weeks ago we gave Riley's class a caterpillar for a leopard moth that we found in the backyard. Her class watched it and even named it, Spot. The night before the picnic Spot emerged from the cocoon! At the preschool picnic they released him back into the wild! So. Much. Awesome. It was a good time for everyone.

March-ing On Part 1

I thought I'd continue catching up by showing you the cuteness that is my dog. Look at that. This picture was taken when I was having a rough day pain-wise and she snuggled up with me. Having her for company really keeps my pain based anxiety in check. Everyone with orthopedic issues should have a lovable furry friend.

Isaac was notified early in the month that he won the Pride award for Science. Here are the award requirements: "The Program to Recognize Initiative and Distinction in Education awards recognize fifth-grade students who excel in math, science, social studies and writing. Fifth-graders must achieve an “A” average in their subject area to be eligible and demonstrate a positive attitude while scoring highest on a subject-area test. Each student winner receives a medallion and a trophy to recognize their academic achievement." Isaac's Pride award will be for Science." Pretty exciting stuff. In April there will be a big fancy county-wide award ceremony at a performing arts center. Yay!!

He got Honor Roll on his report card and also participated in the county's science meet. He was one of 6 students (2 three person teams) from his school. They were given a written test and then an experiment to perform. There were 86 schools represented (2 teams each) and only first, second and third place awards were given. His team did not place, but he had a great day!

Later in the month his gifted class participated in a math meet. I wasn't invited to witness any part of that one (Boo!), but I'm told there were individual awards and team awards. He told me he almost got third place and his team almost won third place. It was a big month for academic achievement.

I made my first Esty sale! I put up the store a little late last spring so I never had an order. I'm up to eight orders since March 4th! It's amazing to have your craftiness and creativity recognized.

Mint Oreo donuts at Dunkin Donuts!!!!!

Leeloo turned two!

This conversation happened:
Me to Mike: Which Disney couple are we?
Mike: hmmm
Me: Belle and beast? (laughing) Rapunzel and Flynn?,
Mike: Anna and Kristoff. For sure, yeah.
Me: Awww!
(I love it when he talks Disney to me)

Isaac as Will Burrows from the Tunnels book series for character day.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 22

Day 22: School Events! The picture on the left is from the Thanksgiving party at Riley's school today where she performed the "Turkey Pokey". Those are her wing/tail and beak for the performance. She was rewarded with Thanksgiving feast and pie! It was a rare occasion when Mike and I could both attend. I'm so glad we did. I'm so glad her early years in school are filled with special days and fond memories (even if only Mike and I will remember them).

The picture on the right is from Isaac's Fairy Tale Breakfast in 2011. He's dressed up like a king and reading his original fairy tale. His story was a rehashing of Coraline (Only Isaac!), but his presentation did his actress mother proud! Even little Miss Roo dressed up like a princess to come along. He had a great teacher that year. It was an amazing day. I even got his presentation on video.

I love being able to "invade" my kids world without me now and then. I feel so included on those days. They always appreciate my presence way more than at home too. It's nice to celebrate with them and meet their friends. It's always worth squeezing into the tiny chair!