Sister Bracelets

A1 has always been my sensitive one. Generally, she is a kid who doesn't want to leave others out. Not always... Sometimes she is an 8 year old kid, but most of the time... She is usually the first to get her feelings hurt or the first to know when someone else has hurt feelings. She feels bad when she hurts someone's feelings. Not just a little bad, but really bad. Guilty for days, bad. 

While she has this great deal of compassion for people who don't live at our house, the members of our family are fair game. This is especially true for A2. That girl can't even walk into a room without A1 criticizing her for something. Breathing; she does it wrong. Moving her eyes to follow a butterfly; wrong. Sitting on the floor; completely wrong.  She can't do anything right, ever. 

Needless to say, I was shocked when A1 returned from her Nana and Papa back to school shopping trip with a little something for A2. While they were at the mall, she found "Friendship Bracelets" that say "Lil' Sis" and "Big Sis". She was so excited and proud of her find. She told me, with a slightly shaky and emotional voice, that she wanted to give it to A2 so she wouldn't be scared or alone when she goes to kindergarten. 

A1 was a little teary eyes when she was talking about A2 going to school. PROOF! She really, actually, truly loves her sister.  I need to chairish this moment for as long as I can, at least until I'm distracted by their arguing. 

A2 was so proud that her big sister picked out such a thoughtful bracelet. She insisted we put it on her right away. She kept looking at it all morning. Then she would look at A1 and smile. She was thrilled! 

She wore the bracelet for two days until she noticed the charm was missing at dinner tonight. There was crying, lots and lots of crying. She just knows someone stole it. She just knows it went down the drain at school. She just knows it fell off in the garbage cans at lunch. She just knows it is on the playground at school. She just knows it is on the bus. She just knows it is at the neighbor's house. She just knows it is in our yard. Really, she just knows she lost one of her most prized pocessions. 

It has been a very sad night at our house. We are mourning the loss of a bracelet charm. If anyone finds our charm in any of those places she just knows she lost it, please return it. OR, if you just so happen to be shopping at Justice, shudder, please pick one up. I will pay, as long I don't have to go in that place! 

Yes Day 2014

"Yes Day 2014" was very successful. All day it was yes, yes, yes. We started off sweet and ended with a bang, literally.

A2 woke up like she does every morning; starving and begging for food. A2 was in luck when she asked to bake muffins for breakfast. Yes. "Can I help?" Yes. "Can I have 2?"  Yes. 

A2 asked if she could pick out my clothes for me. Yes. Although, I did say I had an outfit already picked out for when we go shopping. She was fine with it. A2 found a Tshirt, shorts and creative socks. A3 liked the idea of picking out my clothes so she added shoes. 

After a quick trip to the doctor's office, we made our first real stop. My happy place, Barnes and Noble. Here is where "Yes Day" has rules. I told them before they went in they could have $5 to spend on any book they wanted. Their guidelines were clear. I didn't have to say no to any if their choices because they knew it had to be a book and $5 or less. They did great! 

Next stop, Target. Again, before we went in I told them what we were getting and what they could pick out; finger nail polish. We walked through the store got everything on my list and then headed to the fingernail polish. Once again the girls were great. No one asked for anything other than fingernail polish. 

Our last stop before going home, Baker's Square. It was Pie and Fri Friday. A little tradition we have to celebrate fun things. We skip the actual meal and head right for the fries and pie. The girls were excited when I let them have Pepsi at lunch. That is almost always a "no," but it was their lucky day. 

Heading home, my favorite "Yes Day" request was, "Can we ride if the windows down?" Yes. Who knew this would bring so much joy?

Our "Yes Day" came to a screeching halt when I was rear ended at a stop light. After waiting in the car with the girls for 45 minutes I was too tired and grumpy to continue with the fun. 

Even with the "bump in the road," I would have to say we had another successful "Yes Day."  Some of my friends have criticized my idea. They say it over indulges the kids and gives them too much freedom. I really think it teaches the girls valuable lessons. While they are in charge for the day, they are doing it with boundaries. I would like to think I'm giving them the freedom to make the right choices. 

Summer Time Failure

It is that time if year, again, where I develop a sever case of the August Blues or August Angst. I can't help feel sad for the summer that is almost over as I start to prepare for a new school year.  Please understand, I'm not complaining about my job. I really love teaching! I just also really love no schedules, free time, sleeping in, staying up late, and, most importantly, hanging out with the A Team. 

As soon as August 1 hits, I start getting serious anxiety thinking about the unrealistic list I set for myself in June. All the things left undone. All the things I have to do. All the things I want to do. 

There was a small part of me that knew I wouldn't accomplish all the goals I set for myself. I knew I was setting myself up for failure, but I did it anyway. 

I planned on reading. Not kid books. Real, grown up books. My favorite librarians loaded a bag of books for me. Books they recommended. Books that looked really good. Books I couldn't wait to crack open as soon as I got home in June. Well, I did do some reading. I read 1 book. 1 flipping book. Way below my goal of 13. Fail. 

I planned on getting my house organized. That should have been laughed right off my list. I hate cleaning and organizing. I get overwhelmed before I even begin. I can't stay focused long enough to finish a task. I'm pretty sure I have adult onset ADD, which is, coincidentally, brought on by having children. I had a plan on how I was going get my house in order. I did get some organizing done. My downstairs bathroom is super organized, at least, it was a few weeks ago. Fail. 

I planned on having everything ready for the musical in the spring. I wanted to have the show ready for auditions. All paper work ready. A fundraiser set. Prop list ready. Costume list finished. Set designed. I have, at least, read through parts of the show. Good news Act 1 scene 1 is ready. Fail. 

I planned on taking the girls on fun trips. I wanted to go places. I wanted to make special memories. I wanted them to have a vacation they would always remember. We went to the Abraham Lincoln Museum 15 mins away from our house and that was the extent of going anywhere. Fail. 

I wanted to lose weight. I wanted to start the school year wearing clothes that aren't snug. I wanted to eat healthier. I wanted to exercise more. I am exercising more, but we had Taco Bell for dinner. I have lost no weight. Fail. 

I'm tired of being a failure. It just adds extra weight to my August Angst. Tonight I decided, next year, I'm only going to have one goal. It is just to simply enjoy myself. No more setting myself up for failure. 

After we cleaned up our dinner mess, which mostly consisted of throwing away wrappers, I decided to go outside with the girls and just enjoy. We started with a very unfair game of 3 on 1 soccer. I might be complaining, because I lost... Then the girls and I lounged on the hammock and told a group story. We each took turns adding to the story. Of course, once A2 took a turn the story turned into an adventure with "poop flowers," but I was enjoying the story time, so I just let it go. 

We ended up having a great time. We stayed out until we became a bug feast. The girls were happy and giggly. It may have been the best night of the summer, simply because I decided to enjoy myself. 

Kindergarten Supply List- The Expanded Version

Next week we will be sending A2 off to kindergarten. It isn't any less emotional kicking your second baby out of the nest, but I feel so much more prepared. We know things now. Things we didn't know three years ago. Things that will make this kindergarten year easier in many ways. 

The first thing we had to get us ready when A1 went to kindergarten was her supply list. We bought all the supplies, but soon found out there where things left off the list first time kindergarten parents may want to buy. 

Kindergarten Supply List

The Expanded Version 

1. Sunglasses: You will want these for the first day or two of school. These aren't for your kindergartener. These are your tear hiders. No matter how much of a toughy you are, seeing your baby climb the steps of a giant bus with a backpack on his/her back will bring a tear or two to your eyes. The sunglasses will hide the tears and block any potential eye contact from other parents at the bus stop. Sunglasses are a wise investment and I will be wearing them next week, even if it isn't sunny! 

2. Pajamas: Pajamas seem like a strange necessity, but trust me you will want to purchase at least one pair of nice warm weather pajamas and one pair of nice cool weather pajamas as soon as they are available. It never fails "Pajama Day" will fall on a day with freakishly unseasonable weather. It will be  late October and it will be 80* and the only thing you can find in stores will be flannel pajamas. Or it will be May and 40* and only short light weight pajamas will be available.  Also, if you are somewhat disorganized, like I might be, you won't be able to find a pajama shirt that matches any pajama pants. You will end up stressing WAY too much about being that parent who either sends his/her kids to school in regular clothes or in unsightly, unmatching pajamas. Buying new pajamas when you see them will help you on the long run!

3. Variety of color in wardrobe: The school year will be filled with a variety of special days where students are encouraged to wear certain clothes. These special days can be a lot of fun, if your wardrobe permits. We found that all of A1's clothes were pink, yellow, or purple. This made blue, green, and red days a challenge. It never failed I would have to make a run to several stores the weekend before in order to find the designated colors. 

4. Spirit Wear: This goes with #3. Your kindergartener will have days where he/she will be asked to wear clothes supporting the high school team. I love this, but we didn't have anything when A1 was in kindergarten. I taught in a different district than the district A1 attended. We had tons of "Bullet" wear but nothing for the "Titans."  I ignored the PTO table selling "Titan" shirts, but I should have stopped and picked up at least 1 shirt. I shamefully sent A1 to school without any spirit wear on that day. I promise she was ok, but it would have saved me a lot of grief if I would have bought 1 stinking shirt. 

5. Team shirts: Again this goes with #3 and #4. We aren't a sports family. We don't have a certain team we follow. We don't go to games. We don't own any team shirts. Once A1 got to kindergarten I began to worry that we were doing a disservice by not "having a team." On team day I was lucky enough to find some mystery sweat pants for a professional football team. We have no idea where they came from, but for one day A1 was a football fan. Don't be like us. Pick a team. Buy a shirt. Be prepared. 

6. Water bottle: Kindergarteners are thirsty little people. Most of the classrooms are difficult to keep cool, so students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. The nice thermos water bottle you purchased over the summer will no longer be good enough for your new sophisticated kindergartener. I recommend taking your child with you to pick out this prized water bottle.  

7. Safe Place: As the year goes on you will be the proud owner of a bunch of papers and passwords. Many of them are actually improtant, so you will want to designate a safe place in your house where these papers can be stored. You will thank me when it is a month after the quarter ended and you remember you haven't checked the online report card yet. You will save time and be happy you have saved time when you are trying to remember your assigned username CWARJSUEJSVAGK092737$$. As soon as I find this safe place in our house, I will let you know. 

8. Easy dinners: The first few weeks of school will be rough on your little kindergartener. He/she will be exhausted and starving by the time he/he gets home. You will want easy dinners you can serve within minutes, so you can avoid a sobbing meltdown. Keep in mind, your child might also be crying, so you won't be alone.  

9. A friend: Your kindergartener won't be the only one making new friends. You will want to make a few new friends as well. It will be helpful to find someone to go with you through this new adventure. If you are lucky enough you will be able to find someone to stick by your side k-12. I found a couple of friends in kindergarten and we are still friends going into 3rd grade. 

10. A Journal: You will want to keep track and remember all of the fun new adventures you will have with your kindergartener! 

Are all of these items necessary for kindergarten? Nope, but I promise they will make things easier.  These week I will be doing some shopping for pajamas, because if anyone actually saw the stuff A2 sleeps in, I might be embarrassed. 

E. T.

For 1hr and 55min, we had peace and harmony in our house. For 1hr and 55min, we had happiness in our house. For 1hr and 55 min, we we got along in our house. For 1hr and 55 min, we watched one of the first movies I saw in the movie theater, ET. 

The girls loved every minute of it. A2 was our expert question answerer, because she saw this movie one other time. For the most part, she actually knew what she was talking about. 

A1 was very emotional. She cried. She laughed. She yelled out. She was grossed out by THE KISS. She was consumed by the movie. I was just happy she wasn't on Mine Craft!

A3 was also really into the movie. She asked questions that related to what she was seeing happen. She laughed at things that were actually funny. She yelled at the guys to go away. Although, she was a little scared the entire time. 

I love when I can share things from my childhood with the girls. I, especially, love it when the girls enjoy it enough to stop arguing! 

Learning Different

I am really worried about A2.  We are less than 15 days away from sending her off to kindergarten and I don't think she is ready.  Socially, she is ready, but academically she is behind.

I am still fighting an internal struggle with the fact that someone could be behind academically before they even start their real academic career. I am not saying that preschool isn't real, but in my opinion preschool should be about playing and getting along in the world without their parents hovering.  But that is for another day...

Back to A2

When A1 went to kindergarten she knew all the letters by name and sound, she could write her first and last name, she could read the first 50 Frye Sight Words, she was able to count to 100 and identify all of her numbers.  She knew our address, my phone number, her birthday, and the birthday of A2. She was beyond ready for school. She didn't struggle with anything academically. School has been a breeze for her.

I know I shouldn't compare the two girls, but I haven't ever been one to always do only what I am supposed to do. A2 shows very little interest in learning memorizing these little facts.  She sometimes can write her name and remember to include all of the letters.  Some days she can identify uppercase letters. We have worked every day this summer on identifying numbers.  She has mastered all 0-10 except that tricky 8.  She doesn't recognize any sight words. She doesn't know my phone number.  We have been working on that, as well as our address, since last March. 

A2 learns different than A1. This special education teacher mommy picked up on that many years ago. Our entire family has gotten behind A2's learning differences. We have created songs and chants to help her remember things. A1 even came up with a trick for our address.  She told her to picture a boat floating in clean water with one of our babysitters sitting in the boat.  This caused a lot of giggles, but my goodness it worked! She could at least remember our street name.

Even with all of the extra help we have given her, nothing seems to stick.  I worry that she is going to struggle the entire time she is in school.  I don't want things to be hard for her.  I don't want her to hate school.  These are all the things I worry about when I am not sleeping. I have already diagnosed her with a learning disability and ADD. I can't be the only special education teacher to diagnose her own children, right!?!

Last night, she wanted to sleep in my room. Usually I would have her sleep on the floor, but since the floor is covered with laundry baskets filled clean laundry, I knew it wasn't an option. I told her she could sleep in my room, if she answered one question correct; "What is our address?" At first she pouted.  Then she started tapping out the beat of our chant.  Then she closed her eyes, she was picturing Lane in a boat in clean water. Then she smiled and she proudly recited our address.  Not only was excited about getting to sleep in my room, but she was also proud of herself. She got to experience the thrill of working hard at something and then seeing all the hard work pay off. I was proud of her too, even if it meant Mac was sent to the couch and I was sentenced to a night of getting kicked in the back. No matter the pain I had to endure during the night I was so happy for A2.

Maybe next year, if she is still struggling we can arrange a sleepover at her teacher's house.  That isn't unreasonable is it?

Unhappy Birthday To You!

It is funny to think that in this super musical family we have girl who hates hearing people sing. *Now, I am not bragging by saying that our family is super musically talented.  All I am saying is that someone is always singing, dancing, or banging on the piano.  I just had to add that disclaimer, in case you have every had the... pleasure of being entertained by one of our daily concerts. 

We have made a lot of progress in A3's hatred of all things live vocal music.  She can now sit through and enjoy a musical at the Muni. She will tolerate and join in singing with her sisters. She demands requests special friends sing songs like, "Twinkle, Twinkle."  She will even ask me to sing songs to her.  

For some reason, we haven't made any progress with one song. A3 HATES "Happy Birthday." It doesn't matter who's birthday it is or who is singing; A3 becomes an angry agitated tiny terror.  She screams and cries while the serenading is taking place. As soon as the singing is over, she calms down and returns to a happy-ish 2 year old.

Hopefully, she learns to get over this or she will have problems at school when kids in her class have birthdays!

Thanks for capturing this special moment Crystal!