That is pretty crazy. I think I'd meet with the principal and insist that my daughter have the classes she's 'supposed' to have. It bothers me when people (such as the receptionist) act as though there is just no way around it...when chances are, there might be other options. Just knowing that they expect her to repeat an entire year of the same classes would make me go nuts! What exactly are they thinking? Isn't there any other class/elective she could take rather than a repeat of the year before? Be the squeaky wheel...

My mil is just like this...and nobody will stand up to her either. I say good for you! I only do it in my dreams...seriously, I have had several dreams where I let it all out & tell her exactly what I think of her...in not very nice ways! One of these days I think it will all come out! Until then, I'm just glad I can vent to my hubby...or I'd go nuts! (I also wanted to add, I'd probably call the niece & nephew and make sure they knew you didn't say those things, but she did.)

Last year I had my ds going to school only on Fridays--the principal at first thought that would never work, but said if his teacher was willing, he was fine with it. Luckily we had a 'think outside the box' teacher who was willing to be flexible. I just sent in work for him to do--although Fridays were a little different than most days, so it worked well...they had PE, orchestra, and recess...those were the entire reasons we had him still go to school at all. :-) It worked out well--we got to homeschool him for all of the important subjects, he got to still play football at recess, and got to play in orchestra. Another option to consider--as far as teaching math goes--is perhaps you can teach your child at home (like in the evenings during homework time), but then the following day in school he/she can do an assignment from your homeschool curriculum rather than what the class is doing. That's how we handled it a few years ago. The deal was as long as my son didn't call attention to the fact that he was doing something different, as long as he didn't ask teacher for help (since she would be busy doing something else/wasn't familiar with curriculum), as long as he worked quietly and stayed on task, and if we sent something along in case he was done early...the teacher was fine with it. We still turned in tests so she could record his grade--and he wasn't considered 'homeschooled,' but his needs were met and it wasn't as much work on the teacher. I'm hoping to do this with two of mine this year...in spelling & reading...basically providing the curriculum to use in place of the school's curriculum. My problem is trying to afterschool--we just run out of time!!! So in my mind, if my kids can do some of the curriculum I choose & prefer and that is tailored to their needs better--instead of the busy work generally assigned...then we might have the best of both worlds. All depends on the teacher though...and some of them would never consider the option! Good luck exploring options!

Just wanted to pipe in and say that I've had a positive experience with our charter school. The first few years were a little challenging--with organization & figuring out details--but it was also a great opportunity to jump in, put my two cents in and help things to happen the way I wanted them to. In other words, it wasn't smooth sailing--so don't expect that--but it was a solid work in progress...and I personally have enjoyed being a part of the process. I love how the teachers and administration listen to parents and work closely to try to make improvements. Every year things get a little bit better. Now, having said that...we brought our oldest home to homeschool, so it didn't end up being a perfect fit...but it was closer than the other public schools had been. Obviously you have a lot to consider with this decision...but I just wanted to make sure you're aware that not *all* charter schools are bad experiences. Not trying to stir the pot here or anything, just offering a different perspective. Good luck with your decision-making process!

It is very normal for there to be differences in decoding ability and comprehension. I'd say you want his independent reading books to be at an instructional level of maybe 4th grade (if you know he's currently at 3rd grade...then you want there to be a bit of a stretch, but not too much for him to be frustrated). One of the benefits to reading aloud is to expose children to vocabulary and literature that *is* above their reading level. So I'd suggest you keep him reading *instructional* level books, but also include read alouds that are a few levels above. Frequently... I agree with the poster who said to set the stage a little bit before reading a book. You could also do something like taking a chapter book that he's interested in...talking it up before you begin--introducing the setting, vocabulary, etc--but also giving him something specific to look for each chapter. That would require you having already read the book, but maybe something like, "Listen in this chapter and see if you can tell me where Ralph drives his motorcycle." Or "try to remember the things they take on their picnic" or whatever. Then he has something specific to listen for. Or maybe if it's a selection from an informational book about snakes, for example, you have a few questions that you know will be answered...before you read, you say, "I want you to listen to this and see if you can discover how snakes can open their mouths wide enough to eat an egg" (or whatever!). Then you can also review other things from that paragraph, but break it down into smaller pieces so he knows what to listen for. I think narration is a great way to improve comprehension. You could read a chapter or a shorter reading selection and directly afterwards have him re-tell what it was about. This could be done vocally or he can work up to writing it down himself. I've found that compilations of stories (we use The Children's Book of Virtues or a similar type) work well for this--the selections aren't too long, reading level is a bit higher. Perhaps it might take more than one reading of a selection. Like take a shorter one and tell him to try not to ask any questions yet. Read the chapter or short story. Then let him ask questions. Take one of those and say, hmm, let's listen again and see if we can figure out why he was sad...(or whatever part he asked a question about). Then discuss it again. Also, I bought one of the FlashKids workbooks on Reading Skills for my ds at Barnes & Noble. Not as a full curriculum, but they do a good job of teaching reading strategies--such as read this paragraph, answer the questions afterwards. The 3rd grade level one I have covers: reading for facts, sequence, using context clues, finding the main idea, drawing conclusions, and making inferences. I actually think it's a great resource and find that it is helping my ds learn these types of reading strategies...and helping me with examples of how to introduce these concepts to him. I also like that the reading selections are informational rather than narrative. HTH!

I love the cub scouting program! The requirements/achievements/belt loops are all such fun things to do together with your son. Your experience will depend on how good the leaders of your pack/den are and how much encouragement/enthusiasm you help your boy to have about learning new things & checking off requirements. The biggest recommendation I would make is to be sure to help your son pass things off--or do extra at home, if it's not happening at den meetings. Boys who earn patches/belt loops/pins are much more motivated--because it is so much fun at pack meeting to get the awards! (Maybe it's because both my ds and I are 'checklist' kinds of people...just tell us what to do and we're off!) We have always been with a den/pack within our church, so we know the leaders well enough and have gotten involved ourselves. Is there a group with your church or in your area with people you know already?

Okay, so even though it's now on page 11, I've got one more: Two weeks ago at my 20 year HS reunion, we were each given a t-shirt...and embroidered on the front of each shirt is Class of 89'. Does that tell you the level of excellence from my high school?!? :tongue_smilie:

A sign on the elevator of the hotel we stayed at last weekend read: "No more than a maximum of four people." I just busted up laughing every time I saw it.

I don't have an official recipe or name for this, but I make this dessert often in the summer: Bake a yellow cake mix as package directs. After cake has cooled, take a fork & poke holes all over the top of it--it doesn't matter if it looks messy. Prepare strawberry jello and pour over cake (will soak down into holes of cake). Place in frig for a few hours for jello to set. Spread cool-whip on top. Sprinkle or arrange cut strawberries or blueberries on top. (You can arrange into a flag, if you want--it looks kinda cute & fun). It's yummy! My kids love it.

You're smart to think ahead for when a baby is coming! I buy everything at Walmart, so I think you'd do just fine. (I miss Aldi...I'd buy everything there if I could!) I love once a month cooking--although not so much in the summer (because I hate using my oven). Here is what I do: I keep a grocery list on the computer that I re-use each time I plan a cook (usually every other month). Basically list the ingredients for each meal x how many times you plan to make it. I find it is more economical because I can buy larger sizes & use it all up. Then write out an order of tasks to be done--I brown all of the ground beef, bake all of the chicken (in oven & three crockpots) while my kids are opening cans w/can opener or slicing olives or shredding cheese. Then lay out the ingredients for each recipe & start the assembly line. It's just as easy to make five as it is to make two! Ground Beef meals--I buy tons of ground beef & brown it; then assemble the following meals--I usually do 4 of each (sometimes 5--I've started trading freezer meals for violin lessons!)--assembly style makes these go together really fast! I can do five of each of these five meals in about two hours. Then we eat them over the next two months-spaced out with other things. Lasagna (uncooked noodles, spag sauce, ricotta cheese, mozz cheese) Enchiladas (corn tortillas, tomato soup, cr mushroom soup, pinto beans, olives) Shepherd's Pie (ground beef, cr mushroom, tator tots, green beans, french dried onions) Meatloaf Taco Meat (gr. beef, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, kidney beans) I also keep a few bags of just browned ground beef that I throw into spaghetti sauce, taco soup, and chili. That afternoon, I shred/dice the baked chicken--most of this I put into freezer bags so it is ready to throw into the following meals (you just have to make sure you have rest of the ingredients on hand). White chicken chili BBQ chicken sandwiches Hawaiian haystacks Chicken Lickin' (apricot jam, russian dressing, onion soup mix over rice) BBQ chicken pizza Chicken & Bowties (mix chicken with dried Italian dressing mix, cream cheese, little milk, serve over bowties & broccoli) Chicken & Stuffing (mix stuffing as pkg directs, heat chicken with cr of chicken soup on stovetop, then pour over stuffing) Chicken vegetable soup Chicken wraps (chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, corn in tortillas) In the summer I love to marinate a whole bunch of chicken in Italian dressing, grill and freeze some of it (tastes great in a chef salad or pasta salad or wraps). I've also done french toast, twice-baked potatoes, breakfast burritos, cookie dough, pancakes, muffins. Be sure you remember to take the meal out of the freezer in the morning & leave on counter OR take out evening before & leave in frig. The hardest part of freezer meals for me is to remember to get the meal thawed soon enough! It takes much longer to bake if they aren't thawed! I looked online and googled freezer meals--I think I really liked Frozen Assets. I think you just have to play around with things and find what your family will eat. Have fun!

Interesting post, as I've just been contemplating this same thought. I have everything that matters most--wonderful husband, four terrific kids, a faith in God, freedom, a comfortable house, car & good enough 'fixins'...yet I am not as happy as I ought to be! I find myself down or grumpy way too often--and I want to be more joyful and happy. That's the kind of person I WANT to be...but I'm just too tired & worn out to be her! I often wonder if I'm depressed & need to go on medication...but procrastinate the trip to the doctor. How do I know when it's bad enough for that? On the other hand, I think part of my problem is I am so lonely...a few long-distance friends, a few local "hi, how are you" friends, but lacking a close best kind of friend, ykwim? It seems it would make all the difference just to have someone who knows me well & with whom I can be myself with. Thank goodness for sweet hubby...

Kai, These lists are terrific! Thanks so much for sharing. I'd be interested in your other two lists you mentioned, if it's not too much trouble! Thanks!

My friend just called with two free tickets to tonight's American Idol concert! I feel like a little kid again...I'm so excited! :) Anybody want to join me?

We love to buy baked chicken tenders at the deli section of the grocery store--basically fried chicken but without the bone. They taste just as yummy cold as hot and aren't as messy as the kind with the bone and they seem a lot healthier than chicken nuggets at McDonald's. (at least I hope they are!) We also do bagels with cream cheese or make our own 'lunchables' (I would cut lunch-meat and cheese up before leaving and add wheat crackers). Our favorite snack in the car is trail mix--I just dump a bunch of different cereals, pretzels, goldfish, raisins, etc into big gallon ziploc bags. I bring along large paper cups for each person and then scoop refills as needed. It's more fun if you throw in a few M&M's, but be careful they don't melt and turn into a mess! Of course the kids eat all the M&M's first and then want a refill...but the rule was they had to finish the cup. If you're staying at hotels, another thing we love to do is bring microwave popcorn for an evening snack. Easy and the kids love it.

I was diagnosed with Epstein Barr about 15 years ago. I can relate to the complete exhaustion--I used to try squeezing my hands into a fist with all my might and it was obvious I had no might at all! I haven't really had problems since, although I've never been one with tons of energy. I went to the doctor a few months ago because I have been feeling completely exhausted and just can't seem to get over it. (I had just had a bit of a fever & aches & pains, but it was lasting forever). He said that it was likely a recurrence of the Epstein Barr, but that typical blood tests wouldn't reveal much because once you've had the virus, you will always have antibodies in your blood. Apparently you can do more expensive tests, but as there is nothing you can really do for EPV, he didn't see much of a point. So, in a nutshell, he said rest, rest, rest and don't over do it. At any rate, I feel like my kids will always remember me as a tired mom, too. I *have* to lay down every afternoon for a rest...I just can hardly function without it. On a side note, my husband has recently been commenting that I sound like I'm hardly breathing at night and he thinks I need to go for a sleep study for sleep apnea. From what I've read about this, it really does affect your sleep and can really keep you from getting a good night's sleep. Just throwing that out there as a possibility--although as you described such complete exhaustion, it might be a long shot. Hope you find something that helps!

The first thing that came to my mind when I read your post is a book by Gary & Joy Lundberg, "I Don't Have to Make it All Better." Check it out at Amazon or your library. I read it several years ago and learned a lot--it's very empowering!

Check out christopherandbanks.com--I find their skirts very comfortable and not too dressy.

I love this idea! I wish I had some ladies nearby to do this with. My suggestion would be an art show--spend the time creating different projects and then put them on display in the garage or back yard and invite parents/neighbor friends to come and see it. You could do a variety of things--clay, paint rocks, sculptures from recyclables, painting, silhouettes, paper crafts, etc. You could even have the kids make up a flyer and take around to friends to invite them to the show. Another idea is science experiments--like from ClubZoom (there used to be tons of science experiments with simple directions that kids could do easily at the pbskids website--since Zoom isn't on TV anymore, I'm not certain they are still there, but I'd imagine they might be) or Bill Nye the Science Guy. Things like rockets with film canisters, vinegar & baking soda; build a hovercraft with a cd. I can't think of specific ideas right now, I did an after-school class at our school a few years ago using ClubZoom stuff--and it was so much fun! If you can't find anything on the pbs website, pm me and I'll email you some things I downloaded from there. Oh, a math day--fun math books, math games, build geometric shapes/designs from gumdrops & toothpicks, build structures with sugar cubes. They could even make their own math games to take home with them (like file folder games or something). A carnival--have the kids work together in groups to create/make a simple game and then invite younger siblings or neighbors to come and play. Like the lollipop game, ducks in a pond, beanbag toss, etc. The kids could make up the prizes earlier (something simple like drawings or pins). Or just give popsicles to everyone when you're done. Gosh...it sounds like fun! Good luck! Hope you get some more ideas here, too!

I found that when I was always rotating chores, they sometimes either didn't get done or didn't get done well. This summer I have just assigned specific things to each child--no rotation--those are their jobs for the summer. So if it's not done, there is no way to pass off the responsibility! My kids fuss, too...and I can't say that I'm always consistent in the follow-through (which is, in my case, where the biggest problem lies!). I'm not sure if you are interested in the details, but here is what I do with my three children: Each morning, each child is responsible for 1-Getting ready for the day (dressed, eat, brush hair & teeth) 2-Bedroom cleaned (make bed, floor picked up) 3-Dish chore (one loads & starts dishwasher; one puts away cereal & milk; one pushes chairs in & sweeps) 4-Laundry chore (one gathers dirties & sorts in laundry room; one gathers hangers & puts hanging clothes away; one either switches loads or folds) 5-Bathroom (they each have an assigned bathroom--they don't necessarily do all cleaning each day, but make sure things are picked up, toilet & sink clean, sweep, soap is full, towels are straightened, etc) 6-Empty Basket (each child has a labeled basket where their clean laundry is placed along with any toys/personal items left anywhere) 7-Music practice (20 minutes) 8-Schoolwork (in summer it consists of math facts, journals, reading) Once they are done with these things, they are free for the day and have earned 45 minutes of screen time. At dinner time, one empties dishwasher, one loads, one clears table. No rotation, they are stuck with the jobs (I got so tired of hearing complaining about who was doing what...occasionally they trade, but they work it out amongst themselves). I also assigned each child a 'zone' to take care of during a ten-minute tidy that we try to do around 5 or 6. One child has the living room-front entry-stairway; one has the kitchen-dining area; another has the family room-garage entry-laundry room. When I say ten-minute tidy, they do a general pick-up--putting away as much as they can, putting personal items into assigned baskets if needed--basically pulling things into order. The other thing I do I call five-minute fixers--a little bag with quick chores written on small tags (such as dust window blinds, wash front window, sweep front porch, etc). These are used when someone is bored, kids are fighting, we just need a little direction, etc. Another fighting chore is to fill an ice cream bucket with weeds. (Can you tell we have a lot of squabbles going on here?!? That's what drives me CRAZY) In addition, I have a list of chores available for money. We don't do allowance, so my kids have to earn it by working--doing the extras. This list changes, but might include cleaning inside the van, organizing coat closet, cleaning the playroom all alone, weeding the garden, etc. Typically we have things for $1 or $2. Okay...so all of this is my plan. If all went according to this plan, my house would be clean, my children would get along peacefully, and I would be a happy mom loving life. But typically something seems to get in the way and it doesn't always go so smoothly and I'm in the middle of chaos and squabbling children. Then I just reach for the chocolate. :tongue_smilie:

My dd10 just finished 4th grade this year. This was the first year we had to deal with friend issues--the ups & downs of girls & their friendships. Of course, it's not only at public school that girls have to deal with this--but it was very helpful to talk through different social situations and help my dd know how to handle specific things that might come up...and try to prepare her so she knew it wasn't the end of the world if something happened. (You know--such as, Aubrey said she doesn't want to be my friend anymore; Sarah & Madison say they are best friends and I can't play with them at recess; Natalie is having a slumber party and I'm not invited, etc). I found the books by American Girl to be a wonderful resource--I've checked them out of the library, so I don't have them on hand to refer to--but there are several different ones that deal with social skills and how to handle friendship issues that come up...written directly to girls this age and handling things very well. I'd highly recommend reading a few of those together and helping your dd know how what to expect or prepare for. If you can find out a girl or two in her class and get them together, that will help things go smoothly on the first day.

When my daughter was 9, we bought her a karaoke machine and several karaoke cds--she absolutely loves it (though her brother does not!). I love the idea for crafts--supplies + a book about how to do it. A nice jewelry making set (not just bright pink & purple fake plastic beads) where she can make jewelry for gifts would be fun. I love the idea of a sewing kit--and to make AG doll clothes! If she hasn't gotten into them already (and hasn't outgrown them), my dd10 still loves Littlest Pet Shop. Some kids are done with things like that sooner than others though...but mine still wants new ones from Walmart. My daughter also thinks collecting coins is pretty cool--maybe a bag of coins, a few storage books & a book about coin collecting. have fun!

MamaSheep--I'm LDS, too! :) My first name is Diana, and in high school when the Michael Jackson song "Dirty Diana" came out, lots of the cool guys used to get a kick out of singing that song as I walked by in the hallway...because it was so obviously opposite of my 'reputation' for being such a 'good girl.' It will be interesting to see how people have changed over the years. Good luck at your reunion! I hope you have a great time.

MamaSheep...I think you are my twin! Well, I'm headed to the small town in New Mexico, rather than Montana, but we seem to be having a lot of the same feelings right about now! And yes, all of our reunion gatherings are centered around alcohol (every event is a no-host bar) and in clubs. My dh is also going to be with me, and the kids with grandma...so we're looking at it as a fun getaway together, too. My dh is dying to see this town that I've told him about all these years--he doesn't believe it is as crazy as it was! I think you described it very well: "I never fit in back in high school and I'm not going to fit in now either, so why should I even care what they think of me? And yet, I obsess about what clothes to bring...lol." And amyco71, you're right...everyone else is in the same boat. I need to just focus on how much fun it will be to see those I was closest to! Thanks, guys...

Thanks for your suggestions, ladies. I think I am just afraid to be over-dressed or under-dressed! It must just take me back to the high school days of insecurity! I know I'll love it once I'm there--there are a select handful of friends I will love getting back in touch with. I appreciate the reminders from you to have fun, be comfortable, and just enjoy this...once I figure out the clothes situation then I think I will stop feeling nervous about it! I think I'll do the following: evening at club: black pants, cute shirt, fun scarf, cute earrings picnic: capris, sandals, shirt dinner/dance: black dress, earrings/necklace, heels I don't usually do much with accessories--but I think finding a few jewelry pieces and a scarf will help me feel more put together. I sure do wish I had a fashion consultant to go shopping with me...but at least now I have an idea of what to look for. Thanks...(and I'd welcome any feedback still!)

I don't have any info for you, but had to tell you I had no idea about breast buds! About a year ago, my dd10 (then 9), called me after her shower and asked me to feel this lump in her chest. I seriously panicked and thought it was cancer. No kidding. I quickly decided to call the doctor first thing in the morning. Ah, then came a google search and I was really glad I had looked around a bit before calling the doctor in my paranoid state! I did, however, run out and buy the American Girl book about girls & their bodies...and dd & I started our little chats about what was coming. I'd highly recommend that book, if you need something like that.