It makes sense, no? The kids are home which means my time is more limited...or at least the time I have online. By no means am I complaining. I am thoroughly enjoying the time with the kids, the free schedule, the day trips to the pool and everything else that summer brings.
Emily and Katherine are off for a couple of days with my sisters. So far they have had pedicures, gone to dinner and gone to a movie. I am sure they are having an awful time! Julia has been enjoying some "Mom, Dad and Julia" time which has been nice. Ryun took her out to run errands this morning and we both took her to "Twilight Tales" at the library which she loved. Tonight was "Pajama Party" night so she went in her pj's. We listened to stories, made a dream catcher and had a snack. I am going to take her to "Story Hour in the Park" tomorrow morning. We may head to my parents to swim after that.
Ryun and I thought about going to see Eclipse tomorrow afternoon but the timing does not look like it will work out. My father was going to watch Julia for us but the movie times aren't coordinating with what will work. We may go Thursday instead but we will have to see. And yes, I briefly considered going at midnight but my brain took over. I can wait to see Edward, really I can.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Yup...I cried...
...when the kids got off the bus. It was really all Julia's fault...well Julia and her teacher's.
I think my Facebook status from yesterday sums it up nicely: "Yeah so I totally cried when I went through Julia's IEP progress reports/report card. This girl has made such a dramatic leap from where she was just a short time ago. What really did it though was the 8x10 framed photo of Julia with a note from the teacher on the back. Lets not even get to the thank you note her teacher wrote for the end of the year gift we gave her. I was literally a mess this afternoon!"
When I look way back to when Julia was first identified as having delays...when I remember the girl who didn't take her first step until she was 20 months old...the girl that I actually had to teach to eat...the girl who barely spoke a word until she was two...to the girl who has met every single benchmark and goal set for her in PT, OT, Speech and Language, ELA and Math, so much so that she will be going forth next year with no IEP or special ed services at all, I can't help but be overwhelmed with sheer joy and emotion. Along with the joy comes an immense sense of accomplishment (on her part and mine) and such an intense feeling of pride that words can't even begin to explain.
Here she is...on her last day of school for this year.
I think my Facebook status from yesterday sums it up nicely: "Yeah so I totally cried when I went through Julia's IEP progress reports/report card. This girl has made such a dramatic leap from where she was just a short time ago. What really did it though was the 8x10 framed photo of Julia with a note from the teacher on the back. Lets not even get to the thank you note her teacher wrote for the end of the year gift we gave her. I was literally a mess this afternoon!"
When I look way back to when Julia was first identified as having delays...when I remember the girl who didn't take her first step until she was 20 months old...the girl that I actually had to teach to eat...the girl who barely spoke a word until she was two...to the girl who has met every single benchmark and goal set for her in PT, OT, Speech and Language, ELA and Math, so much so that she will be going forth next year with no IEP or special ed services at all, I can't help but be overwhelmed with sheer joy and emotion. Along with the joy comes an immense sense of accomplishment (on her part and mine) and such an intense feeling of pride that words can't even begin to explain.
Here she is...on her last day of school for this year.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Your obligatory end of the school year post...
...just wouldn't be complete with out a quick reference to how quickly the school year flew by, how I wish I could stop time, and how it doesn't seem possible that next school year I will be the mother of an 8th and 5th grader, as well as a kindergartner (take 2)!
As in years past, I am sure the kids will come off of the bus cheering summer's arrival and, in keeping with tradition, I will join in with them. There will be many "hooray's", "woo hoos" and screams of joy as we say goodbye to another school year and hello to a summer full of possibilities. New this year will be a an "Aloha To School, Aloha To Summer" party which will be celebrated poolside with my father. The party will include fun things like flower lei's, drinks with umbrella's in them, and a "summer fun" bag filled with all kinds of summer things like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, summer reading books, flip flops, and crayons and coloring books for those rainy days. I am also going to make (tonight because you all know how I love love love the last minute!) "Summer Fun Gift Cards" good for things like trips to the beach, an ice cream cone at the place of their choice (please kids, pick Peaceful Meadows or Erickson's), trips to the library, arts and crafts days at home, and trips to the zoo. I can't wait to see how excited and happy they will be when they see all this.
Oh summer, I have missed you. Welcome back...and please feel free to take an extended stay!
As in years past, I am sure the kids will come off of the bus cheering summer's arrival and, in keeping with tradition, I will join in with them. There will be many "hooray's", "woo hoos" and screams of joy as we say goodbye to another school year and hello to a summer full of possibilities. New this year will be a an "Aloha To School, Aloha To Summer" party which will be celebrated poolside with my father. The party will include fun things like flower lei's, drinks with umbrella's in them, and a "summer fun" bag filled with all kinds of summer things like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, summer reading books, flip flops, and crayons and coloring books for those rainy days. I am also going to make (tonight because you all know how I love love love the last minute!) "Summer Fun Gift Cards" good for things like trips to the beach, an ice cream cone at the place of their choice (please kids, pick Peaceful Meadows or Erickson's), trips to the library, arts and crafts days at home, and trips to the zoo. I can't wait to see how excited and happy they will be when they see all this.
Oh summer, I have missed you. Welcome back...and please feel free to take an extended stay!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Just Because
Kid cuteness can be found here.
This was the perfect day to take out the water hopscotch mat for the girls. They had fun running through the water and it sure was hot enough for water play!
This was the perfect day to take out the water hopscotch mat for the girls. They had fun running through the water and it sure was hot enough for water play!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
It's called parenting...
...and if you are not going to do it, then you shouldn't have kids. And that folks, is what this really boils down to for me.
As a parent, I assumed certain responsibilities including providing adequate health care, education around food and exercise, limited time with the computer and video games and other things related to being an overall healthy person. This is one of the many responsibilities I have as a parent. Am I perfect? No. Have I been a little slack here and there with this type of thing? of course (see the part that says I am not perfect). Am I myself overweight? Yes. Does this mean that I do not provide the tools necessary for my kids to make better choices than I have? No.
There is no denying that in many respects, in many instances and on many different levels, parents have slacked off (just because I am not one of them doesn't mean that I deny their existence). There is also no denying that schools have had to pick up the slack. Here's my question...how much money is the school spending on being parents rather than on providing a sound education for the students which is actually their job? I would be remiss if I did not point out the obvious contradictions of less gym time, less recess time and crap food served in the cafeteria (which admittedly has improved but is still not up to par with what I would consider healthy). If the state is going to tell the school to measure and report on BMI then the state should also provide the funding to keep gym in the curriculum more than once a week or less and completely overhaul what is being served in the cafeteria. Cut recess time to spend more time in Math class or leave recess alone so the kids can get the exercise they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I think it's time the schools and the state decide on their priorities and perhaps try and line them up with the realities of what their jobs entail...which is not to report on whether my kid is overweight or not. (By no means am I a proponent of cutting recess for any reason; I am just pointing out the conflict and mixed messages that are being sent).
The report that is sent home says that BMI may not offer a complete picture of your child. If this is true, and again, if the schools must be involved, why aren't they doing other things to measure and report on this? Perhaps it is because they can't. A complete picture can not be taken without all of the facts. How does the school know how much physical activity my child gets outside of school, whether they eat whole grains, or if they eat their vegetables? A complete picture is simply not possible when school officials only see the kids for 6 odd hours a day. So I ask, why bother reporting on only one piece of what could be a very complicated puzzle?
I also find it hard to believe the reporting is having any positive effect on the obesity problem. Any good pediatrician has been reporting to parents on this type of thing for years and what good has it done? The obesity problem has only increased. As my wise mother pointed out on my Facebook post, you don't need a measurement to determine if you are overweight, all you need is a mirror. Does anyone actually think that the very parents this new initiative is trying to target are going to be jolted in to action as a result of these reports? Clearly, the reporting is meant to target those slacker parents who aren't doing their job. I highly doubt a report from the school is going to change their entire way of life.
This is just one of many examples in which the school and state have had to assume the responsibilities that have been neglected by some parents. It's difficult not to wonder how much their academic education has suffered because of all the time, money and effort that has had to be spent on this. Hey slacker parents, it's time to step up!
As a parent, I assumed certain responsibilities including providing adequate health care, education around food and exercise, limited time with the computer and video games and other things related to being an overall healthy person. This is one of the many responsibilities I have as a parent. Am I perfect? No. Have I been a little slack here and there with this type of thing? of course (see the part that says I am not perfect). Am I myself overweight? Yes. Does this mean that I do not provide the tools necessary for my kids to make better choices than I have? No.
There is no denying that in many respects, in many instances and on many different levels, parents have slacked off (just because I am not one of them doesn't mean that I deny their existence). There is also no denying that schools have had to pick up the slack. Here's my question...how much money is the school spending on being parents rather than on providing a sound education for the students which is actually their job? I would be remiss if I did not point out the obvious contradictions of less gym time, less recess time and crap food served in the cafeteria (which admittedly has improved but is still not up to par with what I would consider healthy). If the state is going to tell the school to measure and report on BMI then the state should also provide the funding to keep gym in the curriculum more than once a week or less and completely overhaul what is being served in the cafeteria. Cut recess time to spend more time in Math class or leave recess alone so the kids can get the exercise they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle? I think it's time the schools and the state decide on their priorities and perhaps try and line them up with the realities of what their jobs entail...which is not to report on whether my kid is overweight or not. (By no means am I a proponent of cutting recess for any reason; I am just pointing out the conflict and mixed messages that are being sent).
The report that is sent home says that BMI may not offer a complete picture of your child. If this is true, and again, if the schools must be involved, why aren't they doing other things to measure and report on this? Perhaps it is because they can't. A complete picture can not be taken without all of the facts. How does the school know how much physical activity my child gets outside of school, whether they eat whole grains, or if they eat their vegetables? A complete picture is simply not possible when school officials only see the kids for 6 odd hours a day. So I ask, why bother reporting on only one piece of what could be a very complicated puzzle?
I also find it hard to believe the reporting is having any positive effect on the obesity problem. Any good pediatrician has been reporting to parents on this type of thing for years and what good has it done? The obesity problem has only increased. As my wise mother pointed out on my Facebook post, you don't need a measurement to determine if you are overweight, all you need is a mirror. Does anyone actually think that the very parents this new initiative is trying to target are going to be jolted in to action as a result of these reports? Clearly, the reporting is meant to target those slacker parents who aren't doing their job. I highly doubt a report from the school is going to change their entire way of life.
This is just one of many examples in which the school and state have had to assume the responsibilities that have been neglected by some parents. It's difficult not to wonder how much their academic education has suffered because of all the time, money and effort that has had to be spent on this. Hey slacker parents, it's time to step up!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
IT Meeting
I am one who almost always gives someone the benefit of the doubt. I mean, without having been there, scheduled the meeting, made the phone call, sent the email etc., there is no way to really know what happened and why. Certain things, no matter what the situation though, just seem, well, intentional.
I am talking about the meeting scheduled for tonight regarding the recently completed assessment of the Town of Middleborough's IT Department. Until the recent update of the town website, it wouldn't have required, in my opinion, any one to look further than that to declare this town in need of a major overhaul in the IT department. It doesn't surprise me at all, given the sub standard web site that was in place, that problems were found in other areas.
What gets to me regarding this whole thing however, has nothing really to do with the IT department. It has to do with the meeting, which is a public meeting, being announced to the public on the day of. Seriously? Even given my optimistic attitude when it comes to giving someone the benefit of the doubt, I find it extremely difficult to believe that this meeting was scheduled in the wee hours of this morning which is when the Enterprise posted the link on their website and Twitterfeed. There is also no indication of the meeting on the new town website(at least that I was able to locate). One could argue that it may have been announced at the BOS meeting last night (I was unable to attend so I am not sure if this is even a valid argument) but still, one day notice? It is very difficult for me to believe that there wasn't some part of this last minute announcement that was intentional so that fewer people would attend than already do, leaving little to no public comment on something that has been a concern of this town for years. Please, if I am wrong about any of this and there was some announcement that I missed, jump on in via the comments and correct me.
I have previous plans which may have been changing anyway, but I'd be lying if I said my only interest in attending this meeting was to hear the full report on the assessment. Yes, there is a small part of me that wants to go just to prove a point. You can announce your meetings a day, an hour or even a minute before, and well informed, concerned citizens such as myself will still show up...even if I don't speak a word.
As someone who has more recently taken a keen interest in the affairs of this town, I am continually discouraged by the lack of communication between our elected officials and the general public. They were elected to be representatives of this town and it's people and this is one instance in which they are doing a poor job.
I am talking about the meeting scheduled for tonight regarding the recently completed assessment of the Town of Middleborough's IT Department. Until the recent update of the town website, it wouldn't have required, in my opinion, any one to look further than that to declare this town in need of a major overhaul in the IT department. It doesn't surprise me at all, given the sub standard web site that was in place, that problems were found in other areas.
What gets to me regarding this whole thing however, has nothing really to do with the IT department. It has to do with the meeting, which is a public meeting, being announced to the public on the day of. Seriously? Even given my optimistic attitude when it comes to giving someone the benefit of the doubt, I find it extremely difficult to believe that this meeting was scheduled in the wee hours of this morning which is when the Enterprise posted the link on their website and Twitterfeed. There is also no indication of the meeting on the new town website(at least that I was able to locate). One could argue that it may have been announced at the BOS meeting last night (I was unable to attend so I am not sure if this is even a valid argument) but still, one day notice? It is very difficult for me to believe that there wasn't some part of this last minute announcement that was intentional so that fewer people would attend than already do, leaving little to no public comment on something that has been a concern of this town for years. Please, if I am wrong about any of this and there was some announcement that I missed, jump on in via the comments and correct me.
I have previous plans which may have been changing anyway, but I'd be lying if I said my only interest in attending this meeting was to hear the full report on the assessment. Yes, there is a small part of me that wants to go just to prove a point. You can announce your meetings a day, an hour or even a minute before, and well informed, concerned citizens such as myself will still show up...even if I don't speak a word.
As someone who has more recently taken a keen interest in the affairs of this town, I am continually discouraged by the lack of communication between our elected officials and the general public. They were elected to be representatives of this town and it's people and this is one instance in which they are doing a poor job.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Car Story
Ryun just left to get an estimate on how much it will cost to fix the back bumper of the van.
About a week ago, it was hit while in a parking lot at a store near my sisters house. It was dark out so we didn't even notice it when we came back out of the store but shortly after, I saw a note on my windshield. When we got back to her house, I read the note which, from the tone and handwriting I could clearly tell was written by a teen. I found the damaged bumper (which is actually not the bumper but a plastic covering type thing that goes over it)and went in to give the number a call. I got a voice mail and left my information. It was even more obvious by the sound of the girl's voice on the message that it was a kid. She called me back the next day (a call I missed because I was dealing with Emily who had just slammed her fingers in the car door)and left me an apologetic, possibly even tearful message, about how sorry she was. She also said that her father would like to pay for the damage out of pocket rather than go through insurance if that was ok with us. I had Ryun call her back to tell her that would be fine and we would call back with the estimate we would get sometime in the next couple of weeks. The poor girl was even tearful with Ryun.
I tell you this story because I was in awe of this girl and her moral responsibility and honesty. It probably would have been easy enough for her to leave the scene since I wasn't there. Instead, she did the right thing...left a note and is (with the help of her father) taking responsibility for her actions. I said to Ryun that it was clear that this child had been and was being raised "right." It was a nice thing to see and when we call her back with the details of the cost, I am going to make sure to tell her just that.
*UPDATE* Ryun just got back from Lenny's...cost to fix? $1100! YIKES! Apparently there is actual damage to the bumper and metal frame underneath. That price includes a four day rental at $45 per day because it will take 4 days to fix.
About a week ago, it was hit while in a parking lot at a store near my sisters house. It was dark out so we didn't even notice it when we came back out of the store but shortly after, I saw a note on my windshield. When we got back to her house, I read the note which, from the tone and handwriting I could clearly tell was written by a teen. I found the damaged bumper (which is actually not the bumper but a plastic covering type thing that goes over it)and went in to give the number a call. I got a voice mail and left my information. It was even more obvious by the sound of the girl's voice on the message that it was a kid. She called me back the next day (a call I missed because I was dealing with Emily who had just slammed her fingers in the car door)and left me an apologetic, possibly even tearful message, about how sorry she was. She also said that her father would like to pay for the damage out of pocket rather than go through insurance if that was ok with us. I had Ryun call her back to tell her that would be fine and we would call back with the estimate we would get sometime in the next couple of weeks. The poor girl was even tearful with Ryun.
I tell you this story because I was in awe of this girl and her moral responsibility and honesty. It probably would have been easy enough for her to leave the scene since I wasn't there. Instead, she did the right thing...left a note and is (with the help of her father) taking responsibility for her actions. I said to Ryun that it was clear that this child had been and was being raised "right." It was a nice thing to see and when we call her back with the details of the cost, I am going to make sure to tell her just that.
*UPDATE* Ryun just got back from Lenny's...cost to fix? $1100! YIKES! Apparently there is actual damage to the bumper and metal frame underneath. That price includes a four day rental at $45 per day because it will take 4 days to fix.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Historic Moment In The Ellis Household
Ryun? Has finally decided to pass off to our children his beloved transformers and legos that he has saved since childhood.
This is undoubtedly a moment of epic proportions so please...take note.
This is undoubtedly a moment of epic proportions so please...take note.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Schedule
The next two weeks=insanely busy.
Just to get the schedule posted in as many places as possible, lest I forget where I need to be when, I am posting it here as well as on multiple calendars at home and on my phone.
Monday: Town Meeting @ 7.
Tuesday: appointment @ 5, Anti-Bullying Task Force meeting @ 6:30
Wednesday: Volunteer @ the MECC, dentist for Julia @ 4:15, PTA @ 7
Thursday: 1/2 day of school, babysit nephew for the day, physicals for Kate and Em at 5:30 and 6.
Friday: Crop @ 6
Saturday: NADA
Sunday: family cookout, babysit nephew for the day
Monday: babysit nephew for the day, Flag Day Ceremony at the MECC, volunteer breakfast at the MECC, HBB band concert @6:30, Flag Day Ceremony at the Elks @7.
Tuesday: NADA
Wednesday: Volunteer at Field Day at the MECC, appointment at 5:30, WOW Green night at Carver Holistic
Thursday: NADA
Friday: State Board PTA retreat
Saturday: State Board PTA retreat
Just to get the schedule posted in as many places as possible, lest I forget where I need to be when, I am posting it here as well as on multiple calendars at home and on my phone.
Monday: Town Meeting @ 7.
Tuesday: appointment @ 5, Anti-Bullying Task Force meeting @ 6:30
Wednesday: Volunteer @ the MECC, dentist for Julia @ 4:15, PTA @ 7
Thursday: 1/2 day of school, babysit nephew for the day, physicals for Kate and Em at 5:30 and 6.
Friday: Crop @ 6
Saturday: NADA
Sunday: family cookout, babysit nephew for the day
Monday: babysit nephew for the day, Flag Day Ceremony at the MECC, volunteer breakfast at the MECC, HBB band concert @6:30, Flag Day Ceremony at the Elks @7.
Tuesday: NADA
Wednesday: Volunteer at Field Day at the MECC, appointment at 5:30, WOW Green night at Carver Holistic
Thursday: NADA
Friday: State Board PTA retreat
Saturday: State Board PTA retreat
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Happy Birthday Emily!
For those who may not understand how fast time passes...I swear this first picture was taken just the other day...
...not 13 years ago!
Seriously though? Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter Emily!
...not 13 years ago!
Seriously though? Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter Emily!
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