Littlest Pet Shop Aquarium

My daughter was given money to get her own fish tank last year. She chose the "Littlest Pet Shop" aquarium we found at PetSmart. It's along the lines of the Disney Princess aquarium by Tetra. It was a bad choice in aquariums. Primarily because if the lights go out, you CANNOT replace them. We had that issue plus the filter wasn't working correctly, so I hit Wal-Mart and replaced it with a basic Tetra 1.5 gal tank. It's not as "pretty" or as cute as the other, but it's functional and my daughter's fish is much happier as a result.

Count down to Spring Break

My kids head out Sunday to visit with their grandparents. Saturday is a Cub Scout meeting (a day early for us). This week will be getting them ready for CRCTs as soon as they get back from break. UGH. What horrid timing for that.

My daughter

On behalf of my daughter, I'm posting this picture. She came to me and said "take my picture and put it on your blog". So, I did. ;) Poor cat.

Children and their Laundry

I've gotten very tired of the way my kids (my daughter in particular) treat their clothes. I'll do the laundry, get it folded and put in their room. It's then their job to put it away properly. My daughter is particularly bad about finding hiding places for her clothes instead of putting them up. Both of them will "forget" to put up their clothes until the topic is forced and then generally I'll find the clean clothes (still folded) mixed in with their dirty laundry. So, I've taken it upon myself to refuse to do their clothes. They want clean clothes, they have to wash it, put it in the dryer, fold it and put it away. I'd hoped it might at least force my daughter to think more about her clothes. Instead, today, I find the clothes that SHE had washed shoved under shelves in her closet. So for her, all clothes done this way are being treated as unwanted. Off to the donation box. I'm not purchasing more clothes for her (even if her current stuff is outgrown) until she figures this out. I'm so done.

Paper making

This is the process that the girls used Saturday to make their paper.

Submerging the screen into a "vat" of (in this case) cotton pulp & water. Letting the screen with the cotton pulp drip Using a shop-vac from the under side to get a majority of the rest of the water out Pressing water out onto another cloth Ironing the paper to dry it further and bond it into form The finished product

Girl's weekend

After the boys left Friday to go on their camping trip, I cooked pizza for dinner. My daughter and I then watched High School Musical so we'd know what the fuss was about. My daughter hasn't decided if she really liked the movie or not.

Saturday, we made the trip to the Institute of Paper Science & Technology for a Brownie class on papermaking & Bookbinding. We left a bit early and stopped downtown at the Varsity for lunch. It was a 'required' stop for heading to Georgia Tech. The class included a (rather dry) tour of the museum, followed by a chance to make their own paper. Then they were given more paper to bind into a 'book' to take home. I tried to take lots of pictures, but my camera (being what it is) didn't cooperate for most of it. I did get some fair shots of the actual paper making procedure, which when I get them edited I will share.

After the class, my daughter and I headed over to the High Museum to check out the Terra Cotta Army. I was glad I was going at my daughter's pace this time as I was already feeling run down. The crowds at the museum were pretty big, which didn't help. We did agree that the model of the making of the men and the horses was cool. My daughter really liked the bronze chariots too. We did tour the Louvre portion of the museum and checked out the "Real or Forgery" portion. Nothing would do that we had to tour 'everything else' before we left. We still missed some. Fortunately, what we missed is part of the permanent exhibit so we can always go back.

On our way home we stopped at McDs to get dinner. Then home, watch iCarly for a while, then played Animal Crossing to get our music from K.K. Slider. After that we pretty much both headed to bed. I should know better, but I let my daughter sleep with me in the king size bed. She'll still take up majority of the bed, but at least I didn't get kicked.

All in all a pretty good weekend. Now to prepare to take my very tired son (who was camping) to his Cub Scout pack meeting and then make him finish his homework.

Scouts

Hubby and son left for camping last night, they'll be back tomorrow. Today my daughter and I head to Georgia Tech's paper museum for a Girl Scout event. From there I'm going to take her over to the High to see the TerraCotta Army. It'll be a great girl's day out.

Home School Update

Well, after much consideration, if we decide to home school, I know what curriculum we will at least start with. There's one thing I haven't seen yet, but it's a math curriculum that may not be necessary. I've been very fortunate that my friends who home school already had most of the things on hand that I'd decided I really liked based on online research. For those that are interested, I've decided on the Alpha Omega Curriculum. Now to evaluate the pros/cons of home schooling with hubby and decide if we want to go ahead and do it this year or give it a year and see what happens. I'm split right now between the two.

Geico Geckos

Are at the Aquarium through May 30th. It's a cute exhibit located in the Atrium at the Aquarium.

Facebook

Just for the fun of it, I decided to explore Facebook. Since then, I've linked to 34 friends, started playing Superheroes Alliance and in general just dallied around. Since I don't have texting on my phone, I can't utilize the mobile aspect, though hopefully not before too long. It's a cute way of keeping track of friends, especially since I'm no good at calling anyone.

More Snow Day pics

My son built a "snow dog" and then he and his sister posed on it.

King Tut

Was fascinating! I loved seeing all the artifacts they had on exhibit. We were lucky in our choice of time. We had the time slot of 9:30 and got there a little early. Since crowds were low, we went straight in. It took us about an hour and a half to see everything. They do have audio tours, but we passed. There's also a 3D movie, which neither of my kids are particularly interested in, so we passed on that as well. By the time we got out, there as a large crowd waiting to get in. I highly recommend going.

My only "complaint" was that I had given my kids a small notebook and pencil to take with them to write down cool and interesting facts. We were informed that they were not allowed. When I asked why, I was told that at another exhibition a child had a pen and paper. Apparently the child broke the pen and the ink went on one of the artifacts. Since then, no pens/pencils/paper allowed (no cameras either). I will note, though, that the same rule applies for the Terracotta Army at the High Museum.

Home School Conference

Well, after talking to my friend for over an hour about what she uses, how she plans, etc. I went ahead and registered for the GHEA conference that's coming up. I've also signed up for an email list of home schoolers here in Georgia. My son really likes the idea, but no decision has been made as yet.

King Tut

The kids were supposed to have today off. I didn't expect the snow to actually cause problems. I'd purchased tickets to go see the Tut exhibit for the family today. We can't get refunds and we can't afford to not use them. I could have paid $6 per ticket extra as "insurance" against this, but I couldn't do the extra $24 and still afford to go. So, I'm going to play "bad mommy" I think and keep my kids out for 1/2 day.

I have mentioned the trip to my children's teachers. My daughter's teacher would love to have my daughter write something about her adventure, so I'll take a journal along for her to write in. My son's teacher hasn't decided, though I may have him do it as well as practice. Both of my children have bad handwriting, so it'll be good for that anyway.

Alternative to Home School

After talking to another teacher at our school, I found out that transfers are possible between schools. However, it's up to the principals at the schools in question to allow it to happen. It's called a permissive transfer. So, I did some research on the transfers. I discovered that the Gwinnett County school web site doesn't have the info on it easily locatable. (I still haven't found it.) Though the school I'd prefer my son to go to DOES have some of the info available. It's not overly specific, but it IS there. If it comes down to it, I have a friend who's son will go to that school, so I could drop mine off at her house to catch the bus to/from school. I talked with her about it somewhat today, so it's definitely an option.

It kinda adds confusion to the possibilities, but it's an alternative that my husband wanted me to check into. I have to find the forms and such, but it has been determined to be an option.

Science Fair

My son won 1st place for Fourth Grade! Yipee! All that hard work and he managed to explain it all to the judges too.

Rotters

Well, as of last night I was informed that my daughter wouldn't be allowed to test for black belt until September. Given that we won't be near Choi during summer, that means she can't test until December. There's a change from when my son tested. Originally, you waited 3 months from the time you get brown senior to be able to test for black. That put testing in June (this worked for my son). Our instructor last night informed us she's making everyone wait at least 4 months until they're allowed to test for black. That would put it in July, only there's no testing offered for black belts in July. Next one after that is September.

So, on the way home, I informed my kids that this is probably our last month of Choi. We've already given notice at music that end of March we're withdrawing due to finances. So, I may use that same reason to turn in an 'indefinite leave' at Choi. It'll definitely save us money and I have a feeling my daughter really won't fight it. We'll get through testing this Friday and see how it works out.

Too funny

Essay for Choi?

The owner of the dojang is starting to add on things that I don't agree with. I found out tonight that brown belts must now write an essay and give it to her that says why they want to be a black belt. This must happen before they are allowed to test for black belt. Of course, this is on top of the having to write all the ways they are polite in a journal. Since no one has turned them in (she tried to start this in January), everyone must turn in at least 3 ways per day they were polite. OK. My kids have enough work to do with school. I'm not about to make them write these essays or keep a journal. Both of my kids consistently bring home "Good Citizen" awards from school, this on top of the good grades I expect them to get. (Lower grades are only acceptable if they've put every effort into getting a good grade and it has just been unattainable.) So, now we see how far it can be pushed before I just throw up my hands and walk out.

It's quite likely that if I don't cooperate (or make my kids do these writings) that we'll be informed that we can't test. If THAT happens, I'll either wait and test in April for brown senior (with my daughter) or simply inform her to give me a refund on testing and leave. If my daughter and I don't test on time this month, it's likely to mean we won't be allowed to test for black belt in June. I have no intention of being around over the summer, so if we don't test in June, we won't test until December. That, of course, assumes that we return at all.

Burn OUT!

I'm tired. I'm sure I'm trying not to become a victim to the illnesses from school (there's a very bad tummy bug going around) and I've been over busy this week. As a result, I got home yesterday, fixed dinner and sat down with a large glass of wine. The dishes are dirty, the kids' rooms are messy and hubby actually went to the doctor yesterday because HE wasn't feeling good. I've made people mad because I haven't had time to call back, I've made executive decisions that didn't work out. All in all a very trying week.

This morning I meet up with my cub scout den to hike at Stone Mountain. I can't say I'm eager to go. Tomorrow we have a den meeting at the church to make up for the one missed last weekend. Can someone say STOP? Next week isn't going to be much better. I'm just waiting on the other shoe to fall on SOMETHING.

Whether it's me getting sick (I'm not allowed), kids getting sick, us being told we can't test for Choi (explain later), or something else. I'm just waiting..

Monday's Snow Day

This was actually taken Sunday when all the snow came down. That rare occurrence in Georgia. My kids had a blast getting soaking wet. The dog, though, wasn't interested in leaving the porch when we let her out to play with the kids.

China's Terracotta Army

Today I'm headed out with my son to see the High's exhibit of the Terracotta Army. I'm SOO looking forward to it. Unfortunately, cameras aren't allowed, so I'll just have to make do with describing it. Either that or perhaps I'll have a chance to buy a post card and scan it in. :) In the meantime, you can check out the info online here.

Science Fair Project

It's done! It's done! We finished typing it up Sunday and laying it out on the display board Monday. With no school Monday, it made it that much easier to get it finished. The Science Fair itself is Tuesday. Woo Hoo! Off the hook for another year.

Tax Day!

Hubby and I are meeting today with the tax people. I know if we owe we won't pay until April, but this way we can at least brace ourselves. Since I've been managing my parent's house, it's going to affect our taxes, the question is the extent.

Things I notice (over and over)

I had a discussion about this with another sub at school Thursday. It's something I've noticed before and had other conversations about. About half of the students at my kids' school go to ESOL. This means that at some point during the day, teachers lose about half of their students to go to ESOL. Of the remaining students, it's likely that a few will go to FOCUS. It's also just as likely that some will go to a Resource class. This leaves (on average) maybe 7 or 8 kids left in the class for about an hour during the day.

I realize the kids are learning in their extra classes (my son is one of the FOCUS students), but it makes it very difficult for teachers to make sure the essential material is taught. The ESOL kids generally have issues with quite a few of the items that they have to know. Of course, most of the time the teachers are teaching so that the kids can pass their tests. With the CRCT, Gateway, Benchmark and other tests that they take during the year, it's understandable. Especially since the requirements are for the schools to have a certain percentage that pass in order to gain AYP.

In a big way, it makes me wonder just what changes Gwinnett has planned for our schools now that they've gotten away from the state mandates. I can only hope it's for the better. I have a feeling that the effects won't be felt by my kids for a while. Assuming, of course, that I don't just pull them and decide to home school instead.

Brownie try-its

I'm slack. My daughter does most of the stuff my son does in his Cub Scout den. I haven't entered any of it lately in my little "BrownieTracker" software (Excel spreadsheet). I finally did that while my son was working with his dad on his science project. I discovered my daughter has earned 6 try-its that I hadn't gotten for her. Guess I know what I'll be doing next time I'm downtown.. getting patches and then sewing them on.