The countdown has begun . . .

Good grief, it's been a while since I've checked in here.

The last quarter of the school year is in full swing,  Just 42 short days until we get out of school.  Not that I'm counting . . . .

Matt is out of school today and tomorrow attending the All-State band festival.  Super proud of him for making it as a freshman.   The only crummy part is he has to miss two days of school and after his concert on Saturday, will spend the rest of the weekend trying to make up the work.  That will be sure to be fun for us all.

:)

Of course, the next 42 days will also include state testing, an AP exam, band concerts, band banquets, awards ceremonies, a baton recital, the state baton competition, 2 teacher appreciation weeks, plus regular assorted day to day school work and activities.  

'This the season.

Today is also National Pet Day.  Charlie is hanging in there.   Can't do long walks anymore, but he is more-or-less sleeping through the night, as long as he is right next to us.  He has a bit of "separation anxiety" and wants to be near you whenever possible.  Although this is a big change to "old Charlie," it does make your heart smile when you walk in the door because he is sooooo happy to see you

 I'll try to pop by here more regularly . . . and maybe have a better story or two tell!

Countdowns and Chi-town

We are one week away from wrapping up the 3rd quarter of the LONGEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER.

That means just 10 weeks left of the 7th grade.  Praise God!

Plus, the weather is so crazy in Nashville.  It's warm.  It's cold.  It rains.  It's sunny.  It rains.  And rains.  And rains again.    I'm completely over it.

Today I learned that the house I grew up in is for sale.  I quickly logged on to Realtor.com to take an inside look.  The folks that purchased it from my parents did quite a bit of work on it, taking out several walls for bigger bedroom and living spaces. It was so nice seeing the old place, even though a lot of it looked really, really different.   And I'm not just talking about the fact that the dining room is now PURPLE!   The whole thing reminded me that a trip back up to Chicago is long overdue.  There are favorite places to see, favorite people visit and favorite restaurants to eat at.

We're busy crunching the summer calendar trying to figure out timing for camps, vacation, drivers ed, and band.  A weekend up in Chicago may have to go on that list!

Back to school vs. still in school

This week, my Facebook feed has been flooded with Back to School posts.   Cute pictures of kids with fresh haircuts and new backpacks. 

For us, that was 26 days ago.   Seems like eternity.  Matt's already in need of a new haircut and we replaced his backpack with something bigger a couple weeks ago.   

Okay, technically, I've purchased 2 new backpacks since then. But I returned one. 

Matt also lost his pocket stapler and his pencil pouch. 

I can't tell if I'm jealous of my friends who just getting their fresh start with the school year or glad that we already have crossed off 26 days.

I think it's the latter.  Either way, it's time to schedule a haircut.

Birthday time!

So I turned 45 this week.   Halfway to 90, y'all. 

That seemed kind of clever when the kids told my husband that back in August.   But now that it's me, I don't think it's quite as amusing.

No big celebration for me.  It was a Wednesday.  I ran errands, volunteered at school and took the kids to music lessons.   Tonight we are going to celebrate Tammy's birthday.  Tomorrow we celebrate Gracie and on Sunday my sister.  #BirthdaySeason  #LotsOfCandles

The kids finished up standardized testing yesterday.  It was debacle from start to finish.   The system crashed multiple times.  They couldn't get logged in other days.   Yesterday they finished their math test and couldn't submit.  The irony?  The test is called "TN Ready."  Laugh out loud funny, y'all. 

Glad for the weekend, although we know the next few weeks will be crazy.  Tests, projects and finals are around the corner.   Very few grades for the kids since spring break, so the teachers will have to cram it in the last 3 weeks of the quarter.

Joy.

36

Yesterday while Gracie was in baton, I sat in my car and updated my calendars.  It's completely inefficient, but I have several.   The "main" one is my iPhone calendar, but I find when I'm sitting in a meeting, I need something more visual, so I can look at the month as a whole, so I have a planner.  And then I keep a small wall calendar above the desk.   I suppose that one could go since I don't think anyone else looks at it, but for now, there it hangs.

As I looked at April and May, I realized several things:

First, it is only 36 days until we are out of school.   36 days.  7 weeks.   Summer is almost here.  While this is a good thing in many ways ('cause I'm kinda over middle school), it is also bad because as every mama out there knows, the end of the school year is full of concerts, recitals, parties, award assemblies, sporting events and everyone's least favorite, standardized testing.  Add in a little spring fever = COMPLETE CHAOS. 

Second, I need a clone.  I am physically unable to get myself and my kids to all the places they need to be.  They all overlap.  They're all across town from each other.   And despite having a husband and a tribe to help, sometimes it still doesn't work out.  There are numerous things we just can't get to, the biggest being Matt will miss his first concert with the Tennessee Youth Symphony. Why? Because it is the same night as his school band concert.  What are the chances?   Probably 1 in 36. 

Third,  Matt is almost a high schooler.   I can't even.

Post Valentine's Day week in review . . . .

Despite all the middle school drama about going out and breaking up that I wrote about earlier, we successfully survived Valentine's Day.

Matt definitely survived.  He thanked me for the candy and the new drawstring backpack, and didn't give the holiday another thought.  I couldn't even convince him to wear a red shirt.

Gracie, on the other hand, went off to school wearing a red shirt and Doc Martens, heart earrings and carrying a box of Valentines with bags of gummy bears to give all her friends.  She and her crew traded Valentines like they were back in elementary school.   The only exception was she came home with a large bag of M&Ms from one boy (who gave small, Valentine sized bags to everyone else).  I'm *guessing* this is how said boy tells Gracie he likes her, which is super sweet. But he hasn't said anything else, which is just fine with me, too.

Back at home I scored some beautiful roses.

I think Bassam likes me.

On Friday night, while Bassam was off to see Matt in his festival band concert, I took Gracie and 3 pals to see their friend Keira in her play "Crazy for You."   The girls didn't appreciate the Gershwin music, but did love seeing their friend on stage.   Afterward I took them all out to Sweet CeCe's for frozen yogurt.   It might have been the loudest car ride I have ever endured.

This is saying something, I assure you.

But I love these girls and their sweet friendship.  Their singing of Backstreet Boys at the top of their lungs . . . not so much.

In other news, we are getting a longer than expected weekend.  We were not supposed to be off for Presidents' Day, but our Superintendent cancelled classes for students on Monday.   Every school in our county will be revisiting, reviewing and reinforcing their safety plans with law enforcement at the individual schools.  In the afternoon, EVERY school employee in our county will be at the Ag Expo center together to meet as a group.  This includes cafeteria workers, bus drivers, teachers (all registered subs, too),  administrators and support staff.   I give props to superintendent and school leadership for their efforts.  It has been an extraordinarily difficult week in the wake of what happened in Florida.

Hoping for sunshine on our bonus weekend day.  W'eve had lots of rain and dreary weather of late.  I know it's just February, but I'm ready for sunshine and warmer temperatures!

Sleeping and golf, but not sleeping while golfing . . .

Charlie slept Sunday, Monday and Tuesday through the night.  Last night (or rather early this morning), he was up at 4 am.  

I'll take the three nights.  Hopefully we're moving in the right direction.

Matt has what could be his last golf match today.   Monday is the last regular season match, but he is scheduled to sit that one out (only four players are entered in each match).  After Monday is the county championships.  Matt is vying for the last spot in the Woodland foursome.  He is neck and neck with another player, so whoever does better on these last two matches gets the spot.

I won't be there to see him play as Gracie has a baton performance at the same time in Nolensville at the Sunset football game (she practices with their teams since she is the only twirler at her school). Truthfully, it will probably save my nerves not to be there.   Keep your fingers crossed, though.  He's riding over with another golf mom and Bassam can usually get there by his second hole.

That's the big news around here.  I've been at school every day this week for some meeting or event.     Today is no exception, except the reason I'm going over today is to set up for tomorrow's event.   In the meantime, I'm off to join my friend Mandy at Pilates class.  This should be real interesting as I am probably the least flexible person in America.    I agreed to join her, but made her promise not to laugh at me.

I'll let you know how it goes.

How many days until Christmas vacation?

So it's not even September yet and I'm kinda over the school year already.

That's a bad sign, right?

Gracie has adjusted well to middle school. At least I think so.  Honestly, we're chasing Matt around every which way, so there is a possibility she hasn't and I've missed it.

No, not winning mother of the year.   Again.

Matt is not playing his A game right now.  And with two high school level classes, that is not an option.  This kid has been 2-3 years ahead in math his whole life.  And he probably will be again next year.  But this year is geometry, which is whole different animal.  This, he needs to learn and study. Safe to say, he is not used to doing that.

Unfortunately, I'm no help to him in geometry.   Mr. Peutz (ironically, pronounced "pitts,"), I blame you.   You stole my math mojo.

I'm also little help to him in Spanish, except for that darn commercial that used to play on WGN radio growing up.

"If you can spell 'socks,' you can speak Spanish!  ¡Eso si que es!  Yes, that's what it is!"

Unfortunately, Matt hasn't gotten to that super useful phrase yet.  But when he does, I'll be ready.

More "lasts" . . .

Yesterday, Gracie attended her last school Skate Party.   Because of her baton schedule, we haven't actually attended one in over a year and a half (there is usually one a month).  But baton was bumped up to right after school, so she wanted to go to this one with some friends because it was their "last one."

And y'all, as I snapped a picture of Gracie and her pals, this "last" put a lump in my throat.   Last Family Fun Night . . . ummmm.....no.  But this seemed a little bittersweet.

Then there was today.  Today marked my last PTO Executive Board meeting at the elementary school.  As both our principal and teacher rep are retiring this year, it was a decidedly strange meeting.   I looked around the table, thankful for the friendships, remembering good times, bumpy times and everything in between.

At the end of April I was given the Shining Apple Volunteer Award (basically the top volunteer) for Gracie's school.  There was a lovely ceremony with the superintendent, school board members and all the winners, county-wide.  It was a true honor. And while I wasn't at all emotional at that event, when the principal spoke about it and my contributions over the last 8 years to the board today, I felt that lump in my throat again.  

This school has been such a huge part of our lives.   Some of my dearest friends are people I've met there.   It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but on the whole, I couldn't have asked for a better school community to be a part of.

There's that lump again . . .

Last one . . . .

Despite the fact that it's February 9th, today was Gracie's Valentine's party at school. Because they school is so big, they do them on two afternoon (grades k-2 / 3-5) instead of one.  And the preference is to keep them on Thursday/Fridays. . . hence a Valentine party 5 day early.

But more important, this was my last party as room mom.  And Gracie's last class party in elementary school.  The kids exchanged valentines, made their own sundaes and played a few games of cut-throat bingo.   Because everything is cut-throat in 5th grade. 

Between calling out bingo numbers, I mentioned to the kids this was their last holiday party.  Most hadn't realized that was the case and looked a little sad.  I get it.  It's kind of a mixed emotion thing.  Leaving for middle school is exciting, but you also have to leave behind class parties, recess and lots of other good stuff.  

 Admittedly, I won't miss planning those parties, although when they actually happen and the kids are having a great time, it's all worth it.

School projects . . .

Let me just start by saying, I hate school projects. 

I really hate group school projects. Thankfully, we're not dealing with a group this weekend.  Just a plain old project.  It sort of feels like a "group" project because Bassam and I seem to be as invested as Matt.

Don't get me wrong, we don't do his work.  It drives me nuts when you walk down the hallway in elementary school and see posters/projects that were clearly not done by a kid under the age of 10. But for kids like Matt, getting organized and figuring out how to attack a multi-step project is a real challenge.  Focus, focus, focus. The struggle is real.

Thankfully, Matt's project about Medieval Japan is a PowerPoint slide show in Google documents, which is right up his alley.  Maybe not the topic, but he loves anything he gets to do on the computer.  Bonus, his handwriting stinks--so anything he gets to type is awesome!

So why is this particular project taking so long?

They were assigned the project on Wednesday and were given two days to work on the project in class (Th/F), use resources in the classroom and ask questions.   Matt missed Friday because he was at the all day rehearsal for the Williamson County Honor Band.  The absence is excused, but he didn't think he would need extra time since had the weekend.   This is entirely correct, but in that case, one would have logically used class time on Thursday getting information from resources that were available in the classroom only, since the teacher limited them to certain resources, not the entire world wide web.

Those resources became a huge issue for us.  First, Matt seemed to miss the detail that they were limited to certain articles/books.   I managed to hear to hear it from a girl in the carpool. Matt argued over that fact with me for a while before finally agreeing (read: Mom made him) to email his teacher to ask. 

Mom was right.

Then, for reasons that are not entirely clear, they do not have individual textbooks for social studies this year.   They have a physical set of in the classroom, but typically get a copy the text portion of each chapter.   This burns me up, as it a huge waste of paper, but nobody really cares what I think (shocking, I know!).  The teacher gave the kids access to the online version, which his super helpful, except only one person can be logged on at a time!  She has 5 or 6 classes doing the same project, so you can imagine how easy it was to get access yesterday. When we finally got on, you would randomly get thrown off two clicks later.  I swear, it was worse that Ticketmaster.

In the meantime, I spent waaaaaaay too much time trying to find access to the book elsewhere on the web.  I found links to many chapters on other schools websites, but not the chapter I needed.  Then I hit the jackpot and found a teacher somewhere in Oregon who posted her login information on her syllabus.  Of course, it ended up being the wrong version of the book.  

Finally, I found a place where I could sign up for a student subscription for book access for $23. In my extensive online "research," I found numerous schools where each child was given an individual login. Quite frankly, our county can afford it.  But regardless, it seemed like a small price to pay (for my sanity) so I signed up.  I breathed a sigh of relief until I checked my email and got a message saying it would be 24 hours/1 business day until I would receive login information.

Y'all, I can't even.

By 8:45 tonight, we had reasonably uninterrupted access to the online book, so we copy and pasted all the text he needed into a Word document, just in case.  By 9:15 he was clearly exhausted, so he'll have to hit it again tomorrow.   Matt hates doing homework on Sunday, but it can't be avoided this time.  Thankfully, there is no football on TV to compete with, so hopefully that will make it a little easier. 

I hate school projects.

Miss Miny

If you are my friend IRL (in real life) or even my Facebook friend, you may have already seen this.  If not, let me share it now.  This past August when the school year started there was a new crossing guard on duty at Gracie's school.   There have been a number of them over the last 8 years, but this one is something special.

First, let me say that Hermina Weaver (or Miss Miny, as we call her) is 87 years old.  87, y'all!  Every morning, she is out there in her perfectly pressed uniform, face made up and always, always with a hat on her head.   There are 1,000 kids at this school....arriving on foot, bike, car or bus.   And she directs all the traffic.

It was not a smooth start to the year.   Not by a long shot.  Traffic was backed up in every direction.  There was no flow.  Parents were angry.  Students were late.   In short . . . not good.

But the sheriff's department sent out an officer to work with for a while and according to her husband (who I met at a breakfast in September for her, the bus drivers and safety resource officer), she practiced at home in front a mirror on weekends.  And while she continued to get better, I'd like to think the people in our community got a little got a more patient.  And now, she's got the job down pat.

There are so many things I love about this article; her faith, her desire to keep busy and meet people and how her husband fell in love with her while roller skating.  Roller skating, y'all . . . be still my heart!

Age no barrier for 87 year old Brentwood crossing guard

Click and read . . . you'll be glad you did.  I hope I'm as joyful as she is at 87.

First Day of School!

It's the first week of August, so while my Midwestern friends and East coast friends are off on summer vacation, we're back at school.

August 5th, y'all.  #whathappenedtosummer   

However, as I consoled my children, "It's only a half day."

Matthew is now a 7th grader, which seems a whole lot older than a 6th grader.  Sort of like waking up at 4 am is waaaaaay earlier than waking up at 5 am.  Something happens in those 60 minutes, because it's a whole lot longer than an hour.   Just ask the dark circles under my eyes.

Although he tried to avoid it, I managed to get a quick back to school photo before he left this morning.  I tried to snap a couple, but he had already started walking out of the frame.  #actionshot

He came home reporting his "social studies teacher is sooooo mean. "   I met her. She has a 2 year old and an infant.  Girlfriend is just tired.   I reminded him that strict is not bad and that if he follows directions and does his work he will do just fine.  #adviceforlife

Back at the elementary school, this little nugget started 5th grade today.  I made her look decidedly uncool by asking her to pose for a picture in front of the school.  I remembered a photo I snapped on the first day of kindergarten and wanted to have a side-by-side comparison.  #mamasaid

Oh my.

Gracie just got off the bus and was full of stories.  She got a teacher who is very good, but considered tough and no-nonsense. As Gracie has coasted through the grade school with nary a worksheet for homework most nights, I think this will be good preparation for middle school.    Matthew had this same teacher for math and science when he was a 5th grader and liked her, so I suspect Gracie will do just fine.   Plus she wound up with a couple of her besties in her class, so that will make things easier, I'm sure!

Here's to a great year!

Today was the "Back to School" bash at Gracie's school.  We already know our teacher, so there wasn't any official business to take care.  I was busy with PTO stuff, which meant Gracie was busy, too.   Of course, she found plenty of time to connect with all her friends!   I was happy that before things got too busy I was able to snap this picture of my 5TH GRADER.

I'm going to whip out one of those "old people sayings" and say that it really does just seem like yesterday that she was starting kindergarten.

Not only does this picture make me miss that sweet little girl, but also that awesome bus driver, Mr. Mack. 

Matt has his "Back to School day" tomorrow.  We've seen his schedule, but other than the band teacher and Science teacher (who is his cross country coach) I don't know a single one of them.  Of course, as soon as we finish with the formalities, I have to sell spirit wear and Matthew will get put to work distributing school supplies.  #PTOkidproblems

Back to school in 2 days.   

Sigh.

Big, busy days . . .

So iit's been a big couple of days in these parts.  

This past fall, both of my kids served as leaders at their school with the "Treats for Troops" program.  Kids can donate Halloween candy, which is then taken to Ft. Campbell and shipped to our troops overseas.  The Nashville Predators help sponor the program (the Preds Head Equipment Manager is a neighbor and married to a KES teacher and he makes it happen!) and help transport the candy to Ft. Campbell.   During hockey season, both kids got to a game where they honored Treats for Troops and  the student leaders (appearing on the scoreboard, of course!). 

Well, yesterday the representatives from the Predators also stopped by assemblies at both schools to say THANK YOU.  Matt and Gracie got recognized for their efforts and got a picture taken with one of the players who came along.     

This is the Preds center, Craig Smith. We bonded over our midwestern roots (he is a Wisconsinite) and as nice as can be (and let's be honest, not bad on the eyes!).  

Tuesday night was equally fun.  Matt had his end of the year band banquet.  In addition to receiving his first place medal from the solo contest, he was among 5 6th graders to receive the "Outstanding Musician" award!  So proud of this kid! 

But of course, we topped all that today when we celebrated THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!   I'm offiically on sabbatical from making lunches and checking homework and I couldn't be happier. The kids had a great last day with class picnics, signing yearbooks and enjoying time with friends.  Despite being finished with school, the next week will be extraordinarily busy.  Hopefully, we'll find time to kick off the 5th annual Nashville Summer Ice Cream Tour!

Middle school jinx?

I almost feel like I'm going to jinx it by saying it out loud/typing it on the blog, but Bassam and I just returned from the middle school open and house and I REALLY like all of his teachers.  Except for the fact that his science teacher looks 15 years old, there were no red flags or "uh oh" moments.    

Don't get me wrong, I think the next three years will be easy or drama free . . . but so far, 6th grade is off to a great start. 

*knock on wood*

And away we go . . . .

Today was the first full day of school and once again, everyone came home with a smile on their face!  Hooray!  We are quickly settling in to our "regular" schedule. . . . whatever that is!  I don't feel like I have a good grasp on it yet and need to spend sometime updating my calendar.   Somehow that task keeps getting put off, so I think what I need to do is print out all the times for practices, meets, concerts, recitals and meetings and update my calendar while sitting waiting in the car.   One things is very clear . . .I'm going to be spending a lot of time there.

Here's to an organized school year!  Cheers!

4th and 6th graders in the house!

First.  Day.  Of.  School.

Not only that, but first day of school with kids in TWO schools.  First, we dropped off the middle schooler.  And by "dropped off" I mean slow-the-car-down-and-he-jumped-out.  No pictures with teachers, no admiring new school supplies in his desk and his name on the classroom door.

Y'all, he STYLED HIS HAIR THIS MORNING!

Was thrilled that when I picked him up after school he still had a smile on his face (and his hair still styled!).  He told me he thinks he was worried for nothing and middle school is pretty cool.

"For now," mom thinks quietly in her head, trying desperately not to jinx things.

And he loves his reading teacher.  The words "Matthew," "love" and "reading" all in the same sentence.   Hooray!! 

Next was the redhead.  Not only did I get a picture with the new teacher (Mrs. Wood) this morning, but with our pal Will, the principal, and great friend, Amelia.

And for all these reasons I love elementary school, although it was insanely convenient when Matt TEXTED ME to let me know he was coming out of school at the end of the day so I would be watching for him.

Note to self:  Middle school car line sucks.   Avoid at all costs.   

And if the first day of school wasn't exciting enough, it's also my sweet husband's birthday.  No big celebration in the works,  as he's on call and has been late every night this week.  We're going to grab dinner at our favorite Mexican place when he gets home and celebrate with the rest of the family on Sunday.  Hopefully, things will have calmed down by then.

*fingers crossed*

Summer vacation is officially over--but for the record, the Nashville Summer Ice Cream tour continues through Labor Day!

Back to School bash

When did this happen?

I know this wasn't exactly yesterday . . .

But it sure doesn't seem like 6 years ago.   

*Where-has-the-time-gone musings concluded*

Check, please!

School doesn't start for 4 days, but somehow it feels like we are back in full-on "school mode."   

This morning, the kids at I were at KES at 7 am to help host a Welcome Back breakfast for the teachers.  Gracie was thrilled to see all her old teachers and was busy sizing up the 4th grade team.  Matt was showered with comments about how much he's grown and questions about middle school.   As he seems to spend a lot of time feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable with attention lately (not my favorite side effect of growing up/puberty), he managed to muster a reasonable amount of enthusiasm. 

From the breakfast we headed to Dr. Moss for Matthew's 12 year check up and sports physical.    He has decided to run Cross Country, so there was a form to get filled out before practice starts later this week, too.   As it turns out, the teachers' comments about Matthew growing were well-founded, as he is 2 inches taller than he was last year at this time.   

After lunch, Matt and I were off to Woodland for Back to School Day for 6th graders.  We got his locker, team assignment and schedule.    

We put a shelf in his locker and we added a couple of magnets (all the decoration he was willing to consider) and he practiced opening it.   I asked if he wanted a small mirror for the door and he replied, "What for?"

#thedifferencebetweenboysandgirls     #whoneedsamirrorwhenyoulookthisgood

Mom has a bit of anxiety about his team assignment (which is a really long story), but I'm trying to stay positive and keep an open mind.  He was thrilled to find he has focus period (study hall) at the end of the day and that his pal, Sam, was in his homeroom.

As for me, I was thrilled to write 6 SEPARATE CHECKS at Woodland today.  One for PTO membership, one for INVEST (fundraising), one for an athletic pass, another for standard fees, one for band fees (seriously? I already bought the trumpet!) and a last one for Cross Country fees.    

We didn't even order a Woodland t-shirt yet.