Heartbreaks of Childhood...

It took forever to finally be able to order my replacement iphone. First the AT&T website was having issues, then tried to order it over the phone but the salesgirl couldn't access the refurbished phones for "an upgrade", then I could finally access the website and the phone I wanted was sold out. So kept checking back until FINALLY... they had a iPhone 4 16G available for $99... not in the white like Child#1 really wanted but in black. I figured we'll get her a really need cover/case anyways when this phone becomes hers.

So it finally arrives and I get everything restored to the last time I sync'd the phone... yeah two months ago... DUH! Everything looks great. The new screen image is amazingly clear.

Everything great right? Wrong.

So Child#1 asks if she can use my phone to call her BFF who she hasn't talked to since the "Lost the Phone in HEB" incident. So she calls her friend and we discover that the phone doesn't work unless its on speaker. They can hear us but we can't hear them. NICE! So I guess that's why it needed to be refurbished. Luckily it is still fully covered as though it wasn't a refurb... now to find the time to go to the AT&T store.

But the truly depressing find was that Child#1's BFF is moving away. Her mom got a new job in San Antonio and they are moving in a few weeks. Her mom has been staying with a friend in San Antonio during the week while she works and BFF has been staying with her various grandparents at the same time. Her mom says they will be coming to Austin often but I know how that can go... after a while it becomes a hassle and they won't come as often. But maybe we'll be able to still set up occasional sleepovers and such.

Child#1 is trying to be strong and brave but I know she is just devastated. She's been friends with BFF K since 1st grade. Her other BFF N she's been friends with since Kinder but she's going to be going to a different school when they start middle school next year. And her other close friend E that she made this year will also be moving when its time to start middle school.

Why does it have to happen like this? Most of her Posse will be split up within the next year with the start of middle school. Especially when she's gonna need them the most. It just sucks. I remember how hard it was, we moved from NJ at the beginning of 6th grade/middle school to TX. Suddenly being the new kid in school sucked. I didn't want her to have to worry about that, at least I was confident while the school would be new she would still have her friends to fall back on.

It just breaks my heart knowing that she isn't gonna be able to hang out with K after school anymore. Or during school.

At least I'm so glad they got to have the time this past spring when K came over after school each Wednesday afternoon and they got to just hang out together.

I can see its gonna be a good thing that we have unlimited calls, text & data on our phones... otherwise its would be very EXPENSIVE! I need to find out if K has a laptop with a camera so they can at least Skype together.

Last Day of School...

Hubby got home about mid morning right before it was time to take Child #4 to Pre-K. She didn't hear him come in so when I called her downstairs she squealed on the middle of the stairs and launched herself into his arms. Yep, she was happy Daddy was home.

After taking Child #4 and a friend to school, Hubby and I went to lunch. Then it was time to hit the End of the School Year class parties. Four of them. This year and next year are the only years where all four kids will be at the same school at the same time. Next year they will be in for the same hours since Child #4 will be in full day Kindergarten (she better get Ms C!!!).

All four parties were outside for part of it. In that lovely Texas heat! Thankfully it was only up to 94 degrees while we were outside. Seriously were they trying to give us heat stroke? Could have been worse, it hit 100 degrees two days earlier. The older three were surprised to see Hubby since they didn't know he was going to be home so early on Friday and he doesn't usually get to come to the school parties.

It's official. The 2010-2011 school year is now OVER!! It's summer vacation.

Child #1 is very happy! She doesn't have to wake up early in the mornings.

Child #2 is also happy because he doesn't have to wake up early or do "reading" anymore. Little does he realize he will still be doing reading this summer.

Child #3 is conflicted. He LOVES school so much. He loves his teacher, he loves his classmates and his special friend, and he loves learning. But he is happy about not having to wake up early.

Honestly who are they kidding?? Okay so I'm not waking them up at 7am, they are all awake by 8am anyways. Okay Child #1 will sleep in later if the boys don't wake her up.

Child #4 is indifferent in that classic Child #4 way.

Report cards came home and were awesome all around.
Child #1 ended up with straight A's for the year. She was quite proud of how well she was able to bring her grades up from the B's of last quarter.
Child #2 was able to show marked improvement all around and his teacher was so impressed with how much progress he made in reading & writing.
Child #3 maxed out in just about everything just like we knew he would... my little brainiac. Child #4 improved her oral language from 6 yr 4 months to 10 years 2 months! Which means she has the vocabulary of a 4 grader! She's not even 5 yrs yet! We definitely saw that learning spike in her speech... she's always been a talker once she decided she wanted to talk but its increase exponentially this year. Seriously get her alone and she will overwhelm you with her constant stream of verbal conscientiousness. She'll make your ears start to hurt and your head spin.

Sadly we will be missing Child #1's teacher Mrs. F. next year. Between the budget cuts and the soon arrival of her first child she won't be returning to Jollyville next year. So wrong that we lose those amazing young and vibrant teachers to the budget just because they were the most recent hires. I'm hoping that in a few years she'll be back...

So now its time for sleeping in (HA!), loose schedules, lazy & carefree days, fun in the sprinklers, and lots of trying to not kill each other days.

Piano Recital

So Child#1 has been taking piano (midi) lessons at school for two years now. Tonight was her end of year recital.

She did great, no mistakes, good tempo and didn't have to stop and find her place on the sheet music.

It would be amazing how much better she could play if she actually practiced. She has such natural talent... but practice would help. She decided last month that she didn't want to do piano anymore but she couldn't just quit with only 6 weeks left! Besides she has a duet and it wouldn't be fair to quit on her partner like that. So she soldiered on and finish out the year but I don't think she'll play next year.

Maybe one of the other kids would want to take piano...

The Posse spend the night again...

Child #1 had a slumber party for her birthday earlier this year. I had to limit the number of people to 3 friends plus Child #1. Her bedroom floor is only so big. It was difficult for her to decide who to invite because her "Posse" as I like to call them numbers about 4 + her in her class and two more in one of the other 4th grade classes. She decided who to invite

Unfortunately not all of her "Posse" were able to come, especially her BFF K. So I'd promised her that she would be able to have another sleep over with some of her friends again. So she invited two of the friends that weren't able to come last time and her other BFF.

Hubby has drill this weekend before going out of town for two weeks... so why not, let's do it tonight. So two of her friends (J and BFF K) came home with us straight from school. Her other BFF N came over later after her Girl Scout end of the year party. So there were 4 giggly 10 year olds in the house tonight.

Again it turned into a nail salon with me painting everyone's fingers & toes.

But everyone was asleep by midnight!

Two Birthday parties and a Slumber party all in one day...

Today was birthday party day.

Child #1 wanted to have two parties. One that she could invite her whole class to and one that would be a slumber party. Her first slumber party at our house. She's been to several slumber parties over the years but this would be our first.

Child #2 wanted Star Wars... again. So that's what we did. Again. I think this makes his third Star Wars party... boy sure does love Star Wars.

To make things a little easier on me, I decided we would again do the park for the class invite parties and that both parties would be "at the same time" again. The slumber party would be later that same night.

Overall things went well considering it was also the first day of Spring Break. Not as many people were able to come because of that but it was a good turn out and everyone seemed to have fun.

Child #1 wanted to invite her entire Posse (as I like to call them) of friends which is about 7 girls but I limited the number to 3 other girls... her bedroom just isn't that big for 6 other bodies to try to sleep in there. Two of her friends weren't going to be in town so she invited the three that were going to be in town.

Lots of giggles, pizza and me somehow getting sucked into nail salon mode painting fingers and toes half the night. Child #1 was quite happy with her party. I also promised her that she would be able to have the other friends over another time.

Now I'm very tired...

Why yes is DOES snow in Texas... a little

We had another snow day today. An INCH! Okay so that doesn't sound like a lot but it is a record for us. Previous record was 1/2 inch in 1906 at Camp Mabry. Now there are other places around Austin that have recorded larger amounts over the years but that is one of the official weather stations. It is located in an area surrounded by lots of streets and tons of cement/asphalt which holds the ground temperature heat in.

Anyways, the kids enjoyed it. Well Child #4 lasted about 10 minutes then she was done... ready for some hot chocolate and a blanket inside.



Snow Angels.

Snowball fights with the neighbors.

And of course the ubiquitous snowman. Okay so he wasn't huge but hey we only got an inch or so of very very dry powder. It didn't want to compact at all.

I've currently got a Turkey roasting in the oven. Stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls... Just like Thanksgiving... seems appropriate since we have real winter weather today.

Camping at Enchanted Rock

Hubby took Child #1 and Child #3 camping to Enchanted Rock last night. They all had a good time and enjoyed hiking up the Rock this morning... until Child #3 fell and landed with his hand in a prickly pear cactus.

Then he was done and ready to go home. NOW!

Needless to say wasn't the greatest ending to a fun trip but at least he does still remember having fun.

May the Force Be With YOU!!!

It was "May the Force Be With Katie" Day.

A sweet young 1st grade girl was told that girls aren't allowed to like Star Wars by the boys at her school.

That is so wrong on so many levels. All four of my children love Star Wars. We are a proud Star Wars family... my two young boys would NEVER think to tell a girl that Star Wars is only for boys. They love it too much to not include everyone.

So to show our support for Katie all four kids wore Star Wars shirts to school today.

I have been getting the daily countdown...

Only a week until... only 5 more days... only 4 more days... only two more days until...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1

This is going to be hard. I don't know if Child #3 is ready to see Deathly Hallows. Each of the movies has gotten darker and darker themed as they go, very much like the books. I'm not sure if he's ready to watch it. He is only six. Admittedly he is a strong six who isn't easily frightened or scared. Especially by movies. He is known to tell me "its not real, its just a movie". While I love that about him I also don't want to push it. But he wants to see it soooooo bad. He is sooo excited about it. More that Child #1 and Child #2 combined... and Child #2 wants to see Voldermort (his favorite) really bad.

Maybe I'll take Child #1, who isn't frightened by movies... she LOVED the orcs (eeew they are ucky!!) in Lord of the Rings and the "boneheads" (skeletons) in Pirates of the Caribbean when she was three, to see it first and I'll be able to decide if Child #2 and Child #3 would be able to handle it in the movie theatre or if we should wait until it is released on DVD. Easier to cover eyes when you know whats about to happen ahead of time.

We shall see, we shall see.

Only one more day...

First day of School 2010-2011

It is that amazing day today. All FOUR children will be in school at the same time and at the same school... well for the next two years then Child #1 will shift to 6th grade at Middle School.

HOLY SNIKIES!!!!

How did I suddenly have four children in elementary school? How did this happen? Where did all the time go? Wasn't my oldest just starting school the other day? Heck wasn't my youngest just born a couple of months ago?

What?... that was over 4 years ago? GET OUT!!! No it wasn't. It wasn't. I deny that statement. Can't possibly be true... can it?

So I couldn't get to sleep last night, too many things running through my head. Not to mention that big ole pile of paperwork from Meet the Teachers night that I had to fill out. Talk about getting writers cramp... filling out school district info in QUADRUPLICATE.

Blargh!! My poor widdle hand was sore.

Child #1 set her alarm apparently at 6 AM (WTF?!?) and she came in and woke The Hubby up around 6:25AM (5 minutes before my alarm went off) to let him know it was time to get ready for school. I got up and went into the boys room to wake up Child #2 and #3. The Hubby for some unknown reason decided to wake Child #4 up. Why? Neither of us has any clue. Her class doesn't start until 11:45 AM and she certainly didn't need to be getting up at 6:30 AM.

Everyone got dressed and was downstairs for breakfast. I made breakfast and packed lunches for everyone to take to school.


So after a tasty breakfast of toasted bagels, apple slices, oatmeal and fruit smoothies we loaded everyone up and headed up to the school. We parked on the backside and walked up. It was so weird it was about 7:30AM and there weren't very many cars around, the car line was empty and there just didn't seem to be hardly anyone around.

School starts at 7:40AM and it is usually a mad house of cars lined up to drop off kids. There weren't very many of the school safeties manning the dropoff spots either. It was just kind of weird.



Child #1 turned and went off down the main corridor through the big double doors to her new area of school. All the 4th and 5th grade classes are on the other side of the school with the gym and cafeteria between them and the rest of the school.

So off she went strolling down the hallway with her backpack slung on her shoulder... like a teenager heading off to High School or something.

Very very scary.

I'm not ready for her to grow up so fast.

We walked the boys to their classes. The halls still weren't very full, there were only 6 other kids in Child #3's class. It was like everyone forgot to come to school or something. Just very weird.

Child #2 almost walked into his old classroom (old habits) but then slide right into the groove of the morning routine... drop lunch box into the basket, remove papers from backpack, hang up the backpack on the hook... go sit down in at the table. He was even helping some of the other kids. Hopefully that will be something he can do though out the year, be a leader and help some of the other kids out.

Once the boys were in their classes we headed back to the house with Child #4. I went back to sleep for a while and Hubby and Child #4 hung out and enjoyed the quiet morning together for a while.

Then it was time for Child #4 to head to school. She was excited but also nervous. She was trying to hide the fact that she was a little nervous.

It was a mad house in the front hallway with all the parents milling around waiting to drop off their kids. They were so loud and noisy just milling all over the place.

One of the first things it said in the packet of papers we received on Meet the Teacher night was that the first day of school we were to take the kids back to the classroom then everyday after that we would meet her in the front hallway before class. NONE of the other parents were following the directions. So we just walked on in and went straight back to the classroom... the rest of them started to follow a few minutes later.


Child #4 was intently watching everything that was going on in the class.

Again, I think all the parents milling all over the place was making her nervous, I noticed quite a few of the other kids seems to feel the same way. Finally it was time to say our goodbyes and let the class get started.

We walked up to the front hallway, I wanted to wait to get a picture of the "Duck line" when they all heading over to the cafeteria in a few minutes. It took over 20+ minutes for the class to come out because I'd say at least 75% of the parents wouldn't leave the classroom. I get how hard it can be to leave your child but come on people, they tell you over and over again that it is better to do a quick goodbye instead of standing around getting in the way of the class getting started.


Finally the class was able to leave and head to the cafeteria for lunch. Of course I didn't get a very good picture of Child #4 walking in the duck line. But she seems to be perfectly happy and didn't seem to be upset about being there.

The Hubby and I decided to go and have lunch. It was nice. We had gyros which were quite tasty. Then because we were so full we went back to the house and took a nap. LOL! It was a totally funky day... rush rush to get the kids to school... slow quiet time... rush rush to get #4 to school... lunch... slow quiet time nap... go to pick up the kids and wait in a 20+ minute barely moving car line after the release time. Everyone was there to pick up their kids it seemed like. The car line went almost 1.5 blocks up the next street... it was totally insane. It is rarely more than a couple of cars past the entrance/exit into the school parking lot but it was down the block, around the corner and down the other block. INSANE!

Meet the Teachers Night

Last night was the annual "Meet the Teachers" night at JVE. We went up to the school and got to see who was going to be academically molding our children's minds for the next year. We were able to show all the kids where their classrooms and desks were going to be. Also dropped off the various school supplies that I'm so glad to have out of the house before someone feels compelled to open and use some of them.

Child #1 will be entering 4th grade. We met her teacher last night. Apparently she was a floating substitute at JVE last year because she knew Child #3 (while he was in PreK) really well. Of course everyone who meets Child #3 remembers him... he isn't nicknamed Mr Personality for nothing. LOL! One of Child #1's best school friends is in her class, they were so happy to see each other they were practically attached at the hip all evening. They want to be in Girl Scouts together so it looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of this friend this year. Thankfully she is a very sweet and genuine child.

Child #2 will be staying in 1st grade again this year. While it was a difficult decision I do honestly believe it was the right one. He needs that little bit of extra time to truly find his footing. He is excited to be in his class. He has Child #1's first grade teacher this year. I really liked Mrs. B when Child #1 had her. She worked with Child #2 last year when they would rotate the kids who were at the same levels between the 5 classes. So she knows his "tricks" for various things already. She can be very no-nonsense when it is needed so I'm hoping that will help to keep him focused and on track.

Child #3 got the Kinder teacher Mrs. C. I was so hoping he would get. She was the student teacher in Child #1's Kinder class then she hired fulltime and got her own class the next year. She knows his PreK teacher really well and understands his IQ level and will definitely keep him occupied and interested. Its wonderful to have a young excited teacher. Hopefully he will go into the TAG program next year.

Child #4 starts PreK this year. HOLY SNIKIES!! She is so excited and Mrs. W. can't wait to have her in the class. She was sad to see lose Child #3 (he is such a charmer) but was resilient because she was getting Child #4. I think all the parents in the classroom was a little bit intimidating for Child #4, she isn't usually around that many very loud adults in a small area. Once we were back out into the hall she was all smiles and bouncing along.

Looks like we have four strong teachers this year. Yeah!

The first of many Science Fair Projects...

Child #1 was required to do a Science Fair Project this year as a third grader. I don't think I did my first Science Fair Project until I was in seventh grade. Well Child #2 wanted to do one too. He isn't required to as a first grader it is optional.

So after much thought Child #1 decided to do hers on Volcanos and Child #2 decided to do his on the Saturn V rocket.

Definitely need to start the project much sooner than the week before. Yep, Hubby and I were up late the last night making sure every thing was finished and dried.

Child #1 received a 1st place blue ribbon.

So did Child #2. He was so proud of his rocket. He did most of the actual painting, I just did a little bit of the clean up and put the stickers on straight for him.

I really like how they award the ribbons. There isn't a single 1st, 2nd or 3rd place ribbon for each grade, it is figured off total points like a grade. So each child is only completely against himself really.

Date night with Child #2

Child #2 and I had a little date night. Originally Hubby was going to take Child #1 to see Avatar at the IMAX theatre but he forgot that she had piano on Tuesday after school until after he'd bought the tickets.

So Child #2 and I get to go instead. He was sooooo excited. While we waited until we could get in line to go into the theatre we checked out the museum. The IMAX is inside the Bob Bullock Texas History museum. Its a very cool place. We also picked up a Texas Rangers Deputy star for him...

Afterward the movie, which was AMAZING, we went out to dinner, his choice... some place that has shrimp. The boy does love his shrimp. So we went to Red Lobster. Not exactly my first choice but its what was open near us. Food was okay but he was happy and that's all that mattered.

Tomorrow night Child #1 and Hubby get to go.

A few rambling moments from earlier today...

Earlier I was listening to the foursome singing offkey and a smash version of Jingle Bells, Rudolph and a song I can't quite put my finger...

So I just spent 5 minutes chatting with Hubby on IM and Child #3 and Child #4 just wiped out an entire 2 POUND container of strawberries!! Seriously!?! The entire container? You'd think I never feed these hooligans.

Marathon Kids

For four years now we've done Marathon Kids. I have to say that this year was the most disorganized year to date. Every year they have called everyone down by grade. Why they always started with fifth grade, then fourth, then third... then kinder, first grade and finally second. Why have the oldest start first never made any sense to me. Yeah have the youngest kids with the shortest attention span wait longer than older kids who have patience.

Yeah that makes A LOT of sense... NOT!

This time instead of having everyone sitting in the sections by school (per previous years) and calling everyone down by grade is was done by section only. Which turned into a free for all. VERY POORLY planned!

This year thankfully we didn't have the heat to deal with like two years ago but it was misty rain most of the time. The only time it wasn't rain... when they were doing the non-stop speeches. While I understand how much work it takes honestly a bunch of elementary students just don't have the patience to sit through 45 minutes of speeches... most of which you couldn't really hear anyways.

And they only had the kids run 3/4 of the lap this time, in the past they did almost 2 laps. Really didn't feel like much of a run for them.

Kids enjoyed it which is what is important...

Influenza Type A -- Round 1

Child #1 started to complain about a sore throat Sunday. She also had a nice fever of 100.5 and was extremely hoarse. She didn't do too much talking... she kept giving me written notes.

This morning when I went to check on her to wake before school... she was burning up. Temp of 103.3 and no voice. Total lack of energy too. So it was off to visit the Pediatrician.

This child was definitely sick. She just looked so washed out and exhausted. While we were waiting in the exam room she was so tired she laid down on the bed... she never does that.

She tested positive for Type A flu but at least she was negative for Strep.

We also tested Child #3 and #4 because they were with us at the office. Both were negative. Okay that's good. So its only hit one of us so far.

We started her on Tamiflu. She's now out of school for the rest of the week.

Time for large quantities of Vitamin C for everyone. Vitamin C until your pee changes!!

There was an almost 20 minute wait to check out at Walgreens. Apparently the Flu has struck Austin. While we were at Walgreens I picked up this awesome new thermometer from Vicks. Its amazing. I figured I might as well get a really easy to read thermometer if I'm going to be walking around checking all the kids' temps all week to see if anyone else is getting sick. They all think its really cool.

Let the school know that she tested positive. Apparently about a quarter of the school has been out sick... nice that they gave us a heads up about that. I also talked personally to each of the kids' teachers to let them know.

First Day of School

Yeah, its a little bit dark in the picture but what do you expect at 7:15 am in the morning.

I suppose I could have taken the picture outside but its been the tradition to take the pictures in front of the front door. Ignore all the magnet toys all over it. Its the only metallic surface in the house... stainless steel appliances don't like magnets.




Child #3 was suddenly a little nervous once it was time to get in line.


But then he was okay.



And the long line of Pre-Kers heading off to their first day.

Meet the Teacher Night

So tonight we Meet the Teachers. Should be interesting.

The older three are very excited. It will be nice to get these bags of school supplies out of the house before someone tried to open and use everything again.

Child #4 thinks she's starting school too. I've have to explain to her a couple of times that not this year.

Countdown to School

So its less than a week until school starts.

I can't believe I have a Third grader, a First grader and one starting Pre-K.

Okay it still irritates me that they refuse to allow Child #3 to start Kinder because his birthday is 3 weeks after the "cut off". He is soooo ready to start school. He knows his letters & can write them, can write his name, can identify so many words, can count to 100 and is more than mature enough socially. Hell he shares better than most kids his age but nooooooooooo! His birthday is 26 days after August 31st.

Yeah that's a real good reason to have him wait another year. Personally I think it should be on a case by case evaluation if the parents wish them to start.

Anyways, I've sorted through clothes for the new year. We've acquired our much needed school supplies. Even bought stickers to put on each of their pencil boxes so they will be personalized. Backpacks are labeled and ready. Just need to do haircuts. The boys are easy and I'll do them myself but I'm thinking about taking Child #1 to KAOS and letting them do it this time.

Seriously??

And so it starts... I was just Instant Messaged by Child #1 (the 8 yr old) from upstairs on her laptop...

She's out of crackers...

Now I'm a food delivery service?? And why does she have crackers upstairs in her room??