Today was our first parent/teacher conference. It went AWESOME!!! I just have to say that I'm very reassured now that our move was definitely the right decision for him, and he has a great teacher and school. They push to make sure his needs are met, and I know the other district would have just let him be bored and push him through no matter what.
So, report cards came and he only had 2 "needs improvement" subjects.
The first was "using high frequency words in kid writing." The reason behind that is because they just started Kid Writing very recently so she gave all the kids the same grade on that. The Second thing was his fine motor skills. She gave him needs improvement because he needs practice with the scissors. And I seriously laughed when she said that, and explained how they told us that before, and we had the big scissor incident where he cut his shirt, hair and beloved simba's mane and tail hair. So we've discussed that yes, he can use them, weirdly enough in the wrong hold. So they want him to push to use them in the proper hold, and if it is worse that way over time, he can go back to whatever way is easier for him. Same with holding the pencil. He can do a really nice job writing, but he holds it somewhat weird with all 4 fingers on the side of it, instead of that thumb/finger hold that they want. Again, push to hold it right and if the writing gets all crazy again, let him do whatever way will work for him.
He is doing above and beyond with his sounding things out and trying to write what he is thinking. When she translates it into real spellings, he remembers it immediately. My kid has a sponge brain apparently. When he learns a new word, he insists on writing it multiple times on the backs of his worksheets. New things he is obsessed with recently is blurbs and he has been making pictures that they are "talking". And exclamation marks. She recently explained those and he is all about "excited writing" and uses them everywhere.
Reading wise, he was assessed as advanced and as far as they are allowed to do for a Kindergarten child. I spied on the form and it showed him at a mid 2nd grade level, but they are not allowed to put him that far. He is going to be in an advanced reading group in 1st grade, starting next Tuesday. He will go for a half hour every day for this, and the books he will be reading will be level 10. I told him about it earlier and he is beyond excited. The books he reads here are level 1's and 2's, and they are very simple to him. I'm getting him a bunch of level 3's for christmas, but these are a different type of level books that he will be using at school. So when he hears the level 10, he is super excited because he's "never seen level 10's before!"
She says not only is he reading without mistakes at the level they are putting him, but he fully comprehends it as well. I'm very excited for him to start next week and to hear how he does.
I also met with the 1st grade teacher that will be working with him, and the principal to discuss the reading group switch. Everyone was really great and act like they truly care.
So overall, she says he is very social, listens without any drama at all, and is a "very cool kid" and she loves to work with him. So I'm finally reassured that waiting was best because last year would have been harder for him to sit and listen like this. He has calmed down a lot and truly loves school.
AND, the counselor is going to be contacting me because they can talk to him and try to figure out what is stressing him out or making him have these sleep issues. He still has the sleepwalking/night terrors a few times a week. I explained that it didn't start after our move right away. It was within a few weeks of school starting that it started and I just feel like he needs to talk to someone so we can see how to help with this. If that can be done with the one from school that he already knows, then great. Otherwise, he has an appt in December for his 6 year check up, and we can talk about a referral to someone then.
All of this was great news and I can finally feel happy about school.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday!
I have lots on my mind tonight. So here we go with another long, random post.
First of all, I still love the diva cup. My life is so much easier without my usual drama. Although, this time I've discovered that 3 months of nothing, leads to more drama no matter how it's handled. I hope that things slow down really soon because tomorrow will be day 4 already. It feels like there is no end in sight. But, those of you that have talked to me for years and supported me during the very scary times, I can honestly say it's no where that bad.
Because of cramping and all that wonderful extreme stuff, I have not worked out this week. Other than walking to and from school and the playground the past few afternoons. It's not like it's even a good fast paced walk either on the way back because the kids are all exhausted and dragging their feet.
Kristopher has been begging to go to the playground every day after school. Why? Because his friend, who is a girl but is so NOT his girlfriend, goes everyday. They jump up and down all crazy when we say we will go, they grab hands and they walk together the entire way. Then they play tag and hide and seek and chase each other down the slides for 1/2 hr or more. Until one of us mothers gets too cold and says we're done for the day. Then, they hug at least 3 times. But they are NOT boyfriend/girlfriend and turn all red and embarassed when we say it. It's pretty cute.
Today, his little friend who's a girl but not a girlfriend, got sick at school. He was upset that she had to go home early, but said she really needed her mommy because she got very sick. I asked where, because they sit at the same table. Luckily, she made it to the bathroom and no one had to witness that. I remember barfy kids in the middle of class. It's sorta tramatic.
We got the first report card. The grading scale is:
C: Consistently Strong
D: Developing, more practice and exposure is needed.
N: Not meeting expectations.
He got all C's, except on 2 things. He got D's on "uses high frequency words in kid writing", and on "demonstrates fine motor skills." I don't know exactly what the high frequency words are, but I know that he needs to try harder with coloring to slow down and stay in the lines better. To him, it's a rush to finish it, so he can take his time drawing on the back of the papers. Everything he brings home, has a ton of stuff written on the back, or pictures, or both.
The school nurse also put in some info saying that they did the weight & height in Sept. He was 54lbs then, and 50 inches. My kid is way taller than everyone else. Almost a head taller. It's crazy. OH and they do the BMI info and lecturing already too. He was at 43% which is not quite the middle of normal, but I still find it a bit nuts that they are doing a full page lecture about kindergartner's weight. Some of the kids in his class still have a very much younger, baby chubby look to them. I don't know. I just think they could save it for when the kids have more understanding too. But then again, I guess some parents are just down right ignorant when it comes to their child and need to be told the harsh truth.
Ok, now I'm getting really tired. I have more to write but it can wait for tomorrow.
First of all, I still love the diva cup. My life is so much easier without my usual drama. Although, this time I've discovered that 3 months of nothing, leads to more drama no matter how it's handled. I hope that things slow down really soon because tomorrow will be day 4 already. It feels like there is no end in sight. But, those of you that have talked to me for years and supported me during the very scary times, I can honestly say it's no where that bad.
Because of cramping and all that wonderful extreme stuff, I have not worked out this week. Other than walking to and from school and the playground the past few afternoons. It's not like it's even a good fast paced walk either on the way back because the kids are all exhausted and dragging their feet.
Kristopher has been begging to go to the playground every day after school. Why? Because his friend, who is a girl but is so NOT his girlfriend, goes everyday. They jump up and down all crazy when we say we will go, they grab hands and they walk together the entire way. Then they play tag and hide and seek and chase each other down the slides for 1/2 hr or more. Until one of us mothers gets too cold and says we're done for the day. Then, they hug at least 3 times. But they are NOT boyfriend/girlfriend and turn all red and embarassed when we say it. It's pretty cute.
Today, his little friend who's a girl but not a girlfriend, got sick at school. He was upset that she had to go home early, but said she really needed her mommy because she got very sick. I asked where, because they sit at the same table. Luckily, she made it to the bathroom and no one had to witness that. I remember barfy kids in the middle of class. It's sorta tramatic.
We got the first report card. The grading scale is:
C: Consistently Strong
D: Developing, more practice and exposure is needed.
N: Not meeting expectations.
He got all C's, except on 2 things. He got D's on "uses high frequency words in kid writing", and on "demonstrates fine motor skills." I don't know exactly what the high frequency words are, but I know that he needs to try harder with coloring to slow down and stay in the lines better. To him, it's a rush to finish it, so he can take his time drawing on the back of the papers. Everything he brings home, has a ton of stuff written on the back, or pictures, or both.
The school nurse also put in some info saying that they did the weight & height in Sept. He was 54lbs then, and 50 inches. My kid is way taller than everyone else. Almost a head taller. It's crazy. OH and they do the BMI info and lecturing already too. He was at 43% which is not quite the middle of normal, but I still find it a bit nuts that they are doing a full page lecture about kindergartner's weight. Some of the kids in his class still have a very much younger, baby chubby look to them. I don't know. I just think they could save it for when the kids have more understanding too. But then again, I guess some parents are just down right ignorant when it comes to their child and need to be told the harsh truth.
Ok, now I'm getting really tired. I have more to write but it can wait for tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
For my memory
It's day 1. Last cycle was 77 days. I'm suffering today. Very bad. Most of this one was herb free and med free. When my head is clear, I need to make some decisions because this is not happening again 3 months from now.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
More on the yuck
I figured it out. Whatever I had going on 2 weeks ago, was a good sign, because the wonderful spotting is here. And extreme tired. And beyond moodiness. And lets not forget crampy and achy-ness. It's been since the very beginning of Sept, so obviously it was extremely late. Now I must decide if it's time for more herbs, or take a few more months off from it with the holiday rush about to begin. The positive to it was something clearly happened on it's own. I've been herb free since I was sick in October and on the antibiotics.
In other news, it's raining and nasty here. The kids were ready for nap early, so I've decided to catch up on shows I've recorded, and to catch up on blog reading. I'd love to nap but I know I'd feel worse if I slept an hour, than just waiting till bedtime. So many more hours to go. Ugh.
In other news, it's raining and nasty here. The kids were ready for nap early, so I've decided to catch up on shows I've recorded, and to catch up on blog reading. I'd love to nap but I know I'd feel worse if I slept an hour, than just waiting till bedtime. So many more hours to go. Ugh.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Yuck
I feel like crap lately. I spent the first 3 days of last week doing good with the working out, eating better, etc. Thursday the kids didn't come, and I had a lot of other crazy stuff going on. (insert, got a new couch and it was drama)
Friday the kids didn't come that day either, and I manged to find time for a hair cut. And lunch with my mom, and lots of other things that kept me from working out. The weekend was another list of reasons not to do it. Last night I had planned to work out, shower then bed at a decent time. But last night it was a headache and overall blah feeling. I was in bed by 8:30. Very very rare for me. Of course I woke up so many times last night that it wasn't even funny. So here we are at Monday. It should be a fresh start and get me ready to make things right. But, I woke up extremely tired again. And a tension headache. And I just feel very not myself. I'd love nothing more than to go back to bed and stay there for the rest of the day. But of course today I can not do that.
And, it looks like it's about to rain any minute. Great. Can today just be over already??
Friday the kids didn't come that day either, and I manged to find time for a hair cut. And lunch with my mom, and lots of other things that kept me from working out. The weekend was another list of reasons not to do it. Last night I had planned to work out, shower then bed at a decent time. But last night it was a headache and overall blah feeling. I was in bed by 8:30. Very very rare for me. Of course I woke up so many times last night that it wasn't even funny. So here we are at Monday. It should be a fresh start and get me ready to make things right. But, I woke up extremely tired again. And a tension headache. And I just feel very not myself. I'd love nothing more than to go back to bed and stay there for the rest of the day. But of course today I can not do that.
And, it looks like it's about to rain any minute. Great. Can today just be over already??
Friday, November 12, 2010
A new school update
Today I opened Kristopher's folder to find a letter. All sealed and scary looking. It was the kind my mother use to get on very many occasions with my brother. The ones saying something else that he did that was bad and out of line. I was instantly scared to open it.
So, after that minute of fear and asking him if he did anything that he knows his teacher would be telling me about and him saying no, I opened it.
I come to find out that it is not something bad. It says:
"I was able to address Kristopher's reading level and ability at our kindergarten team meeting. We decided that we could better support his abilities by having him attend a reading group on his level in the first grade classroom....."
And a bunch of stuff after that which I'm not going to write out and give too much info publicly. But anyway, I was shocked. He will have his specials, lunch and afternoon activites with his regular kindergarten class, but for the reading part of things, he will be in a first grade classroom. We get to talk all the details at our conference in a little over a week and it is going to drive me crazy until that point. He won't be starting things till we discuss it all further, so it looks like after thanksgiving break, changes take place.
It makes me feel a lot better and feel like we've definitely made the right choice with the move. He's getting a better chance with this school. They are clearly paying attention and took my concerns into consideration. And, I feel like I've done something really right because he was home with me for almost 6 years. Obviously I didn't ruin him by making him stay home with me. Like some people may have believed when I said I was not going back to work. But anyway, not going to be negative this time. I just wanted to share the happy news. I don't think I will fear those letters till I have a reason to now.
And, in other school news. We had a little heat wave this week and it's been great weather for going to the playground. Each day that he does great and his light isn't on, we go to the playground right after school. A little girl was going too, and they were beyond excited to be going together. A minute later, they are walking hand in hand. And then when we leave, they hug. Today he runs out full speed and says he had a great day, his light was not on, and can we PLEASE go to the playground with this little girl. I said he had to ask her mom and he went and asked without being shy. She said they were planning on going, and both kids jump up and down and are all cute. Again, walk holding hands. Looks like he has a girlfriend. But, I am not allowed to call her that because it embarrasses him. They are "just friends!" Friends that hug...and hold hands....and give each other love glances. Ahhhhh......It starts!
So, after that minute of fear and asking him if he did anything that he knows his teacher would be telling me about and him saying no, I opened it.
I come to find out that it is not something bad. It says:
"I was able to address Kristopher's reading level and ability at our kindergarten team meeting. We decided that we could better support his abilities by having him attend a reading group on his level in the first grade classroom....."
And a bunch of stuff after that which I'm not going to write out and give too much info publicly. But anyway, I was shocked. He will have his specials, lunch and afternoon activites with his regular kindergarten class, but for the reading part of things, he will be in a first grade classroom. We get to talk all the details at our conference in a little over a week and it is going to drive me crazy until that point. He won't be starting things till we discuss it all further, so it looks like after thanksgiving break, changes take place.
It makes me feel a lot better and feel like we've definitely made the right choice with the move. He's getting a better chance with this school. They are clearly paying attention and took my concerns into consideration. And, I feel like I've done something really right because he was home with me for almost 6 years. Obviously I didn't ruin him by making him stay home with me. Like some people may have believed when I said I was not going back to work. But anyway, not going to be negative this time. I just wanted to share the happy news. I don't think I will fear those letters till I have a reason to now.
And, in other school news. We had a little heat wave this week and it's been great weather for going to the playground. Each day that he does great and his light isn't on, we go to the playground right after school. A little girl was going too, and they were beyond excited to be going together. A minute later, they are walking hand in hand. And then when we leave, they hug. Today he runs out full speed and says he had a great day, his light was not on, and can we PLEASE go to the playground with this little girl. I said he had to ask her mom and he went and asked without being shy. She said they were planning on going, and both kids jump up and down and are all cute. Again, walk holding hands. Looks like he has a girlfriend. But, I am not allowed to call her that because it embarrasses him. They are "just friends!" Friends that hug...and hold hands....and give each other love glances. Ahhhhh......It starts!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Day 2, double ouchie
Wow. I know that the p90x is suppose to be hard core but all I can say is wow. I only made it 22 mins into this next work out and I truly could not go on. I'm so exhausted and sore everywhere. I can barely do the steps. I feel weak and pathetic today. Tomorrow is a new day, and I will push myself to do a lot more than today. For now though, this is me falling to the floor and just sleeping there. THUD.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Healthy starts NOW
Today I started p90x. All I can say to that is OUCHIE! And I seriously suck. I can not do one single push up on my own. I was able to do lots using the exercise ball and a way that I saw before on another dvd. And I can really feel the burn. I have not bought resistance bands, or a pull up bar yet because I was trying to figure out if this is something I will stick to. So, on those parts of today's work out, I did extra push ups, and then did a 10 minute abs and back work out that I found on demand. The muscles hurt. I feel like I truly had one heck of a work out.
Now, I do not plan to make everything super strict diet wise. I'm watching portions, and I'm going to quit snacking after supper. Unless it's for a special occasion. And, I've limited myself to one cup of tea today, and drank a ton of water. Since moving here, I've been lacking with water. I drink entirely too much iced tea. So day one is pretty good and I feel very positive about it all.
My main goal right now is to lose some fat, drop at least 15lbs, by my main goal is around 25-30. Then, in the spring if everything is still wacky, I'm going to do an entire work up again, and see what our options are (baby wise). I think once things finally start up again here, I'll also start the herbs again. I need them.
So, here we go with a new adventure and for once, it's actually looking like a program that might work and that I might be able to stick to. I like it.
Now, I do not plan to make everything super strict diet wise. I'm watching portions, and I'm going to quit snacking after supper. Unless it's for a special occasion. And, I've limited myself to one cup of tea today, and drank a ton of water. Since moving here, I've been lacking with water. I drink entirely too much iced tea. So day one is pretty good and I feel very positive about it all.
My main goal right now is to lose some fat, drop at least 15lbs, by my main goal is around 25-30. Then, in the spring if everything is still wacky, I'm going to do an entire work up again, and see what our options are (baby wise). I think once things finally start up again here, I'll also start the herbs again. I need them.
So, here we go with a new adventure and for once, it's actually looking like a program that might work and that I might be able to stick to. I like it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tests....
Just some helpful info...Do not go to dollar tree, with an 11 month old and newly 2 yr old, and buy only a test. The cashier will give that look of pity and sigh loudly.
The said test was negative a few days ago. I'm still wondering though because I am way overdue, but back when I was sick, I quit herbs. So of course it's not unusual for it to be long missing. But now I have clear progesterone increase going on, and cramping. But nothing else. It really makes me wonder late at night. I'm not sure which would be the best option for cheap but accurate tests, and to avoid the horrible dollar tree lady again in the same week.
Anyway, just late night thoughts that really don't mean anything. I mean, I've played these mind games before. That's all it is. There is no way that it can be more. In a few days I'm sure my long lost friend will reappear and make my life miserable. That little part of me that is still really stupid is just thinking too much tonight.
It doesn't help that I've had some really out there dreams about pregnancy and new babies. Not nice to do to someone who's already crazy. Not nice at all....
Goodnight....I'll update more on this in a few days if I get the courage to waste more money.
The said test was negative a few days ago. I'm still wondering though because I am way overdue, but back when I was sick, I quit herbs. So of course it's not unusual for it to be long missing. But now I have clear progesterone increase going on, and cramping. But nothing else. It really makes me wonder late at night. I'm not sure which would be the best option for cheap but accurate tests, and to avoid the horrible dollar tree lady again in the same week.
Anyway, just late night thoughts that really don't mean anything. I mean, I've played these mind games before. That's all it is. There is no way that it can be more. In a few days I'm sure my long lost friend will reappear and make my life miserable. That little part of me that is still really stupid is just thinking too much tonight.
It doesn't help that I've had some really out there dreams about pregnancy and new babies. Not nice to do to someone who's already crazy. Not nice at all....
Goodnight....I'll update more on this in a few days if I get the courage to waste more money.
Monday, November 1, 2010
And the last...
And here will be the last of our Halloween and Trick or Treat pictures for this year. The ghost costume ripped at school on Friday, so we made a new one for the big trick or treat night on Saturday night. He opted for blue hair. 
And the others are from Friday. Miss Danielle was a ballerina kitty or something. All I know is that the little tights and her chubby legs was just too cute. And she had a headband that has cat ears so she would look at people and go "meow" in a little squeaky voice. It was so stinkin cute. And she insisted on wearing it all day. 
And the others are from Friday. Miss Danielle was a ballerina kitty or something. All I know is that the little tights and her chubby legs was just too cute. And she had a headband that has cat ears so she would look at people and go "meow" in a little squeaky voice. It was so stinkin cute. And she insisted on wearing it all day. 
And both of the little people together. Matthew was a cranky monkey and had some amazing monkey screams for the full effect. 
So that sums up our halloween with our favorite little people. The monkey costume was reused from Danielle last year, so it will be interesting to see how much bigger they look next year. She looked pretty much the same as him, just more hair. And Zoey didn't participate in anymore pictures. Her hat embarrassed her too much. She better be around for next year for some more torture. I'm thinking a bumblebee or butterfly.....
So that sums up our halloween with our favorite little people. The monkey costume was reused from Danielle last year, so it will be interesting to see how much bigger they look next year. She looked pretty much the same as him, just more hair. And Zoey didn't participate in anymore pictures. Her hat embarrassed her too much. She better be around for next year for some more torture. I'm thinking a bumblebee or butterfly.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)