This afternoon John, Kelli and I revisited Northeast School for their 10th anniversary celebration. Johnathan attended K-5 there in their early years. I loved Northeast, Parent involvement was a requirement for enrollment. We had to volunteer 26 hours a year for him to be there. Was never a problem for me, seemed like I lived there sometimes, with being a Scout Leader, helping in the classroom and the various after school activities that always went on there.
It was nice seeing the teachers and other staff. It was amusing to see the look on their faces when they would ask John what grade he was in. Hard to believe he's on his way to high school. They had musical entertainment, a very nice buffet and the halls had pictures, scrapbooks and yearbooks from the past years. It was fun to see the pictures of John when he was just a little guy, especially since he's taller then me now.
I'm so glad that I decided to take the kids. I didn't want to do anything earlier and had made up my mind that we weren't going, but you know how kids are. They harped and nagged me until I gave in and for once I'm glad that they didn't give up. (but don't tell them that)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sometimes I Just Want To Scream
So often we hear that todays kids don't respect authority. We hear how out of control they have become. We blame T.V., Video Games, Movies etc, but maybe we are overlooking one major factor, the people that are raising them.
Tonight I attended my son's 8th grade graduation. For the past three weeks we have received many notes on graduation etiquette. The administration at the school asking that people show a little decorum during the ceremony. Simply asking that parents would show respect for all the kids. They explained that they would like all to hold applause and cheers till after the presentation of diplomas, so that all parents could hear their childs name called. They again reminded parents before they began. Unfortuantely it fell on many deaf ears. Some followed the rules set forth, but many did not. People yelling out, applauding, whistling and some just simply screaming. I heard my sons name, but many other names were drowned out. If all this wasn't enough, people were talking, laughing, cellphones ringing and I could hear some people making fun of what some of the kids were wearing. About 3/4 of the way through the the naming of the graduates, the principal stopped and again asked people to refrain. Did it get better? No actually it got worse. The people got louder and many were laughing when others called out. It was embarrassing to know that these were adults behaving like a bunch of animals. What a sad representation of our community.
How can we expect our children to grow up to show respect, and behave appropriately when the
very people who are raising them can't follow a simple rule? Rules that were made by the people that we have told them to listen to when they are in school. Kids learn by watching us and it is our responsibility as their role models to show them a good example.
I guess I am still in a state of shock. I laughed at all the notes about graduation etiquette that came home, because I couldn't imagine that it would be a problem. I was so wrong.
Tonight I attended my son's 8th grade graduation. For the past three weeks we have received many notes on graduation etiquette. The administration at the school asking that people show a little decorum during the ceremony. Simply asking that parents would show respect for all the kids. They explained that they would like all to hold applause and cheers till after the presentation of diplomas, so that all parents could hear their childs name called. They again reminded parents before they began. Unfortuantely it fell on many deaf ears. Some followed the rules set forth, but many did not. People yelling out, applauding, whistling and some just simply screaming. I heard my sons name, but many other names were drowned out. If all this wasn't enough, people were talking, laughing, cellphones ringing and I could hear some people making fun of what some of the kids were wearing. About 3/4 of the way through the the naming of the graduates, the principal stopped and again asked people to refrain. Did it get better? No actually it got worse. The people got louder and many were laughing when others called out. It was embarrassing to know that these were adults behaving like a bunch of animals. What a sad representation of our community.
How can we expect our children to grow up to show respect, and behave appropriately when the
very people who are raising them can't follow a simple rule? Rules that were made by the people that we have told them to listen to when they are in school. Kids learn by watching us and it is our responsibility as their role models to show them a good example.
I guess I am still in a state of shock. I laughed at all the notes about graduation etiquette that came home, because I couldn't imagine that it would be a problem. I was so wrong.
Monday, May 28, 2007
My babies aren't babies anymore
Last Wednesday, my Kelli graduated from kindergarten, much to her dismay. She was wanting to do another year. Nevermind that this was her second time around. lol She proudly told me the first day of school this past year that she was the "smartest kid in her class." She really did well this year and I think she thinks she could go for genius rankings if she hung around and done it again.
And tomorrow, no wait tonight, its after midnight, my Johnathan graduates 8th grade. Moving on to high school next year. He's had some ups and downs this year, but really got himself in gear the last 2 quarters and was awarded most improved in Science at the 8th grade honors banquet. So here we go, another milestone, I suppose.
And tomorrow, no wait tonight, its after midnight, my Johnathan graduates 8th grade. Moving on to high school next year. He's had some ups and downs this year, but really got himself in gear the last 2 quarters and was awarded most improved in Science at the 8th grade honors banquet. So here we go, another milestone, I suppose.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Forty! Who me?
Sunday May 13th- Mothers Day just so happened to be my fortieth birthday. Do I feel older? Can't say that I do. I am always amused by people who say they cried over a birthday or feel that they are "getting old" simply because of the number of years they have been on this earth.
What changes has the birthday brought me? I finally decided it was time to put a member of the family out of her misery. My dear old Bessie, 1990 Ford Aerostar whom I have driven for the past 12 years. She had 229,ooo miles on her, when I decided it was time to let her go. Poor thing, completely rusted out, at times we would have to tenderly break off parts that were jutting out, so the kids would not cut themselves on her. The AC hadn't worked in 10 years, the horn was nothing but a distant memory and the power windows worked only on one side. Her muffler had rusted and fell off ages ago and you could hear us coming, long before you seen us. While the engine was still clicking along, everything else was falling apart. Her steering wheel shook while you cruised along, the brakes were getting worse and the fumes from the exhaust were beginning to get into us. It was time to let her go. Pat and Johnathan were thrilled. Pat had wanted me to get rid of her for past several years and John, my teen found her to be "embarrassing". Nevermind that she had driven him all over the place since he was in preschool.
My poor little 6 year old Kelli however was pretty much devastated at first. She begged me to keep her. "Just keep her in the yard, we could plant flowers in her." lol I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'm sure she's headed to the scrapyard. She's hoping whoever buys her "loves" her like we did. I just let her believe that and she seems to take comfort in it. Kelli decided that she wanted to name the new van. I thought what the heck, and let her choose the name. So now The Colleens are driving in style in their new Pontiac Montana "Juliett."
What changes has the birthday brought me? I finally decided it was time to put a member of the family out of her misery. My dear old Bessie, 1990 Ford Aerostar whom I have driven for the past 12 years. She had 229,ooo miles on her, when I decided it was time to let her go. Poor thing, completely rusted out, at times we would have to tenderly break off parts that were jutting out, so the kids would not cut themselves on her. The AC hadn't worked in 10 years, the horn was nothing but a distant memory and the power windows worked only on one side. Her muffler had rusted and fell off ages ago and you could hear us coming, long before you seen us. While the engine was still clicking along, everything else was falling apart. Her steering wheel shook while you cruised along, the brakes were getting worse and the fumes from the exhaust were beginning to get into us. It was time to let her go. Pat and Johnathan were thrilled. Pat had wanted me to get rid of her for past several years and John, my teen found her to be "embarrassing". Nevermind that she had driven him all over the place since he was in preschool.
My poor little 6 year old Kelli however was pretty much devastated at first. She begged me to keep her. "Just keep her in the yard, we could plant flowers in her." lol I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'm sure she's headed to the scrapyard. She's hoping whoever buys her "loves" her like we did. I just let her believe that and she seems to take comfort in it. Kelli decided that she wanted to name the new van. I thought what the heck, and let her choose the name. So now The Colleens are driving in style in their new Pontiac Montana "Juliett."
Monday, May 21, 2007
Just for starters
Not sure just why I decided to start this or what I think I might write. I have never been very creative. Will just have to wing it I guess. Won't be anything too awe inspiring, nothing mind boggling or anything earth shattering, just simple thoughts, maybe a daily journal of sorts or most likely the ramblings of a long winded, grouchy old nurse, mom/driver for 2 pretty neat kids.
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