Middle School is kind of like Santa...

Only without the presents.

Layne was out sick for the first time in middle school yesterday.  She tested negative for strep, but the pediatrician still didn't like the look of her throat and we were on day 10 with Layne feeling worse, not better, so we got some antibiotics.  Our appointment was at 2:50 p.m.

By the time we left the doctor's office, went to Publix for the prescription, and got home - Taylor Road Middle School had sent me an email and left a voicemail on my cell phone letting me know that Layne was absent for all periods of the school day.  When we walked in the door at home, the phone was ringing, and it was a recorded message letting me know that Layne was absent all day.  I then had to acknowledge on the recording that I was aware of the absence.

I told the kids - it's kind of like Santa - they know when you're sleeping, they know when you're awake, they know if you've been bad or good - and they are going to tell your parents!

Layne seemed to do better last evening and the plan was for her to go to school today.  She woke up saying she didn't feel good.  I gave her the talk, that she needs to try and go to school as she told me she had 3 tests today.  I explained that it would be pretty stressful to have to make up all that work.  Matthew called me shortly after I left with Joshua that Layne was crying and saying she couldn't go to school.  So she has stayed home.  Hopefully she pulls it together to go tomorrow.  I explained to her that 3 days out is a big deal.

Still waiting to hear back from Ocee regarding the request to change classrooms for Joshua.  I waited patiently for a week (you know that is hard for me) after getting my hand slapped in an email from the Curriculum Support Teacher that she explained the process was no changes the first 10 days of school.  Well, we are now at the close of 14 days of school and I need an update!

We have had some cloudy skies and rain from Hurricane Isaac.  But we need the rain. So far no rain for Jacob and Layne getting to or from the school bus.

It is interesting that even though Jacob and Layne do not have any classes together, and are rarely even in the same hall as Jacob is in TAG, it was really stressfull for Jacob to go by himself yesterday.  I think she keeps him on schedule more than I realize - as he missed our stop coming home yesterday because he was reading on the bus and not paying attention.  His response was "Layne usually tells me when it's our stop". Yes, I can actually see that situation without even being there.

"He's Sexy and He Knows It"

There is a popular song right now on the radio from LMFAO - it is called "Sexy and I Know It".  Not sure where Joshua first heard the song.  He knew the song from last year.  It does have a great beat and is really intended to be fun.  But definitely not something we play or encourage.

Here is a piece of the original:

All of us have liked the parody "I'm Farming and I Grow It".  Very creative.  Melanie likes the part "I work out.........................side".

 


Yesterday while Joshua and I had some time together (Layne, Jacob and Matthew were at church), Joshua asked me to play on the radio "I'm Sexy and I Know It".  I went through and explained that I can't just pick a song like dad does from his Ipod touch, it just has to be on the radio.

He thought for a minute and then from the back seat I hear:

Joshua: "I know what sexy means."
Mom: "Oh, okay." (absolutely not sure I wanted to have this conversation).

Long pause.  Then,

Joshua: "Do you want me to tell you?"
Mom: "Sure."
Joshua: "It means looking good and wearing awesome clothes".

No, I did not wreck the car and I am so glad he couldn't see my face.  So, just in case you hear Joshua say "I'm sexy and I know it", he means he is looking good!

I guess he gets this from me, I hear from my mom and dad I could do a really good version of "Afternoon Delight" around age 6 years. 

11 years ago today

Layne and Jacob were born.  I cannot believe they are in Middle School.

They are still doing well adjusting to a new school, much better than I had anticipated after all of the drama of last Spring and this Summer.

Didn't do much this year.  Went to dinner at Ippolito's on Saturday night with Grandma and Papa Jack.  Sunday (their actual birthday) they told us they needed to stay home from church as they had too much homework.  And, they actually did homework all morning. 

Sunday afternoon we went to Sprint and activated their phones.  They each now have a cell phone.  We discussed this is a trial period to make sure they can use them responsibly and take care of them.  They cannot have their phones in their rooms after bed time and they must leave them in their lockers during school. And - mom and dad have the option of checking their phone call log and text messages whenever we wish.  Just some early rules.  I am sure more will come.

They went to Sunday Evening Catalyst at church with Matthew.  The United Methodist Men provided a cookout for the kids and Matthew helped.  Andy Webb sang Happy Birthday to them also.

When they got back we went over to Grandma and Papa Jack's with a birthday cake and oreo ice cream so we could sing Happy Birthday, too.

First day of School

Jacob and Layne seemed to resign themselves to the fact that Middle School was inevitable.  We didn't have a lot of drama this past week or weekend.  I think going to Catalyst at JCUMC (the 6th grade program on Sundays from 5:15 to 7:15 and then Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:30 really helped ease some anxiety from kids who had "been there done that").

Don't get me wrong - they were appropriately anxious, difficulty sleeping last night, Jacob had stomach ache last night, Layne had stomach ache this morning - but all normal for such a big transition.  It also helped a bit to point out that they at least have someone else who is sharing this while Joshua is going to school without  sibling this year.

This is getting ready this morning -

   Layne making sure she has her schedule and knows exactly where to go.  Matthew downloaded a map of the school and marked all their classes so they knew exactly where they were in the building. '

Jacob showing a bit of his nerves.

 Dad helping Joshua put on his tie with his button down collar shirt and camo pants for the first day of school.  He laid this outfit out last night very carefully and very thoughtfully so he had just the right look.  He also got home made pancakes on the first day (he better not count on that every day).

Joshua leaving for the bust stop with Mom and Dad.  His bus leaves right at 7:04 a.m.  I thought I got a better picture than this - but this is it -

This is the obligatory "waiting at the bus stop picture".  Still not a very good one.  Joshua started to worry that he didn't remember where his room was, or what his teacher's name is, and that Jacob and Layne were not there to get him to his classroom.  So, Matthew drew him a map that he could take with him.  Joshua insisted that Matthew put down his cell phone number in case he needed to call Matthew.  (NOT that Joshua has a phone - but we did it anyway - he should make a good Cub Scout - trying to be prepared at an early age).

Layne and Jacob leaving the house.  It was about 78 degrees at this time outside and they were freezing - tells you how hot the summer has been for them, huh?  They look much more confident not that it is "go time".

And the obligatory "waiting at the bus stop" picture for Layne and Jacob.  I threatened to cry and give them big smoochy kisses but they would have none of that so I behaved.  Matthew was very grateful that the SUV that eventually pulled around the bus at the stop before us while the bus had his red lights on - was pulled over the Johns Creek motorcycle officer.  Thank you Johns Creek for being out in force today.

It did hit Layne this morning that they would be going to the bus stop in rain and cold this year and that she might actually need to wear pants.  We shall see.

Layne and Jacob came in the house about 4:40 p.m.  They were both happy and talkative and sharing.  The Jacob noticed that he hadn't written anything in his agenda and Layne had notes for the whole week for most of her classes - he got a little quiet at that point. I tried to gently remind him that I was not going to be included this year from his teachers and I was not going to be able to remind him of assignments - that this was up to him.  He will get it - it will just be more than likely the most painful way.  Layne can't believe how much she had learned already on the first day of school.  She has already completed her assignment due on Wednesday and planning her study time for a test next week Friday.

Went to pick up Joshua from Prime Time.  Miss Pippin is there again and in charge of the K and 1st graders.  Just love her and so glad she is there!  Joshua seemed pretty excited about his day.  Sounds like the map helped, but that he was looking on the wrong side of the hall and had to ask someone for his actual room.  You know - it is hard to keep track of right and left still.  He has a really organized teacher this year - her organization so far is feeling very positive for my little ADHD kid.  He is still disappointed that Jack is not in his classroom.  He did tell Matthew that he met a really nice girl in his class, but couldn't remember her name.  He decided he needed to make sure he got her name tomorrow.

I went over with Joshua tonight his "identification tag" that they make all kids K through 2 have on their back packs.  It includes Name, Teacher, Grade, Address, Parents Names and parent work and cell phone.  He wanted to know if he needed to call our work number first or our cell phone number first if he needed us.  Hopefully he will get settled soon.

They all 3 went to bed pretty good. So this is 1 down 187 to go, right?

He's Home

I was so anxious.

Jacob called from the car on the way home about 10:45 a.m. to make sure we knew to be at the church at 11:00 a.m.  I could hear the conversation from upstairs.  He sounded good.  Matthew did get in the question "So did you have fun?" and Jacob did answer "Yes".

We got to church about 11:00 a.m.  They already had the trailers unloaded. 

Which means we got to watch this poor guy try and get the remaining trailer strategically parked between two others.  He had quite the audience and quite the vocal help.  We stayed out of it.

One of the major instructions was that parents were NOT to touch any luggage.  Getting the luggage to the car was the responsibility of the Boy Scout.   So, Jacob started out light.   Just the sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Then he tried to carry his trunk by himself and couldn't quite do it alone.  So his plan was going to be take the trunk apart and carry it piece by piece.

And then this very nice, older Boy Scout, came over to help him carry.

This is all of his stuff in the back of the car - and the smiling faces of Joshua and Layne.  They wouldn't tell Jacob they missed him, but they sure gave awfully good hugs.

This is a very bad picture.  But wanted to put one out for the memory.  This is Mr. Dave Pfeifer, he is the Scout Master for Troop 3143.  His sons are in their 20s now and this is his last year.  We are very lucky to have him this year.  He kept a close eye on Jacob.  He helped him get through the week.  He told us when we were at church that Jacob had a great time at camp.  He also warned us, that Jacob would probably tell us he didn't like it - yeah, we did know that one already - but very nice of him to warn us. He went on the 5 mile hike around the lake and was able to earn his Mountain Man patch this past week.  This is the leader who came out to the car when Jacob went to his first Troop Meeting and got Jacob to come in from the car. 

Here is my happy camper - it was so good to get a hug from him - a wonderful Jacob hug - after a week away.

Just Busy

No pics, just some info on our day.  Layne had a good time at camp again, not as much fun as yesterday though.  Today she had to work a bit harder and is tired, so the excitement level wasn't quite there.  Layne did tell me about all the competitions she won, that did seem to perk her up.  Really glad she is doing so well and having a good time.

Josh is enjoying his time with Gramma and then he gets to come home and play with the neighbor Sammy.  Ah, those wonderful days when you didn't need to eat or bathe, just enjoy life with no worries.  Joshua is on the stinky side so there is a bath in his future.

We hope Jacob is having fun and surviving camp.  I'm sure there will be some struggles, but as long as the overall experience is positive it will be a good thing for him.

Jennifer and I are both busy with work, waiting for these next pay days to come around so we can rub two pennies together again.  I did get the dishes in the kitchen sink done after the long drought without water, that was a minor miracle.

Parties, Rainbows, and Camper of the Day

The Pinewalk neighborhood had their opening Pool Party this past Saturday.  Melanie came down with Marisa and Layne following GS Camp so they were able to be here again.

They had a caricature artist there for a couple of hours.  I didn't figure that out, but the girls did and they got their caricature completed.  Joshua really wanted his done, but the artist stopped at the person before him in line.  Joshua actually handled it really well.  I was prepared for tears, but I distracted him with "go get Daddy to play with you in the deep end".  (Sorry Matthew)

Here is a picture of Marisa and Layne getting their caricature completed:

They had The Varsity come and provide hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and onion rings for dinner.  Here is Mitchell wearing his Varsity hat - "What'll ya' have?":

Tonight coming home from work I saw the most beautiful rainbow.  It was actually a double rainbow but you can't see it in the picture.  I took this in front of Publix this evening.  It was really bright at some points.  I haven't seen a rainbow since the last time Mom, Melanie and I went to the Container Store.  We went again yesterday, wonder if that is a coincidence or a sign?

Today was the first day of Chattahoochee Girls Basketball Camp for Layne.  Oh it was so painful this morning.  Wouldn't get out of bed, didn't want to go, started crying, was hugging her stuffed animals, wouldn't brush her teeth or do her hair - ended up being about 30 minutes late.  It was horrible (for me).  Sounds like the coach and the girls on the team really pulled together for Layne.  She ended up having a fun day.  Is excited about tomorrow.  And.....drum roll please.....She got The Camper of the Day Award today.

I am still worrying about Jacob.  I can't even begin to imagine the amount of gray hair I will have by the end of this week.  I am grateful for hair coloring - not so excited about the expense.

At least we haven't received a call from Boy Scout Camp....yet.  I will keep my fingers and toes crossed that we haven't scarred him for life (with this camp experience).