Recess? What recess??

Avery's teacher wrote me a note Friday saying that they had worked it out with the fifth grade teachers, and they would be going outside some days before lunch. They have been out one day this week, and they obviously won't go out today because of the rain. She also put in the note that she appreciated me working with them, and being understanding. Hmmm. Avery told me yesterday that he only has PE one day a week for this six weeks. Only a small part of the fourth grade will get a second day of PE. Sometimes I feel like I'm just making this stuff up. Have I mentioned that they also have 90 minutes of reading every day? Avery overheard the principal talking in the cafeteria about the reading. She said the county decided that because their scores were down last year. She doesn't like it either, or at least that's what Avery got from the conversation. I knew his nosiness would come in handy at some point!! Oh, I found out one more thing this morning. Avery said that in the mornings they can't go into the classroom until the whole class is there. So, they leave the gym and go stand outside the class for a few minutes. What's the point of that? All along I've tried to not voice my concerns too much in front of Avery. I'll ask him questions about stuff, but I usually try to wait and gripe when he's in bed. I'm having trouble keeping my opinions to myself lately. I don't want to add any stress to his day. I feel like he's got enough going on already, so I'm going to try to stop rolling my eyes at his teacher. At least in front of him. I'm not committing to anything else. I don't think he has any down time in his day. Tuesday he had a 4-H meeting, so they weren't able to go out for recess because they were behind. I feel like his day is too structured and strict. This week I don't think Avery will even get the 90 minutes of exercise that the law requires. He definitely won't get the 20 min. a day that the Department of Education recommends. Keith and I are planning on meeting with the principal and/or teacher soon. I'm waiting until next week because this week isn't a good one for me. I don't want to read the headline in the paper, "Premenstrual mom attacks teacher over recess!"

Sunset

We were outside playing tonight, enjoying our backyard and cooler temperatures, when I noticed the awesome sunset. I couldn't get a shot without a house in it. That's what you get when you live in a subdivision. Anyway, I like the picture even with the house.

Thankful Thursday

Here are the things I'm thankful for today. Some of them are random, and some just silly, but I'm thankful just the same.

I'm thankful for:

• healthy, happy, whining children (if they weren't whining, something would be wrong)
• the love of my life being by my side everyday
  
• our new home
• finally finding a church home that feels right
• coming to my senses and putting Chloe back in a diaper after trying underwear for a little bit today (honestly, I'm not ready)
• knowing that it's okay to wait and potty train my daughter until I'm ready
• not being afraid to stand up for what I believe is right for my kids
• having the most comfortable couch in the world
• three children that are good sleepers
  
• the trees in my backyard (and a little bit of grass too)
• getting to hear my kids say their prayers
• Chloe's songs that she sings
  
• making it through the day with a two year old that didn't nap
  
• my nine year old who doesn't 'feel right' at night unless I tuck him in and tell him goodnight (he also thinks he loves me more than I love him)
• a half day of school tomorrow
  

Recess update

So, here's the latest in our little drama. Last week I wrote a letter to Avery's teacher asking her about recess. She wrote me back the same day, and basically told me it was a scheduling problem. There are portables outside next to the playground, and the teachers in those have asked that no one go outside before 12:00 because of noise. After lunch Avery's class has science, social studies and specials. There is a girl in his class that has to have an aid with her for science and social studies, so that cannot be changed. So, basically, they don't have time. After getting this back from his teacher, I took a deep breath and gave myself the weekend to calm down. Then yesterday I wrote her back (oh how I miss email!) and just let her know that I was planning on talking to the principal this week to get more information. From the beginning, I've been as nice as I possibly could, and haven't gone into it trying to accuse anyone. After hearing back from his teacher, I just decided to assume that it was beyond her control, even though I really didn't believe that. I hope that doesn't sound bad, but I just knew that I wouldn't get anywhere by assuming the worst. From the very beginning, Keith and I both felt that it really was her decision, but I was holding out hope that I was wrong. Well, today I found out that I wasn't wrong. I called the principal, and just started out by asking about their policy towards recess or any other info like that. They don't have a policy. Bummer. Anyway, I got around to the question that I really wanted to ask. Do other fourth or fifth grade classes have recess? The answer, yes. Basically Avery's is the only class that doesn't. She didn't say that exactly, but she also said that she didn't know they weren't going outside. She said that his teacher is less likely to stop doing work to go outside. She's more concerned with good test scores in the spring. You know that stupid standardized test that we all dread? Avery isn't going outside or getting any down time because of that test. Seriously? I know the state places a lot of emphasis on the scores, but it sounds like a flawed system to me. So, the principal did say that Avery's teacher came to her yesterday and told her about it, and they are going to try to find some time that the kids can go outside. I guess I'm happy that they are trying to work it out, but I'm not satisfied. They will only be going out on days that they don't already have PE. Also, she said that something could be worked out even if it meant they go for a walk in the front parking lot. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm willing to give it a chance. We'll see how things go in the next couple of weeks. I didn't mean to write a book about this, but I guess you can tell that I feel very strongly about it. I feel better now.

Funny pictures...

These are just some random pictures of Chloe that make me smile. I hope they do the same for you.

Wedding pictures

Chloe's chugging her cheerios!


This is what Chloe did during the rehearsal. She's not asleep, just laying in the floor eating yet another snack and playing.










I'm finally getting the pictures from our weekend on here. We really had a great time. I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted to. I took tons at the rehearsal and some at the hotel, but I didn't get any at the reception. Oh well, I still had trouble deciding which ones to put on here, so I guess that means I took enough.
Chloe and Kiley had so much fun at the hotel. Chloe couldn't quite understand why her Granny couldn't be at her beck and call, but luckily she had Kiley to keep her occupied. I think Chloe enjoyed having a girl to play with for a change! She was worn out after being so busy, and she would just go right to sleep in her very own big bed! I never thought staying in a hotel room with three kids could be so easy, especially with a two year old.

No recess?!

Here's the latest drama at my house. Avery informed me this week, that he doesn't get a recess. I don't mean that he lost it, but that his class does not get to go outside and play. The first month of school was so hot that nobody went outside, so it's just in the past couple of weeks that I was wondering why Brady was going out, but Avery wasn't. I think the kids kept asking about going out, and the teacher told them that they don't have time. She said that they are in fourth grade now, so they don't need it. I haven't talked to the teacher yet, so I really don't have all the information. I know Avery might forget the details, but I also know he wouldn't just make up something like that. I also know that they haven't been going outside, so at this point I'm assuming that what he's told me is correct. I have to keep reminding myself that there is no need to get all worked up until I talk to his teacher. I really miss being able to email their teachers. I would have already had some answers by now if I could email. So, I'm sending a note to her tomorrow, and hopefully I'll get something back in the afternoon. I keep hoping for the best, but I'm not confident this is going to get settled to my satisfaction. See, there I go, getting ahead of myself! Anyway, I just feel really strongly that they still need a recess. From what Avery says, they don't really have any down time, and that's just not right. What do you guys think? Am I crazy to expect my elementary age kids to have recess? Aren't we trying to encourage the next generation to be more active and healthier?

My boys!!

We have had a busy, but great weekend in Florida. Thad and Stephanie got married this weekend, and the boys were all involved in the wedding. Brady was the ring bearer, Avery was an usher, and of course Keith was a groomsman. I have tons more pictures of our weekend, but I just had to share these tonight. I think they are all three so handsome!!

What a cutie! (don't tell him I said that!)

We were all outside playing one day recently, and I was just snapping pictures, trying to get some good ones. When I downloaded the pictures I was surprised at what a great picture this turned out to be. Brady doesn't usually stand still long enough for me to get a really great shot. He's also usually making some goofy face or running from me, so I was so excited about this one. You can actually see his eyes, which is nice since they're normally hiding under his hair. Anyway, I just had to share this one. I'll try to take some pictures of the boys with their haircuts I made them get yesterday!!

House picture

I'm finally getting around to posting a picture of the house. This is the only room that's neat enough to post, but maybe some day the rest of the house will be blog worthy! I really like how everything turned out, but I can't take the credit. My sister-in-law went shopping with me. She has an eye for that stuff, and I don't! (Thanks again!) I guess if you want to see more of the house sooner rather than later, then you'll just have to come visit!!

Happy Anniversary!

Today Keith and I have been married for 12 years! Wow, I can't believe that it's already been that long. It doesn't seem like it has been twelve years, but I can't really remember being without him. In the past 12 years, we have lived in four different states, moved eight times, had three kids in three different states, changed jobs three times, and bought two houses. It's been better than I could have imagined, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the future. I am so blessed. Happy Anniversary Keith!!