I Think I Need A Massage

They canceled school for tomorrow.  That means another day of kids who are bored bugging me all day.  You would think the older kids would be able to entertain themselves, but no.  I am about to send them off to get some massage training so that they can work some of this stress out of my shoulders. In the past 27 days, the kids have had four days of school.  Bob was home 17 of those days as well.  That means I have had no time to myself in weeks.  I think I might be getting close to losing my mind.

Seriously.

At this point, getting a real massage may not be a bad idea.  I have never had one before, but I have heard good things from people who have.  We have a massage school right around the corner from where I live.  I wonder if a part of their massage program is practicing on actual people?   I wouldn't mind being someone's guinea pig if it means saving some money. 

How To Eat Vocabulary Worms

As most of you know, Brandi is in a gift/talented program at school.  They are reading the book How To Eat Fried Worms, and the kids were given several choices of projects to do related to the book.  Each kid has to do three projects over the course of the next few weeks.  Tomorrow, the first project is due.  Brandi chose to make a game based on the vocabulary words.  I did not help her in any way, except to find the definitions online for the words.  She came up with the concept, and the board, and the design.

She has three different colored spaces.  If you land on a pink space, you pick a pink card, and then you have to use whatever word is on that card in a sentence.  If you land on a red space, you pick a red card and you have to give the definition of the word on the card.  If you land on a green space, you can pick either a red or a pink card.  If you can not give the definition or use the word in a sentence, you have to go back to where you were on the board.  If you land on a yellow space, you have to do what it says. (they say "go back to start" and "lose a turn")  I am so proud of her, and I hope the teacher appreciates all the work she put into this.

Career Fair

This coming Tuesday, my two oldest kids are going to a career fair through the school.  It is an after school field trip, which also includes supper at a local pizza place.  I am excited for them to speak to professionals who can give them details about the ups and downs of selecting certain careers.  I am sure they will come home with all kinds of information, from which courses to take for a particular career to and real estate business cards.   I would think that if any of these kids make an impression on one of the speakers, they might be able to line up a job for the future, or at least get a business card to keep in contact.

My problem is going to be picking the kids up.  They are both due to be back to their schools at the same time, and I can't be in two places at once.  One of them is going to have to wait, and I have a feeling it's going to be Ryan.  He's already suggesting that he walk to the public library to wait on us, and I may just let him.

Brandi's Indian Project

Brandi had to do a habitat project on any Indian tribe she wanted for a school project.  Her only criteria was that they lived in tepees, because she wanted to build some.  Of course, when it came down to it, I did more of the building and she did more of the gluing. but we got it done and I think it looks great. I know she'll get a good grade on it.

Oh and that little circle of dark stuff in the left corner is a campfire, not buffalo poop.  It didn't come out too well in the picture, so I wanted to clear that up. lol!

Do You Want To Become A Teacher?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.
 I know a few women who are teachers, and they all say the same thing about their jobs; that it is a rewarding career.  Teachers are responsible for teaching our children, and thankfully, most teachers take this responsibility very seriously.  Our children are our future.  That's not just a line from a song.  It's true.

I also have friends who are just now starting to go back to school.  At our age, the kids are getting older, and we are finding ourselves with time on our hands, and what better way to spend that time than going to school.  If you are like us, and are thinking about becoming a teacher, you should check out The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC.

This program allows you to study at home, which is perfect for us stay at home mom's.  They have an accelerated program that can be completed in as little as three months, and you can do field work close to home.  With scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs, going to school can be very affordable, too. You can find program information by clicking the link, and you can read about the program from participating students on the MAT@USC Student Blog.

It's never too late to reach your dream of graduating college.  

Is It The Right Time To Go Back To School?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you ever thought of going back to school?  It's something that I have been thinking about for a while now, and I think now is the right time.  I figure I can take the basics at a local college, and then apply online to a school where I can get a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.  That's right, I think I might want to become a teacher.

"The USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC offers current educators and aspiring teachers the prestige of earning a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from an elite research university with the convenience and flexibility of studying online."

How cool is that?  I know it will be hard work, but it will also be rewarding.  The school offers a tuition reimbursement program, which I will definitely be looking into, even though I hope to qualify for some grants or scholarships.  They also have an accelerated program, which can be completed in as little as 12 months.  I know there is so much program information I still need to look through, but I am a little excited about it. Studying from home is ideal, too, because I can do the mom thing at the same time.

I just hope that I don't let my fear of public speaking and my extreme shyness get in my way.  One step at a time, I guess, and maybe one day I will be a member of the USC Trojan family.

School Supplies

Last week, I started buying school supplies for my kids.  I am almost done buying just their class supplies (no clothes or shoes yet) and have already spent a small fortune.  Can someone please tell me why a binder costs $2.50?  And why do Ryan and Kasi have to have a separate one for each class?  And each one needs dividers, which cost another $1, and then the filler paper that is $.75 a pack...it's ridiculous. 

I also have to buy Ryan a scientific calculator, which is going to cost me $15 at registration, because they have to have a specific one.  He also needs specific colored gym shorts and tshirts.  I don't know how people who are on a stricter budget than us afford all this.  Hell, I don't know how we are going to afford all this.

Wii's in Gym Class. Really?

I know I have written before about how horrible I think my school districts physical education program is.  I mean, the kids play the wii during gym.  Is that really considered physical education?  I don't think so.  They can, and do, do that at home.  I think the schools should use the Spark PE curriculum, or something similar, to get our kids moving.  I mean, they can apply for the PEP grant 2010 and use that money on things other than wii games.  I am not sure why it bothers me so much that the kids play video games at school, but it really does.  I mean, they are always talking about the school's budget, and where to make cuts.  I say start making the gym teachers work for their paychecks instead of putting the kids in front of a television screen.  Implement a coordinated school health program, getting parents and the community involved in helping our kids get healthier.  

I am in no way saying that it is the sole responsibility of the school's teachers to get our kids moving.  I know I have to do my part as well.  My kids love to ride their bikes and play outside.  Sure, they are not on any type of sport team or structured activity, but I grew up using my imagination while playing, and my kids do the same.  I think it has made them extremely creative.  But when they are at school, they need guidance, not video games.

At least that's my opinion.

School Is Almost Out For The Summer

I can not believe that the kids only have three weeks of school left.  Their last week is three full days and two half days, which makes no sense to me, but it is what it is.  I am looking forward to sleeping in and spending time with three of my favorite people on earth.

And as mush as I am looking forward to it, I also know that Summer break will go by too fast.  Before long, Brandi will be in third grade, Kasi will be in eighth grade, and Ryan will be in ninth grade.  Ninth grade, and old enough for his learners permit.  It scares me to death to think about him operating a vehicle, and I will most likely make him wait until I think he is ready.  Who cares when the law says he can drive.  I am his mother, and he will wait until I think he is responsible enough.

The things I am dreading the most about a new school year, though, are the PTO fundraisers.  They are always the same things, year after year.  I wish they would come up with something new.   I know there are a variety of fundraising products available, they just have to look for them.   I know what you are thinking, too. That I should join the PTO and voice my opinions.  Let me assure you, that will not happen.  I am way too shy and self-conscience for that.  I may send them a letter, though, letting them know about Fast Track Fundraising .  

It is time to stop the years of trying to sell over priced wrapping paper and candy, and try something new.

Learning Poker In Online Casinos

 I am beginning to wonder what my son does at school all day.  Last week, he came home begging me to teach him how to play poker.  When I asked him why, he said he wanted to be able to join the kids at school when they play.

Wait, the kids are playing poker at school?

He said yes, they do, during one of his classes.  I can't remember which. I know it is getting to be the end of the year and all, but playing poker at school is a little wrong.  At least to me.  But, being the super cool mom I am, I decided it wouldn't hurt if he knew how to play, so I agreed to teach him.

The only problem is that my experience with playing poker is limited to the few times I played with my grandparents when we were all still living in NY.  That was quite a few years ago, and apparently, these kids play differently than I do.  So, I now have to do a little research, and play poker at an onlinecasinotx to brush up a bit.  Ryan specifically wants to learn Texas Hold Em.  I have never played this, so I will be learning it for the first time myself.

I just hope the kids aren't playing for real money.  I am pretty sure it is illegal for minors to gamble.

Cookies And Magazines

This is my favorite elephant magnet that hangs on my fridge. When Ryan was in second grade, he drew this picture in art class. As a fundraiser, you could order your child's artwork on all kinds of things, from mouse pads to magnets. I have ten different magnets, made by Ryan, Kasi, and Brandi at different ages.

Now that the kids are older and Brandi has changed schools, they no longer do this particular fundraiser. They have different fundraising ideas. One of the most popular ones was the cookie dough one. I didn't have any extra money at the time, but I have heard that the cookies were delicious. They also do magazine fundraising in all the schools. For this one, the kids bring home a booklet that I have to fill with 10 addresses, so that the school can send a book of magazine subscriptions to each address, hoping they will get an order from at least a few of them. It is really hard coming up with 30 different address, so I usually put the same ones in all three booklets. I know this is cheating, but it's the best I can do. I just hope that their Grandmother, who gets three separate booklets, can find some money to devote to philanthropy. I am waiting to see what types of fundraising they do next year, and I hope it is something different.

It will be a nice change of pace from magazines and cookie dough.

Art Show

Brandi had a performance at school last night, and before it started the parents were invited to the school's "art show". Brandi was so excited to show us the picture she painted! She told us she was the only one to paint bushes with her flowers. I think she did a terrific job! Her performance was pretty cute, too!

Back To It

The kids finally went back to school yesterday. I really want to know who decides how long these kids have off for winter break, because in my opinion, two and a half weeks seems a little excessive.

Just saying.

They all had a good first day back, and I had a wonderful, peaceful day here at home. In fact, I got a whole bunch of cleaning and packing done, and not once did I hear "it's my turn on the computer" or "why can't I play the wii". It was very nice and relaxing to just put on a CD, and spend the day doing whatever I wanted.

Until they got home, that is.

But, we are months away from another long break, and hopefully before then we will be in a new (and bigger...fingers crossed) place, and it will be nice outside instead of cold and rainy so they can all go out and play. Wow, that was a pretty long sentence. Anyway, I am off to enjoy the quiet while I can...

My Kids And Church

I have been struggling a lot lately with the fact that I do not take my kids to church. I know for some this is a touchy subject, but it has been on my mind so much the past few weeks. You see, I took my kids to a fall festival at my dads church. They had a pretty interesting way for the kids to trick or treat. Different rooms in the church were decorated for different bible stories, and members of the church dressed up as those characters and told their stories. (I say characters, but you know what I mean) After going through several rooms with Brandi, she turned to me and asked if the stories she was hearing were true.

I knew all the stories, because I had grown up in church. I want my kids to know the same things, and it finally dawned on me that I am the one that needs to lead them to that knowledge. Yes, I can be a little dense sometimes.

Living in South Carolina, there are churches everywhere. Ryan and Kasi both leave school on Fridays to go to a local church for youth lessons. They are learning bible verses, and the other day Ryan came home and told me that he got saved. I was floored. I asked if he knew what that meant, and he said he did, and he explained to me what he believed it to be. I was so proud of him, and so sad at the same time that it took the school for him to be exposed to God.

I am such a horrible mother. I thank this youth pastor for all that he has done, and I pray that one day soon Junior will agree to take us to church. Things would be so much easier if I could drive myself, but that is just an excuse. I am tired of writing about what I wish I could do, when I should be doing everything I can to make what I want happen.

Did that just make sense?

Security Training

I worked as McDonald's as a teen. I eventually became a store manager, and I still remember how serious the store was about security. At night, we all had to leave together, and though we didn't have Security Consultants come in and explain things to us, there was a certain procedure that needed to be followed. All except one manager went to the door. The remaining manager would set the alarm, and the other manager would open the door, and everyone would go out. The manager that set the alarm would have to run to get out, because I think we had about 30 seconds to lock the door before the alarm sounded.

Nowadays, there are security guards that patrol fast food parking lots. This is a pretty decent way to make a living if you can get your foot in the door. You can take California Guard Card Training and firearms training in Los Angeles if you want to break into the business. It sounds like I am talking about show business, but as with most things, it's easier to get a job if you have a little schooling, or training, for the position. I couldn't be a security guard myself, because I don't think I have it in me to shoot someone.

Junior might be able to, though. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing!

Get Campus Ready

This post was sponsored by Sears. All the opinions are mine.

As most of you know, I have been camping for the past few days. We are home now, and getting ready to get the kids back in school. I can not believe they only have ten days left until their first day back. Brandi will still be in the elementary school, and Ryan and Kasi will both be in the Junior High this year. I can not believe they are that old! In a few short years they will be going away to college, and I'm not too sure that I am ready for that. Graduates who are heading there this September can find all kinds of help with getting CampusReady at Sears. The neatest thing about the website, in my opinion, was the checklists they provide. Granted, some things on there are common sense items, but some things are things you may not think you need, or things you never would have thought to bring. Here is a sample of the "sleeping" checklist:They have all kinds of other lists, too. You can find lists for cleaning, eating, studying, and even a "getting dressed" list. I find it amusing that they suggest twenty one pairs of socks and underwear. I don't even own that many! I think it just goes to show that some college students can't find time to do their laundry. I never went away to school, so I can't offer my kids first hand knowledge about dorm life. Thankfully, Sears is here to help me with that.

Don't forget to check out CampusReady on Facebook.

Going Back To School

Thanks to a certain popular website, I have been finding lots of old friends. I am reconnecting with people I haven't seen or spoken to in almost twenty years. It's been wonderful catching up, and seeing what they have all been up to. I find it surprising that a lot of them are getting an online education right now. I guess it makes sense, if you think about how they are now married, with kids, and wanting something more. I have actually been thinking about taking some Graduate Courses online myself. I mean, I am home every day anyway. I may as well make the most of it.

I went to a community college after high school for a few semesters. I was convinced back then that I wanted to one day open my own day care center. I took all the early childhood classes, and loved going into the classrooms at day care centers to observe. I have always loved kids, and thought this was something I would enjoy doing. I think going back to school now, I would have to start all over, but that's okay. I think getting an Online Degree would be easier than going to classes at this point, especially considering how anxious I get around new people. I really need to look into this more.

Back To School?

I have been thinking a lot lately about my future. I am extremely happy in my marriage, and love my family, but I have been a little frustrated lately that we are, financially, no better off than we were ten years ago. I know if I went back to work things would change, but not very much. I mean, I do not have the education to get a well paying job, and I am not going to give up time with my family for minimum wage.

I have been looking into maybe taking some classes online. I know there is no way I could physically go to school, not with Juniors schedule and the kids. But going online seems like the way to go. Now the only problem is deciding what kind of classes to take. Well, maybe it would make more sense to decide what I want to do when I'm done with school first, then find out which classes I need to take. There are so many options, I am having a hard time deciding. I could do real time court reporting, nursing, or even business management. I probably need to pick whatever pays the most money, and a career that can withstand this economy. I know my mom went back to school around my age and is now a nurse. I just can not stand needled, and I think that is a requirement in the nursing field. I guess I need to keep thinking.

The Police Officer Was Here....

I have had one of those days. Junior had to come home from work for a little while, and have the police come take a statement. Long story short, Ryan came home with a big bruise on his chin, and the school didn't call me and tell me. According to Ryan, the school didn't do anything, so we wanted to know what our options are, legally. I will post the whole story on my journey later...I'm too tired right now.

Help Those Teens Learn

Are you the parent of a teenager? I am, but just recently. My son turned 13 in November. I'm not sure if age is a factor in this, but this year is the first time he has had trouble in school. The subjects are more specific, because he now changes classrooms throughout the day. Luckily, the district offers in school tutoring, so he does get some assistance, The problem is he could use more help. Brightstorm is perfect for helping High School aged children. They offer courses specific to each subject, like algebra and writing. They even offer SAT prep. This is a fun way for kids to get the extra help they need. You can sign up for a free brightstorm acocunt and check out a free episode of each course. This allows you to see before you buy, and I gotta say, once you see how fun and effective the courses are, you will not hesitate in buying them for your child. Let's face it, if the kids won't enjoy the programs, they won't do them. I have this problem with my son. If I ask him to do a math problem, it takes forever for him to get to the answer. But when I give him twenty dollars in the store, he can have it spent, right down to the last penny, in about two minutes. When it relates to him, he can do it.

I recommend you sign up for a free account so you can check out the programs they offer. This could be the thing that gives your child the assistance they need.