Playing catch up

So, once again, it's been a while....

Jason said, "Um, so are you not writing our family blog anymore because you're going back to work?"

Truth is-- I'm thinking of a blog post as we speak for my professional blog... (required piece to the puzzle of working here)-- I'm stuck and over-analyzing what I'm writing *shock* so I decided to take a break and go back to my first love--- my PERSONAL blog :)

What's happened since the beginning of July??

TONS.

We went to Colorado.  Post and pics to come.

I've been back at work since August 6.

Jack transferred to a new school.

Sarah started 5th grade, and she is definitely acting like it's her senior year in elementary school.

Caroline is in 1st grade.  She has the same teacher Sarah and Jack had so it's kinda like revisiting an old friend when I get an email from Mrs. Salmon.

We have a babysitter in the afternoons.  The kids call her their nanny because it sounds fancier.

And... I'm tired.

The most tired I've been since my babies were little.

But... I'm so happy!

The happiest I've been in a long time.

This is the best first week (with kids) of a new job I've ever had.  I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time.  I'm winging it, faking it til I make it, and learning as I go.  But I feel so supported by the staff that I'm not scared to ask questions or mess up.  It's incredibly freeing and empowering to work in an environment like this.

................

Huge milestones today--

I got my very first parent phone call.  So exciting :)

I even ventured into the lounge today and ate with other people. Super proud of myself :)---

The past 3 days I've eaten at my desk. Partly because I've been busy.  Partly because I didn't have anything to heat up so going to the lounge seemed unnecessary.  And partly because I still feel new and was scared to eat with everyone else.  Very "new girl in the cafeteria/ Do you mind if I sit here?" type feelings.   But I pushed myself to be brave enough to commune with others. ;)

Yay me!!

What a crazy week!

Long time, no blog. This has been a FULL week. 

On Monday, I went to my new school, got the key to my office :), and took a tour of the building.  I CAN NOT express in words how much I love my principal, the people I've met so far, and the idea of being the K - 2 counselor.

No words.  Honestly.

I'm nervous, but I think it's a "healthy" nervous.  I feel so supported already and was met with a thousand "We're so excited you're here!"s.

...................

On Wednesday, I met to discuss decorations for Vacation Bible School.  Thrilled to help out and NOT be in charge.  Sometimes it's fabulous to be an Indian rather than the Chief. 

Am I right?

On Wednesday, I also got an email that Caroline had been selected to receive the Principal's Proclamation Award for the last 9 weeks.  So proud of her!!!  She's a great kid!

....................

On Thursday, I got an email from Jack's teacher that he has qualified for Math Rocks.  Math Rocks is a pull-out Math program in which, essentially, students can complete college math (depending on their intended majors) before they leave high school. 

High School Honors Algebra and Honors Geometry are completed by 8th grade. 

The University of Texas at Dallas developed this program.  And they offer dual credit to these kids starting in 9th grade.

Math Rocks is for incoming 4th and 5th graders, but they will invite incoming 3rd graders, like Jack, into the program if they are more than 3 standard deviations above the district mean on their Math MAP scores.

(I read "blah blah blah" when I read that last sentence, but in reality, it means Jack is in the top 0.3% of 3rd graders in Plano ISD when it comes to Math.)

He was SO EXCITED to qualify.  We were excited for him!!!

The catch?  He has to transfer schools.  From Barksdale to Brinker. 

Brinker is a FANTASTIC school five minutes away from us.  But my sweet Jack doesn't like change.  Who would really want to switch schools halfway thru elementary school??

So then the internal angst starts for me as his mom....  Should I force him to transfer and seize this opportunity?  Does it really matter if he's challenged and accomplishes all he's capable of accomplishing at such a young age?

And then I thought of Shelton.

A private school for students with learning differences. I know of at least 3 families who, without hesitation, pulled their children from their home schools to give them an opportunity for an education more tailored for them.

So yes.  Jason and I have decided to have Jack transfer schools.   This is an educational opportunity we don't want him to forfeit.

And school is his sport. 

Parents don't hesitate to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on private coaches and special equipment for students who show athletic promise.  Why should I hesitate to allow Jack to be pushed (for FREE) to his full potential when he's showing academic promise?

................

Next year will be a big year for all of us.

I will be working full time.  I will miss Meet the Teacher and Open House for my kids.

My kids will be at 2 different elementary schools. 

Jason will have to step up in a BIG way to make all of the logistics work.  (And he's willing and able to do just that!)

We have hired a babysitter to help every afternoon after school.  I've NEVER been away when the kids are home from school.  Big difference!

..................

But can I tell you.... AGAIN... that I'm excited?!

I'm excited that we're all growing up as a family.  We're taking chances and seizing opportunities that we've worked for.

I'm relinquishing control to Jason and our babysitter....  (That's not easy to do, by the way!)... but is healthy for me and positive for Jason. 

He deserves the chance to be "fun dad".  And the dad that is here when they're sick.  The dad that volunteers for field trips and the first one to find out about report card grades.

He's willingly handed all of that over to me for 10 years.  But I'm not so sure he really understands what he's been missing while he's worked VERY hard to provide for us. 

Now-- we share responsibilities like never before. 

I help provide.  He helps with the kids.  And I think he's going to appreciate what I've been through the last decade a lot more...but he's going to LOVE those kids in a new way too.  I'm excited for him!!

And I'm excited for me!! I'm earning more than ever before! I'm going to be doing something I love! I'm going to respect what Jason's been doing for the last decade like never before.

BIG changes for the McGlamerys are ahead!!

But change is not always bad. :)

Playing on the driveway

It's always good to be home!

Color Run

Our first annual Color Run to raise money for iPads for the classroom.

It was a big success.

My girls didn't want to run. It sounded too dirty to them.

Jack was all in.

A post for my kids

As a middle child of 3, here's a post for my 3.  Read it when you're grown, and it will make sense. Normally this is the type of thing I would write in your journals, but I'm online... and I type faster than I write.  Forgive me. ;)


I am not oblivious to the dynamics of the three of you at this age... (9, 8, and 5)

I acknowledge that dynamics change.

I am WELL AWARE that there are things, have been things, and will be things that I don't see that will affect the way you feel about each other.

But let me go "on record" with what I do see.

First, let me confirm the "beefs" you have with each other that you think I don't see.

Sarah--- She takes over.  Jack and Caroline, you can be playing alone or together.  If you introduce her to the mix, she will make up new rules, talk louder than the two of you combined, and make it hard for either of you to contribute.  You say she's bossy.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

Jack--- He thinks he knows EVERYTHING.  Sarah and Caroline, he will correct you.  He will ask you questions that he knows you don't know the answer to just so that he can tell you the right answer.  You say he's a know-it-all.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

Caroline--- She acts entitled.  Sarah and Jack, I see that she cleans up slower than anyone else so she has to do less work. She will fein incompetence when she doesn't want to do something.  She has fewer expectations put on her than you older 2 do.  You say she's spoiled.  I see where you're coming from.  You're not crazy.

.........

"So why don't you step in, Mom??"  That's what you're asking, right?  If I see it happening, why don't I intervene?

First, let me say that I do interject sometimes.  But it's not my job to make every road smooth sailing for you. Your siblings give you GREAT practice at resolving conflict and standing up for yourselves.  There are times I hear the arguing and then watch and listen to what happens next.

THIS is how I know what your problems are with each other.  THIS is how I know what your strengths are and where I need to coach you on how to either back off or stand strong.  I wouldn't know your dynamics if I stepped in every time before the powder keg exploded.  Things have to bubble over sometimes.  I can't nip every conflict in the bud.

........


Now let me remind you of the sweet things you think I don't see.

Sarah--- Sarah will drop what she's doing and take you to the park, Caroline.  She is so proud of you and impressed with how smart you are, Jack.  She toasts your Pop Tarts for you and fills your bath water for you, Caroline.  She laughs harder than anyone else at your jokes, Jack, because she understands you in a way that no one else possibly can.  She would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  She loves you both!!!

Jack--- Girls, Jack notices when you look pretty, and he tells you.  Caroline, Jack will play games and teach you things and play school with you when no one else will. He lets you spend the night on his top bunk when you have a hacking cough, and it's a school night.  He'll lose sleep to make you happy. He LOVES being your big brother and takes it very seriously.  Sarah, he knows a lot... this is true... but he looks up to you! He knows that you've done more and experienced more in your 9 years than he has in his 8 years.  He may fight over pecking order with you, but ultimately he knows and respects that you're the oldest.  He would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  He loves you both!!!

Caroline---  Caroline just wants to keep up with you two.  She loves you both so much!! She knows she can count on you to walk her to class or buy a book for her at the book fair when she's unsure of herself.  She follows you both around because she's studying your every move.  I've heard her repeat jokes and talk like each of you... because she's always watching... which means you have an incredible responsibility to her.  She will likely never be able to give to you the "role model" aspect that you give to her, but she gives you a reason to be the best you can be.  And you have to know that she looks up to you both!  She would WITHOUT QUESTION go to bat for and defend either of you in a HEARTBEAT.  She loves you both!!!

................

A dynamic of three is SO complicated.  Everyone has options.  This one's mean to me so I'll go play with that one.  This one's my favorite. That one was always rude.  It's not just you and one other kid against the world.  There's always room for someone to be the odd man out.

I want to remind you, though, that whatever issues you may feel towards each other as you grow--- while likely valid and grounded in some sort of truth--- MUST be tempered with the unwavering love you show each other daily.

Conflict is normal and natural and healthy.  But you three are a TEAM.  You love each other.  You are bound together-- growing up in this family, this neighborhood, these times.  You give each other understanding and support that Dad and I could never give you.

Hold on to Truth and Love.
Know that I understand that the irritations and injustices you've experienced and will experience are real.
But LET IT GO.
Choose love and friendship, and y'all will make it through whatever life throws at you.

You're good kids, and I'm SO blessed that you're mine!! xoxoxo

Knock it out in a day

Since all 3 kids are at the same school, I've become a "See you at 2:45!" kind of mom.

I don't want to volunteer in the classroom.

I don't want to work the school store.

Need a mystery reader? Ask someone else.

If you need parents to send in more glue sticks, I'll hit up Walmart for you.

More Kleenex for allergy season?  I'm your girl.

But I've served my time holding 2 positions on the PTA Board.  I've served my time spending every waking minute with my kids. 

 Now that they're all elementary age, I'm 100% OK with giving them a hug and a kiss and not seeing them again until 2:45.

However, now that I'm not working, I signed up to help with Field Day this year.  First time ever.

I also helped last week with 2nd Grade Measurement Olympics.  

So. Much. Volunteering. I'm exhausted. ;)

Anyway, every year I promise I will eat lunch with them at school... once.  

Today was that day.  And I knocked them all out today.

.......

Jack eats at 11:00.  Sarah is 11:30. Caroline is 12:30.

I worked out this morning and laid on the ground... a sweaty mess.  I finally peeled myself off the ground, looked at the clock, saw that it was 10:08, and realized that I needed to:

~ shower

~ shave

~ get dressed

~ makeup on/hair done

~ get food 

~ and get to school

in 52 minutes.

I realize you might be thinking, "If you're in a rush, why waste time shaving?"  

Because I NEEDED to shave.  Trust me.

You might be thinking, "Well then, just put on jeans or wear a maxi skirt."

Shut up.  Stop making sense.  Hindsight logic is obnoxious.

I was frantic.  And then I started sweating from the shower, the hair dryer, and the flat iron.  There is nothing more frustrating than sweating when you're getting cleaned up.  Am I right?

Somehow I got ready, bought food at Whataburger, and pulled into the school parking lot at 10:59. 

Nothing short of miraculous.

.........

JACK

Jack's goal for 2015 is "to try new sandwiches".

Don't ask.  

But, hey, at least he's goal oriented.

He's added a Reuben and a Philly Cheesesteak to his list of new sandwiches this year.  He wanted me to buy him a Club from Potbelly, but they weren't open at 10:50.

So I got him a Patty Melt from Whataburger.

..........

SARAH

Sarah came out next and she had her Whataburger, ketchup only.  

Her 2015 goal is most definitely NOT trying new sandwiches.  

...........

CAROLINE

Then I had 30 minutes to kill before Caroline came.  So I went to get myself Chipotle, and she had requested McDonald's.

I headed back to the school and got there with time to spare.

..........

I feel accomplished. :)

But I CAN'T WAIT for them to go to school tomorrow so I can get a few things done!

"See you at 2:45!"

Kicking the ball around

Since we drove to soccer practice and suspiciously no one was here, I decided to check email.

They canceled practice an hour ago.

Guess I'm the only dummy who didn't check messages.

I would argue that a texting system might work better to notify parents of cancellations. But oh well.

Might as well play a little since we are here.

Jack + Caroline

This sweet big brother played Twister, Candyland, jumped on the trampoline with, and gave a piggyback ride to Caroline today.

He deferred to her, let her win, and didn't argue.

It was heartwarming! (And saved me from playing Twister and Candyland.) ;)

To the office with Dad

Jason started taking Sarah to the office when she was 4 years old.

His building is pretty dead this week so it isn't a problem to have kids in his office.

When Jack turned 4, he started going. Then Caroline. 

They love it. Jason has a typewriter for some reason. He has a desktop computer they can use while he works on the laptop. They usually call me at least once from his work phone.  They go into the Galleria for lunch and see the giant Christmas tree and watch the ice skaters.

This is a day they look forward to all year.  A Christmas tradition.

Bullies

Ok... that's an overused word.

The counselor in me wants to educate everyone.  There is a difference between a conflict and bullying.  Bullying is pervasive and involves an imbalance of power.

Crystal clear? :)  Yeah, I thought so.

Not every conflict between kids is a case of bullying.  So I fully acknowledge I'm misusing the term.  But when it's your kid, everything feels like bullying.

Tuesday Jack was pushed down on the playground.  The kid climbed on top of Jack, shoved leaves in his hood, put him in a headlock, and held his hood over his face.

This all happened within a matter of seconds.  Teachers swarmed the scene.  The offending kid is not allowed to have recess again until after Winter Break.

I did not call a teacher.  I did not raise hell of any kind. 

I believe teachers should be teachers, and parents should be parents.  The teachers did everything (and more) that I would have expected of them.   If it happens again, I'll be calling a mom or dad to discuss the behavior of the delinquent they're raising. (Do you sense judgment in this comment?  I hope so.)

Today another child hid Jack's backpack from him under a computer desk... after he pushed Jack under the computer table earlier this morning.  Jack's teacher said, "Why would you treat Jack like that?  He's one of the nicest kids in this class."

And that's probably what put the target on his back.

He's nice.  He's small.  He's not aggressive.  Unassuming. Soft spoken.

 Perfect?  No.  But an instigator with his peers?  No.

I told Jason about what's going on with Jack because I want him to guide him on this stuff.

My help would be... "Oh baby, I'm sorry this happened to you!! You need to tell these boys how it makes you feel when they're mean to you."

Then Jack would say... "Thanks a lot, Mom. I got my butt whooped today because I tried to talk to these guys about my feelings."

I know when I need to step aside and allow Jason to mentor our son.  I think I've already put enough of my sensitive, estrogen-perspective stamp on him.  Time for Jason to teach him how to be tough... (but appropriately and respectfully...I hope.. haha!).

I hate the outright junk that boys do to each other.... but at least it's not the backstabbing manipulation that girls can be prey to.

I just think everyone should raise their kids the way my friends and I do, and we'll all be fine! :)

It's other people's kids that are the problems!!

Big Hero 6 at iPic

Killing time before the movie. 

Then we are off to see The Big Guy next door.

Poop patrol

The kids have been struggling with putting their junk away.  Since they aren't cleaning up inside like they should,  they're getting to clean up after Reese outside.

Gloves, bags, down to rubber boots.... these kids are so dramatic.

No idea where they get it.

Jack is EIGHT

Ordinarily I would celebrate my birth for a month. But ever since Jack was born I have learned to share October.

I'm generous like that.

His birthday party was at the movies (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day) and a playdate at home.

Since today is his actual birthday, we celebrated here today.

Lots of photobombs in these pics.

Miss America

We watched the Miss America pageant tonight. 

You had to have been here to appreciate this...

But with his hands down his pants--- as is his routine when he's watching TV--- (these boy habits start young).... 

Jack watched the swimsuit competition, and said, "Well, helllooooo.... ladies!"


So many things about this are so wrong.

And so many things about this are so funny. :)

The restaurant is open

Sarah had this idea to open a restaurant, use our fancy china, and serve Jason and me a romantic dinner.

 

First Caroline and she set the stage.... Rearranged living room furniture.  (Please note the bread and olive oil with balsamic vinegar to dip it in.  She got the idea from California Pizza Kitchen.) :)

 

 

Fancy glasses and plates.  Waiting for us to order...

 

  

The menu....

She wrote 2 so Jason and I could have our own.

 

 

 

Sarah called Jason at work, and said, "Is this Mr. McGlamery?  I understand that you have reservations at our restaurant tonight.  What time will you be arriving?"

 

He came home right at 6:30.  I met him on the driveway so we could walk into the restaurant together.

Caroline sat us immediately. 

 

 

We had a lovely salad with our bread.  Sure, it was a bagged salad, but Sarah did it herself. :)

 

 

She also made homemade lasagna....

 

 

(Our waiter, Jack, graciously agreed to take our picture while we ate....)

 

 

And our desserts were homemade cake with homemade icing and homemade snickerdoodles.

 

I emphasize "homemade" because Sarah cooked ALL DAY.  It was precious how hard she worked to make this special.

 

 

Jack and Caroline did everything that they could to serve and make us happy.  Whatever role Sarah assigned, they performed without any arguing.  They whispered while Jason and I talked and ate and waited for us to be finished before they had dinner.

 

So... of course, I offered to give them the same fine dining experience with fancy plates and glasses.  :)

 

 

It was a fun night.

 

A lot of work.

 

A lot of dirty dishes.

 

But this kind of thought into giving us a special dinner melts my heart. :)

 

 

Fort Worth Children's Museum

Mom took the kids to Fort Worth to visit her mom.... and as an incentive for surviving the nursing home (which is a feat for EVERYONE), she took the kids to Whataburger and the children's museum.

Thanks, KK!! :)

Having fun at the arboretum

Dad took the kids to the arboretum today.

Looks fun!! :)

At California Pizza Kitchen

Jack is doing a color-by-number and chose to color the astronaut's face blue.

Why?

He's in outer space without his helmet.

Good call, buddy!

Rainy day bowling

Thank you, God,  for the rain.

And for bowling alley bumpers.

Makes for a fun afternoon.

Boy humor with Jack

Jack was talking to my dad, and he said, "Papalu, what's an anagram of the word 'raft'?"  Then he started giggling to himself and looked up at my dad to see if he got it.

Jack's the only 7 yr old I know who would make a fart joke using the word "anagram".