A Super Sweet 16

                             

Last night, Peanut and I were invited to celebrate the 16th birthday of one of her friends.  Her friend's mom is someone I know, and so I was also lucky enough to also get an invite.  Now, I know it might sound silly to be happy that I got invited to a Sweet 16 party, but I was.  Because it was a great chance for me to spend some time with a couple of ladies I've been getting to know over the past two years.   The kids all went off and did their "thing" and the adults (four of us) got to sit and chat and laugh and have a good time.

I was also happy to see E.  I haven't gotten to see her since school got out, so it was nice to have a good laugh with her and catch up a little. 

                             

Most of all, though, I was so happy to see Peanut among friends.  Older kids she had gotten to know by going to summer school.  Going off to high school and becoming a Freshman are two very intimidating parts of growing up.  Especially since Peanut has spent the past two years making friends with the kids she went to school with, but will now be thrown in to a mixture of kids from five other schools.  Six Junior High schools feed in to one high school.  That's a lot of new faces.

Despite Peanut being a little unsure about going to summer school, she ended up walking away sad that it was ending and happy about the new friends she'd made.  The girl celebrating her birthday, last night, was one of them.  They are going to be in show choir next year, together, and Peanut is really excited about the endeavor.

Since 5th grade, Peanut has been a band girl.  She played the clarinet, and seemed to really enjoy it.  Then, last year, she told me she didn't want to do it anymore.  I was sad, because I had been a clarinet playing band girl when I was in high school, and I loved every minute of it.  But, she had realized it just wasn't for her anymore.  Then Peanut was stuck with facing the task of finding what she'd do instead.  

The high school show choir visited our school, last year, to give us a performance.  While they sang and danced I thought about how great it would be for Peanut to do something like that.  I even started pushing it on her, suggesting she try out.  But, she told me something I hadn't really thought about: She couldn't sing. I'd never really heard her sing.  Sure, she sung along to songs in the car, but never really by herself.   Then one day, she started singing in the car and I really made myself pay attention, and I quickly realized SHE COULD REALLY SING.  She had a beautiful voice, but like me, was too afraid to sing in public.

In order to get her to consider trying out for show choir, I had to bring in reinforcements.  In the way of E.  E's step-mom is the show choir director, so E was the best person to give Peanut advice and encourage her to give it a try.  She talked Peanut in to finding a song, practicing, and building up her excitement for the whole thing.  Peanut found the PERFECT song for her voice, "All of Me" by John Legend.  The first time I heard Peanut sing it, I got goosebumps on my arms and tears in my eyes. She sounded wonderful.  So, Peanut tried out and she made it!  I was so happy for her.

And now, Peanut is in show choir along with kids from 9th - 12th grade.  

It was so great, last night, seeing her with some new friends...

                         

Don't get me wrong, I love all of the friends she made while in Jr. High, but that close knit of friends had to expand.  They all knew they would be in situations where they might not even be in a single class together, so it was inevitable that the small group had to branch out.  And, I'm so relieved Peanut has been able to do that before she even steps foot in to her first Freshman class.

Anywho, back to the party...

The kids all spent the evening dancing on the patio or sitting in small clusters and talking.  It was so different from what parties were like when I was younger.  If I had been thrown a Sweet 16 in a private venue with a group of my closest friends, I doubt very much we'd spent so much time sitting in small groups and talking.  We'd have been partying it up on the dance floor.  The girls tried, but the guys just weren't feeling it.  But that didn't seem to bother anyone... they all seemed to have a great time.

The four adults even gave them privacy by sitting in a small area downstairs, away from the patio.  We sat and talked about family, work, the summer.  We laughed until it hurt, and it felt so nice to just sit back and relax and have a good time.  

The party started dwindling down around 11PM.  Kids started to leave, and the birthday girl wasn't ready to call it quits, so she asked her mom if she could have a sleepover.  Peanut ended up going home with her for the night, and I drove home alone.  I made it home around 12:30.  

It was such a fun night, and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it.

Today, I'm going to get in the pool, relax, and figure out when I'm going to pick up Peanut.  That's it.  Nothing more... oh, except writing for a while.  

A relaxing Sunday....Perfect!

A Pr-Emotional Week

This past week has been a blogging DREAM, giving me so much to write about.  The problem was, though, I didn't have 5 minutes to sit down and even attempt to write something because I've been so darned busy.  So, instead, I'm going to write about it now and moving forward being that I'm almost done with school for the year.

Last week was the kids' last week of school. With the last week of school comes promotions.  Specifically kindergarten promotion and 8th grade promotion.  And, I was lucky enough to have two children that were participating in one or the other.

Jelly officially graduated from kindergarten.  My baby girl is now going to be a 1st grader.  The event was very cute.  Hubby, P-Momma, and I met at her school to watch the short assembly.  Jelly was so excited to have her Mommy, Daddy, and Grammy at the event.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin

Happy girl with Daddy and Grammy

So proud of my little graduate

Best friends for life

Our sweet girl with Mommy & Daddy

Once that was over, it was back to work for me.  Until the end of the day, when it was time to prepare for the "BIG" event.  The events of events.  The biggest ceremony of the year:  8th grade promotion.

It is the prom of ceremonies for the 8th graders.  Girls spend tons of money on hair, nails, and dresses.  Guys get dressed up in tuxes and spit shined shoes.  Hours are put in, practicing, to make sure the event goes without a hitch.  It's been a year in the making for the day to finally arrive, and when it did, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.  My baby girl was moving up in to high school, and the school made sure that the kids got the biggest of send-offs.

And the best way to explain the wonderful night is through the pictures...

There was the breakfast that was put on for the 8th graders by the local Methodist church...

Peanut helping herself to the yummy food

Peanut and her BBF (boy best friend)

Then there was getting the hair and make up done for the big night...

Hair's done

It was absolutely beautiful

Side view

After make-up had been applied

Then came putting on her dress.  It was so hard not to cry seeing her so dressed up...

Isn't she absolutely STUNNING?

Before the actual ceremony, the kids were invited to a pre-promotion reception.  All the kids were treated to cupcakes and apple cider.  No parents or families were allowed in to the reception room, but being a teacher in the school helps get some rules bent.  I was allowed in for a couple of minutes to shoot a couple of pics...

After the reception, it was time to get the show on the road.  The kids filed in to the gym to the graduation processional music.  They all looked very spiffy and professional in their graduation gowns.  The ceremony kicked off with recognizing some of the accolades of some of the students.  With each recognition that was given, it made me tear up to see Peanut stand.  She had been one of twelve students to take the high school Algebra class, and then made an advanced score on the final test.  She also ranked in the top 10% of her 8th grade class, which was one out of seven from the seventy students in her class.  An honor that earned her honor cords to wear over her robe.

Another honor that Peanut was given was the chance to sing the dedicated graduation song with one of her best friends, while another friend accompanied them on the guitar.  

If ranking in the top 10 percent of her class, receiving advanced in a high school level class, and getting to sing the graduation song wasn't enough, Peanut also got to do one of the highest honors of 8th grade promotion:  Give the commencement speech.

Now, in years past, the recognition/commencement speech was given by the class' valedictorian.  But, last year, the county decided to no longer have a valedictorian.  So, this year, the opportunity to give the speech was opened up to all 8th graders who wanted to give the speech.  The interested students had to write a speech and then it was selected by a panel of judges.  Peanut's speech was selected, and she couldn't have been more happy.  It's something she'd talked about doing since the beginning of 7th grade.  

She did an absolutely AMAZING job with the speech...

After the speech, it was time for the reading of the names.  I couldn't have been more proud to watch my little girl walk across the stage to receive her diploma...

It was such an emotional night, and I couldn't have been more proud.  Her father and I, along with Grammy, Jelly and Butter all sat in the bleachers cheering her on.  I cried like a little baby as I thought about how in just 4 short years, we'll be doing this all over again.  Except, next time, she won't be moving on to another grade, she'll be graduating from high school.  

I cried thinking about how she won't pop in to my classroom at some point throughout the day to tell me something, ask me something, or just to say hi.  She won't be in the same school with me anymore.

After the ceremony, we took some time taking some pictures...

Peanut and her very special teacher.  Peanut absolutely adores her.

A quick pic with Momma

Peanut with one of her friends

The girls.. missing one 

The whole gang... LOVE all of these girls

The line seems to keep getting bigger

Such a cute pic of Peanut and one of her guy friends

After all of these pics, don't you know we didn't get a SINGLE pic of her and the family.  I managed to get a picture with her, but we missed out on pictures with Dad, Grammy, and little brother and sister.  It makes me so sad that we didn't get those pictures.

The night did end with one spectacular photo, and that was of Peanut receiving her graduation gift from Grammy.  It was quite the set-up situation.  Grammy gave her a card that contained a pass card to the aquatic center.  Peanut was given the choice to trade that gift in for another gift that was located in the trunk of Grammy's car.  Peanut, after some serious deliberation, decided to make the trade.  And then this happened....

A NEW LAPTOP!!!

What a priceless photo.  I was so happy for her, as it's something she's been wanting for a very long time.  It was the perfect way to end a perfect evening.

The following day, I spent almost all day in tears.  It was so hard to think about it being the last day my little girl would be in the same building with me.  She is now a freshman in high school.  She will be riding to school with me each day, jumping on a bus, and riding to the high school.

And next year, I'll be doing it all over again when Butter goes through 8th grade promotion.

Tomorrow is my last day of work before my summer starts.  I have a lot of work to do in my classroom, but I'm ready for the summer to begin.  I'll be teaching summer school in a couple of weeks, but between now and then I plan on getting some serious R&R.

I also plan on spending some time blogging more.  I'll have a lot more time, now, to write more and that's something I am very excited about.  I've missed blogging.  I've missed sharing what's going on in my life.  And now that the summer is starting, I'll have plenty to talk about.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

                              

Excuse the blurry picture of Peanut and me.  It may be blurry, but it's also one of my favorite pictures of the two of us.  It was also taken after the summer, when I had a little color to my cheeks that wasn't put there by make-up.  Man, I can't wait to get my tan on this summer!

But, I digress.

That is a picture of Peanut and me.  Happy.  About to enjoy an evening of watching volleyball, which is Peanut's sport of choice to play and one of my favorite sports to watch.  

Which happens to be one of the MANY things Peanut and I have in common.

In fact, you could say that Peanut and I were most definitely carved from the same cloth.  She is my Mini-Me in every way.  From our similar looks, our similar personalities, and our similar sense of humor. If we weren't mother and daughter, we'd basically be twins.

I recently shared that Peanut was having some issues at school.  Issues with some kids not being very nice to her or some of her friends.  And, Peanut being the girl that she is, feels like it's her responsibility to do something about it.  Emerge as a leader, a voice, for those being victimized and try and stop all the hate and hurt.

Her living motto is "Why can't we all just get along?"

Which, even though she doesn't use those words, does use that mentality.  

She's tried confronting those girls that are causing drama, tried apologizing to them (even though she has absolutely nothing to apologize for), and her attempts have been met with laughter and even MORE scrutiny. 

And, she now knows in her heart that she may not be able to fix anything.  She may just have to live each day and leave it all behind.  Try and not worry about it.  Ignore it.  And, just be the bigger person without using any form of retaliation.

A comment was made about her yesterday that "She's not all innocent in all of this".  That hurt my feelings.  No, I don't suppose she is completely innocent.  I'm sure she's said a few nasty things in the heat of the moment.  I'm sure she's tried to "rally the troops" by reminding them of what's being said about them.  But, before casting judgement upon my daughter, I ask that you take some time to read some of the Facebook messages she's received JUST because she's friends with a guy that has a girlfriend.  See some of the nasty things said about her for no reason whatsoever, other than her wanting to have guy friends.  And, please, listen to some of the nasty things that adults have even said about her because yes, like her mother, she has a mouth on her and will use it when she feels attacked.

It's sad.  

What makes it harder for Peanut is the fact that she is a social floater.  She likes to be friends with EVERYONE.  Not selecting a strict set of kids to only be friends with.  She likes to try and be friends with the jocks, the popular kids, the studious kids, the "too cool for school" kids, the "mean girls",  the band kids, and any other type of clique that gathers at school.  

She has a close nit of friends that she considers her "best friends" but it's important to her to be socially accepted and involved with all of the cliques at school.  She wants to be a friend to everyone that will let her. 

Which is why it's so hard on her when a select few kids (the "mean girls") make that difficult for her.  When they find fault, make accusations about her, and spread vicious rumors about her without solid reason to.  And, then, it's even harder for Peanut to comprehend when the kids she's made an effort to befriend turn their back on her because they "don't want to get involved".  

Ah, the life of an 8th grader.  So hard.  

Yet, it is music to my ears when I hear my own daughter declare "It's OK, Mom, none of this will matter ten years from now.  It will be stupid kid stuff."  

Yet, it stings a little when she follows it up with "I just wish people would quit telling me that, though, because even though it won't matter ten years from now, it matters NOW.  And I want my childhood to be filled with good memories."

*Sniff*

The sad truth is, though, it really won't be much different when she's older.  She will run in to the same problems, the same cliques, the same issues of rumors and derogatory statements made.  

I know, because I've dealt with it myself throughout my adult years.

I've worked in restaurants, retail, offices, schools...and each place has their set of "cliques".  In my experience, offices, retail, and schools are by far the worst when it comes to that stuff, though.

There are the adult jocks, the popular adults, the studious adults, the "too cool for work" adults, the "mean girls", the band adults, and other type of cliques that gather around the water fountain or in the break room.

I'm sure, if you've worked in a large office environment or school or anyplace that has more than 5 employees, you've seen them.

The group of guys that sit around on break discussing the latest sporting events and games.

The group of "populars" that sit around and talk about their latest shopping excursion, or their beach vacation they're planning, or the plans for that weekend's BFF night out.

The group of people that hardly ever take breaks, and remain at their desk getting all their work done, taking on extra projects, and doing everything in their power to get noticed somehow in order to score that promotion.

The group that do nothing but complain about their jobs, how lame the new changes are, and make sure everyone knows how much they'd much rather be ANY other place but working.

The group of women that sit around whispering their gossip to each other, laughing and pointing and staring at others as they walk by.

The group that's talking about the latest bands playing downtown that weekend, or when their bands will be getting together to practice.

You all know you know people that fit in to some or all of those groups... right now, as adults.  It's OK, you can admit it, as you read those words there were people that popped in to your brain to fit those descriptions.

And, like my daughter, I have that desire to try and be friendly with all of those groups.  

Maybe Peanut has been given my cursed gene of wanting nothing more than to just fit in.  Maybe we are both insecure.  Maybe we try too hard to please others, and care WAY too much about what other people think of us.

Thankfully, both Peanut and I do have our close friends.  Those people that we can turn to, no matter what, and talk to.  But, it doesn't appease our desire to still be socially accepted by everyone, and for the vicious rumors and nasty whispering in the hallways to stop.

I know there are lots of people that don't like me.  I'm OK with that.  Do I find myself wondering why and puzzled as to what I've done to cause the whispering and stares and dirty looks?  Sure.  But, thanks to the support of my close friends, I'm learning to let that go...move on...and try to not let it consume me.

Which is what I'm currently trying to instill in to Peanut.

Haters gonna hate.

It's what they do...maybe to feel better about themselves, maybe because they think there's valid reason to make our lives miserable, maybe because they have nothing better to do than to entertain themselves with spreading lies and hate.  Whatevs.  I guess there will never be a way to fix it... we both have to realize this and move on with our lives.

At the end of the day, we do have each other.  She can come to me and cry, and scream, and yell, and let out all of her frustrations.  I can share similar experiences and help her try and figure out the best course of action.

She knows that I can relate.  She's heard my own stories.  And, she knows that even though I went through similar situations in school and still face similar situations as an adult, life is still good for me.  I am happy, healthy, and have learned how to look those people in the eye and give them a mental flip of the bird while still keeping that sweet, innocent smile on my face.

Because, in reality, life doesn't get easier.  It gets harder.  We just figure out ways to cope as we get older.  

Yesterday was a tough day for me.  Which is reason for today's post.  I got a hard slap of rejection, that took its toll on me.  Thankfully, I had E to turn to and vent to and I needed her to tell me to get over it.  Which I did.

What I've discovered, in times such as this one, is to move on.  Leave the negativity behind.  Find and embrace new opportunities and adventures.  Sometimes the grass IS greener on the other side.  

I have had some opportunities presented to me in the past couple of months.  Opportunities that have left some uncertainty looming... should I?  Can I?  Will I?

And, I've learned that those opportunities require gut and heart decisions.

Reading instruction not going the way I'd like.  Hmmmm.  If I change my approach, I might cause some upset within my grade level.  Should I risk it?  Can I make it work?  Will I follow my gut instinct or just hope it all works itself out?

An opportunity to use a game like Minecraft in my classroom.  Hmmm.  If I decide to take on the project, it might cause some strain to my schedule and require a lot more work on my end to make it beneficial.  Should I risk it?  Can I prove that the extra work and time constraints are worth it?  Will I be able to get the results I'm looking for?

There's a possibility of moving up a grade level next year.  Hmmm.  If I move to a different grade level, it might be hard to fit in somewhere else and might upset my current team.  Should I risk it? Can I have better success with an older set of kids?  Will I be able to teach more along the lines of how I WANT to teach, rather than how I'm expected to teach?

All three scenarios have been festering inside.  

Yet, my gut told me that my students come first and I'm going to do what I think is BEST for them.

My gut told me that my kids would LOVE to play Minecraft, and the extra work will most definitely be worth it because they will show the payoff would be BEST for them.

And, even though nothing is set in stone, I think I'm ready for a change.  Because I think being in a higher grade would be BEST for the students that I teach.

This is the lesson I'm trying to teach Peanut.  Do what is BEST.  

Nothing in life will ever be easy.  There will always be choices to make that are hard.  There will always be scrutiny, rumors, naysayers, and "Mean girls".  But, life is really about how you make it.  

Find those friends that are there for you through EVERYTHING.  Hold on to them.  Never let them go.  Confide in them, trust their advice.  

Let go of those that are not your true friends.  Still be friendly.  Still be a friend.  But, don't let their actions or words harm you.  Continue to float around, but don't let your feelings get hurt when you realize they are NOT your true friends.  And, if they try and make your life hard, just give them the mental flip of the bird, but KEEP THE SMILE ON YOUR FACE.  Remember MY Motto?  Kill them with kindness!!

And LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

Our lives are carved by the decisions WE make, not the decisions pushed on us.  We create our happiness, we create our sadness.  So, stay on the right side of the path.  If we do happen to stray off the course of happiness, find the nearest shortcut back.  

STOP CARING SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US!

At the end of the day, all that matters is what WE think of US.  If we're OK with our decisions, our life, our choices...then, again, mind flip the bird to anyone who disagrees, and keep a friendly smile on our faces.

We're gonna be OK, kid, cause we have each other and people that really care about us.  The rest can just blow away with the wind.

She's A Natural-Born Leader

                                     

Well, we did indeed get our snow day....and I'm going to go ahead and say that tomorrow will also be a snow day being that some areas received 7+ inches of snow and ice and the temps are not supposed to get above freezing today.  

And on today's agenda is spending time with my kiddos and just having a relaxing day...thrown in with a little fun, family cleaning of our house!!

But, that's not what I'm going to bore you with today.  Today, I'm going to share some more words of wisdom, some more deepness, and shed some light on something my Peanut is currently dealing with and handling like a champ.  Or wolf.  However you want to look at it.

For the past couple of weeks, Peanut and some of her friends have reported to me that there's a whirlwind of drama blowing down the hallways.  Jealous girlfriends, minions, troublemakers, and downright bullies joining forces to make the lives of a select few girls' lives miserable.  

And, at first, I just took it as a run of the mill argument or bickering among grade levels and cliques.  But, from what I've discovered, there's WAY more to it than that.  

Some of the name calling and viciousness I've read in the past few days have made my stomach turn.  Twelve and thirteen year old girls and the language that some of them use is downright DISGUSTING!! 

Peanut being verbally attacked because she is friends with boys, and called some pretty nasty names because of it.  Some of her friends being verbally attacked and called the same nasty names because they choose not to associate with certain people.  Other girls verbally attacked because they, too, are friends with certain guys who broke up with their girlfriends.  

It's ridiculous, childish, and downright MEAN.

But, all those girls made one very BIG mistake.  They honestly didn't know who they were messing with.  

The picture I posted with today's post was a picture Peanut herself found and posted on her Facebook wall.  And, the minute I saw it, I couldn't help but smile.  The words couldn't be more true.

Throw my daughter to the wolves, and she'll come back leading the pack.

She won't retaliate with hate or nastiness.  She won't stoop down to the level of some of the trash that's being thrown her way.  She won't threaten bodily harm to anyone.

Her attack uses one of her many strengths....her leadership.  

There's something engrained in my child that won't allow her to become a victim.  Theres' something engrained in her that won't allow others to become victims.  She is powerful, strong, a worthy leader.  She will stand up for what she believes in, fight for what's right, and will protect anyone that doesn't have the ability or courage to stand up for themselves.

She has reported to me that several people in her grade have made the claims that they can't WAIT to get out of their school and move on to high school.  They are just sick of the troublemakers, sick of the drama, and just want to leave it all behind and forget about it.

This makes Peanut very sad.

She has looked forward to her 8th grade year for a while.  Last year, I know that's all she talked about. How she couldn't wait to do all the fun things that 8th grade offered, be the leaders of the school, and go out with a Big Bang of fun, memories, laughter, and happiness.

But, there are people that are now invading on that happiness, and Peanut just won't stand for it.  

This is only the second year Peanut has attended her school, but it's been long enough to mean something to her.  

The group of kids that took her in, made her apart of their group, even though those kids have been together since birth.  She was an outsider, yet that didn't stop them from welcoming her, accepting her, and treating her like she's been there her whole life.

The teachers that push her, challenge her, recognize her potential and use it to empower her.  They don't treat her any differently because she's a "teacher's kid" and she absolutely ADORES that about them.  She's like everyone else.  She has her favorite teachers, and her not so favorite teachers... all joining together to mold the beautiful, smart, and powerful young lady she's becoming.  

The assistant principal that, before becoming the assistant principal this year, helped her find a love for athletics.  She enjoys sports.  She enjoys the challenge and the memories that are created just by being a part of a team.  He helped her find strengths she didn't even know she had.  He helped her discover talents that were waiting to be discovered.  And, as assistant principal, he continues to remind her with a few quick words of banter in the halls.

E.  Who maybe one of my best friends, but is a staff member that works very closely with the kids and builds strong relationships with them.  Peanut has looked to her for guidance and counsel.  E has provided her some cold, hard truths but does it in a way Peanut can respond to.  E has embraced Peanut's leadership qualities and helped Peanut focus them to be used in the best of ways.

And Mrs. P.  The one and only principal that Peanut has EVER bonded with.  Peanut knows that no matter what the situation, what's troubling her, Mrs. P is ALWAYS there to listen, offer advice, and support.  

And all of the above goes for EVERY SINGLE STUDENT in that school.  

The students that welcome new kids.  The faculty and staff that build special bonds with their students.  The administration that go above and beyond to make sure that their students' time in their school is educational, fun, and meaningful.

Peanut feels that it's EXTREMELY important to fight to ensure that every kid that moves on to high school next year does so excited about their new adventures, but keeping their homeschool as a special place in their hearts.

She will NOT allow for those students to spend the rest of their 8th grade year counting the days down to "get out of the place" with a bad taste in their mouth because of some of the nastiness that's causing the time to be anything but amazing.

And because of that, I couldn't be more proud or honored to call her my daughter.

Way ahead of her years... but, in a good way.

She doesn't tattle.  She doesn't go running to a teacher anytime someone says something or does something she doesn't agree with.  She doesn't try and shield herself away or pretend like nothing is happening.

Instead, she rallies the troops.  Offers words of support and encouragement.  Seeks out assistance and guidance.  She delegates and strategizes.  

Think Mel Gibson in Braveheart with that blue paint all over his face, giving that powerful speech to his people.

Wallace: Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you'll live -- at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!!!

Except I think Peanut's would be more along the lines of...

Fight, and you might get hurt.  Run, and you'll escape the bad... at least for a while.  And in that high school or on graduation day, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to think back of your days at our jr. high and tell our enemies that they may have tried to take away our happiness, but they'll never take our memories!!!!

I know, at the end of the day, Peanut will NOT stand by and allow a select few to make people's lives miserable.  She will not stand by and watch her friends get called nasty names, get treated badly, or their happiness taken away.  She will not stand by and allow others to say nasty things about her.  

She will act.  She will lead.  And she will fight tooth and nail to ensure that the last few months of her Jr. High days are fun, happy, and memorable.  

So, in a way, I kind of feel sorry for those unaware kids who are laughing and high-fiving over the misery that they are causing.  I feel sorry for the fact that they have NO idea who they are messing with.  They have NO idea how passionate my daughter is.  They have NO idea how much it means to Peanut for her and her friends to be happy and enjoy their last few months of Jr. High.

Because she has been thrown in to the wolves....and is emerging as their leader.

(I just want to add this little blurb to anyone that may read this and get alarmed or concerned.  First, I made the situation sound a lot more dramatic with how I wrote about it.  Second, the majority of the "issues" take place outside of school on social media sites.  Third, the kids are not fighting this battle alone, and the adults that need to be notified have been and are acting on the situations.  Fourth, there have been no violent acts or threats of a violent nature made.  This really is something I felt passionate to write about just because of the way Peanut is approaching the situation.  I am proud of her leadership qualities, and her passion for defending and protecting what is important to her.  She has absolutely NO TOLERANCE for bullying or even the slightest hint of nastiness towards people for no rhyme or reason.)

It's Time to See a Therapist... Maybe SEVERAL of Them

                             

What a long week.  The hours I had to put in... all seven of them... really took it out of me.  I really don't know how I made it through an entire one day work week without crawling up in to the fetal position and crying.

So.  Exhausting. And. Stressful.

And after SUCH a long work week, of having to work an entire one day and spending the other four days curled up on my couch, I think it's time for some serious therapy.  I really feel like I'm some kind of superhero making it through the week..urm...day I had.

And, for anyone that doesn't get my sarcasm... I'M KIDDING!!

No, seriously.. yesterday was actually a GREAT day.  Once I got to work and realized that I was there without any kids (my own), and free to spend the day working with my team planning out the rest of the year, I was actually very happy and excited.

The original plan was to spend a couple of hours planning, and the rest in my classroom doing some much needed housekeeping.  I have so much filing, and sorting, and decluttering to do.  But, unfortunately, all the filing, sorting, and decluttering are still waiting for me.

Instead, my team sat down and planned out every single day between now and our MAP test that will occur around the first week of May.  We pulled out all the standards that we really HAVE to focus on.  We made a list of the skills our kiddos MUST have before moving on to 5th grade.  And as hard as it was for some of us, we ditched the rest.  

Ditched isn't a good word.  Let's say, put them at the bottom of the list.  That sound better?  No standard really warrants "ditching" but some skills are FAR more important than others.

Plus with us being in the common core/ state learning standard merge time... we had to really think about what the kids had to have in order to prepare themselves for the 100% shift to common core next year.

You see, this is the LAST year our kids will be taking the standardized MAP test (or benchmark as it's called in several states).  Even though we have started introducing Common Core, next year we make the full shift over to Common Core and the assessments aligned with that model.

While we still won't be getting rid of an end of year test, the test will be MUCH different.  No more multiple choice, fill in the bubble test.  Nope.  Now it's a test designed to challenge critical thinking and demonstrate TRUE UNDERSTANDING of content and skills. 

True understanding?  Not just a 25% shot of guessing the right answer?  FINALLY!!

Of course, no test is really free from challenge and concern.  There are going to be kinks that some people won't like.  There's going to be areas of concerns teachers and parents will have with the tests.  But, I for one, will say we're at least moving in the right direction.  Just getting rid of the standardized test model is a big plus.  Will the new Smarter Balance test be perfect? NO.  Probably not even close.  But, a test that asks kids to explain WHY they are choosing an answer or show EVIDENCE of the question they are being asked is a far better way of seeing what a child is thinking.  And the results from the tests will be leaps and bounds more beneficial that what we currently get.

Anywho, getting away from myself...

So, yesterday, we sat down and decided on what the kids MUST know before the MAP and what skills they really need to be prepared for next year when common core takes over.  

It was quite the extensive list, but thankfully we'll be able to fit everything in.  We plotted out a pacing guide, dedicated skills to each week, came up with ideas and activities that will be done with those skills, and even threw in some "wiggle room" stuff in case we get even more snow days.  

Our pacing guide took us to the middle of April.  It was truly amazing to see how much we've already taught our kiddos and by eliminating some of the "fluff" how we could really hone in on the essential skills.  There is also plenty of areas where we will be introducing new skills and reviewing the skills we've already taught together.  

Nothing like getting down to crunch time and seeing how much magic can really be worked by sitting down and planning everything out. 

Of course, there may be more snow days.  There may be days where the school has to close due to flooding.  (The school is located in an area by the river that has had some pretty significant flood issues).  But, if we really buckle down and use our plans, we think we'll be OK.  If we wisely use every second of the day, pulling kids for small groups, adding extra practice with our teaching of science and social studies, the kids will be completely ready and able to finish out the school year ready for 5th grade.

Again, another jump on my soapbox as to why I think Common Core will help us a little more with this type of stuff.  Because rather than trying wade through standards and picking out the stuff we can teach, and then applying some of that in to our science and social studies, Common Core will promote combining learning objectives across all content areas.  The science and social studies will already be built in to the focus of skills and objectives.  

There are so many misconceptions out there about common core, and that makes me sad.  Unfortunately, this isn't the time or place for me to give my How Common Core Can Improve Education speech.  Maybe the topic for a future blog post?  We'll see.  

Right now, though, I'm thinking that today is a great day for some retail therapy.  After a very long week  (ha), I can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday than taking my oldest dress shopping.  You see, in two weeks she's having her Winter Formal.  I chaperoned the same dance last year, and had a blast.  And, the benefit of being a Student Council sponsor is that I get to chaperone again this year.  So, that means new dress for Peanut AND a new dress for me!!

We're going to shop till we drop today.  Well.  Shop.  No dropping, hopefully.  Buy our dresses, our shoes, accessories and stuff to go with it all... and just enjoy each other's company.

She's been going through a lot of teenage stress lately.  I don't want to call it silly and deflate how important it is to her... but it is stuff she will have forgotten about the minute her behind hits the doors of the high school next year.

But right now, it's important to her, and I'm going to stand by her and support her.  Like I do.  

I remember my 8th grade year being a very tough year for me.  Moving in to that area where I was interested in boys, yet still very focused on my school work.  Juggling around friends, and a boyfriend, and study time.  It was tough.  And, I can relate to how Peanut is currently feeling.  I remember feeling the same way when I was her age.

I suppose it's why I try to stay out of her situation as much as possible and try and let things play out for themselves.  I'm there when she needs someone to talk to, advice, and someone to yell and scream at when she's frustrated.  But, that's it.  I want her to figure this one out on her own.  It's how she'll learn.  If Momma is there controlling her every move, she'll just end up resenting me... regardless if I'm right or not.  I REFUSE to let that happen!!!  

Instead, I standby waiting for her to make her own mistakes, learn from them, and be there to guide her back on to the right path.  

And take her shopping when she's had a tough week and needs some Momma alone time!!  

Which is what we're doing today.  No boys.  No drama.  No stress.  Just her and I, having a day out shopping and having a good time.

Which I better get to getting to... because I don't want to let our day slip away from us while I sit here spilling my guts.

Have an awesome Saturday, everyone!!

Quickest Weekend Ever!

I can NOT believe it's Sunday already.  This weekend has flown by in the blink of an eye, and I have nothing productive to show for it.

Which would be fine, except the fact that I have a bag FULL of work to do...and only a few hours to do it.

I've spent the last couple of days talking about Peanut's heartbreak.  But, so much has been going on right along side that.  

Friday, the kids got to stay home while I attended a Writer's Workshop workshop...more about that later.

Yesterday, Peanut had a volleyball tournament.  And that's my topic for today.  Still about Peanut, but something a little more positive and fun.

We had to be there at 7:30AM, meaning leaving our house around 6:30AM, and the going in expectation was that we'd be out of there around noon.  

Going in expectation was wrong.  WAY wrong.

The tournament got underway at 8:30AM.  There were eight teams competing, and they were broken up in to two leagues.  Each league competed and then the winners from each league would play each other dependent on their final ranking.  So, the first place team from our league would play the first place team from the second league and so on.

Peanut's team played first, and the games were super exciting.  They won their first game, lost their second.  So, they finished the set with a win and a loss.  

They got a break for a set, while two other teams competed.  

Then, they were right back out on the court.  They won both games in that set.  So, their standings moved up to three wins, one loss.

Then, they had another break.  And then another set.

Unfortunately, they lost both games in that set.  Putting them on the chart with three wins and three losses.  

The team that beat them in both games hadn't lost a single game.  So that team was going to be competing for the championship against the first place team from the other league.  But, it came down to the last set of the regular games to determine who would be competing for second place.  Peanut's team ended up tying with the team that won the last set, so they looked at points.  Unfortunately, Peanut's team didn't have enough points... so the other team got the chance for the 2nd place championship game.  Which meant, Peanut's team had to compete for the last time for 3rd place.

By the time the championship games got underway, the girls were exhausted.  They'd played three games with only a few minutes break in between.  Their legs were sore, their arms were sore, and they were ready for the day to be over.

And I truly believe it was because of how tired they were which caused them to lose their championship match.  

By the time we walked out of the school, it was 2:30PM.  They had been playing ball for five hours.  No wonder they were exhausted!

One thing I was happy about was the fact that Peanut got to spend several hours NOT thinking about her break-up.  She was so nervous about people asking her questions and in turn making her get all upset explaining it.  That didn't happen.  She was able to stay focused and let the games let out some of her aggression.

Before heading home, Peanut and I decided to stop for a quick bite to eat, make a run to the grocery store, and then head on home... to sleep.  And we did.  Both of us slept for a good couple of hours once we got here.

By the time we woke up it was 6:30PM and dinner was ready...and I didn't feel like doing much of anything for the rest of the evening.  

Today, I have to go grocery shopping, do my laundry, AND get all of my plans and grading done.  It's going to be a busy, busy day.  So much for getting some rest on the weekends!

Which is why this post is so quick and to the point.  I don't really have any time to really sit and write out a whole bunch of stuff.  

Tomorrow morning, I've already decided that I'm going to share my thoughts on the workshop I attended on Friday.  That was the plan for yesterday and today, but with my lack of time... I decided to write about my crazy life instead.

And that crazy just keeps on continuing...as it has to right now.  Nothing will get done while I'm sitting here... so toodles for now.