Raising the Bar.....And They Have To Know What?

PROGRESS!! I have absolutely nothing against it. Progress is good. It's great. But at what point does progress become too much? Especially for Kindergartners? Tonight after returning from Curriculum Night at Sampson, Kelsey's Elementary school, I have mixed feeling about what the expectations of little ones are these days. While on one hand, it's great that they are high; this shows that present educators are aware that kids this age DO have the ability to learn so much more than what we were being taught 30 something years ago.

On the other hand, like most parents around here, we paid a lot of money preparing Kelsey for Kindergarten. By that I mean, even though preschool is not state required, a child is at a huge disadvantage if they do not attend preschool before entering Kindergarten. We paid for 3 years of private preschool and pre-K and 3 sessions of Reading/writing. Nowhere in there did we pay anyone to teach her how to write a sentence or question. But that is exactly what they will be assessing her on at the end of the first 4 weeks. Thanks goodness I had taught her what a period, exclamation mark and question mark is.

Yes the kids are very capable of learning these things at an early age, but like Kelsey, I sure am tired a the end of the day. I feel "old" just thinking about the difference in "my kindergarten" and "her Kindergarten".

Carter's Fascination This Saturday

Lately Carter has really thought bugs are cute. He does not touch them (thank goodness), but will squat down and watch them close up as long as they are there. Saturday morning we woke to some cooler air and the kids played outside all morning. Carter got so excited when he looked up to find his latest discovery. A giant moth had landed on our eve over the patio. The funny thing is, he is terrified of roaches. I have no idea why he would think that!!

Kelsey and Carters' Fall 2009 Movie Picks

WHERE THE WILDS THINGS ARE - October 16, 2009

Kelsey and Carter are both excited about this movie; however, we will see how well received it is since it is more realistic than animated. Nevertheless, I am very anxious to see this bedtime classic too!!

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS - Fall 2009

This is one Kelsey, Carter, Daddy and Mommy are all excited to see. Who can't resist a movie with lots of food falling from the sky?


PLANET 51 - Thanksgiving 2009

Carter thinks this one looks "sooo cute" with all the little green people. My thoughts are Kesley will enjoy as well.

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG - Fall 2009

And finally Disney puts a classic tale into film with a twist. Kelsey, still believes in prince charming, and is really looking forward to this 5 year old "chick flick".

What Carter LIVES for .....These Days.

What Makes Kelsey Happy....At The Moment?

My Little "Big Girl"

Today was Kelsey first day of Kindergarten. On to "big kid" school. Throughout the summer she had alternating feelings and anxiety butterflies in the tummy about going to "big kid" school. I had finally got her excited about riding the school bus. however, of course there has to be some kink to throw into the mix. The District decided there would be no more buses for our neighborhood since we live well within the two mile radius. Ughhh! I am sure she is just fine knowing I will now be taking her and picking her up every day at the front door. Curbside service! Does not get any better fro her than that. For me, it means spending about 2 hours a day driving kids to two different schools and back. Super! But anything for my sweet kiddos!

Kelsey got to meet her teacher last Friday. Mrs. Weed. LOVE her!!! Just what Kelsey needs. She has been teaching kindergarten for 25 years and loves those kids. Kelsey is blessed in that she got a teacher that loves to give hugs still.

Saturday morning she got to meet her other classmates at a Kindergarten meet up at the park. It turns out she knows four others who will be in her class. All of a sudden the butterflies flew away and she was waking up Sunday at 6:30 ready to go to school. She was so excited all day she did no even take a nap. Of course she was so tired from all her energy Sunday, she slept until 7 Monday morning. No more play time in the morning before school. She woke up, got dressed, ate breakfast, made her bed and grabbed her lunch and backpack and we loaded up the car.

Once we got there, she insisted on the being the leader to her classroom. We finally made it down the long hallway and after quick hugs we said "see you after school!".
No one cried!! I was so proud for both of us I almost could have cried about that! She sure is my little "Big Girl"!

Kelsey's First Slumber Party

Kelsey has asked me all summer long to have a friend or two spend the night. Todd and I both think that she is a little too young still and that is a privilege to be earned when we think she is a little older. She did understand after we have explained the meaning of "privileges" and "earn" a few times. However, her somewhat rebellious side is slowly becoming more apparent in her actions. Although we told her "No" she went ahead and had one anyway.

As I walked in to check on her before I went to bed the Saturday night before school school started, I realiezed she was not alone. She had been determine to have a sleepover before her summer ended. I turned on the light to find out why I could not open her door very far only to find Sophia, Madeleine, Susie, Kelsey, and Belle had taken up her entire floor.

I Spy Sibling Harmony

The last week of summer before school starts, we all had such terrible allergies, and with no rain in sight, we stayed on the low down at home in the air conditioning. We (I) do not want (them) to get worse the week school starts. Anyhow, I was quit surprised that although the kids were pretty much together all summer long (which went by very fast) they only had a few tussles between themselves. They were actually playing with each other very well for a moody 5 year old girl and an obstinate little 3 year old boy.

Kelsey has become very creative in her play which as a result, Carter has participated immensely in pretend play. One of their favorite shows and games is "I Spy". Kelsey being explained the rules of the game in which the two of them worked together and Mommy had to be the person to find what they were spying.

Hmmmmm. I wonder what I am suppose to be looking for?

The Best Show on Earth, Is Over the Top

Every summer the circus comes to town and now the want to go see the circus every year. They talk about it all year long. Last summer was the first year we took them. Kelsey was in awe. Carter was fine until they brought out the tigers. The part they both fell in love with was Bello the Clown. Well, since we are newbies to circus, we were not in the know of how they work it.

So we have learned that Bello only performs every other year at the circus. This year turned out to be his off year and so we were in for an adventure. We were quit surprised to find that the tour we were so privileged to see is called the Over The Top Tour.

Over the top it was. Our adventure starts by driving way further than I prefer for any form of entertainment. If it has to do with driving inside the Beltway, I usually forget it, unless it involves doctors. But for the kids, we have learned to be flexible and will sometimes drive the distance for the cultural events.

As we enter the gated parking, we are first welcome with protesters for the inhumane treatment of the animals that perform in the circus. Kelsey quickly picks up on this and is somewhat concerned. After I finally get attention diverted elsewhere, we find a parking space and the long trek to our seats begin.During the first minute in the door, Kelsey has spotted the "CRAP FOR BIG BUCKS" table as Todd and I like to call it. Yes, this year we allowed them each to buy a toy in addition to the regular cotton candy and $12 "collector's cup" drinks.

After we have spent enough money to pay for one months worth of electricity, we find our seats for the adventure to really begin. We were sad that Bello would not be there this year, but the noise level was enough to keep us all well entertained for the 2 and a half hours they performed. Event he gentlemen in the audiences had some eye candy to look at with their more adult oriented slinky outfits. As Kelsey said, "Mom, the girls all have wedgies. They need to fix them." Todd and just look at each other.
Carter is most allured by the loud motorcycles and fire and all things crazily spinning around. I mean this circus was not just over the top ....I believe it was on steroids.
At any rate, the kids did have a great time, but I think we will only be heading back when Bello is sure to be there.