2012? No Problem...but when?

[cogero]

Nini that is wonderful.

I hate when parents complain and the schools give in. It is part of the problem in this country.

 

[Lidian]

This is not Disney related, but I feel the need to brag a bit on Miss B. It is the type of thing that makes me glad to be a mom!

Miss B is in the 6th grade in the first year of that dreaded thing called Middle School. Add to that the fact that she attends the worst school in the county. She has the pleasure to be in a school that has the 7th worst reputation in the whole state of Georgia! It has more drugs and violence than many small towns!

Oh wow!

She is also in her first year of band and plays the flute.

YAY!

The week before Thanksgiving, her band director had to be out for a family emergency. She gave the kids assignments for the days she would be out and let them know that if they misbehaved they would not be allowed to march in the Christmas parade on Dec 1. This was to be their first parade. To say they were excited is an understatement!

According to Miss B, there was quite a bit of trouble the first day. It was almost the whole class full of disrespectful children who think they are better than anyone else...typical of middle schoolers. When the band director came back she informed them they would not be marching!

While I was upset that she wouldn't be marching I was happy that the school followed through on the threat. That is very rare at that school.

I don't think I've ever seen a school follow through with a threat. So glad to hear yours did!!!!

There is rarely any consequence for the wrong doers. In essence, the kids run the school.

Yep.

Evidently, parents were not happy. Many complained loudly! Today we got a letter informing us that to those students whose parents complained, they get to march. They don't get to play, but they get to dress in uniform and march.

I am appalled! Is there any wonder the school is in as bad a shape as it is? It should be very simple...you misbehave you get punished.

Wow... that's ... You know, I'd complain about that! I'm not much for complaining to the source (sure I complain to friends/family, but rarely to the source) ... but I think I would stand up and complain about it.

To those parents who complained, the school should have sent home a detailed letter stating the "threat" given ahead of time, all the students should be able to understand "misbehaving = NO parade", and then detail what some students did wrong (and what some did right) and left it at that.

If they're being allowed to march, what is their new punishment going to be? Inappropriate behaviour should ALWAYS be punished for. Especially in a school system. No wonder there is so much violence and other negative things about the school. The adults there LET the kids and parents do whatever they please. There's no boundaries. UGH! This just makes me angry.

Now, for the bragging part.

My daughter informed me she was not a part of the problem that day, but she understood that the ones that were cost the whole class the ability to march. In the letter I got from the band director, not only was my daughter not involved in the problem, she tried to get the rest of the kids to stop. She had the strength of character to stand up for what she knew was right.

GOOD FOR HER!!!!!!! I'm so proud of her for using her voice and doing what was RIGHT! She'll be a wonderful role model for others!

As a parent, one of my biggest fears is that my child will go with the masses just because it is easier. For her attempt at restoring order, she was invited to march. with the rest of the band. While I appreciate the gesture, she will not be marching.

GOOD FOR YOU! She seems like she has an amazing head, and she will NOT follow the masses. She'll "march" to her own beat and do what is right and best. She'll make some mistakes, but she'll have good intentions at what she's doing. You have an amazing girl on your hands!

I sent an email to the band director informing her of my decision...and I got a thank you email from her for her support.

Love my kids!

Nini

Good! But what are they doing to address the troublemakers?

Nini that is wonderful.

I hate when parents complain and the schools give in. It is part of the problem in this country.

I agree! Last year, I had some issues with my DD's teacher. I felt that some of the troublemakers were rewarded (they had parties to reward the good kids every 6 weeks) because of who their parents were. My DD, while not perfect, was a good kid. She never got in trouble, I never had to be called down to discuss her behaviour, and she got along well with ALL the kids. However, one little girl, who got into several fights, got to go to each party. Why? I'm guessing because her mom is a teacher at the school. The kid was fighting!! My DD would never do such a thing at school. She was never invited.

I asked the teacher once why my DD was overlooked, and he said it was because she talks when she isn't supposed to. I didn't argue with him ... because I was in his class as a volunteer almost daily, and I never saw her talk out of place. While he was constantly on some of the other "good" kids about being quiet. I was livid, and I let her know that I felt she deserved to be at the parties, but we'd reward her at home in other ways instead (and we did).

Not once did I complain and ruin it for everyone else. That's just a dumb thing to do. I feel like I had a valid complaint ... not like the troublemakers. But I didn't push the envelope, because I'm not there 100% of the time, and I can't say she hasn't gotten into any trouble. Sure, I sort of felt like I had "the teacher is out to get my DD" syndrome ... but complaining could have ruined it for everyone, and it could have made issues between DD's teacher and herself.

I'll stick to complaining about the important issues ... like the bullying. Yep. I'll complain about that until I'm blue in the face and the schools get their acts together and resolve it better.

 

[DMGeurts]

Nini - I am so proud of your dd to stand up for what's right, that is super hard to do at that age.

I agree, there should always be consequences for misbehavior, and that's the reason that so many things are wrong in so many places, there never seem to be any consequences.

D~

 

[NiniMorris]

Thanks guys!

This is the same school system that locked Mr D in a closet...a child with severe separation anxieties and is afraid of the dark and closed spaces...yup we have a winner here!

Miss B has NEVER been named student of the month. She has made the straight A honor roll every single times since Kinder. She has only made one B in her entire life. She did win an award from the county for having the highest standardized tests for her grade. But they told me she did not qualify for testing for the gifted class!!!

I was told that the student of the month was to encourage good behavior and good grades in those kids that are struggling with both. So, if you aren't struggling you don't get noticed?

(sorry...I hate the way my tax dollars are wasted!)

Being a parent the second time around should be easier...but it isn't! LOL!


Nini

 

[NiniMorris]

I love Christmas!

I love even more that most of my shopping is done.

I would love even more if all the things I was making were done!


My daughter has the top two things on her list...a Kindle and an American Girl; My son has all the important things on his list (mainly from his brothers and sister though. We still have to get him an assortment of Bey Blades and a skateboard)

The kids have an Xbox with the Kinnect and the Disneyland game to go with it.
My older kids are getting a joint gift with their spouses...a king size quilt. (the guys will also get a gift card for three months for the X Box; which they will care more about than the quilt!)

The only gift left to purchase will be the mysterious gift (yet un named) that I will give to hubby. I have no clue what that will be! He is the hardest person in the world to buy for.

All of the teacher/therapists and doctors gifts are either made or waiting to be finished.

All in all I might be ready when Dec 10 actually gets here...yes I know Christmas is actually the 25th of December, but the family Christmas will be on the 10th...I think the hardest par might be trying to decide which gift to give the little kiddoes on the 10th and what has to wait for Santa!


Off to Joanne's to get enough batting to finish up the quilts!

Nini

 

[babynala]

How am I just getting to your PTR? I know I've seen your link in your siggy but for some reason I never clicked on it.

I really enjoyed reading your PTR, especially the pictures from the earlier trips. You have had some major drama associated with your trip but I did not realize that your mother's accident was right before one of your planned trips. It is amazing the progress that Mr D has made since the accident. I am so glad that you decided to take him out of that school. I kind of feel bad because I know you were debating about sending him to school this year and I'm sure I was one of the people who thought that it would be OK for him to try to go to school. Of course, mommy knows best and your gut was right on. I still can not believe that school and the actions at your DDs school are unbelievable. It seems like the good students should be rewarded and should be used as a good example for the other kids.

I am so impressed that you have some much sewing done and are pretty much set for Christmas, except for DH. Sorry, no help with that one.

I REALLY want to go back to Disney at Christmastime. You must try to get to the Osbourne lights if you go back in Nov or Dec. I think it is one of my son's favorite Disney memories and my DH loves it.

Sorry for the long reply and I'll try to keep up....

 

[babynala]

I forgot to mention this in my earlier post but I think this link has been posted on the disboutique before:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/09/2-in-1-bag-stroller-bag-into-messenger.html

It seems like a good idea but I'm not sure how easy it would be to get on and off the stroller. Might be good for an outing at the mall but I think the on/off of Disney world would be too complicated.

 

[NiniMorris]

I am so mad right now I could bite a nail in two!

I have heard my mother say that so many times and never had a clue just what that meant! Now I do!

I have been trying to get a script refilled since last Monday. It is for my Lunesta. Unfortunately, one of the complications of a disease that causes chronic pain is insomnia. I have suffered with it in varying degrees of severity for 15 years.

I have been going to the same doctor for over 20 years. I have been with him through the ups and downs of his practice. When I first started going to him he had just started his own practice.

I have called his office every day since last Tuesday. I have called the pharmacy every day and they have either called or faxed his office at least once a day. In all those discussions, the closest I have gotten was to be assured that the request was on his desk and he would get to it shortly.

Today, I was told that since I cancelled my last appointment (and cannot reschedule it until April!) they will not refill it until I come in. Since I cannot get in to see them anytime soon...well, I guess I won't be sleeping anytime soon!

Why could they not have told me that last week? Why did they keep telling me it would be filled if indeed it would not? Yes, I am angry!

Now I get to go look for a new doctor...AFTER I send a very well worded letter via fax to my OLD doctor's office!


Yes, I know this has nothing to do with Disney....but I am mad!

Nini

 

[NiniMorris]

Double post

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh Nini - this is so horrible.

I wish Drs could understand that sometimes life takes precidence, and there is just no way that we can get there.

I would be beyond frustrated. (((Hugs))) Hopefully you are able to get some sleep soon, and maybe your Dr will reconsider?

D~

 

[cogero]

I would be livid and I would try and find out who I could file a complaint against.

I am so so sorry.

 

[Lidian]

I'm so sorry Nini! Definitely make the complaints. There has to be a board or something that you could complain to as well (and probably BBB). That's awful that they can't be realistic and understanding!!!!!

I know it's a long shot ... but does any of the OTC sleeping meds help at all for the meantime?

Please keep us informed on what happens. We're here for you.

 

[NiniMorris]

How am I just getting to your PTR? I know I've seen your link in your siggy but for some reason I never clicked on it.

I really enjoyed reading your PTR, especially the pictures from the earlier trips. You have had some major drama associated with your trip but I did not realize that your mother's accident was right before one of your planned trips. It is amazing the progress that Mr D has made since the accident. I am so glad that you decided to take him out of that school. I kind of feel bad because I know you were debating about sending him to school this year and I'm sure I was one of the people who thought that it would be OK for him to try to go to school. Of course, mommy knows best and your gut was right on. I still can not believe that school and the actions at your DDs school are unbelievable. It seems like the good students should be rewarded and should be used as a good example for the other kids.

I am so impressed that you have some much sewing done and are pretty much set for Christmas, except for DH. Sorry, no help with that one.

I REALLY want to go back to Disney at Christmastime. You must try to get to the Osbourne lights if you go back in Nov or Dec. I think it is one of my son's favorite Disney memories and my DH loves it.

Sorry for the long reply and I'll try to keep up....

Don't worry...I don't move as fast as some people...I doubt I will have many updates, since my plans are still up in the air.

I would be livid and I would try and find out who I could file a complaint against.

I am so so sorry.

There really is no one to complain to...it is his practice and he can use any procedures for his office that he wants. He has always had a terrible time keeping good office staff.

Oh Nini - this is so horrible.

I wish Drs could understand that sometimes life takes precidence, and there is just no way that we can get there.

I would be beyond frustrated. (((Hugs))) Hopefully you are able to get some sleep soon, and maybe your Dr will reconsider?

D~

I have yet to actually get to the doctor, but I really guess if he is going to treat old patients this way then maybe I don't want him!

I'm so sorry Nini! Definitely make the complaints. There has to be a board or something that you could complain to as well (and probably BBB). That's awful that they can't be realistic and understanding!!!!!

I know it's a long shot ... but does any of the OTC sleeping meds help at all for the meantime?

Please keep us informed on what happens. We're here for you.

Over the counter meds really don't work too well for me. Mr D is on Melatonin, so I tried that; I had some pain pills from my surgery and I tried that; Hubby takes Tylenol PM, so I tried that. Of all, the Tylenol PM works best...it gives me about 3 hours of sleep a night.


I have an appointment with a family practice doctor for Friday morning (I have babysitting issues...) Since I have a DX, I don't need to see a specialist, just show my new doctor that I have the DX and what course of action we have been taking. I am very hopeful that I will be sleeping Friday night...although I fully know that I may have to wait a few more days before he faxes over my records.

I am working on my New Year's Resolution a bit early...I am resolving to not post such downer things here any more! If I break that resolution...you have to give me a whack!

So, in that vein...does anyone have a Disney Crystal Ball? I need to know if Free Dining will be offered for the November/December dates! Of course, I also have to know if my daughter will be getting pregnant in February time frame as well! Those are the two things that will decide when we go to Disney next year.



Nini

 

[Lidian]

Over the counter meds really don't work too well for me. Mr D is on Melatonin, so I tried that; I had some pain pills from my surgery and I tried that; Hubby takes Tylenol PM, so I tried that. Of all, the Tylenol PM works best...it gives me about 3 hours of sleep a night.

I have an appointment with a family practice doctor for Friday morning (I have babysitting issues...) Since I have a DX, I don't need to see a specialist, just show my new doctor that I have the DX and what course of action we have been taking. I am very hopeful that I will be sleeping Friday night...although I fully know that I may have to wait a few more days before he faxes over my records.

I am working on my New Year's Resolution a bit early...I am resolving to not post such downer things here any more! If I break that resolution...you have to give me a whack!

So, in that vein...does anyone have a Disney Crystal Ball? I need to know if Free Dining will be offered for the November/December dates! Of course, I also have to know if my daughter will be getting pregnant in February time frame as well! Those are the two things that will decide when we go to Disney next year.

Nini

Glad to hear you have an appointment. I hope it goes well! The OTC stuff doesn't work for me either ... but it was worth a shot to ask. Hope you can get some rest!

Sorry, but my crystal ball broke.

 

[babynala]

How frustrating about your doctor's office. I'm glad you were able to find a new doctor and I hope you can get some "extra" sleep.

 

[NiniMorris]

So I managed to get to a doctor on Friday morning and get my meds refilled. I have now had two nights of blissful sleep and feel almost human again! Another couple nights and it would have been two weeks of no sleep.

Now, all is right with my world, and I promise to stop complaining so much!

Last night we had our family Christmas. It was perfect...everyone loved their gifts, my kiddies got too spoiled, and my Grand Princess got some beautiful clothes that made her extremely angry...she only wanted toys! Once she realizes the clothes matched some of the clothes that my youngest daughter got she will be happy...but last night she was tired and nothing made her happy!

As usual, my middle son didn't show up. I spoke with him the day before and he promised to be there...he causes way too much drama at Christmas. He NEVER buys gifts for anyone and gets mad when other people get more gifts than he does. Sometimes I think he is only 3 instead of 29! Last night he wouldn't even take my call...so I think I will be keeping his gift this year....

The kids are ecstatic...I got a new big tv as an early Christmas gift, and they got the new Xbox last night. They can hardly wait to come home from church services today so they can play. I think I may have a new weapon in my arsenal for good behavior!



Today was another day where hubby wanted to talk about Disney. He was rather upset that I didn't have any news to tell him. I can't convince him that most of the planning is on hold until we can make the final decision as to the dates. So I spent a few hours going over both scenarios...which days in the park, where we would probably eat, that sort of thing...and once again he said he might be willing to pay the $2000 extra if free dining doesn't come through for us for late November. (of course, how he feels about that when the time comes to pay for it is another story!)

He actually started thinking that 10 days might not be enough time....so there is a possibility that if free dining comes through we might spend more time there...I can deal with that! LOL


Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

So I managed to get to a doctor on Friday morning and get my meds refilled. I have now had two nights of blissful sleep and feel almost human again! Another couple nights and it would have been two weeks of no sleep.

I am so glad you were finally able to get some sleep.

Last night we had our family Christmas. It was perfect...everyone loved their gifts, my kiddies got too spoiled, and my Grand Princess got some beautiful clothes that made her extremely angry...she only wanted toys! Once she realizes the clothes matched some of the clothes that my youngest daughter got she will be happy...but last night she was tired and nothing made her happy!

As usual, my middle son didn't show up. I spoke with him the day before and he promised to be there...he causes way too much drama at Christmas. He NEVER buys gifts for anyone and gets mad when other people get more gifts than he does. Sometimes I think he is only 3 instead of 29! Last night he wouldn't even take my call...so I think I will be keeping his gift this year....

The kids are ecstatic...I got a new big tv as an early Christmas gift, and they got the new Xbox last night. They can hardly wait to come home from church services today so they can play. I think I may have a new weapon in my arsenal for good behavior!

It sounds like everyone got some wonderful gifts.

Today was another day where hubby wanted to talk about Disney. He was rather upset that I didn't have any news to tell him. I can't convince him that most of the planning is on hold until we can make the final decision as to the dates. So I spent a few hours going over both scenarios...which days in the park, where we would probably eat, that sort of thing...and once again he said he might be willing to pay the $2000 extra if free dining doesn't come through for us for late November. (of course, how he feels about that when the time comes to pay for it is another story!)

He actually started thinking that 10 days might not be enough time....so there is a possibility that if free dining comes through we might spend more time there...I can deal with that! LOL

Yay for talking about Disney - my DH never wants to talk about Disney. And to be forced to work on park plans... Wow! LOL I hope you get to have extra days, and FD in Nov - that would just be wonderful.

D~

 

[cogero]

Nini so happy you are getting sleep. That is wonderful.

Sorry for any family drama. I hate family drama.

I think it is great that your Dh wants to talk Disney mine will only talk resturaunts when it is time.

 

[NiniMorris]

Husband got the new Call of Duty game for the Xbox from my oldest daughter...it probably will NOT be opened ...ever! He wants the games but never plays them. He has a version for the computer, the Wii, and now the x box. He has never played any of them. I had hoped he would like the Xbox so I could get him some games for it...nope!

At church yesterday I remembered that one of the ladies there is a graphic artist...and hubby has just ran out of business cards! I found one dog eared card in my wallet. I gave it to her and she has sent me some proofs for new cards....she sent me three different designs to decide on. They are so good! I can't make up my mind! And her prices were fantastic! One thousand cards for just $60! The last time he got cards I spent $75 for just 500.

Now that I know what he is getting for his Christmas present, I can now rest a little easier! He is so hard to buy for. One year ...every time we went shopping, he looked at and tried out one of those stupid exercise machines. He spent so much time there, he could tell you all the good points on each different model and which features were the best....so I took that to mean that is what he wanted. NOPE... he just liked looking at them!

He grew up not really celebrating Christmas much. Only kids got gifts, and it was usually something like underwear or socks. Growing up he never had a tree, never visited Santa, nothing. The closest to celebrating Christmas was he went to church and extra time.

He is used to getting what he wants or needs for himself, not as presents. It has really made getting him gifts really hard. I am confident this is a gift he will approve of!

Now, I just have to make up my mind which version will work best!


Nini

 

[NiniMorris]

I think I will get back to the Disney pre trip planning now! LOL!! It seems the subject matter lately has been a bit all over the place.

Thanks to some wonderful friends (that be you D~ and Chiara) I have become obsessed about those wonderful cute mini planner pages. Now that I have the directions on how to do them in Word, I am on a roll!

Of course, if I had the actual date and times (and maybe even the confirmation numbers) they would be better...but for now they are satisfying my Disney fix. The only major problem I am having is in the artwork. I can't find the ones I want that are copyright free. While I don't see this as a problem for my personal pages, I am afraid that means I can't post any pictures here.

I guess I am a bit over sensitive about copy right laws.

I will say they are turning out pretty good...I actually have multiple images for each part of the trip. The hard part is going to be choosing which ones to actually use! I am getting ideas about the next trip...I have a list of a couple of different pictures I want to take of things this year so I can have them for planner pages NEXT year! On some things I will have pictures of my kids enjoying a particular ride or a particular dinner... and use those pictures for my planner pages!

I just have to remember to take the list of pictures I know I want with me this trip....

Now, in the 45 minutes I have free before we go to therapy this morning, I think I'll look for some more Disney Christmas-sy clip art....because the kids like the cartoony pages and I like the picture pages...so I will ever use a combination of the two...or make two different ones...hmm...I'm SURE I can have time for both!



Nini