DDA Chapter 7

[babytrees]

No, it isn't. Because even though a child can't read, they still send them on to the next grade, thanks to No Child Left Behind. But don't get me on that soapbox.

I am so happy.....our state is looking to LOSE our standardized testing
I've been fighting against it since the beginning.
Last week I was part of the interview team for a new principal for our high school and was thrilled that most did not mention standardized testing in determining how kids are thriving!!

 

[PNO4TE]

What's an SOL? I'm assuming it is some sort of test...Standards Of Learning? When I hear SOL, I think of something else entirely.

We in Virginia call them that too... But you were right that they are "Standards of Learning"

Elin, I was looking at that tea again. I think I really am going to order some. I think I'll get a couple of the samples first. Then I'll have the coupons to use for the other things if I really like it. I also may get the travel mug and some teas for my co-teacher for the end of the year. I'll have it sent to her house after we are all done, because we don't usually exchange gifts, and I don't want her to feel awkward about it. It has been quite a year, though, so I want to do a little something to let her know how much I appreciate working with her.

I hope you enjoy them. You really do need something clear to put them in to enjoy the beauty, I think. The travel mug is very fun! I used mine yesterday, but it had coffee in it.

 

[mommykds]

 

[PNO4TE]

We picked our food! (never thought I'd use that smilie!)
Appitizers are Potato Pancakes, Spring Rolls, Mushroom Purses and Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts. (She made us stay away from the rubens - too messy, and the sausage stuffed mushrooms - not made from scratch.)
Dinner choice will be either Prime Rib OR Tuscan Stuffed Chicken served with buttermilk whipped mashed potatoes and julienned red peppers, yellow squash and green zucchini.

We also tried the striploin - but didn't like the "horseradish a jus" - which was more like a brown gravy with horseradish mixed in; and the Chicken Aurora - which neither of us liked the caper flavor. Starches that we tried were the buttermilk potatoes , roasted redskins - too salty, and diced roasted sweet potatoes but those wouldn't have gone well with the beef or chicken we chose. The other vegetable was green beans with almonds. Blah. And the one I was really looking forward to - the pork! - it wasn't sent in the last food order to the hotel. Oh well! Beef and chicken it is!

sounds just perfect for the reception, Chanon. Another step taken care of!!

 

[PNO4TE]

1st person here gets free homemade chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk.

hmmm... I guess I missed it, huh?

 

[PNO4TE]

Does she have anything lined up yet?

nope... and I have encouraged her to take a week or so off and get some idea of what she wants to do. I know she wants to make lots of money and that didn't happen last summer at Carrabbas.

Eventually I think she would like to move back to Richmond for a bit to work and get some acting experience under her belt. She is still talking about Chicago being the "right" place for her, so we will see.

Right now I am just very happy that she seems amenable to getting her license in the next few weeks!

 

[PNO4TE]

No worries Vicki! We'll be in Frankemuth sometime in July. Maybe then!

Did you guys discuss flights?

I wanna go to Frankenmuth!

 

[PNO4TE]

How old are your sister's kids? I think you said your niece is 10, but I don't remember the age of your nephew. It is definitely difficult, but I wouldn't want them to be anywhere but here. The trick is to not let them sit around and be slaves to them. They have learned that they have to help out around the house, do chores, do things for themselves, etc. The hardest thing for me is when one kids has an activity, we all have to go. For instance, if Nicholas has soccer practice, Alyssa has to go too. Luckily there are always other younger siblings there for her to run around with. Then there is the rushing home from work, hurry and get dinner, eat quick and get out the door to whatever we have going on, get home, get showers and get in bed. Plus that will get even busier as the kids get older and have more homework. That's why I'm enjoying these 2 weeks I have with NO activities.

Well said, Tammi. My hat is off to you. I don't know how you get it all done.

 

[babytrees]

We had a grand time at the party yesterday!! It wasn't how Jim or I envisioned Cassidy's 16th to be but she enjoyed it.

We did have a "yikes" moment in the morning....as you all might remember I bought Cassidy necklace way back in January...well we took it out yesterday morning and it was tangled so badly it broke So we had to run and find a new necklace for the pendant (didn't want to send the whole thing off for the 2-3 week repair we paid for).

The girls loved their presents.....Abi's photo collage was the hit of the party and Cassidy was almost in tears with her present.

 

[tinker1bell]

I wanna go to Frankenmuth!

Me Too!!! I love that place

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Good morning dda!
happy mothers day to all the moms

 

[PNO4TE]

Mom left this morning. Chuck & I are going to church with my sister, niece and nephew. After that, we'll eat lunch and hit the road.

drive safely, Vicki & Chuck. Lots of good thoughts headed your way for Chuck's Dad.

 

[PNO4TE]

Aidan Update...

May 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM CDT
Short and sweet and go into more details later as well as post video, but OUR BOY HEARS AGAIN!

Last week Mya told her Equine Therapist how proud she was of her little brother for riding with her, and one day he would hear her say that to him.

Well TODAY was that day! Just typing this brings tears to my eyes...

 

[babytrees]

sounds just perfect for the reception, Chanon. Another step taken care of!!

hmmm... I guess I missed it, huh?

nope... and I have encouraged her to take a week or so off and get some idea of what she wants to do. I know she wants to make lots of money and that didn't happen last summer at Carrabbas.

Eventually I think she would like to move back to Richmond for a bit to work and get some acting experience under her belt. She is still talking about Chicago being the "right" place for her, so we will see.

Right now I am just very happy that she seems amenable to getting her license in the next few weeks!

Well said, Tammi. My hat is off to you. I don't know how you get it all done.

Thank you for the multi quotes Elin!!

I hope lots of money and her heart's desire are in the near future!!

My mom was a single mom before the time of all the "extra" stuff available readily to all kids. My hat is off to her and all single moms...you all have immeasurable fortitude!!

 

[tinker1bell]

 

[babytrees]

drive safely, Vicki & Chuck. Lots of good thoughts headed your way for Chuck's Dad.

Aidan Update...

May 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM CDT
Short and sweet and go into more details later as well as post video, but OUR BOY HEARS AGAIN!

Last week Mya told her Equine Therapist how proud she was of her little brother for riding with her, and one day he would hear her say that to him.

Well TODAY was that day! Just typing this brings tears to my eyes...

Another two posts to quote!!

Vicki-drive safely and I will keep Chuck's dad in my thoughts!!

Absolutely wonderful news on Aidan!!

 

[Tammi67]

What a nasty day already! It is raining & we have wind advisories out till tonight After work we are going over to Gary's mothers to cookout, this should be fun lol Last night we bought her a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries, they look so good! Thought this would be something different than flowers & tastier too

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Stay safe! Do you all have those edible arrangements out there. They are carved fruit baskets made to look like flowers. Delicious! http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

 

[babytrees]

from the 4 in my house:



to all of the DDA aunties!!!

 

[mommykds]

Anne Marie, Bernadette & I met Art at the BC. He is such a sweet man We told him that you said hello & look forward to seeing him in Aug. He said to tell you hello as well & said he feels so blessed with the all the friends he has made. Bernadette took a picture of him for you!

Thank you!!! He is a very nice man! Can't wait to see the pictures!
Welcome back Janet! I am awaiting your TR!

I did come home to new living room furniture & a 42" LCD TV The furniture is so big, our LR looks really small now lol

Thats nice to come home too!

Did Anne Marie move to Pennsylvania?

I love you guys!!!!!

Did Anne Marie have a sex change?

We picked our food! !

Sounds great. Now you can cross that off your list as done.

Here is the latest photo from Bernadette

Cute, can;t wait to see the rest.

Vicki,
for Chuck's Dad.

Debbie,
Congrats on another weight goal!

Tammi,
Yes, I agree with Elin. You're kids are lucky to have you. Enjoy your 2 weeks! Every night from here to June 13th is crazy nuts running around.

Theresa
Sounds like her 16th went well.

Elin,
Thanks for the Aidan update.

 

[Tammi67]

Well said, Tammi. My hat is off to you. I don't know how you get it all done.

Thanks Elin. And thanks for the little surprise in the mail. That really wasn't necessary. You will be hearing from the kids soon!