"Double Dip Delight" Alternate Western 09/27/08

[LadyShiva]

Ok,
This has been a very trying two weeks for us here at stargater home.

Due to an increase in our private school tuition of 400 more per month!!
So, we called up the local school district to see what they could do for us. Well, we have a wonderful (NOT) feature called choice schools where you can choose which school to send your child to. That sounds great, but all the good schools are taken early. Since this increase was just announced less than a month before school starting, the only place still available is a school that is 25 miles away and it is rated a c school! DD 9 would be on a bus for 2 hours per day....that is not cool. She would have to get up at 5 to be ready for the bus at 6, and then not get home until 4:30. That is a long insane day for her let alone for what kind of education. Also found out that if we did put her in public school we would have to go infront of the school board everytime we wanted to take a vacation over 3 days...YIKES that is a lot for us. They would get so sick of seing us. We take about 3 vacations per year usually during school becuase the prices are lower and the weather is nicer.
This is not really a viable option for us.

Was wondering how many of you homeschool and how difficult is it? DH works nights and is home all day....was just wondering if this could work for us.

PS. The adoption with Ashley is not going as planned, the two girls just are not getting along and it is causing some other concerns in the house. So, I am not sure how that is going to work. I am so saddened but the girls have entirely different personalities and that is just killing me and DH.They bicker over everything and anything.

OK enough about my rant, thanks for letting me vent .

I was on a bus for that long each day for middle school. Not elementary, though--'bout 2 years older than your daughter is now. Any way to get a scholarship for the private school you prefer? Are there any other private schools around you? What about homeschools that might perhaps take 2 more students? I don't know the rules for homeschools adding children that aren't related. The family board here at DISboards would be able to help you better, I'd guess. Would your DH be able to be a good teacher if he also needs to sleep after a long night's work?

I've personally been in the worst school in Mississippi (no joke!) and had the most brilliant teachers. I've also been in the best schools in the US. The teachers I've been lucky to labor under made all the difference in my education. I hope that helps comfort you with these important decisions.

Brandie

 

[nenner1]

Ok,
This has been a very trying two weeks for us here at stargater home.

Due to an increase in our private school tuition of 400 more per month!!
So, we called up the local school district to see what they could do for us. Well, we have a wonderful (NOT) feature called choice schools where you can choose which school to send your child to. That sounds great, but all the good schools are taken early. Since this increase was just announced less than a month before school starting, the only place still available is a school that is 25 miles away and it is rated a c school! DD 9 would be on a bus for 2 hours per day....that is not cool. She would have to get up at 5 to be ready for the bus at 6, and then not get home until 4:30. That is a long insane day for her let alone for what kind of education. Also found out that if we did put her in public school we would have to go infront of the school board everytime we wanted to take a vacation over 3 days...YIKES that is a lot for us. They would get so sick of seing us. We take about 3 vacations per year usually during school becuase the prices are lower and the weather is nicer.
This is not really a viable option for us.

Was wondering how many of you homeschool and how difficult is it? DH works nights and is home all day....was just wondering if this could work for us.

PS. The adoption with Ashley is not going as planned, the two girls just are not getting along and it is causing some other concerns in the house. So, I am not sure how that is going to work. I am so saddened but the girls have entirely different personalities and that is just killing me and DH.They bicker over everything and anything.

OK enough about my rant, thanks for letting me vent .

Stargater,

I am sorry to hear about your difficulties with Ashley!

Pinellas County school choice system ***SUCKS***.
It is the ONLY reason we moved to Hillsborough county. The ONLY reason!!! DH and I both still work in Pinellas. I commute 66 miles/day!! They still have neighborhood schools over here and it is wonderful. I shudder at the thought of all that busing.

Would there be *any* way for you to get her a hardship special attendance permit? (I don't know what getting one of those requires, or if they even still have them...)

I know it is a really pricey school , but Indian Rocks Christian is a wonderful private school. My brother and sister just graduated from there. I thought there was some kind of program that allowed public school students to attend private schools on a "voucher" provided by the state of FL? If that is still out there, that would be a great option for you!!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Hello all. After a long weekend of performances (well, David and Rio were performing but I always get ropedi nto helping --which I love) and many taking every unused minute to read, I have a night off. Harry Potter is finished (no I will not spoil it for anyone ) and there is no rehearsal nor performance tonight. So, I can finally catch up here. Not many posts--is everyone else reading as well????

Stargater--I am so sorry to read about the frustrations you are expereincing getting your daughter into the correct school situation for her and your family. We do homeschool and I would not say it is easy (as much work in a different way as it was being home with teh kids when they were toddlers and into everything). For us it works and is absolutely the right decision. But, I am really lucky to have two easy to work with and motivated kids (DD--my Hermione Granger type--researches and writes reports just for the fun of it and reads 10-12 novels and biographies a week because she WANTS to). Even at that the research needed to choose a curriculum, deal with the paperwork, etc. is a lot. And you do have to spend time actually teaching and worry about making sure they still get to see their friends plenty, etc. I do not want to discourage you from homeschooling. For many people it is a great choice. But, I would not suggest going into it thinking it would be easy. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Happy reading (or whatever else you are up to) to you all.

 

[LadyShiva]

I finished HP yesterday... Pretty easy read.

I drug hubby to look at cats yesterday, and he fell in love with a cutie. I'm on hold with the shelter right now. I hope to set up a "meet and greet" between family/doggie/kitty soon to see if this will work.

Jeena is the cutie's name, and here's her picture:

Wish us all luck!
Brandie

 

[jcemom]

We also homeschool, and I agree, it's not easy. It definitely has its advantages -- we choose our own curriculum and areas of study, we choose vacations, we choose field trips -- and it's the right choice for US. Overall I'm happier with my children at home and I do enjoy having control over what they study. They like that they have a say in what books we read, their science projects, what we learn in history, etc. They also like that they don't have to wake up at 6:00 am and stand out in the cold waiting for a bus in the winter, LOL.

However, we are together practically 24/7 and I do go a little stir crazy now and then. We do get on each others nerves. We must make it a point to spend time away from each other and as the parent most of that responsibility falls on my shoulders. I need to do things with the kids individually from time to time and that can be tough to accomplish. I also have to schedule alone time -- easier said than done, LOL.

Overall, we feel it's worth it though. It can be very fulfilling. Not all days are good days, but then that was just as true when the kids were in public school. I think we have many more good days now than we did then.

 

[cyndifan]

Has anyone been keeping track of the posts in the general DCL forum? There's quite a string going now around whether or not allow pre-teens to sign themselves out of the clubs.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1516618

Just something for folks w/kids to think about.....especially those who haven't cruised before.

I'm glad we don't have to face that particular decision yet. The rest of my response on this subject is posted over there.

On a 'happier' note - I was privledged to serve on jury duty today. It was only a boring, frustrating day up to 4:20. That was the point at which I was called to be in a pool for a case. UGH. Then, the DA & Defense attorney weren't able to seat a full panel of 12 before we left for the day (they have 10 now, 2 to go). So, all of us in the pool get to come back tomorrow to see if we're one of the lucky 2 chosen. Fun, fun..........

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Have fun scrappin' and yappin'!

That we did! Between travel, 12 hours of scrappin', and 5.5 hours of post-scrappin' yappin', and one (yes only one!) wine cooler, the hands of 4:30 am hit me hard upon the pillow plunge. I'm really too old to stay up 22 hours straight! <hold on...I need more Fixodent before I can continue> We had a great time though. Oh. How many pages did I finish you asked? Yeah.....let's not talk about that number!!

As I previously mentioned, the second half of my weekend to go fishin' greeted me after nappin' a very brief 4.5 hours post yappin'. I think I may be more excited with the look of this striped pirate Fish Extender from yesterday moreso than the pirate ones from last weekend, which I also loved. Below is a pic of some of my fruits of labor with the FE's this weekend. There's a Tinkerbell one, too, but I left it behind.

Erik, I'm glad that at least *you* are thinking out of the box. You just might have a super idea I'll have to steal from you, which is to bring more than one FE on the cruise and swap 'em out. I'm sure there will be many I make that I like, so I'll have to hold onto my personal favorites as I go along.

Well, I'm off to bed!! I'm not sure I recall the last time I was in bed before 10:00!! Have a great week everyone!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Everyone! I have been lurking here and there - so much to do, so little time. I have been guilty of taking my laptop to bed with me and then falling asleep sitting up with it on my lap.

Kimberly, what fun extenders!

Brandie, I thought your post said, you "drugged" your DH! Now he doesn't know where those cats came from, right?

Stargater, it is so hard to know what to do for your kids. We all do our best, and then somehow it is all up to them in the end. I hope you can get the best education for your kids!

our DS and DIL spent the weekend with us - our other DS and his little family were at the house, and the kids were all talking about how they can't wait to go on the cruise, and when can we book excursions, etc. etc. We all got our excitement up! I'm going to have to get him on the Dis!

Take care everyone! Happy Tuesday!

 

[scoutsmom99]

Hi Everyone Long time not chat. I hope everyone is doing well. I can’t believe how fast summer is going by. Summer feels so stinkin short here in MN that I feel like I need to get my “money’s worth” out of it. Of course we have had lots of heat and humidity this summer with little to no rain, but I will take that over the snow and below zero temps of winter. Life has been crazy the past few weeks with work (ugh ) and family stuff so I haven’t had a lot of free time for cruise planning.

Long story ahead….

Back in June my brother got engaged to his gf (love her and I’m so happy she is joining our family!) and this past weekend my parents hosted a engagement/going away party for them (they are moving to CA for my brother’s job) and while helping us with some last minute stuff my future SIL told us they had a place which meant they had a date. Anyone want to guess what date they picked……. SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 I couldn’t believe it and I think I actually said Noooo out loud to which of course was met with why(I think I was in total shock!). So I had to spill the beans about the cruise to my mom and my future SIL is telling me they can pick another date to get married. I told her I did not expect them to do that at all that we could re-schedule the cruise for a different time. Well she insists that they had just booked 2 days prior and the reception site also had September 20 open. I told her that was not necessary, but she insisted and told me she would let me know on Monday.

In the meantime like a good planner I checked out the difference between the September Double Dip and the October one and the October cruise was only $428 more which wasn’t too bad I thought. I even checked out the relatively quiet cruise meet thread for October to see if I “knew” anyone (nope!).

Well today I got an e-mail from my future SIL and she tells me no problem they are getting married on 9/20 now. I didn’t know what to say. On one hand I was excited about getting to cruise in September on my intended cruise with all of you and the other hand I felt bad because of the date switch (you only get married once!). Anyways we had a good chuckle about us both picking September 27 she said they didn’t even think to check with anyone because it was so far in advance...I think I showed my Type A planning side when she found out I had booked the cruise in May. I had figured we would be safe because they wanted a summer wedding, but for them I guess July was out and in August 2008 St. Paul is hosting the Republican National Convention so lots of venues and hotels are already booked up so they were left with September.

Ok well I was itching to tell someone other than family that story! Mom knows about the cruise now and I was surprised she didn’t pooh-pooh the idea. Probably helped that future SIL’s sister went on the 3 day in March and was telling us all about it and how awesome it was at the party. Mom is excited to meet everyone and is most excited about relaxing and having high tea on the cruise.

Ok now I’m off to catch up on the past 10 pages or so.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

That's crazy, Lisa! So glad your SIL had the wisdom to see how important this cruise is! Too bad you had to spill the beans, but it will be fun planning!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Our little grandaughter Londynn Eve was born last night!!!!

She's 7lbs 8oz - everyone is fine! Of course she's adorable

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Our little grandaughter Londynn Eve was born last night!!!!

She's 7lbs 8oz - everyone is fine! Of course she's adorable

Congratulations, Grandma!!​

How terribly exciting!! Your family has certainly been busy in the baby business this past year! I'm very much looking forward to seeing Londynn in her first glamour shots on the DIS! (beautiful name, btw). It will be so great that she and Mason will be growing up together!

Enjoy!!!

 

[LadyShiva]

Our little grandaughter Londynn Eve was born last night!!!!

She's 7lbs 8oz - everyone is fine! Of course she's adorable

Congratulations!!!

Brandie

 

[scoutsmom99]

Our little grandaughter Londynn Eve was born last night!!!!

She's 7lbs 8oz - everyone is fine! Of course she's adorable

Congratulations!!!

 

[zweihund]

Congrats Tammy, and Lisa! What a wonderfully understanding family! We're glad you're staying on the boat

Happy Wednesday everyone!

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Back in June my brother got engaged to his gf ..... Anyone want to guess what date they picked……. SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 I couldn’t believe it and I think I actually said Noooo out loud to which of course was met with why(I think I was in total shock!). So I had to spill the beans about the cruise to my mom and my future SIL is telling me they can pick another date to get married. I told her I did not expect them to do that at all that we could re-schedule the cruise for a different time. Well she insists that they had just booked 2 days prior and the reception site also had September 20 open. I told her that was not necessary, but she insisted and told me she would let me know on Monday.

Well today I got an e-mail from my future SIL and she tells me no problem they are getting married on 9/20 now. I didn’t know what to say. On one hand I was excited about getting to cruise in September on my intended cruise with all of you and the other hand I felt bad because of the date switch (you only get married once!).

Lisa, allow me to just say that you're all so selfless, supportive, and loving!! That's a very sweet story. Selfishly speaking, I'm so happy that you and your mom are still with us!! All around, the news is very cool! I'm sorry you couldn't keep your secret, but it sounds like your mom is very excited about the wedding and the cruise, so that's going to be nice to share together. You're going to be glad to cruise after all the wedding hoopla!

I took a quick glance at the Oct. '08 7-day DD you mentioned, and you're right...it doesn't hold a candle to our thread!! It makes me love ya'll that much more!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks everyone for the congrats! Can't wait to bring all of our little ones on the cruise! I'll post pics later.

 

[zweihund]

I took a quick glance at the Oct. '08 7-day DD you mentioned, and you're right...it doesn't hold a candle to our thread!! It makes me love ya'll that much more!

Our thread is the most awesome-ist. EVAR.

 

[pfishgirl]

Ooohhh a Future Dis'er




Congrats!!!!!

 

[LadyShiva]

Heya, does anyone here have room 7567, 7565, or 7563? I have room 7541 for my mother and kiddo, and was wondering if I could trade rooms?

Thanks in advance!
Brandie