"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[princessesrule4]

Happy Monday Ladies! I hope everyone has a great day, I have a busy day pretty much full of chores and lots of :laundry: It never ends around here!

Channing I hope you get your situations worked out with your kiddos school! I don't have any advice but it sounds like it's all a little fishy

Ok, my school rant:
We home school b/c the school we are zoned for is the worst one in our district (F school) and until this year white children that were zoned for it could not apply to the magnet school b/c of racial balance.. If we lived one street over we would be able to get him into the best school. Most of the people who live around here have the $$$ to pay for private school but the school here in town is soooooo $$$$. Our son went last year and I was not impressed so I decided to home school until we moved to another zone. The laws just changed and my son was allowed to apply and he did not make the lottery drawing but is on the waiting list, he is number 82 The big news around here is they are not allowing a bunch of teachers to return next year and are not hiring more teachers b/c of budget cuts, yet the top 5 school board members got raises and their salary packages require 5 million out of the budgets.

I think we may continue to HS until some thing change with our public schools. We have wonderful teachers, some are good friends, but the way things work around here they have their hands tied. Plus, I have enjoyed getting to know my son even better and had fun teaching him and watching him have those light bulb moments It is a LOT of work but I have discovered some new curriculum that would require half the prep work on my part I have really enjoyed the freedom we have and taking off to Epcot to explore China at the end of our China study was so cool! Our parents both had fits when they found out we were going to HS our son but now have seen how great it can be and are on board.

Sorry, I didn't mean to on and on about Home school.

Have a great day ladies!

It sounds like homeschooling is the right choice for you all!
That would be great to pop over to WDW for a field trip! I would be doing field trips every day!

 

[Lives4Disney]

ok guys....i feel like I could throw up.

I was so good with my ww points and then went for a nice walk, came back and went into the kitchen to straighten it, watch the View, etc....and pigged out on Easter candy!!!!!! It was the first time I did that all season. I went totally nuts and lost it. I think I am pmsing and then this school thing has me stressed. Seriously I feel icky I ate so much chocolate. If only I can remember this gross feeling in a few hours so I don't do it again.

Annette, thanks for the kind words.

Channing

 

[WishesQueen]

I can't believe it!!! I just ate a little Chocolate bunny too!!

 

[marcij]

Channing -- to you and Lucy and JoJo on the school issues. You've gotten lots of good advice on here, so I'll just add that I hope you are able to resolve the issue with Lucy's teacher TODAY so that the Easter candy is safe. There is no excuse for the teacher's behavior.

As for JoJo -- there is a teaching method for children who have ADHD/memory issues called the Association reading method. It has worked wonders for my oldest son.

I was an honor student and never dreamed that my kids would have learning differences. I was able to tell at a very young age that my oldest had some kind of problem. When the pre-school he was going to offered hearing/vision tests, they also offered kindergarten readiness/IQ/all kinds of other tests. I signed him up for everything as after three years of seeing ABC etc., he couldn't tell me what those letters were. His tests came back with an above average IQ, but that he was at-risk for learning differences and should be tested for ADHD. (The ADHD I had pretty much figured out.) I took him to a doctor who told me that he was definitely ADHD, and might have dyslexia. I promptly did some research and found that Dallas has the largest school in the nation for bright kids with learning differences. I immediately scheduled an appt., and even though it was May, managed to get him squeezed in to the last slot for EC -- early childhood (kindergarten) and figured out how to pay the tuition. Those teachers are so awesome and it's such a great support group of parents. They helped guide us through meds/no meds, and realized he had sensory issues. We did do a year of therapy and that seemed to help. Then they decided he did have dyslexia and he was started in the Association method when he went to T-1 (transistional first). Then, they realized that although he can articulate clearly, he has a verbal expressive disorder. He just seemed shy to us, but he actually has a problem processing language and expressing himself. It's taken years of speech therapy, but he is finally writing longer paragraphs/papers and is doing better in school.

I tell you this because you should make sure that the school is able to test for all learning differences, not just dyslexia, and see if they have different kinds of methods for teaching those kids.

My youngest did turn out to have ADHD (not the hyper part, though they call them all ADHD now) and dyslexia, but he doesn't have the memory or speech problems and his dyslexia is a different type, so they use the SEE method with him.

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to e-mail or talk to you.

Having said all of that, there are bad apples (teachers) in the bunch (especially the one that thought my oldest was just a bad child and couldn't figure out he had attentional issues) but I want to give a big shout out to all the great teachers out there. We have been truly blessed the last few years and I'm so thankful to the teachers who teach my kids, as I wouldn't have nearly enough patience for kids who don't have learning differences, much less, the kids that do.

Guess what??????!!!!!! DH agreed to 5 nights at the GF in December. So, I get to go in 3 weeks and then again in Dec! We're going to book the bounceback offer while we're down there. Right now the GV and TPV are both available at the GF. Can't wait!

Denise -- great news! I know you've wanted to go back during Christmas.

Then there is DD3. She does not know a stranger and has personality +. She has gotten very, very hyper over the last year. She goes a million miles a minute and does not slow down until bed time. People will say to me "oh, she is so cute but I am glad she is yours." Our preschool at the church is very unorganized and I just was not feeling that she was getting any structure or dicipline. I have decided to try the Montessori approach to see if she could take her extra energy and put it towards something positive-such as learning.

The one thing that bothers me is that she will not be able to finish out her year at preschool because this is a five day a week program and is during her other preschool time. I just wanted to try it before I committed to it in the fall.

Does anyone here have any experience with Montessori? If not- I am glad I have a place to vent!!

I hope everyone has a good day! Another sunny day in Central Illinois- Summer is right around the corner!

Yes -- the school my boys go to is Montessori based. It has been wonderful because you go at your own pace, but it is highly structured. That's what kids need a lot of the time to help them get more organized. They know they do certain things at certain times, have contracts to finish each day to keep them on schedule, do everything a certain way etc. As the kids get older, this changes and they help them learn more of how to do these things on their own. For my kids, it has worked great.

Okay, enough of my novel. (sorry) I better get back to work so I can continue paying tuition!

 

[mandymommy4]

What is wrong with us???? I ate a huge piece of B-day cake right before I checked the boards!!!! I have no self control so if it's in the house I will eat it sooner or later..... But I am trying to be good and I got rid of all the junk but yesterday we had a cake for my MIL and SIL birthday and of course they send us home with a huge piece that I knew would sabotaged my diet. But on a positive note I have found a great way to fight my urge to munch in front of the TV at night, I chew a stick of Extra sugar free gum. It makes my urge to eat go away

 

[marcij]

What is wrong with us????:rotfl: I ate a huge piece of B-day cake right before I checked the boards!!!! I have no self control so if it's in the house I will eat it sooner or later..... But I am trying to be good and I got rid of all the junk but yesterday we had a cake for my MIL and SIL birthday and of course they send us home with a huge piece that I knew would sabotaged my diet. But on a positive note I have found a great way to fight my urge to munch in front of the TV at night, I chew a stick of Extra sugar free gum. It makes my urge to eat go away

I fell off the wagon too...

I did so great all weekend, even having a grilled chicken salad at the burger place we went to between baseball games at the tournament yesterday UNTIL the games were delayed, and I had to eat out of the concession stand last night. (games weren't over until after 10 p.m., we couldn't leave, and I was starving) I did pack fruit and granola bars to eat over the weekend, but didn't anticipate the problems with dinner last night. Darn!

Though I am back to doing okay today. I just need to figure out dinner, since we have soccer/baseball tonight.

 

[WishesQueen]

Guess what??????!!!!!! DH agreed to 5 nights at the GF in December. So, I get to go in 3 weeks and then again in Dec! We're going to book the bounceback offer while we're down there. Right now the GV and TPV are both available at the GF. Can't wait!

Denise

How do you know that the bounceback offer will be available while your there? I am interested because I was hoping to bounceback myself. We are traveling in July and I am told that its not offered then.

Well, great news!!! I've always wanted to see WDW for the holidays!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

wow!! I am not alone in my Monday morning pigging out!!!

Marci, thanks for all the info. I have a meeting Wed morning w/the "team" and will most likely find out more info then. Jojo tested EXTREMELY high for visual/spacial relationships and they will be teaching her things that way.... I have no idea what they are talking about at this piont ...Like you, I was an honor student - VERY EASY kid and had a super easy breezy time with school, so having THREE KIDS with IEPs was so not in my picture of what my future would hold. We are lucky we have FABULOUS people that did the testing and the lady I spoke with was terrific and knowledgeable and so caring. She will have a great reading itinerant, also. They come highly recommended....I just don't know details or anything at all yet. I know little to nothing about dyslexia...other than I KNEW something was not right with Jojo's reading/letter recognition/phonics issues. Luckily Jojo doesn't have ADHD....DS does....also not the hyper kind....Thank God.

I made up my mind - no eating til dinner.....UH OH....I have a new email and it's from the teacher................

More to come.....
Channing

 

[goofygal531]

Hello Ladies!

I've just begun my spring cleaning but needed to take a little break. DS1 just went down for his nap so I thought I'd see what was happening here. I didn't have time to read everything yet.

Channing: Haven't read everything, so sorry you're having school issues. My DS4 has a speech delay and receives therapy in Preschool. We've been having him evaluated every year. They tell us "there's a huge range of normal, which he falls in". I thought he was showing signs of Asperger's Syndrome but the DRs say he's "normal".

On a happy note, DH surprised me with an Ipod Nano Saturday night! I had a shuffle, which I hated! You couldn't select the songs, it "shuffled" them on it's own. So annoying! I really wanted a "regular" Ipod to listen to the Dis Podcasts. So Saturday night I downloaded all the Podcasts since January. I had no idea that you could listen to them from the computer ! Don't tell DH!! I listened to 2 of them so far, it's so much fun. I loved their description of the new spaceship earth! I really have no idea how to use this thing! The buttons are so sensitive. I saw in Sharper Image that they sell Bluetooth wireless headphones for the Ipod. I think I'm going to get DH a pair for Father's Day, he loves anything from Sharper Image!

I joined WW last Wednesday night. It was a fun meeting. The leader is a bald gay guy! He really made the meeting fun. I've been good so far. I actually threw out a lot of the Easter candy. My boys are so young for all that chocolate. My DS4 just wanted the jelly beans.

I have one more bit of fun news, I talked DH into going to DISNEY LAND for our 10th anniversary in May 2009!!

He HATES to fly and will only fly to FL since it's only 2.5 hours. But I really really want to see DL, so he said yes. Of course the boys are coming with us.

So if anyone has any info on DL please PM me. I know NOTHING! DH was laughing at me because we're not going until 5/09 and I have to research this now. I told him there's lots to find out, I don't know anything about spending a week in DL!! I'm so excited to have something to look forward to that's completely new to discover!!

Well, gotta go try and get one ADR for Tusker House that I never thought about until DS4 saw it on TV (that special "What You get for the money in Disney) and now wants to have breakfast with Donald in AK and it's booked! I've been calling everyday. Nothing!

Don't forget to set your recorders for Friday night at 9pm on Travel Channel "Samantha Brown's Disney Favorites". She goes to both Disney Land and Disney World!

Have a great day everyone!
Mare

 

[Cinderumbrella]

ATTENTION EVERYONE:

BACK AWAY FROM THE CANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I behaved myself this weekend (no easy feat when we ate out for dinner Fri, Sat and Sun!!) I had an Asian Chicken salad on Fri and Sat (my fav salad!!) and a grilled chicken breast with bacon and cheese (not bun) and broccoli instead of fries yesterday. It is so crucial in the 1st 2 weeks of low cab not to deviate from the plan so your body can get into fat burning mode. I lost just over 2 punds this past week (most of which should be water since it is too early for any real fat to come off) but my shorts from last summer all fit this past weekend, so water or no water, I'll take it!!!

Eagerly waiting for Channing to post the update....

 

[goofygal531]

I know little to nothing about dyslexia...

I have dyslexia. The only thing that really scares me is when I have a take out delivery and have to "make change" - I have no idea! Numbers don't register. I seriously get scared. I have to count on my fingers and figure out if I give the guy a $20 how much do I ask him to give back for change including his tip. I hate it. My mind just doesn't know how to figure it out fast like everyone else. Plus I practically have a panic attack.

I make sure when taking taxis to always have small bills. It's just easier for me.

I also can mix up a number the second you tell me. If you say your in room 1918, I'll immediately flip the numbers to 1819, it's just automatic without my control. I have to make sure my room number is always written down.

Basically those are the only things that effect me daily with dyslexia. As long as people around me know, it's not an issue. DH will usually answer the door for take out because he knows what stress it gives me!

 

[Lives4Disney]

Quick update....the teacher is a rag. She is blaming it on 6th grade adjustment.....OMG...I am ready to eat! Just kidding.

ANyway....I emailed her back and told her I THINK NOT. She got A+s in several classes, has joined every club she can fit in, student council, band, etc....this is NOT an adjustment issue. What a dolt. Go ahead, blame the student....I came THIS CLOSE to saying - TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF, LADY. YOU HAVE THE BRIGHTEST KIDS IN THE SCHOOL AND THEY EARNED Cs IN YOUR CLASS....... IT"S A TEACHER ISSUE.


I am STEPPING AWAY FROM THE CANDY! I still feel bleh in my stomach. I need a nice tall Diet Coke to clear it away.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

yeah I am so off the wagon
I had a piece of cake today
I had to
but on a good note
I called the school and got Antys evaluation set up for April 17th I am done playing games with those people
muhahahha

 

[Cinderumbrella]

It does sound like she has washed her hands of it... is it too late in the semester for Lucy to get her A back before the end of the year?? I don't think the teacher is going to be much help

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I am loving these new tickers!!! And so far they haven't been "poofing" like the others!!

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/timers/stepone/vacation.html

 

[grannyminnie]

I am loving these new tickers!!! And so far they haven't been "poofing" like the others!!

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/timers/stepone/vacation.html

I like these better than Mickeypath!! But part of yours are gone. I might play around and see if I can make one of these for my other trips.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I am loving these new tickers!!! And so far they haven't been "poofing" like the others!!

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/timers/stepone/vacation.html

I wouldnt count on them sticking around. I clicked on the link and the first thing that came up was the page but an ad for Small World Travel and they are a competitor of dreams unlimited who owns this boards. There used to be cool tickers from this other message and those were banned for a similiar reason.

 

[SleepingUgly]

Channing --

I am sorry you / Lucy are having teacher issues. It's really unbelievable just how much difference in a child's life can be experienced when it comes to good vs. bad teacher.

Our experience -- My older daughter attended KG and 1st grade in another district, one that always got low standarized test scores and was not thought of highly due to high minority populations. But her teachers were phenomenal. She learned so much from them and they gave so much to all the kids in the class. Both were veteran teachers who knew how to deal with all types of children.

Then we moved to our current district, which is supposedly one of the best in the country (our current county is supposedly among the 5 wealthiest in the nation, so mucho dinero for the schools). We thought the schools would be out of this world. Unfortunately, it was quite the opposite. My daughter's 2nd grade teacher was only 24 years old and had no experience dealing with 27 2nd graders. My daughter came home pretty much everyday and complained about how loud it was in her class. She was bored to tears, but because she was "safe" in that she could help the school by getting a good score on the standarized tests, the teachers ignored her. At her other school, when her teachers realized she was bored, they got her into the gifted program right away. At her 2nd-grade school, they just said well, sorry, but that's how it is.

So what have I learned from this? It's not the test scores or the wealth of a school district that reflects on how good the schools are. It truly, really is the teachers. Our current district has a good reputation, but I think that is more reflective of the families who reside in the district (parents who really encourage their children in academics) rather than the school system itself.

I am Asian, so it's in my blood to be the crazy mother who expects her children to excel acaedmically. Good for you for taking a pro-active stance in your children's education!

Linda

 

[mandymommy4]

Hello Ladies!

I've just begun my spring cleaning but needed to take a little break. DS1 just went down for his nap so I thought I'd see what was happening here. I didn't have time to read everything yet.

Channing: Haven't read everything, so sorry you're having school issues. My DS4 has a speech delay and receives therapy in Preschool. We've been having him evaluated every year. They tell us "there's a huge range of normal, which he falls in". I thought he was showing signs of Asperger's Syndrome but the DRs say he's "normal".

On a happy note, DH surprised me with an Ipod Nano Saturday night! I had a shuffle, which I hated! You couldn't select the songs, it "shuffled" them on it's own. So annoying! I really wanted a "regular" Ipod to listen to the Dis Podcasts. So Saturday night I downloaded all the Podcasts since January. I had no idea that you could listen to them from the computer ! Don't tell DH!! I listened to 2 of them so far, it's so much fun. I loved their description of the new spaceship earth! I really have no idea how to use this thing! The buttons are so sensitive. I saw in Sharper Image that they sell Bluetooth wireless headphones for the Ipod. I think I'm going to get DH a pair for Father's Day, he loves anything from Sharper Image!

I joined WW last Wednesday night. It was a fun meeting. The leader is a bald gay guy! He really made the meeting fun. I've been good so far. I actually threw out a lot of the Easter candy. My boys are so young for all that chocolate. My DS4 just wanted the jelly beans.

I have one more bit of fun news, I talked DH into going to DISNEY LAND for our 10th anniversary in May 2009!!

He HATES to fly and will only fly to FL since it's only 2.5 hours. But I really really want to see DL, so he said yes. Of course the boys are coming with us.

So if anyone has any info on DL please PM me. I know NOTHING! DH was laughing at me because we're not going until 5/09 and I have to research this now. I told him there's lots to find out, I don't know anything about spending a week in DL!! I'm so excited to have something to look forward to that's completely new to discover!!

Well, gotta go try and get one ADR for Tusker House that I never thought about until DS4 saw it on TV (that special "What You get for the money in Disney) and now wants to have breakfast with Donald in AK and it's booked! I've been calling everyday. Nothing!

Don't forget to set your recorders for Friday night at 9pm on Travel Channel "Samantha Brown's Disney Favorites". She goes to both Disney Land and Disney World!

Have a great day everyone!
Mare

I just replied to your PM, thanks about the blog!

OMG! I can' believe you are going to DL, I am so jealous! I really want to go and experience Walt's original! I have heard it is smaller but that's not such a bad thing. The idea of being able to walk out of the hotel and into the parks sounds pretty nice to me! Anyways, You can probably bet there will be a lot of talk about DL on the 4/22 podcast since Pete is going to DL this week!

Do everything you can to get that Tusker House ADR! It is SOOOOOO GOOD! It was our favorite out of the 5 character breakfast we did! The food is really good, the perfect combination of good ol' American and African cuisine!

Mandy

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hey, fellow Gymbo fans... redemption is this week. I am not lovin' the new boy line and Ihave $150 in gymbucks to redeem