Hey! July 30th, 2005 cruise to Mexico DISfriends!

[lwilliam]

feel better soon, but, now you can chat with us.

I'm down and out too....i know i have a sinus infection but i'm at work because I must take a personal day on Friday. I'm pumping sinus medicine and Advil.....big time. Lots of water too.

Let's all hope Keith it taking good care of Lynn!

Be well.

 

[jfis1020]

Lynn You poor thing! I too hope Keith is taking good care of you!! Follow the doctor's advise!!!!

I will try to send my e-mail again in hopes that you receive it! I am looking for some information on English holiday traditions.

Lucy, JoAnn, Debi This trip has gotten me so excited!! However, by the time it hits, I will need a "vacation"!! My plate is so full at work that I cannot bear to think about home too!!!!!

 

[DisneyMom13]

Lynn - I hope you feel better. Sounds terrible. Micco is just getting over a viral infection (he is just feeling better after being sick for over a week) and Briana and I were both sick the week before. I thought she was getting bronchitis, but I caught it in time, and she survived.

Lucy and Bob - As the show gets closer, I wish you both good luck...oops sorry, I mean break a leg! Can't wait to see the pics.

We are so psyched that are weekend is only 3 weeks away, I too will need a day off by then, and will enjoy it soooooooo much. Things are picking up at the store, I am hoping the holiday season will be good for me!

Have a great day all!
Debi

 

[jlawall]

Sorry Lynn to hear of your illness! But so happy to hear from you, how's school this year??

Jenny, last year, I had the "parents" from #@*&%$, this year I have been blessed with students with inappropriate behaviors (I have 5 out of 23.) Last week, for example, the student who is in child study for inappropriate behaviors, was SUSPENDED for kicking another student in the back for catching the football at recess. Needless to say the suspended student to this day, KNOWS it wasn't his fault and the whole situation was completely UNFAIR.

Now, you know WHY, I always have some kind of trip planned for the summer!

Hey, Lucy, hope you feel better, shows are stressful!

I usually do enjoy parent visitation, however, one mom in my once a day Math class plans to visit ALL THREE DAYS. Her son didn't quality for the advanced math program so she wants to check to see if I'm challenging him enough................ Fun and games!!

I'm psyched for NYC...............I've been reading my travel mags for info on NY in December, I know we'll have a blast!

 

[jfis1020]

Mark and I were just watching the news and they were showing the tree being put up at "The Rock"! I got so excited!!

This is going to be a great trip guys!

Lucy I hope you are feeling better and the show is "smash"!!! Best wishes to Bob too!!!

 

[jlawall]

TGIF!! It's alittle cooler around here today.............winter is around the corner!!

My oldest is in NYC this weekend for a advertising convention.....she called to tell us SHE WAS IN TIME SQUARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jlawall]

Saw the "PPs" tonight (party poopers), still trying to convince to join us for the DIS reunion.......................

 

[jfis1020]

JoAnn How are J.T. and the lovely Mrs.???? I sure wish those two would join us in the "Big Apple"!!! Maybe we are just too fast for J.T.?? Now we know that is not true of the lovely Mrs. H. She can dance with the best of us!!!!!

Mark leaves tomorrow for Dallas for three days!! He has systems training for their new accounting package. He thinks I will miss him!!! Let the party begin! It's like when Mom and Dad used to leave town!!!

He goes back in Feb. for a week. I think I will join him for part of the time. I couldn't go this time. I am out two days this week for training. The the week following Thanksgiving I am out Tues. and Wed. for training and leave for the REUNION on Friday morning. I think six days is enough in a 14 day work span!!! Now that sounds great and all to be out that much, but JoAnn will attest that it's easier to teach than to prepare for a guest teacher!!!! Hey.......I am going to NY no matter what!

Debi? How ya doin'

Lucy We know the show is on, so let us know how it all went!

Lynn I sure hope you are feeling much better!

 

[Albill]

Joann continues to pound away... about our attending the reunion in the Big Apple...
While there can be no mistaking Mrs Hufffff's dancing and interacting abilities.... .she falls far short when it comes to the "inbibing skill's".... And as has been acknowledged in this column previously,
the consumsion abilities of various members in this group far exceed the norm.. ...I find it offensive to have to defend my social skills... But setting these abuses aside,it has been noted,that at some future occasion, I'll be there...bite me...
who loves ya...JT

 

[jfis1020]

Joann continues to pound away... about our attending the reunion in the Big Apple...
While there can be no mistaking Mrs Hufffff's dancing and interacting abilities.... .she falls far short when it comes to the "inbibing skill's".... And as has been acknowledged in this column previously,
the consumsion abilities of various members in this group far exceed the norm.. ...I find it offensive to have to defend my social skills... But setting these abuses aside,it has been noted,that at some future occasion, I'll be there...bite me...
who loves ya...JT

You're killing me J.T.!!!!

 

[DisneyMom13]

JT - You're killing me, thanks for starting off my morning with a laugh! Even though I like to imbibe on occasion, I am still only a social drinker...now I have a new group of friends to socially drink with...LOL.

JoAnn - Hang in there with those kids. 4th graders, can you imagine, the future of our country...what will they be like when they're in 8th grade, thank God you don't have to find out...

JoAnn, Lucy, Jenny - Have any thoughts on what you might like to do in NYC while you are here? Not sure how late you are staying on Sunday (Jenny will be here till Mon), but we could do the city both Sat and Sun - we definitely want to go see the tree, we could also do Times Square, Ground Zero, there is so much to see, it is up to you guys...we can see it all any time, but I know it's a treat when you come from out of town...I can't believe it's less than 3 weeks away....yipee

The weather here has been unbelievable, it's hard to believe it's the middle of November, but they say the end of the week will get cold.

Jenny - I here ya about the DH going away. Micco will be leaving on Friday for hunting and will return on Monday. When the kids were younger, I used to hate when he went away, now I don't mind so much...abscence does make the heart grow fonder...if you know what I mean! Actually, Alex and I have a date for Friday at midnight to go see the new Harry Potter movie...can't wait. We saw Chicken Little last week, very cute!

Well have a great Monday everyone, talk to you soon.

Debi

 

[jfis1020]

JoAnn, Lucy, Jenny - [/B] Have any thoughts on what you might like to do in NYC while you are here? Not sure how late you are staying on Sunday (Jenny will be here till Mon), but we could do the city both Sat and Sun - we definitely want to go see the tree, we could also do Times Square, Ground Zero, there is so much to see, it is up to you guys...we can see it all any time, but I know it's a treat when you come from out of town...I can't believe it's less than 3 weeks away....yipee


Jenny - I here ya about the DH going away. Micco will be leaving on Friday for hunting and will return on Monday. When the kids were younger, I used to hate when he went away, now I don't mind so much...abscence does make the heart grow fonder...if you know what I mean! Actually, Alex and I have a date for Friday at midnight to go see the new Harry Potter movie...can't wait. We saw Chicken Little last week, very cute!


Debi

As far as the city.......I'll go both days if everyone else wants too! I will be so in heaven just to be right there! I like the ideas of the tree, Ground Zero, and Times Square. All three would be awesome! You guys have to decide what you want to do...........I'll go along for the ride!!!! Again, slap me if I act too much like a HOOSIER and embarrass you all!!!

Really with Mark gone it's easier! He's like another kid. Although I did have a little "issue" last night. Mom and I had rearranged the furniture downstairs. M&M thought the phone was still unplugged and were playing around (I was upstairs at this point). Unfortunately, two county sheriff's deputies showed up at my door (and scared the bajeebies out of me). They wanted to know if everything was o.k. Evidentally, the kids were playing with the phone and dialed 911 (more than once). I was sooooooooo embarrassed! M&M didn't quite know what to say when I invited the deputies in, called the kids up so the deputies could "meet the kids". We didn't have to say much because M&M were to stunned. I made them write letters of apology which will be hand delivered to the sheriff's office this afternoon by the kids. Needless to say, they went to their rooms and didn't say a word the rest of the evening!!!
Ah the joys of raising children! I know JoAnn is just going to laugh and say that this is just the beginning, right JoAnn???? For that matter, you are all laughing inside thinking the same thing!!! This is nothing, right guys??

 

[jlawall]

Hey everyone..........

Hey, Jenny, LOVED the M&M story!!! Really, please enjoy them, I'M TELLING YOU, they grow up TOO fast..........they're so cute!! HAHA!

Ok, we just found out we have to go to a family function on Sunday so our BIG NYC day will be Saturday, but REALLY, I'll do anything, I LOVE New York, such a beautiful city!!

I recommend just walking around down Fifth Avenue, it's so beautiful Christmas time, we literally go every year just to be there this time of year.

We have never been to Ground Zero, although, that was one of the longest weeks of my life (several of our students left early that day and the next morning, I was so afraid we had lost someone.) Fortunately, we didn't, but I did end up with a student whose Dad was there and who survived. His parents pulled him out of his private school the previous year due to their insensitivity in handling 911 and I had him in 4th grade. He was still recovering from the experience but what a lovely family!! Sooooooooo......if you guys want to go there......I'm in!!

Debi, let us know what you want to do, I know you'll have great ideas!!

About the JT situation...........LIVE A LITTLE..........

Hey, Lucy & Bob, give us an update about the show....


Lynn & Keith, I know you are preparing for your next trip, but we are a SPECIAL group!! Let us know how you're doing!!

 

[littleowensmommy]

All of this talk about New York is making me so jealous. I just don't see it happening for me though.

We saw Springsteen in concert here in Norfolk on Friday night. It was a great show...as usual.

Jenny, JoAnn, you're making me nervous that I could be of those parents from *%#@. We had parent/teacher conferences last week. The kids are in a private school with an excellent reputation. Owen's first grade class has 25 students...too many I feel for the tuition I'm paying! He is in what they call a "challenge" group for reading. He reads Level 4 readers (and probably beyond) fluently. He had perfect scores in every area of academic assessment. One of the little boys that we carpool with is also in this so-called "challenge" reading group. I was shocked as he can barely read. The challenge group is supposed to be the accelerated group. There are 10 students in this group. I can only imagine that he and Owen are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but what if there are even weaker readers also in the group? Owen is also an exceptional math student. He taught himself the multiplication tables. There is no challenge group offered in math. The teachers tell me he's at the top of the class (he was in Kindergarten too) but they don't offer anything for him beyond what the rest of the group is doing. Socially he is a very typical, happy 6-year-old boy with lots of friends. He loves school and is very excited about learning. He is loving his piano lessons (at the cat house..ugh) and is doing very well. The kids will be in public school next year in Coronado. I'm hoping for him to be more challenged in a "bigger pond". Please be honest...I can handle it. Am I expecting too much from this school? Am I in danger of becoming an obnoxious mother who thinks too highly of her little darling? During his preschool years they were telling us how bright he was and how well he would do in school. All that we cared about then was that he was a good boy and nice to everyone. We wanted to make sure he developed good social skills. We have never pushed him. I don't think I've done anything to earn me "parent from @#$%" distinction yet, but now I'm afraid to question anything after reading your posts. Should I just trust that these very experienced teachers know better than me how to handle a bright child and not worry? OK...let me have it.

Stay tuned for preschool girl drama...

 

[DisneyMom13]

Jenny - That story is too funny, I had another really good laugh this morning reading these boards.

Kathy - My girls went to public school until they got to HS, now Briana is in a Catholic HS (only because she would get lost in the public HS of 4000 kids). From my experiences, and talking with parents whose children were in Catholic schools, I always felt that public school was a better place for children at both ends of the spectrum (those who are extremely bright will be challenged, and those with special needs will have the extra help they need). If you were an average child, then the Catholic school was ok for you. I am not sure if it is like that all over, but that's how it is here in NYC. Hope this helps.

Debi

 

[jfis1020]

IMHP ~ Owen will succeed despite where you put him. He seems to be happy with his situation and obviously you have handled it well. I think sometimes very bright children get upset and bored because they hear Mom and Dad talk about how much brighter they are than others and how a teacher is not "meeting their needs". However, there are kids who identify that problem themselves. Those who are happy will succeed despite their situation, I think. My John is bright, but is perfectly happy being a sixth grader like everyone else. He will do fine. Now, if he were coming home upset, frustrated, and crying bored, I'd have to intervene and fine a way to keep him learning at the rate he "needs".

25 students is A LOT especially for a priviate school. Hey, you are paying them "big bucks" and you have every right to complain about class sizes and given your tuition, I would probably complain! Here, we have mostly 21-24, but with public funding, we do the best we can as far as class size. Research overwhelmingly shows that class size is NOT a factor, but I will deny that belief that until the day I die. I am amazed at how different my year is with just 20. I haven't had under 23 in YEARS! I know my girlfriend in Cincinnati has her children in a private school and the have a 8:1 ratio. That's unbelievably awesome! I am alone with my 20! However, she seems to think that her kids are not "exposed" to certain situations like my kids in public..............phooey!!! Kids are kids and they learn "stuff" no matter where they are educated!

As far as your parenting Kathy (oh, you too Ted!!), I know from meeting Owen and Amy that you are doing what is right. You have raised them to be "comfortable" with their surroundings. They are not arrogant, which is what some kids tend to be when their parents "push" them. As long as Owen is happy, I would be happy too. As far as the student who can "hardly read", I would say to that........it's good that Owen knows that there are people out there in the world that are like that. He's probably going to be that person's supervisor someday, so the social interraction is EXTREMELY important. If he can "cope" with them now, he will do fine later in life. Kids need to know that we all are DIFFERENT and that's o.k.!

My soap box is over.........................


JoAnn I am sorry that you have to end your party early. But, I am glad you can still work it in!!! This is going to be a blast!

Debi Just tell me what time to be ready and I'll go anywhere! I know I will be smiling all weekend just having a blast!

Lucy, oh Lucy??? Hello? Are you lurking, or have you really deserted us?? How was the show????

Lynn I anxiously await to hear how you are feeling! I am worried about you!

 

[jlawall]

Hey all! Jenny, I'm sure we can still do breakfast on Sunday!!

I agree with Jenny and Debi about their comments to Kathy. I feel that public school does better with children at both ends of the "range." I agree that Owen is extremely personable and well-developed socially. Kathy, you are already enriching his life so much with the trips you take, the socializing that you do and now you are moving him to another coast. He will be SO well-rounded!!

You're the mom, you can be as critical and involved as you feel you need to be. My comments were about people whose children are doing great in school but they needed to come to visitation ALL THREE DAYS. That's alittle ridiculous!! When I went to visitation, I went to see my daughter not evaluate her teacher. (I'll admit that I was surprised sometimes with what I saw, but I did learn to pick my battles over the years!

Really, keep up the good work with your family, they are really special!!

 

[littleowensmommy]

Debi, Jenny and JoAnn,

Thanks so much for your advice and kind words. I think my biggest concern is the class size.

I'll seek your guidance soon regarding mean little girls next. Details to follow...stay tuned.

This weekend we begin Christmas prep. We'll be getting the outdoor light display organized and tested. The house will be outlined in white lights next week. It requires 40ft ladders to reach the high peaks so we hire someone to do that part. Ted doesn't like heights. We have an ever increasing lawn display to include a flamingo and a couple of palm trees. Jimmy Buffett's "Christmas Island" serves as inspiration. This year we (I say we...it's all me, poor Ted is just along for the ride and to do the grunt work) have added an outdoor projector. I go for the tastefully Griswald look. Ted fears I've crossed that fine line between tasteful and tacky but everyone loves it. Our house won the "Visions of Sugar Plums" category in our neighborhood holiday lights competition. We were the hands down best overall. I am after that $25 gift certificate again this year so I've had to step it up a notch. I'm sure the competition will be elevated this year. Our grand illumination is Sunday 27 November. I invite all of our neighbors for a cookie swap and hot chocolate and spiked cider in blatant attempt to buy their votes. I can't wait to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at MGM during our trip next month and I would love to see the tree in Rockefeller Center. I love to cruise through different neighborhoods while listening to Christmas music and sipping cocoa to look at the light displays. We usually take Owen and Amy with us but that special family time filled with Christmas spirit is lost on them. They whine and complain that they're bored. This year I'm dumping the kids so Ted and I can go out for a nice dinner and then go look at the Christmas lights in peace.

 

[jlawall]

we need to see pics!!!

Kathy take some digitals and post them here!

 

[gouodux]

On our thread for the 11 day cruise, the new rumor is that 2007 will bring a cruise to Alaska.

They sighted a couple of "insider info" reason - such as "Think Ice" posters around the DCL offices . . . . . .

Doesn't look like we will be headed to the Med.

We were looking forward to the possibility.