Let the Prom Drama CONTINUE . . . . . . . .

[horseshowmom]

Hey everybody -

Hope all is well with the DDs & DSs. Two cats and a dog...not even married yet?....that is so sweet.

Sandy - Up-thread you mentioned Skyping. How do you do that? Is it expensive? Is it free?

DD is slogging through the last month of school, last day is June 18th. AP Exam and that final out of the way, now there are the state-mandated course-content tests AND finals and projects and a show. I'm ready for a long nap.

agnes!

The last day for our kids will be Friday (of course, we start right after the first of August). Both students and teachers are excited (can't speak for the parents though )!

There is a possibility that I may be made the asst. principal for our jr. high/high school next year. If I am, one of the things I would like to do is similar to the AP classes except you don't have to take the AP exam.

It's called dual enrollment. The class is taught on the high school campus by a teacher from the college. The student gets high school credit for it and college credit (since it is a college level course). For example, College Algebra would give them a math credit towards graduation as well as college credit for the course. There are a couple of districts in our area doing it, and it's worked out very well for the students.

We also have a statewide virtual school (online classes) that can provide some coursework that isn't offered in our high schools. It could also provide some flexibility for students.

On a side note, we have a bunch of kids who are going to be arrested today (can't remember the exact number but it's in the teens). There was a senior prank that went bad, some of the kids got out of hand and vandalized some stuff, and a broken window allowed heavy rains to get into a computer lab destroying several computers (this particularly annoyed me because when I was the grant coordinator, I worked very hard to get the money for that lab and have everything installed with state of the art systems ). Of course, they'll bond out and won't have to stay in jail, but I just want to shake them.

 

[Sandy V.]

Hey everybody -

Hope all is well with the DDs & DSs. Two cats and a dog...not even married yet?....that is so sweet.

Sandy - Up-thread you mentioned Skyping. How do you do that? Is it expensive? Is it free?

DD is slogging through the last month of school, last day is June 18th. AP Exam and that final out of the way, now there are the state-mandated course-content tests AND finals and projects and a show. I'm ready for a long nap.

agnes!

Good morning, Agnes!!

Skyping is free when you do video conferences between people, no matter where each of you are. It has been a great tool to see our DD in Sweden while we sit at the computer here in our kitchen. The biggest challenge is working out the 8-hour time difference to find a time that's convenient for both of us. All you need are two computers with cameras, you sign up for a Skype account (www.skype.com), and then you can "call" the other person and start your video chat. We sometimes use it with our son at college as well, although since he was just down the road 1 1/2 hours away, we usually talked by phone.

You can also use Skype as a phone service to call someone from your computer. You prepay $10 on a credit card and it automatically renews your $10 when your account is low. The cost is very cheap - around 9 cents per minute. My husband is an attorney and uses it for long distance calling at his office. It's fascinating. He has a client who was in India, and he called him a couple of days ago. They were talking while the client was riding a train in India! Amazing what technology can do.

Glad to hear that your DD is finishing up. Sounds like her hard work is paying off. You haven't mentioned the demon teacher - I hope things have gotten much better in that area.

Also, how are your eyes doing? Well, I hope!!!

The last day for our kids will be Friday (of course, we start right after the first of August). Both students and teachers are excited (can't speak for the parents though )!

There is a possibility that I may be made the asst. principal for our jr. high/high school next year. If I am, one of the things I would like to do is similar to the AP classes except you don't have to take the AP exam.

It's called dual enrollment. The class is taught on the high school campus by a teacher from the college. The student gets high school credit for it and college credit (since it is a college level course). For example, College Algebra would give them a math credit towards graduation as well as college credit for the course. There are a couple of districts in our area doing it, and it's worked out very well for the students.

We also have a statewide virtual school (online classes) that can provide some coursework that isn't offered in our high schools. It could also provide some flexibility for students.

On a side note, we have a bunch of kids who are going to be arrested today (can't remember the exact number but it's in the teens). There was a senior prank that went bad, some of the kids got out of hand and vandalized some stuff, and a broken window allowed heavy rains to get into a computer lab destroying several computers (this particularly annoyed me because when I was the grant coordinator, I worked very hard to get the money for that lab and have everything installed with state of the art systems ). Of course, they'll bond out and won't have to stay in jail, but I just want to shake them.

I bet you can hardly wait for the school year to be done!!

An assistant principal, huh? Wow. Your options appear to have changed yet again. I hope it works out the way you want it to!!

The college credit courses sound like a really good idea. Good for the school and for the student. I hope that all comes together.

Too bad about the vandalism. Especially since you worked so hard to get things in place. Nothing like the stupidity of young people at times.

Hope the wedding plans continue to go smoothly. It will be here before you know it.

Melissa, hope that you had a nice weekend!!!!

Well, gotta get back to work around here. Very hot weather here - should be close to 90 today. Very strange for this time of year in Colorado.

Take care, all. Will try and write more later today if I can.

Sandy

 

[FINFAN]

Hey ladies

How is everyone this week? Did you all have nice weekends?

Horseshowmom are you losing your mind yet? I can't believe its almost wedding time!

Sandy, any luck with those train schedules?

Agnes, how is the school year winding down for your DD?

Pam, you still out there? Is DD coming home for the summer?

I've been swamped and distracted - New game on Facebook that DS and I play, Farmtown, it's totally lame but we meet up almost every day, harvest and plow our crops and chitchat! It's been nice but kind of time consuming

Not much else going on, just thought I would check in. Have a great week and check in when you can

I'm HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for remembering me! hello TO ALL, Ihope life has been treating you guys well. I have not read any of these pages, just quick clicked on the last one when I saw the thread But WHAT! The wedding is here already?!?!?!?!?!?!??
YES! DD is HOME! I flew to Sarasota 5/4 to get her. THAT was chaotic, she had class until 9 pm Tues and had to be out by noon Wed.. and you simply would not believe the stuff in her room...all over her room...and now it is all in storage...all over storage... I did manage to get her semi organized as she has to be for unpacking. She is going to be an Orientation Leader for the incoming class in August and she can't get into her apartment ( lucky girl, man, lucky girl) until 8/12 and starts training 8/12. Luckily, ArtGuy's Dad was there as well and he helped out a lot getting her stuff over to storage, driving home some bulkier stuff she isn't keeping at school next year. After getting her out we had to drive to Naples and deal with medial situations for my folks...my Dad is the more urgent case this time. I have spent the better part of the last year trying to do what I can for them, it is exhausting mentally, physically and financially. Flew home the 8th, DD had her wisdoms out 3 days later , grades came out... she's doing great with that, she loves it there, I mean, LOVES it. Now that she will have an aprtment w/3 other girls, she does not have to leave during breaks to come home, so I am relishing this summer. I doubt she will come home except perhaps maybe a week at Christmas. DH and I are trying to put together a WDW trip so we can go to her and DS will enjo etc. We'll see. I have added up a few flyer miles this year.
Need to run, to all...SO glad to see this thread pop up, I have been dabbling on the resorts/budget/American Idol thread ( fluff stuff)so I ahve been in/out...
OH...Prom season was SO HARD for me this year!!!!!!!!!!!! I really missed DD going and all that goes with it...been 2 years for her and ArtGuy now, he loves it at Ringling too,a nd now his younger brother is planning on going in 2010.
Have a great day all, off to the REAL world...

Pam

 

[Sandy V.]

I'm HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for remembering me! hello TO ALL, Ihope life has been treating you guys well. I have not read any of these pages, just quick clicked on the last one when I saw the thread But WHAT! The wedding is here already?!?!?!?!?!?!??
YES! DD is HOME! I flew to Sarasota 5/4 to get her. THAT was chaotic, she had class until 9 pm Tues and had to be out by noon Wed.. and you simply would not believe the stuff in her room...all over her room...and now it is all in storage...all over storage... I did manage to get her semi organized as she has to be for unpacking. She is going to be an Orientation Leader for the incoming class in August and she can't get into her apartment ( lucky girl, man, lucky girl) until 8/12 and starts training 8/12. Luckily, ArtGuy's Dad was there as well and he helped out a lot getting her stuff over to storage, driving home some bulkier stuff she isn't keeping at school next year. After getting her out we had to drive to Naples and deal with medial situations for my folks...my Dad is the more urgent case this time. I have spent the better part of the last year trying to do what I can for them, it is exhausting mentally, physically and financially. Flew home the 8th, DD had her wisdoms out 3 days later , grades came out... she's doing great with that, she loves it there, I mean, LOVES it. Now that she will have an aprtment w/3 other girls, she does not have to leave during breaks to come home, so I am relishing this summer. I doubt she will come home except perhaps maybe a week at Christmas. DH and I are trying to put together a WDW trip so we can go to her and DS will enjo etc. We'll see. I have added up a few flyer miles this year.
Need to run, to all...SO glad to see this thread pop up, I have been dabbling on the resorts/budget/American Idol thread ( fluff stuff)so I ahve been in/out...
OH...Prom season was SO HARD for me this year!!!!!!!!!!!! I really missed DD going and all that goes with it...been 2 years for her and ArtGuy now, he loves it at Ringling too,a nd now his younger brother is planning on going in 2010.
Have a great day all, off to the REAL world...

Pam

Pam it is SO good to hear from you!!! Welcome back. I have seen your name pop up on some other threads from time to time.

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your folks. That is such a difficult thing to have to handle, especially long distance. We truly are part of the sandwich generation trying to take care of both parents and our kids.

I can relate to trying to get all of the dorm stuff stored. We rented a U-Haul when we went to Boulder to help our son move home. Holy cow - I swear that his stuff REPRODUCED!! Could not believe how much he had. He joined a fraternity this year and will be living in the house next year, so I anticipate much of this will still be stored at our house until he finally gets an apartment. I think the room in the frat is even smaller than his dorm room. he is very excited about being there next year. He had a really good year, socially and academically, and did figure out the balance between working hard and playing hard, although I suspect he played a bit harder than Mom and Dad really think was prudent.

Our DD is in Sweden this semester. We are flying there in 3 weeks and will travel to Stockholm, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Rothenberg, and the Rhine Region before returning from Frankfurt. We will have 16-days to travel, so it will be very much a "If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" kinda trip. I'm very excited and nervous - have never been to Europe before. We'll be broke and exhausted when it's over, but what the heck.

So good to hear that your DD had a great year. Thrilled that she loves it there. Must be a good school if Art Guy's brother is also planning on attending.

I can tell you that having an apartment DOES make a huge difference as far as not having the "you must be out of here by 5:00 p.m." mandates that the dorms put on you. Yes, it is rougher on us as Moms and Dads when they don't come home so often, but that's why you plan vacations (like your thoughts about a WDW trip) are so important. All 4 of us are going to Europe together, and that is one of the big benefits.

When we went out for dinner Saturday night, DH and I saw lots of prom-goers in their finery. I can't really say that I missed it all that much (way too expensive!), but it was fun to see the kids all dressed up. At least you have a younger one that you can experience prom again with.

Please stop by again soon. We've missed you!!!

Sandy

 

[horseshowmom]

Pam, I'm thrilled that things have gone so well for your daughter. I know it's been a sacrifice to send her there, but it sounds like it's been very much worthwhile.

DD has the option of going to the prom every year since her soon to be DH is a teacher! (So far, they've passed on the opportunity though. ).

Sandy, that movie kept running through my mind while we were in Israel. We were only gone 12 days, but I really had a hard time with keeping up with which day it was exactly!

 

[FINFAN]

ugggh had a HUGE reply typed and "BAM"...did something to goof it all up...
Europe, weddings, pahrmacy school, kids heading off to college...I have missed so much!
I am not good at sticking to meaningful friends/threads when I get stressed out, overwhelmed. I know it sounds weird, but I head to the mindless stuff ( like planning a trip we have no business taking)I am just flowndering with all the parents issues we have...DH's Dad has been in/out of hospitals/rehab etc too we have literally been tending to all 4 of our parents for over a year now and it is seriously taking it's toll. MIL is oging in for shoulder replacement surgery which will take several months to recover from..leaving guess who for caring for FIL who is not quite bedridden, but close. They are an hour away ( which is way better than traveling to FL for my folks but still) Again, guess the trip is a form of escape, but well see...no $ for it really, well, I mean, we should keep it in savings.
SKYPE...a GODsend! I do not think I would've survived w/out it this year. We STILL didn't "see" DD often, maybe every 3 weeks or so, but it was certainly a huge help.
Just saw next years tuition/apt costs... thanks heavens DD is off of the mandatory freshman meal plan...$5100!She might spend about $1200 next year, so that will help off-set the increases, and looksl ike her flight costs will be down as she will not be heading home as often. On the up side, many kids who graduated this year already had offers by Feb/March and many underclassmen have internships for this summer, so we are hoping the trend continues.
sounds like everyone has had their challenges over the past year..it is encouraging to hear you are all doing so well!
Sandy, you ARE planning to post a TON of pictures aren't you? Sweden? How cool! I woudl ovwe to see Euroe one day...or Hawaii...we have talked about not taking any trips until 2012, multiple resons to celebrate then...but not sure I can hold out that long...however, if we travel prior to that, we will have spent a huge chunk of the savings for a European or Hawaiian trip, but then again, the kids are willing to take a family trip still( as in just the 4 of us), and who knows by 2012...guess we will just take it day by day.
Well, everyone have a great day...on the up side looks like we will have decent temps today...77!

 

[horseshowmom]

ugggh had a HUGE reply typed and "BAM"...did something to goof it all up...

I've had that happen too. It can be very frustrating!

I am just flowndering with all the parents issues we have...DH's Dad has been in/out of hospitals/rehab etc too we have literally been tending to all 4 of our parents for over a year now and it is seriously taking it's toll. MIL is oging in for shoulder replacement surgery which will take several months to recover from..leaving guess who for caring for FIL who is not quite bedridden, but close. They are an hour away ( which is way better than traveling to FL for my folks but still)

You have my sympathy. My husband's dad was in bad shape for a long time before he died back in November. It's hard on them, and it's hard on the family too.

Just saw next years tuition/apt costs... thanks heavens DD is off of the mandatory freshman meal plan...$5100!She might spend about $1200 next year, so that will help off-set the increases, and looksl ike her flight costs will be down as she will not be heading home as often. On the up side, many kids who graduated this year already had offers by Feb/March and many underclassmen have internships for this summer, so we are hoping the trend continues.

That's certainly very encouraging considering the current job market. I have to think that being at this particular school makes all the difference. I suspect that the job placement rate might not be as good elsewhere.

Sandy, you ARE planning to post a TON of pictures aren't you? Sweden? How cool! I woudl ovwe to see Euroe one day...or Hawaii...we have talked about not taking any trips until 2012, multiple resons to celebrate then...but not sure I can hold out that long...however, if we travel prior to that, we will have spent a huge chunk of the savings for a European or Hawaiian trip, but then again, the kids are willing to take a family trip still( as in just the 4 of us), and who knows by 2012...guess we will just take it day by day.
Well, everyone have a great day...on the up side looks like we will have decent temps today...77!

DH wants to start doing a lot of traveling after DD gets married (well, starting next year since we're broke this year from the trip to Israel, the wedding, and the car we had to buy ). Hopefully, by then I'll be more enthusiastic about it than I am now. I do like to travel, but it's so hard to leave home with all of the animals (particularly the horses). I think I'm turning into an old fuddy duddy (that and I think I'm suffering from pre-wedding depression ).

 

[FINFAN]

I can totally relate to the broke part, we bought a new car about 18 months ago..can you say, "bought at peak?" I could kick my self for doing it seeing the same vehicle $5000 less now
pre weeding depression sounds like a very logical illness, you know they say the brides have post wedding depression (not from being married, but from no more planning) sounds like your DD has plenty on her plate to help keep that at bay!
just got off the phone with my boss...guess who's hours were just shattered? And I took a hit about 8 months ago. I pet sit on the side,luckily..gonna need that for sure. Wow, need to do some creative budgeting now. Guess I will be back to the budget board more often than a trip planning one...see? I just knew something would challenge the frivolous thoughts of a get-a-way trip over Christmas. Well, not cancelling anything yet.
anywayneed to head out and get graduation cards....here's a dilemma....DH's side stiffed DD for her H.S. Graduation. 1 SIL sent her $10...DH has 4 sisters and there are 9 neices/nephews that we have given at least $50 to for their H.S. graduations, and also for the ones who graduated college. Now we receive 2 more college announcements from 2 more..and DH and I feel like enough is enough. We also got reamed for not attending a neices wedding in Atlanta last July ( trust me we sent a VERY generous check) but is was too close to gettting DD to school, timimng budget etc., anyway...when do you say enough , especially since only 1 sent to DD? I was so upset, for DD...who took it like a champ....but I am ready to just stop sending. What would you do? We never hear from these kids....one has an e-mail address to respond to her party which is in CA...we live in Il I mean, I know kids need help starting out, but no one thought our DD deserved any "gift" and we were to be understanding of that...but I STILL FEEL BAD...wwyd?

 

[Sandy V.]

I can totally relate to the broke part, we bought a new car about 18 months ago..can you say, "bought at peak?" I could kick my self for doing it seeing the same vehicle $5000 less now
pre weeding depression sounds like a very logical illness, you know they say the brides have post wedding depression (not from being married, but from no more planning) sounds like your DD has plenty on her plate to help keep that at bay!
just got off the phone with my boss...guess who's hours were just shattered? And I took a hit about 8 months ago. I pet sit on the side,luckily..gonna need that for sure. Wow, need to do some creative budgeting now. Guess I will be back to the budget board more often than a trip planning one...see? I just knew something would challenge the frivolous thoughts of a get-a-way trip over Christmas. Well, not cancelling anything yet.
anywayneed to head out and get graduation cards....here's a dilemma....DH's side stiffed DD for her H.S. Graduation. 1 SIL sent her $10...DH has 4 sisters and there are 9 neices/nephews that we have given at least $50 to for their H.S. graduations, and also for the ones who graduated college. Now we receive 2 more college announcements from 2 more..and DH and I feel like enough is enough. We also got reamed for not attending a neices wedding in Atlanta last July ( trust me we sent a VERY generous check) but is was too close to gettting DD to school, timimng budget etc., anyway...when do you say enough , especially since only 1 sent to DD? I was so upset, for DD...who took it like a champ....but I am ready to just stop sending. What would you do? We never hear from these kids....one has an e-mail address to respond to her party which is in CA...we live in Il I mean, I know kids need help starting out, but no one thought our DD deserved any "gift" and we were to be understanding of that...but I STILL FEEL BAD...wwyd?

Boy, Pam, that's a tough call. For us, we stopped giving $$$ to the neices and nephews after high school graduation. You just have to draw the line somewhere or else it starts getting really out of hand. Plus, if anyone would dare say something, you could surely point out that YOUR DD's high school graduation was largely ignored by these same family members. It seems only fair to me. Don't let these folks guilt you into feeling bad!!

Yes ma'am - I will be taking photos of our European travels. I have already told DD, who has been posting photos on Picasa of her travels in Europe, that she will be helping me download ours and post them there too. Heck, we have a lot of digital stuff that needs to be posted!! I will p.m. everyone here with the link when I (we) get them uploaded.

We were looking at cameras, thinking we might buy a new one, but did not come away after looking with an "I must have this new camera" feeling, so I think we're going to use the one we already have. It's a nice camera, but a little bulky. However, I just can't justify spending the $$$ for a new one unless it has everything I want - and I haven't found that yet.

You sound exhausted with all of the parental needs going on. I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. I hope that your siblings are pitching in as well.

Sorry about your work hours as well. If you can swing it, the Christmas trip sounds like a welcome reprieve in your future.

Sandy

 

[Sandy V.]

DH wants to start doing a lot of traveling after DD gets married (well, starting next year since we're broke this year from the trip to Israel, the wedding, and the car we had to buy ). Hopefully, by then I'll be more enthusiastic about it than I am now. I do like to travel, but it's so hard to leave home with all of the animals (particularly the horses). I think I'm turning into an old fuddy duddy (that and I think I'm suffering from pre-wedding depression ).

Yes, the animals part becomes more complicated. Harder than leaving children behind!!!

Tundra (our Norwegian Elkhound) turns 10 on June 4th, and she has been increasingly hobbled in her right front leg. Took her to the vet last Thursday. She's got arthritis in it, and in probably the other front foot's joints too. Put her on a strict diet to get some of her extra weight off (I'm embarassed to say how much she has to lose!!), and put her on Rimadyl, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to help with the pain. That stuff really works - in a matter of days, she is already moving around better, her eyes look brighter, and she seems happier. Poor doggie. I feel bad that I didn't take her in sooner. But at least she's getting the treatment she needs now, although she is NOT happy about the diet!!!

 

[FINFAN]

I shouldn't be shocked or surprised by my hours...they have been very understanding and flexible with all the time I have been manipulating to travel to my folks, odd times off to deal w/IL's...or maybe I am just too tired to care. Others have stepped up to cover for me so in reality, they deserve the hours more than I do...just stinks tho...catch 22. now what tho, as the $ I was making was covering quite a few things for my folks...sigh....well, DH's folks will have to understand the well has run dry too. I guess I have my Graduation goft answer. Especially since my 2 kids are lthe end of the line, it is painfully obvious that none of DH's sisters plan to acknowledge our kids,they are at a different point in their lives, one that apparently absolves them of celebrating an important milestone in our kids lives. Normally I wouldn't rock the boat and remind them that they did not send to DD,but if they say anything, I will respond. Now I will get the speech about how DH is te hardworking wage-earner and I am the "Queen" who has tons of time on her hands to help out.
See why I go to the fluff threads? I am a debbie- downer! well, the sun is out, I ahve errands to do and now, apparently time to do them. I think I will wait to tell DH after he gets home, why ruin his day at the beginning when it can wait until the end.

 

[Sandy V.]

I shouldn't be shocked or surprised by my hours...they have been very understanding and flexible with all the time I have been manipulating to travel to my folks, odd times off to deal w/IL's...or maybe I am just too tired to care. Others have stepped up to cover for me so in reality, they deserve the hours more than I do...just stinks tho...catch 22. now what tho, as the $ I was making was covering quite a few things for my folks...sigh....well, DH's folks will have to understand the well has run dry too. I guess I have my Graduation goft answer. Especially since my 2 kids are lthe end of the line, it is painfully obvious that none of DH's sisters plan to acknowledge our kids,they are at a different point in their lives, one that apparently absolves them of celebrating an important milestone in our kids lives. Normally I wouldn't rock the boat and remind them that they did not send to DD,but if they say anything, I will respond. Now I will get the speech about how DH is te hardworking wage-earner and I am the "Queen" who has tons of time on her hands to help out.
See why I go to the fluff threads? I am a debbie- downer! well, the sun is out, I ahve errands to do and now, apparently time to do them. I think I will wait to tell DH after he gets home, why ruin his day at the beginning when it can wait until the end.

You aren't a Debbie Downer. You're a real person with real life challenges. And you have friends who care about you. We all post about the good and bad in our life, and we're here to listen. Sometimes you just need that. Hang in there. I'm sorry about your day.

 

[mamacatnv]

Good Morning ladies - it is nice to see that all you regulars dropped in to say hi and update us on your lives.

Agnes:
I got your message I have perfectly lousy speakers here at work I need to remember to check it out at home. Glad to hear that DD's year from heck is finally winding down and all is well.

Sheila:
only a couple of weeks! I can hardly believe it. Wow, can't wait to see some pictures, I remember wayyyyyy back when you bought the dress and now it is almost wedding time. I have goosebumps, really.
Asst. Principal,,,,,,,,that sounds interesting is it something you are interested in?
Too bad those stupid kids got out of hand and ruined equipment. You know we have such tight reins on kids these days it sometimes seems like the world has lost its sense of humor and then you hear something like this and you just want to throttle them for ruining it for everyone else.

Pam:
So good to hear from you! I totally understand the parent drama and send you my sympathies. Finally things with Mother are pretty much in maintenance mode and that has relieved a tremendous amount of pressure off of me, but I ran back and forth between Reno and Portland, OR. to deal with her and her issues for about 7 years. We had a couple of bumps this past fall but are back to smooth waters. My best advice; do what you can, accept your own limitations and don't stress over what anyone has to say. I don't have a large extended family, I have 1 sibling and Mother issues have forever changed our relationship. We are better now but it did get somewhat ugly off and on over the years and honestly he is all I have. It was not worth ruining our relationship to deal with our Mother whom neither of us had a relationship with.
So glad to hear that DD had a great year and loved it and that the perspective intership market looks promising for next year. I can relate to the mountains of stuff!

Sandy:
Oh poor Tundra, I hope the meds continue to help her feel better so she can keep up with those puppies! You leave for Europe in like 2 weeks right? How exciting, I am so jealous of you travelers. Oh yippy, I get to go to Oregon in June for Mothers care conference at the nursing home.......I Can hardly wait

Well, summer has begun. DS is home and I can totally relate to you all and the mounds of stuff! DS's room and a portion of our garage (My parking space to be exact) look like a garage sale gone bad! I picked his big stuff up last Monday, helped him wipe, dust & vacuum (I want my deposit back). We are looking at an off campus student apt. for next year. 4 roomies but everyone has their own room & bath and they all have a separate lease so we only have to worry about his portion. He (actually us as a guarantor is required) would be entering into a 12 month lease so this would be his last summer home. Right now that seems so sad to me but check with me in August I am sure I will have changed my tune DH, DD and I are in a routine finally and it works for us, now he is back disrupting things .
DS made a ton of new friends and loved every second of his first year. His 1st semester was great academically, 2nd semester not so great (thank goodness for the 1st semester it saved his butt). He broke up with long time girly in March and that sent him into a tailspin. He discovered girls, parties and alcohol although he says not too much alcohol just mainly all the socializing. He got behind in his classes and didn't catch up. His grades are rather dismal. However, we have come up with a plan (Thanks Sheila and Sandy for your wisdom) and we are moving on. He has used his "Pass" shall we say. He is working 2 jobs this summer. He was promoted to Pool Supervisor at the water park and will continue in the shoe dept. of the sporting goods store. He also was asked by his former high school to come be an assistant offensive coach for the freshman team. He started spring ball yesterday and had a great time! I figure we won't be seeing too much of him this summer.

It was really funny on the day I was moving him out of his dorm - there were lots of tears and hugs, just like move in day except this time it was the kids boohooing not the parents. I found that rather ironic

DD is winding down her first year at the charter school. It has been a great year and we are looking forward to next year. The changes in her have been amazing and it was such a good school year.

Our Guinea pigs (Roxi & Piper) are getting big. Roxi's surprise baby (Puffy) is also getting big. We think the baby is a girl and will determine for sure in the next couple of weeks. If she is a girl she can stay. Meanwhile Piper has also gotten really fat we are keeping a close eye on her! Gheesh.......

Prom.....didn't miss it, I'm with Sandy too expensive! Although DS's new interest is still in HS so who knows what the future may bring.

Glad all is well......glad to hear from everyone and I wish you all a great week!

 

[horseshowmom]

just got off the phone with my boss...guess who's hours were just shattered? And I took a hit about 8 months ago. I pet sit on the side,luckily..gonna need that for sure. Wow, need to do some creative budgeting now. Guess I will be back to the budget board more often than a trip planning one...see? I just knew something would challenge the frivolous thoughts of a get-a-way trip over Christmas. Well, not cancelling anything yet.

So sorry about your loss of hours. I know that must have been an unpleasant surprise.

here's a dilemma....DH's side stiffed DD for her H.S. Graduation.

If it helps any (and it won't ), you are NOT alone. MY DH's side did the exact same thing to our DD.

She was homeschooled and didn't have a "graduation" to invite anyone to (people in this area don't send out "announcements" just graduation invitations). He has a huge family, and we have sent gifts for every graduation, wedding shower, housewarming, and baby shower that took place.

The only gifts DD got from DH's side of the family were from his sister (whom I loved dearly - she just died in March) and his mother. You can't even say that it slipped their minds (since there was no actual ceremony) because we went to church with them at the time, and they all saw her presented with a Bible by the church. It's not even that they didn't approve of homeschooling because almost all of them were involved in a small Christian school.

Yes, DD's feelings were very hurt, and it is not something that she has forgotten. Fortunately, the friends and family members on my side of the family more than made up for it (and they weren't even too keen on the homeschooling! ).

I have nothing to say that will help. I've even continued to send gifts as the occasion arose. I will say though that I probably wouldn't have if they didn't live nearby (DH was so mad that he didn't want me to send anything anyway).

Tundra (our Norwegian Elkhound) turns 10 on June 4th, and she has been increasingly hobbled in her right front leg. Took her to the vet last Thursday. She's got arthritis in it, and in probably the other front foot's joints too. Put her on a strict diet to get some of her extra weight off (I'm embarassed to say how much she has to lose!!), and put her on Rimadyl, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory to help with the pain. That stuff really works - in a matter of days, she is already moving around better, her eyes look brighter, and she seems happier. Poor doggie. I feel bad that I didn't take her in sooner. But at least she's getting the treatment she needs now, although she is NOT happy about the diet!!!

Sandy, our vet told us that often aspirin will work as well as the Rimadyl. If Tundra has any problems with it, you might could try that too.

Sheila:
only a couple of weeks! I can hardly believe it. Wow, can't wait to see some pictures, I remember wayyyyyy back when you bought the dress and now it is almost wedding time. I have goosebumps, really.

I will definitely share the pictures!

Asst. Principal,,,,,,,,that sounds interesting is it something you are interested in?

Well, how do I put this discreetly? I'm interested in the increase in pay...

I actually have my eye on another job that may open in the next couple of years, and this would probably be the quickest way to get to it. I've been promised that I will NOT have to handle the discipline.

Well, summer has begun. DS is home and I can totally relate to you all and the mounds of stuff! DS's room and a portion of our garage (My parking space to be exact) look like a garage sale gone bad!

Add wedding gifts all over the house to the stuff DD is bringing home, and we almost don't have a place to live anymore. DD laughed to somebody at church that DH has a 3 inch clearance around his elliptical (that's probably more than he really has ).

He is working 2 jobs this summer. He was promoted to Pool Supervisor at the water park and will continue in the shoe dept. of the sporting goods store. He also was asked by his former high school to come be an assistant offensive coach for the freshman team. He started spring ball yesterday and had a great time! I figure we won't be seeing too much of him this summer.

You've got to give the boy credit for his work ethic!

It was really funny on the day I was moving him out of his dorm - there were lots of tears and hugs, just like move in day except this time it was the kids boohooing not the parents. I found that rather ironic

Don't you think it's time they suffered a little bit like the parents do?

DD is winding down her first year at the charter school. It has been a great year and we are looking forward to next year. The changes in her have been amazing and it was such a good school year.

I know that has been a huge relief!

Our Guinea pigs (Roxi & Piper) are getting big. Roxi's surprise baby (Puffy) is also getting big. We think the baby is a girl and will determine for sure in the next couple of weeks. If she is a girl she can stay. Meanwhile Piper has also gotten really fat we are keeping a close eye on her! Gheesh.......

Congratulations on the baby (wonder if it will be two now?)!