The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 29

[KBerly]

So who besides me has their Christmas cards all ready to me mailed?

Um...don't take this the wrong way...but I think that I hate you.

 

[lovespoohbear]

not really....it's one of the BIG college towns...but my maiden name is well known...my grandpa was a judge and has a golf tournament named after him.

ok. do you possibly know anyone with the last name magnum? im guessing probably not but hey thought id through it out.

 

[PNO4TE]

Steffy-where are you staying? Now that I think about it you won't be at Pop but a few others who are getting excited will be. And I'm looking forward to going back there in 57 days or something like that...

I'm not Steffy but I can tell you that she and Terry will be our neighbors at BC Villas. My whole fmaily is at BC this trip!

 

[Glynis]

Well guess I should get started reading my book.

Whatcha readin?

 

[mommykds]

I modified a recipe that I found for pudding eyeballs. I made orange jigglers. We took 1/2 plastic Easter eggs and washed them really well. Those went into egg cartons and we placed a gummy saver in the bottom and stuck a rootbeer jelly bean in the center. Then poured the jiggler mix into each egg and let them set up. The hardest part was getting them out. We floated them in hot water then used a knife to gently pull them out. I think they came out pretty good and Colby says that they are "tasty"

Cool, I am going to give that a try.

I think I like the Cinderella one best.

Thanks! 2 votes Cindy, 1 vote Pluto. (sounds like survivor at trible counsel )

 

[mommykds]

October travelers.
I think I am going to wear this design for the party.

 

[Tammi67]

October travelers.
I think I am going to wear this design for the party.

That's the same one Bob chose yesterday! I presented him with 4 options and that was the winner. I meant to post it earlier but forgot. I'm going make them on black shirts.

 

[KMH1]

Fly-by post...trying to read along as I pack for our trip.

Anne Marie, I have a little experience with selling on Ebay. The best advice I can give you is to do a search on whatever you're thinking about selling and then model your auction after those auctions. In other words, do a little research for "key terms," etc. Starting your auctions at a low, reasonable price usually proves beneficial too. PM me if you want to banter about this more. I like the last picture best, because it focuses just on your beautiful kiddos.

Heidi, wow! But are your trick or treat bags done yet? Not that mine are, but I remember you announcing how early you had those ready last year. And, Hallmark is releasing a lot more ornaments, including Disney ones, in October.

Beth, for your situation with the principal. I don't blame you for wanting to knock her block off, especially after her passive aggressive comment to Miles, but if I were you, I'd take a step back to compose yourself. You know, as an educator, what it's like to have one of those days. Instead of doing anything publicly, quietly get a feel for how other parents are dealing with this new change in policy, and call for another meeting with the principal, this time in her office. If she's still defensive and unprofessional, move on to the superintendent with your concerns.

Debbie, thank you so much for the postcard! I can't wait to see more pictures from your trip!

Deb, hope you get a definitive answer to what has/had you feeling off, and I hope you continue to feel better. Your Halloween treats look great!

Tom, trip stress is inevitable, but try your best not to run yourself down! You don't want to be sick on your trip!

Ack, laundry buzzer! I know I'm forgetting people...I'm sorry! Hope everyone is having a great day!

Amy

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

This one.

Yep. The Cinderella pic!

Tammi-sounds like you and Alyssa are on the right road, I hope it resolves soon.

Tom- you will get all the things that need to get done, done. Those that don't get done will wait (hopefully)

Beth-tough situation. I would not bring it up at the PTA meeting tonight...if your PTA is anything like the 4 I've been associated with it's a think tank and doesn't really have any teeth in struggles with the principal. I would attend just to hear the other concerns. I would also ask for a PRIVATE meeting with the principal to talk about the disrespectful way she spoke to you and about you to Miles and in front of everyone in the office. I would tell her you did not appreciate the way she handled the last conversation and you would like her to have all of the papers you have filled out concerning the walk available at this meeting. If you don't get satisfaction in the meeting or don't even get the meeting inform her you will be taking it up the district chain. There is usually a person who is in charge of principals at the district level that is easier to get in touch with then the superintendent. It stopped being just about the walk home when she stated what she did to Miles.....she overstepped her boundaries.

Tammi - I hope the meds plus settling in at school resolves Alyssa's issues!

Beth - Well, I am completely stumped with this one. I do agree with Theresa - the PTA isn't really the venue for this. Some principals are on a power trip - you do things their way because they say so. My friend had one of those at her DD's school, and she ended up getting a transfer order for the following year because the principal was so bullheaded. If you think meeting with her privately would be productive go ahead and do it, otherwise bite your tongue and move forward.

I survived the dentist. I hope the feeling in my face comes back soon. For the bargain price of $500 (AFTER insurance) I will have a new crown in 10-12 working days. For now the same OLD crown has been temp-glued in there AGAIN! He said not to chew on that side. I am trying to decide if I want to try a custom bleach kit. I told the dentist I will talk to him more about it when I go to have the permanent crown glued in. I have been wanting to bleach my teeth for awhile. He is running a special for $200 for 2 custom fit trays and the bleach solution. I just wonder if it will make THAT much of a difference, or if I should wait until I can afford to have them lasered.

The Dr's office called and said they have a new prescription for DS. I will send DH to pick it up - they didn't say if it is just for a stronger dose of his current med or if they are prescribing a short acting "booster" for homework. Guess we'll see!

 

[Steffy]

Stephanie and I are staying at the Beach Club.
I know from all the things I have seen on it that I cannot wait to see it

I'm not Steffy but I can tell you that she and Terry will be our neighbors at BC Villas. My whole fmaily is at BC this trip!

Can I add that I just can't wait!!!!!! But I have one of Pop I can add...

October travelers.
I think I am going to wear this design for the party.

This shirt makes me want to go to the party! We might wear the shirt just so we will all match at the LTT dinner... I'll have to talk to the Tink about that. We really want to see Little Richard. And start sampling the wines..

But I really like the shirt...

 

[mommykds]

That's the same one Bob chose yesterday! I presented him with 4 options and that was the winner. I meant to post it earlier but forgot. I'm going make them on black shirts.

That's so funny!!!! Great minds huh? I was going to do it on a black or purple shirt, not sure yet. Were we wearing matching shirts for any of the meals? I want to do my AC Moore shopping all at once. My suitcases are out (well I never put them away) I am hoping on getting away with 1 carryon since its only me, but then what if I buy too much?

Fly-by post...trying to read along as I pack for our trip.

Anne Marie, I have a little experience with selling on Ebay. The best advice I can give you is to do a search on whatever you're thinking about selling and then model your auction after those auctions. In other words, do a little research for "key terms," etc. Starting your auctions at a low, reasonable price usually proves beneficial too. PM me if you want to banter about this more. I like the last picture best, because it focuses just on your beautiful kiddos.
Amy

Thanks!!!

Yep. The Cinderella pic!

I survived the dentist. I hope the feeling in my face comes back soon. For the bargain price of $500 (AFTER insurance) I will have a new crown in 10-12 working days. For now the same OLD crown has been temp-glued in there AGAIN! He said not to chew on that side. I am trying to decide if I want to try a custom bleach kit. I told the dentist I will talk to him more about it when I go to have the permanent crown glued in. I have been wanting to bleach my teeth for awhile. He is running a special for $200 for 2 custom fit trays and the bleach solution. I just wonder if it will make THAT much of a difference, or if I should wait until I can afford to have them lasered.

The Dr's office called and said they have a new prescription for DS. I will send DH to pick it up - they didn't say if it is just for a stronger dose of his current med or if they are prescribing a short acting "booster" for homework. Guess we'll see!

Hope the meds work for DS & your crown works too. Thanks for your vote, looks like we have 3 Cindys, 1 pluto, & 1 at CRT votes!

Can I add that I just can't wait!!!!!! But I have one of Pop I can add...

This shirt makes me want to go to the party! We might wear the shirt just so we will all match at the LTT dinner... I'll have to talk to the Tink about that. We really want to see Little Richard. And start sampling the wines..

But I really like the shirt...

so come to the party!!!!!!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Princess was hugely incensed that I left her at school AGAIN. When we pulled into the parking lot she said "No! No! No!" She got out and walked with me to her classroom just fine, but when she realized I was planning to hand her to the teacher and leave she started to cry. Poor Princess!

 

[bethbuchall]

Good morning everyone!

Alyssa's appt. went fine. They did another ultrasound and said that her bladder is still not emptying completely. He prescribed a medication, Ditropan, that will let her bladder hold more and decrease the urgency to go. He also suggested biofeedback, which he described like a videogame. Sensors are placed on her skin in the groin area. As she flexes and relaxes her muscles, things are displayed on the tv monitor. She drinks and then has to hold it, then go, etc. I know I didn't explain it very well, but the concept of it is the doctors can see which muscles she is using to hold it and/or go. And this helps her to learn how to do it. So that is another option we can try. It's a 3 hour procedure and he said some kids pick it up after one or two sessions. He also did say that starting school is where a lot of kids face setbacks. So maybe in some time things will level out.

Deb - I hope you aren't too uncomfortable today and that you were able to sleep. I've had one UTI and I remember very vividly how painful it is.

Jen - I really like the portrait. I hope you can get the corrections made.

Debbie - Welcome home! Thank you so much for the post card.

Tia and Beth - Long time no see.

and to everyone all!

Hi, Tammi! I hope that things work out well for Alyssa!

 

[lovesdumbo]

For Terry & Steffy & Elin:

Beth- I cannot imagine how angry you must be. I can't believe after changing the rules without notice, and lying to you she ALSO tried to completely undermine your authority as a parent. She is supposed to be working with you not against you. I honestly don't know what I would do.

Good morning, friends! I am who knows how far behind so I'm just going to jump back in. Sorry for the long absence. We finally got ready for company Labor Day weekend and then I spent last week trying to get myself back into some kind of routine. It has worked well so far (knock on wood!) and the house is continuing to look really nice and clean. I still have a little finish up work to do on the playroom still (mainly sorting craft supplies), but we're finally getting there.

Not much other news around here. Phil got back from CA on Labor Day and his dad is doing MUCH better. He has another week or so of therapy and then he should be able to go home. He'll still have therapy everyday, but he'll at least get to be at home at night. His dad even called me on Labor Day to thank Terra and I for letting Phil come out there again to help. It was a very sweet call and he sounded really good.

If anyone can fill me in on what I've missed in the last two weeks, I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks!

So how are you today?

Hello! Sounds like great news on you FIL and at home too!

This one for me.

Um...don't take this the wrong way...but I think that I hate you.

That was my thought too.

October travelers.
I think I am going to wear this design for the party.

Cool!!

Princess was hugely incensed that I left her at school AGAIN. When we pulled into the parking lot she said "No! No! No!" She got out and walked with me to her classroom just fine, but when she realized I was planning to hand her to the teacher and leave she started to cry. Poor Princess!

Poor Princess!

Good luck with the new drugs!

 

[bethbuchall]

Strangely I feel much better this morning or at least so far this morning. Now I'm wondering if I may have passed a kidney stone yesterday as I KNOW that the pain was urinary related. I did find one amoxicillian capsule and took that just to give myself a head start, but I can't imagine one capsule making that much of a difference. I'm going to give myself the morning to see how things go and if I'm still feeling good I'll cancel the appointment as they won't do anything if there is no pain.



Wow, There are so many things happening in that situation. It is so hard to say what is best. On one side you want to put the principal in her place and it sounds like she needs it, but on the other hand you don't want her inadvertantly taking it out on Miles in school. I think I would talk to some other parents that have had kids using the path and see what there take on things is. Once you have a united front perhaps the adults could all talk to the Principal at the same time or even at a school board meeting where there will be people around to keep her accountable. She was obviously caught off guard and felt that she needed to defend herself rather than just explaining the policy. I had a very negative experience with out vice principal 3 years ago and I was livid. I ended up letting it go in the end, but she said some completely inappropriate things to me. The good news is that she didn't last long as the VP and is no longer at our school. Good luck with your decision.

Deb, I hope you feel better! I have had some absolutely horrible UTI's (and some that were just horrible). I haven't passed a kidney stone, but I know that pain is awful, too. that you are truly better!

Thanks for your ideas. I did talk to the woman who lives next door to me. She is livid, because the principal "caught" her son walking down the path the day before yesterday and told him that he wasn't allowed to walk that way. When the neighbor boy explained that he always walked that way and that his mother knew that is how he walked home, the principal told him that his mother wasn't the boss when he was at school, she (the principal) was! I didn't know that when I talked to the principal yesterday, but I certainly believe it after my encounter with her. Miles must have been quicker or slower than the neighbor boy was that day, because Miles didn't have any problem about walking the path until yesterday. There is a lot of talk about all of the new dismissal policies. The principal attends the PTA meetings, and I know that they will be brought up by someone. I will not bring it up if no one else does, but I'm trying to decide exactly how much to say when it is brought up by someone else. Yes, I felt she humiliated me in front of my son and several teachers, but I don't think that turning the tables on her in a PTA meeting is the right thing to do either. I also don't want to give the impression that I am ok with this, though. I guess I can't really decide until I see what else is being said and how the discussion goes.

 

[bethbuchall]

Beth, as Deb said, there are so many things going on in your situation. Having a confrontation with the person who controls your kids' future teachers as well as discipline is a tough thing. Especially if she's justs defending herself without listening. On the other hand, she's probably taken a lot of flack from parents already and you may have been the 10th parent to complain to her and maybe she was tired of being professional?

If you go against her, she could take it out on your kids. If not, things won't get better. I don't envy your situation. I probably wouldn't say anything at the PTA meeting about your specific situation (because the other parents whose children don't use that path aren't going to care.) If it were me, I'd probably ask for a meeting with her and be up front with her about what your perception of the situation is and I would probably push it further. I hate tension and tend to be very direct if I'm not happy about something. Yeah - it gets me in hot water sometimes. It was extremely unprofessional of her with what she said to your son. It was really directed at you and I would be fuming. Their new policy is a little rigid and it's really not very realistic.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

at Tia!

Tammi, it sounds like a good dr. visit. Hopefully, Alyssa will grow out of this phase too and it will just be a page on your scrapbook.

Thanks! I am very bad at confrontation. I also worry about the authority that she has over my son and don't want to cause problems for him. He has three more years at that school. This is her first year as principal (she was an assistant at a different building), so I'm pretty sure we'll have her here until after he is out of the school. When my older two went to this elementary school, I practically lived there. I loved being there. Then a new principal came in that made it clear that parents were not welcome in the building. We all had so much hope when we heard that we were getting a new principal. I definitely agree with you about not getting too much of my situation out at the PTA meeting. I've been to too many of those meetings where one person dragged the meeting on and on and on with something that had no affect on anyone else.

 

[bethbuchall]

So who besides me has their Christmas cards all ready to me mailed?

I haven't even thought of my Christmas cards yet! I wish that I had your organization!

 

[bethbuchall]

I agree with Deb. Talk to others that use the path and see if you can come up with a solution together, and then talk to the powers that be!

Thanks, Glynis. You and Deb are very reasonable people. I certainly try to be, but sometimes I'm just too close to the situation.

 

[bethbuchall]

Well I like these 2 but am not sure they are really Christmasy (more like Halloween) but I like their faces in them. Which would you pick?

I like their faces in this one too...

Your daughters are absolutely beautiful and their eyes are stunning! Your son is quite handsome as well. My choice would be the last one, but they are all great!

 

[bethbuchall]

Tammi-sounds like you and Alyssa are on the right road, I hope it resolves soon.

Tom- you will get all the things that need to get done, done. Those that don't get done will wait (hopefully)

Beth-tough situation. I would not bring it up at the PTA meeting tonight...if your PTA is anything like the 4 I've been associated with it's a think tank and doesn't really have any teeth in struggles with the principal. I would attend just to hear the other concerns. I would also ask for a PRIVATE meeting with the principal to talk about the disrespectful way she spoke to you and about you to Miles and in front of everyone in the office. I would tell her you did not appreciate the way she handled the last conversation and you would like her to have all of the papers you have filled out concerning the walk available at this meeting. If you don't get satisfaction in the meeting or don't even get the meeting inform her you will be taking it up the district chain. There is usually a person who is in charge of principals at the district level that is easier to get in touch with then the superintendent. It stopped being just about the walk home when she stated what she did to Miles.....she overstepped her boundaries.

Thanks, Theresa! I'm glad to know that I wasn't just being overly sensitive about what she said to Miles. Now that I have heard that she told the neighbor boy that his mother wasn't the boss, I am positive that what I heard her say truly was what she was saying.