Top Secret Pixie Dust! A Surprise 13th Birthday PTR! NEW! TRIP REPORT LINK PAGE 220!

[Megablocks]

Oh wow...I hope the next 45 days go by quickly for you!

It's funny that she feels "unsettled" and that she has it all planned out the way she wants! Awesome that she said you guys need to stay at CBR, too -- at least you know she'll be super excited when she finds out.

I laughed so hard at the belly button conversation with Connor! I never would have thought of getting it "filled."

 

[pooh'smate]

The Vera order has been placed. I will save what I ultimately decided on for a future post, but I will say that I bought two things for myself and one thing for Chelsea which will end up in her Easter basket. I did wrestle with that final order total but figured I needed a treat. It was trip-related after all…

Lately, Chelsea has been so caught up with her social life that she has let schoolwork fall by the wayside. Being in the seventh grade, she was almost destined to go through this phase, but it’s been rough. I can access her grades online, and it has been a continuing battle all year to make sure she is turning in all of her work and studying for tests. She has always been an excellent student, and I have never had to stay on top of her like this. Socially she is a butterfly and given her penchant for making sure everyone in the seventh grade knows what is going on at any given time, I am sure she has an unrealized career in tabloid journalism later in life.

The straw that broke the camel’s back occurred on Sunday night when I asked her if she was planning on studying for her language arts final (which was the following day.) She hadn’t even brought anything home with her and attempted to tell her father that she didn’t know the final was Monday. Really? The irony of her trying to use this excuse is the fact that I am her language arts teacher. Hmmm, let’s see. I know I told her class every day last week when their final was, and we spent three days reviewing for said final. Charles and I were livid with her.

Hence, the birth of Chelsea’s new lifestyle change -- we keep telling her she is not being punished, just learning new ways of doing things. From now on, she has to fill out her agenda every day for every class and has to bring home all of her books and notebooks every night. She has to study at the kitchen table for one hour whether she has actual written homework or not. She cannot have her cell phone or use the computer Monday through Thursday. On Friday, I will check her grades, and if she has made good grades on all of her assignments and turned in everything, then, she can have her cell phone, the computer, and a social life Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. This is the way things are going to be for the next forty-five school days.

I can’t wait for summer!

On a more humorous note, Connor cracked us up the other night at dinner. This was the conversation:

Connor: Does your belly button really have any purpose once you are born?
Me: No, not really.
Connor: Well, when I am older, I am going to get it filled in.
Me: But then you won’t have a belly button!!! Won’t that look strange?
Connor: But I don’t need it…
Me: People will think you are a clone or an alien.

Of course at that point, the conversation completely degenerated into the “What if people suspect you are a clone…” type of discourse because that's how we roll at our house.

Now, on the trip planning front, Chelsea is obviously getting a bit antsy about the lack of Disney trip discussions occurring at our house.

Chelsea: Have you booked our summer trip yet?
Me: Nah. (Lord, please forgive me for lying point blank to my daughter.)
Chelsea: WHAT??? When are you going to do that??? I feel very unsettled without a Disney trip booked! (Hmmm, where did she learn that?)
Me: Well…(I tried the whole nonchalant, noncommittal shrugging thing.)
Chelsea: I think you need to…(she pulls up the calendar on my cell phone) book a trip for July 14 through the 19th. We need to stay at Caribbean Beach Resort, I want a birthday button to wear all week, and I want to eat at Teppan Edo on my actual birthday.

See, she has it all planned out in her mind what she wants.

Two out of the four things she wants are pretty good, right?

I can't wait to see what your Vera's.

Connor's belly button conersation

Chelsea feeling "unsettled" I think it is great that you are keeping the trip a surprise.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Hmmm, middle schoolers can be sneaky but it's not so effective when your own mother is your teacher. Hahaha!! Poor Chelsea. That really made me laugh. The conversation with Connor made me giggle too. He's a hoot! Filled in?! Oh funny stuff!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I had to check out the Vera's after reading your posts. I talked myself out of ordering anything as I so don't need a new purse!

Sorry about the problems with Chelsea, been there with my sons, only boys are not so dramatic or social. I 'm so thankful that cell phones were not in use then. I know we would be at odds over that because I would have to say no cell phone until you are on your own!

Chelsea is going to be so surprised at the big reveal. I'm so glad that she hasn't decided that WDW is uncool for a teen.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ok, can I just say that I am totally cracking up that Chelsea tried to say she didn't know she had a test when her mom is the teacher!

I know I'm not going to be telling you anything that you don't already know, but here it goes. Justin's worst year of school to date was 7th grade, he stayed on the honor roll, but I had to be on top of him constantly that year! I think it's just such a huge adjustment from elementary school, they have more freedom and more responsibility - it just takes them awhile to adjust. I was THRILLED when summer arrived last year and the 7th grade was over! This year has been much better, I still have to keep an eye on things, but I don't have to ride him like I did a year ago. He is much more organized and self motivated this year. Hang in there!!!

Of course, all that being said - we just had a lifestyle change in this house too. I got our cell phone bill the other day and Justin had nearly 10,000 text messages. I couldn't figure out how he could possibly find enough hours in the day to have that many messages! So, I look at our bill detail on line and see that he is texting well past midnight Now, Sunday thru Thursday he is required to turn in his phone at 10:00.......

 

[KathyRN137]

Even my eighth-grader laughed at Chelsa saying she didn't know she had the test on Monday (when her mom is her teacher!)

Too much!

Funny how she is already "planning" her birthday trip... tee-hee-hee!


Kathy

 

[cdotla]

Oh my! I think I am going to be in trouble once mine hits Chelsea's age. I am already struggling as it is to keep up with a 6 year old!

Love the idea for a Bo reveal of the big secret! And you even have accomplices! That is too cool!

Can't wait to see the Veras. I still haven't placed an order. I keep hoping my pattern goes on sale before our trip.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I think your plan for Chelsea sounds like a good lesson in staying on top of things and some good practical parenting on your part!
Also congrats to Chelsea for those scores!

I love it that she is so much like her mama and needs her Disney fix each summer!
Oh and hi from Missouri!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

OK - at the belly button conversation. I can see his point though. Why just have it sit there getting full of dirt and lint?

Chelsea - what a goofball! I just laughed - try to fool your mom, the teacher! HA! I agree with the changes you have implemented. We have already had to do some things like that around here with computer/tv time and Sarah's only 9. I can only imagine what is coming. Thanks to you, I will be more prepared thought!

I'm really glad that she's into CBR - that is a big "WHEW" for you. When are you planning to reveal all this to her? I imagine she'll be asking again before too long.

I checked out the VB site too. I really like the pink cupcake and one of the blue designs, but I can't remember the name. I think I'd like a hipster for the parks, since it's so lightweight, but I have put myself on an "only if you need it" budget. As much as I try to convince myself, I really don't need it. I've survived without it this long. Maybe I'll get one for an early birthday gift before our trip (my b-day is end of August), but for now, I have resisted. It sucks.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Sheree, don't fight the urge with Vera, just say YES!

Jackie, I read the Connor conversation to Marc as he was driving. I must admit I was laughing so hard at him filling it it in I was crying!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Jackie - Your kids crack me up!! I can see that belly-button conversation happening at our house! I'm glad I don't have a middle schooler yet!

Can't wait to see what bags you decided on!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I can't believe Chelsea tried to say she didn't know when her final was when you're her teacher! I guess a girl's gotta try, huh?

She'll be so happy to hear that you're staying at CBR!

 

[dddisrunner]

I can't wait to see what you purchased from Vera Bradley!!!! WOW...about Chelsea. It must be hard being Chelsea's teacher and parent!!!! Yikes, I hope her priorities get in line sooner rather than later, sounds like they are headed in the right direction though!!

 

[MadiMouse]

Jackie,
So you're telling me this is what I have to look forward to with Madi???????

I'm glad Chelsea did well on her finals!!!

I cannot wait to see your bags!!!!

 

[jillyb]

The irony of her trying to use this excuse is the fact that I am her language arts teacher.

I can't even say give her an "A" for effort! LOL I agree completely with the lifestyle change. I've had to do that with Hannah and she's only 7! Alison could really use one. But, since she doesn't live with us, it's a lot harder. Her last progress report was atrocious. In one of her classes she's got a ton of zeros for not doing her work. Clay really lit in to her over that but, unfortunately, as long as her Mom keeps making excuses for her nothing is going to change. That girl is in for a hard road later in life.

Conner and the belly button conversation was priceless!

 

[Nicole786]

I know the stage that Chelsea is going through I was there not very long ago. Luckily she has a very supportive mother to give her a good head on her shoulders!

So funny about the table conversations, it sounds like conversations i've had in the past with some friends!

 

[manntra]

Ahhhhahahahaha I was laughing so hard at your last update! First Chelsea saying she didn't know she had an exam and then Connor asking about his belly button!! That is really funny stuff!!!
Congratulations on your Vera purchase....looking forward to see what you ended up with. It is such a rainy and dreary weekend I might have to make a stop at my local store that carries them.
So funny about Chelsea wanting to stay at CBR She is going to be super excited about that!!! I would not be able to keep that from her though! I am just horrible at lying...I start laughing and I can't stop!

Tracy

 

[xoktenox]

Sorry to hear about the slight issue with Chelsea! Honestly, I know that the "lifestyle changes" my parents would enforce on me during middle and high school definitely made a difference. When I got in trouble for doing something, I got punished therefore I never (usually) did it again. At least she's not shy, right?

That belly button convo is hilarious!!

And you will be forgiven for lying to Chelsea too...it's for a good cause! The ends justify the means, right?

 

[TarzansKat]

Couple things.

One, love the Cupcakes Pink. If I was having a girl, I'd so planned on buying a diaper bag in that print, because it is just adorable.

Alas, I'm having a boy. No Cupcakes Pink for me, so I'll be content to live vicarously through you, miss.

Two, I know it's probably frustrating to be going through this with Chelsea. It sounds like you've got a good game plan.

On the upside of the situation, to devil's advocate with you a little, there is something to be grateful about in this scenario. I would never ever deny the importance of education (as you know, I want to go back to school to teach!) but the good thing is that your daughter is obviously quite adept at her social skills and that in and of itself is a blessing.

I was not. At that age, anyway. I had my friends, but I was more of a geek, and I did my work, and studied, but I can distinctly remember what a weird time middle school is. Of course you know, since you teach those grades. All those hormones! At any rate, I'm glad you've got a good action plan and I'm sure things will be better from now on.

I think it's too funny that she's getting antsy about your lack of trip planning. Have you ever thought of telling them you're going somewhere else just to throw them off?

 

[drakes]

First I apologize for not posting. I have been lurking
I am happy your change in plans is a postive one!
Excited to see your Vera selections!
Your conversations with Conner should be written into a book, whenever you share, they always make me smile!