Proud Mama

The school year started out rough for Michelangelo. She struggled with staying organized and getting assignments turned in on time. Sometimes she forgot to do it, other times she forgot to hand it in or couldn't find it. In the first quarter she had about 12 late assignments and there were many tears and frustrating conversations. This doesn't even count the number of times she had to walk back to school to get an item she forgot or the long hours of homework because she goofed off too much in school.

MA is young for her age. She was a summer baby and many people choose to hold their children back a year when they are so close the the cutoff date. I never even considered this when it came time to place MA in Kindergarten. She was 5 and off she went. Over the years we have had occasion to wonder if she would have been better off if we waited, but the deed was done. She is socially immature at times and organization will never be her strong suit but she is a smart girl.

At one point during the year we discussed these continued problems. Her teacher is the same teacher she had in third grade so she has had a chance to observe her progress. In third grade she chalked it up to being young, but in sixth grade she began to be concerned it might be something else. We spoke with the professionals and were told not to worry. She's a smart girl, she's probably getting bored at times and the organization, although it will always be a struggle, will get better with age and experience.

Tuesday the school had a "graduation" for the sixth graders. MA made us proud as she collected her "diploma" and the counselor stated she hoped to be an architect one day. They then handed out the President's Awards (you know from the US President). In order to receive this award the person had to have a GPA of at least 3.5 from 4th, 5th and the first quarter of 6th grade as well as an Exemplary in either the math or reading Map tests. With her rough beginning this year, her dad and I did not expect MA's name to be called. But then they were getting to the end of her class and her teacher sounded like she wasn't done. I started thinking if there were any other kids in her class besides Yost. Then she said MA's name. Her dad and I looked at each other in surprise but with pride. MA did not expect to receive this award either. She beamed the rest of the day, actually the rest of the week. She's very proud of her pin and certificate, as she should be.

If that wasn't enough, Thursday when she received her grade card (well, part of it, the rest will be mailed) she received the Principle's Award. She has only received this award one other time in her five years at this school. Her sister has received three and she's only in Kindergarten. This of course has not gone over well with MA and I tried to explain to her that Kindergarten is a lot different than sixth grade and there's less competition. Regardless, she was thrilled to receive this Award as well.

If things weren't going her way already, she has been getting asked to play a lot more by some of the kids who came to her party. MA hasn't had many after school friends and with the daycare it is hard for me to take her to playdates. These girls live in the area and they wander the neighborhood or go to the school to play, just like we did when we were kids.

I know Junior high can be difficult for kids, but I think MA is going to have a great time. I think she will be able to find some friends with similar likes and personalities. And with these awards under her belt, she has more confidence in her ability to succeed in her studies. I'm a very proud mama indeed.

Principal's Award

MA and her teacher

MA and the principal

MA and Proud Mama (Proud Papa's taking the picture)

Washing Machine - Take Two

Now that I have had a little fun at my husband’s expense, it is time to set the record straight. Our washing machine has been going downhill for several years. It drips onto clean clothes causing us to rerun part of the final spin cycle before drying our clothes. It doesn’t drip all the time and sometimes worse than others, but lately it has been getting worse. In addition, we often find spots on our clothes. We have changed detergent and fabric softener but the only constant has been the washing machine.

My husband has a fondness for electronics. Every man has his weakness. For my brother-in-law it’s boats, for others it may be tools or white buckets but for my hubby it’s televisions and all the electronics associated with them. Early in our marriage hubby wanted the new small dish satellite system. At the time it was around $700 (now it’s less than $100). I was happy with cable, but he was persistent. Hubby has the ability to wear me down. I don’t know if this was years of practice that worked with his mom (although I highly doubt it) or if he has just perfected it with me, but over the years I have discovered when he sets his mind on something, he will eventually get it. I can either fight him and live in 6 months of pestering and misery or simply throw up my hands early on and admit defeat.

Hubby has learned one thing, however. Whatever the cost of the electronic he has his heart set on, he can double that with whatever appliance I desire (my weakness.) Over the years I have received a smooth top stove, over the counter microwave, dishwasher, Kitchenaid Mixer and dryer. Washing machine was next on my list, but I can be patient.

Last weekend Hubby had had enough of our washing machine so the research and badgering began. I was deep in party mode, however and did not want to discuss a new washing machine. I also did not want to settle for something smaller than I wanted because HE was tired of dealing with the drips. (In case you are wondering, no, he is NOT a handyman and could not fix it.) Because I was distracted by the party and washing machine discussions, I did not realize his discussions of a new television were past the planning stages and entering the “I’m going to get one” stage.

Sunday after the party was over I was able to focus on the washing machine and explain what I wanted. He suggested we go look at a model he had looked at the day before at Best Buy. We went out to run a couple errands including Best Buy but that particular store did not have the model in stock. Next we went to Costco and I realized we were actually purchasing the new television. I’m usually more astute to these things. So home we came without a washing machine (which we needed) but with a television (which we needed like another hole in our heads.)

As Hubby was setting up his new toy, I started snapping pictures. He knew I had blog material! So Monday after we had lunch, he went by the other Best Buy and purchased this:


It was delivered Wednesday afternoon. I’m so happy! It’s almost as fun as watching the television. Almost.

Wordless Wednesday - My New Washing Machine