Life Among the Savages

whatever

I haven't done anything here lately. That is because I made the poor decision to make gifts for family this Christmas.

I spend every available moment I have making things. How many do I actually have completed? We'll call it four. Even though those have minor finishing touches required. How many to go? Seven. Or is it eight? And I need to finish Becca's socks. She really wants me to knit something for her.

If I had just stuck with buying things for people, I would have about three more pairs of socks for myself right now. I would have probably ordered the pattern and yarn to make this cool sweater. It's not really something I can see myself wearing, but I really want to make it. Of course, I have noticed something about myself.

Socks are easy. You finish knitting, weave in the start and end ends and put it on. Sweaters and backpacks? You have to seam them up. And there is the blocking. And I can see myself with pieces sitting around. For years. Although, the sweater is only three pieces. Hmmm.

There is also the Arwen sweater which is done up in two pieces. The cost of the yarn called for? Over $100. I don't spend that much on clothes for myself. Say it with me, 'substitution yarn'.

That's me. And yeah, I still have kids demanding my time. Did I mention that Dougie is a biter? Giving the boys their bath last night, I saw a bite mark on poor Magnus' shoulder. I know it was Dougie, because there were only two teeth marks for the bottom jaw. You don't have to be a forensic odontologist or whatever the heck they are called to figure that one out. There was also the struggle over a package of Teddy Grahams today. I saw Dougie lean his head down and then Magnus started screaming. Dougie bit HARD! There was blood drawn to the surface. He didn't actually break the skin, but it looked really bad. And will probably look worse tomorrow. He got a good swat on his tush and time-out. We have been telling these guys for over six months not to bite. How the heck do you get it through to them?

by tempe on 12/5/2006 11:13:45 PM, 2 comments

Submitted by Pete at 12/6/2006 11:51:09 PM

Submitted by Angie at 12/11/2006 3:13:43 PM

Comments

#1: I totally agree with not skipping grades. Ben's dad wanted to do that with him and I refused to let it happen. School is about more than academics. There's a lot of social interaction/learning going on, too, that won't happen if you leave your peer group. Ben may disagree but I'd still stand by my decision.
#2: Perhaps she has inherited some of her math challenges from me. God knows what would happen to me without a calculator. Simple addition sometimes alludes me. They make fun of me at work about it. Really.
#3: Never be embarrassed standing up for your kid. How else will you know what's going on?
#4: That's my granddaughter! I brag about her all the time. :)

8/12/2008 10:29:24 PM

I was SO embarrassed.

:P

8/12/2008 9:29:57 PM

I noticed at the campground when she would mention you she called you mom instead or mommy. Shes growning up.

7/5/2008 8:43:06 PM

my gals just finished kindy and could do all of the things you mentioned. not all of the kids in their class could, though. their teacher was fantastic about giving them the appropriate work and even had them in reading groups with 1st grade teachers (separately.) when i taught music, i had kindergartners who didn't know colors and letters when my 18 month olds did. it was wild, but it's proven that if parents don't engage with their kids, they may not know as much. i don't mean flash cards, but answering questions when asked, asking them leading questions about the things around them, and talking about what you are doing step by step while you do it. a lot of parents don't do these things.

6/23/2008 9:55:01 PM

I felt the same way walking through the preschool fair last year. They all told us what their curriculum consisted of as far as preparation for kindergarten and I just kept thinking "My kid can read on a 1st-2nd grade level and you're going to make him sit through learning his letters?" If I were you, I would bring up your concerns with Becca's kindergarten teacher when the time comes, just for your own peace of mind. It sounds like Becca is definitely ahead of the game and it would suck to have her held back by other kids. Most school districts have gifted programs, but they don't start until a year or two later, unfortunately.

Just let the teacher know your concerns and if she can't accommodate Becca's needs, keep climbing the ladder until you find someone who does (principal, superintendent, etc). Just like a learning disabled kid with an IEP, they are legally bound to meet gifted/advanced children's educational needs.

6/6/2008 5:09:35 PM

Not that I'm biased or anything but I think Becca is advanced for five as well. I've been wondering since the kindergarten talk started just what would there for her.
And that back scratching thing? Totally gross and highly inappropriate. But might explain your mindset a bit.

6/6/2008 2:52:47 PM

Okay. The back scratching thing? That's screwed up. I can't imagine rewarding a kid by making them rub on me. Gheez. Also, Dear God. Blegh.

I'm thinking specifically about Meredith here: Although she knows all colors, letters, numbers, shapes, etc., I'm not sure she would be able to go through a magazine and cut out pictures that start with a certain letter. (She is the first to admit that she can't read or write.)

I do think that Becca is advanced for five.

6/6/2008 2:15:26 PM

I’m going around to all the St. Louis area bloggers/freelancers to let them know about our new book by two local authors, the Historic Photos of St. Louis by Jean Gosebrink and Adele Heagney. We’d love to send you a complimentary copy for possible review consideration on your blog of this book. This title is done in a large 10x10 format and all images used are culled from several archives that represent rare or never before seen photos of St. Louis. We’re trying to get the word out to local folks, so I hope you don’t mind me dropping you a line to let you know about our books!

You can find the authors locally at a signing at Barnes & Noble on Ladue Rd from 1-3pm .

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best,
Rachel Joiner
Marketing Manager
rjoiner@turnerpublishing.com
www.turnerpublishing.com

5/9/2008 2:45:27 PM

I'm late to comment, but it's so beautiful! To think that what I'm doing with my socks could be translated into something so gorgeous! It's not for me yet, but something to aspire to. Good Work!!

5/2/2008 11:46:26 PM

So pretty! Love the vampire pose, BTW.

Baby wore his pretty green hat on his first outing to the zoo on Monday. I'll post pictures if I ever get my site fixed.

4/30/2008 6:47:47 AM

Blogroll

Hubby

Miss Multiple Personality

Intimations of Turpitude