Three Things on Thursday

1. I'm sure you've heard about the Atlanta cheating scandal, and the educators who are going to prison because of it.  If you haven't, here it is in short: a handful of teachers and administrators changed answers on state standardized tests taken by students over a number of years, resulting in district ratings that sky-rocketed, and of course drew attention.  And now these people are going to prison.  Obviously what they did was premeditated and calculated.  They knew it was wrong and they did it anyway.  I could never condone something like that.  But they're going to prison. I can see the conversations now, "What are you in for?" "Cheating." Really?  I'm not saying that the actions taken by these school district employees were okay by any measure, but I certainly think they should stir some conversations about the impact of standardized testing on our public schools, the students, and the staff.  Especially in a large metropolitan district such as Atlanta, where more kids tend to come from poverty and scores tend to be lower, the pressure for teachers to prove their merit through student test scores is high.  The fact that capable, smart people felt the need to succumb to such scandal over something as silly as test scores speaks volumes about the state of public education right now.  And you all know that I am totally pro public education ... I believe in it wholeheartedly.  Unfortunately, many of the people who make the most impactful decisions about how and what we teach and test lack real classroom teaching experience.  Right now there are rapists, murderers, multi-offense drunk drivers, and other serious criminals living free, even after arrests and prosecution.  Meanwhile, a group of educators is behind bars for cheating on tests.  I know I've skipped a lot of important details, but to me, the big facts remain the same.  Something's gotta give.

2. This week I've hit my own personal pinnacle of terrible parenting.  On Monday, the pediatrician's office called to remind me that Sara turned six in December and wanted to know whether I planned to make an appointment for her annual check-up.  How embarrassing.  I took her in on Tuesday and spent most of the appointment time telling the nurse and doctor that I'm really not a neglectful parent.  Then yesterday morning, I totally came unglued.  Emma was in rare form - absolute defiance, huge tantrum.  I think it started over choosing her outfit (I always put out two choices) before it turned into anything and everything else, but I honestly can't remember because I was so close to over the edge.  I was so, so frustrated with her.  I finally managed to get her in the car to go to school, and carried her inside still screaming.  I could barely say anything other than "good luck" as I handed Emma over to her teacher, who was surprised to see her come in so upset.  But after I turned away and shut the door, I looked back through the window at her tiny, sad little face and instantly started hoping that she wouldn't remember how terribly I'd dealt with her behavior earlier in the morning.  I'm the adult ... I'm supposed to maintain my patience and composure.  I told myself this as I walked out of the daycare and back to my car, and then I cried the whole way to work.  I felt terrible for the rest of the day, and vowed to try harder to be a better parent.  I can't afford to screw this up.
 
3. Two of my college BFFs are coming to town this weekend.  Brooke and Leigh fly in tomorrow evening from Kansas City and Milwaukee, respectively.  I'm looking so forward to a weekend with true friends who are always just what I need when I need them.  I can't wait for them to get here.  Laughter, gossip, and wine will be enjoyed by all. 

set already, sun

Actually, we haven't seen much sun since April started (showers, as predicted), but it still stays light out so much later.  And although our mornings don't start later, our bedtimes continue to push back.  I appreciate the quality time together, but this mom needs a few quiet minutes to herself at the end of the day.  The chance to sit down without an immediate request for a snack or drink.  The opportunity to hear my own thoughts.  I know this is parenthood and I'm really not complaining, but seriously ... for the love, light skies.  

Our April started entirely more eventfully than I would have liked: with the stomach bug.  Emma started vomiting around 3:00 am on April 1st, so I took the day off to be with her.  She was pretty miserable.  At one point, she didn't even want to be held - which is so unlike her - and instead wanted to just sprawl on the tile floor.  She started to rebound mid-day, though, then kept down some saltine crackers and took a nice long nap.  She was well enough by the end of the day to ride in the wagon to pick up Sara from school.  It rained for most of the day, and obviously Emma and I weren't going to be going out and about, so the day off actually turned out to be pretty productive for me, and we were both up and back to school the next day.  The bug hit me Thursday night, but it was short lived and it seems to have skipped Steve and Sara, thankfully.

 Friday was a school holiday, so I took the girls to Paint 'n Party, which is a cute little pick-your-pottery-to-paint place.  There were a lot of people there, painting a variety of things.  After much looking and considering, we ended up with a princess and a girl superhero.  The girls had a fun time painting, and we'll get to pick up their creations on Saturday, after they've been in the kiln.  Sara can't wait to see what the finished products look like "all shiny"!  I see more Paint 'n Party trips in our future, and I think I'll even make a masterpiece of my own next time.

 

 After Paint 'n Party we went to the Easter egg hunt at Emma's school, where she refused to participate.  Had I been thinking, I would have brought her to school earlier in the day to warm up, but I didn't foresee her being shy and clingy around her teacher and friends when confronted with the opportunity to pick up dozens of candy-filled eggs.  I was wrong.  She did end up with a few eggs that her teacher picked up for her, but she didn't want any part of interacting during the festivities. She did, however, through a huge tantrum when the hunt was over and it was time to go home.  For a good two hours afterwards she kept telling me she wanted to go back to school.  Go figure.

Friday evening we dyed our Easter eggs.  They turned out beautifully, and in the process we added some touches of color to our poor worn and torn kitchen table.  The girls were excited for the Easter Bunny to see their eggs, and left him a plate of carrots nearby.  What bunny wouldn't love these faces?

 Sunday morning Emma was up early, and from our bedroom we heard the little click-click of plastic eggs opening.  Apparently she didn't need to wait on any of us to start her hunt ... so Steve and I rolled out of bed, Emma yelled for Sara, and before long the girls had collected all of the goodies the EB left for them.  It was pouring Sunday morning, so our hunt happened inside.  The Brittains came over later in the day for lunch and celebration. Luckily, the rain semi-stopped so we were able to play outside and get some fresh air.  After the three day weekend, I returned to work on Monday absolutely exhausted.  It was holiday and chocolate induced.

 

My mission this week, besides just getting out the door with as little frazzle as possible each morning, is to locate a new day planner.  I use the July-July calendar since I operate on a school schedule, and this year I'm after just the right one.  It has to have enough space for my daily to-dos and appointments, as well as plenty of notes pages, without too much extraneous stuff.  I would also like it to fit in my purse, so the standard 9x11 is too big. I picked up an inexpensive planner to get me through as my plans now run past June, but I think I'm going to bite the bullet and order a Plum Paper Planner.  I've looked at them online, and also considered the Erin Condren, but I don't think I can justify the price of the latter for my first online planner purchase.  Plus I've heard people say they love the Plum Paper.  I know some of you can appreciate the significance of my impending purchase.

Other than that, we're waiting on my parents to swing through at the end of the week on their way home to MN for the summer and fall.  We have a lot more rain in the forecast, and Steve and I have decided to go meat-free again for a while.  No real reason, just ... why not?!  Sara is taking a field trip to the Outdoor Learning Center tomorrow, which might as well be Disney World based on her level of excitement.  And Emma has decided that big girls don't get out of bed in the middle of the night ("only babies do that"), which has me wondering what other important lessons we may be able to impart through brainwashing.  Not that we'd ever take advantage of something as sweet as innocence.

March Out

I just feel like I have to squeeze one more post in before March ends.  It's hard to believe that we started this month with snow and we're ending it with temps near the 80s and sunny skies.  This past weekend was absolutely beautiful, and after many hours outside we are all sporting a little glow.  We went to the park, rode bikes (Sara's got the two-wheeler!), planted some summer begonias, drew with chalk, poured out a huge container of bubbles, grilled, and enjoyed evening driveway drinks ... what's not to love? 

At the park on Saturday, Sara hit it off with another girl who was there.  As a result, we were invited to the girl's older sister's birthday party on Sunday (also at the park).  So we went back on Sunday for the party and play.  While there, I met another mom who is from Hampton, IA, and who graduated from Iowa State!  We know some of the same people from Hampton, and had a great time chatting.  Her only flaw is that her husband is a Hawkeye, but I'm willing to forgive that.  It was nice to make some new connections.

Also on Saturday, I noticed my neighbor in her garage refurbishing an old desk she found.  She maintains antique booths as a hobby, and loves to search for good finds.  We were chatting and I mentioned our freebie piano, which shows a lot of wear and tear.  I told her I was thinking a professional might have to come take a look at it.  She said, "no way," and told me to go to the hardware store for Old English scratch remover (they make it for both dark and light woods).  I picked up a bottle that afternoon for about $6, and got to work on the piano, whose dry wood appreciated the lather.  Oh my word, it really worked wonders!  Obviously you can still tell that the piano is old with some bumps and bruises, but it looks a thousand times better than it did.  I sure love a cheap fix and a resourceful neighbor!  Now Steve and I are wondering how many other surfaces in our house could benefit from this magic formula.  (and so the project list grows ...)

For the most part, it's life as normal around here.  Some days we think our girls are 16 and 12, not 6 and 2, based on their attitudes.  Sara desperately wants to earn an allowance but acts put out about actually having to perform any tasks (although she is quick to seek recognition when she does get around to cleaning her room or something like that).  Emma has started crossing her arms, throwing her head back, and marching off when she's mad.  A couple days ago she burst into our room, crossed her arms, stomped her foot, and said, "Daddy is mean.  He said I can't paint with my fingers. Humph." Then she furrowed her brow and stuck out her bottom lip.  She's got the drama down.  I'm beginning to think that, while ages and circumstances change, kids really are just who they are.  They grow and learn and change, but I'm fairly confident that when they're 16 and 12, I'll see glimpses of 6 and 2 in my girls. 

I'm beginning to plan for summer.  Since I live life by the school calendar, I use a July-July planner, and realized today that it's time to buy my new one since my planning is now bleeding into August.  I'll have about 2 1/2 weeks off this summer, so I'm working on the logistics of child care, camps, travel, and of course just some R&R.  I start feeling myself get overwhelmed with everything that will happen between now and the end of the summer, so I have to remember to slow down.  One thing at a time: we have this Friday off of school for a "spring holiday".  I was thinking of taking the girls to the arboretum, but it's looking like the weather may not cooperate.  If that turns out to be the case, I think we'll go to Paint n Party.  Sara received a gift certificate for her birthday and has been begging to go ever since.  If we end up there, I'll be sure to post pictures of the girls' creations.

Welcome, April!

Book Talk

I have to start with a huge shout-out to my friend, Allison, who has hooked me up with most of the books on the "must read in 2015" list I referenced a while back.  So far I've read these ones:

For the Waverly women of Bascom, North Carolina, first frost always means mystery, or at least the unexpected.  When a mysterious man arrives in the small town, senses are heightened and the Waverlys know that if there was ever a chance of a normal, non-eventful first frost, this is certainly not the year.  High schooler Bay is learning firsthand that the family you're born into can impact beyond what you can reach, regardless of abilities and intuition, like it or not.  I liked this story.  It wasn't at all believable for me, but it was light and easy.  I wouldn't call it a "must-read", but it was enjoyable.  Wait until you can get it for a good price.

Landline struck a good balance between real life and the utterly impossible.  When Georgie realizes there is no way she can leave her job in LA to travel to Nebraska for Christmas with her husband and kids, she finds herself most comfortable staying at her mom's house rather than in her big empty house.  She finds an old rotary phone from her teenage days, and uses it to call her husband and daughters in Nebraska.  But somehow the landline connects her to the past, not the present, and she finds herself reliving/replaying conversations she should (did?) have had with her husband.  In the end, I think this story was less about a magic phone and more about the power of our conscience to guide us to what we know is right.  Well-written and highly entertaining (sometimes maddening), I'd definitely recommend it.

 If you're looking for something a little deeper, before i go should be on your list.  Daisy is 27, about to celebrate 4 years cancer-free, when she finds out that the cancer is back and it is spreading aggressively.  She has months to live, and decides to spend her time finding a new wife for her husband so there is someone to care for him once she's gone.  This story is heart-breaking, inspiring, irritating, and funny all at once.  The characters are well-developed and their struggles are real.  In terms of the book, some parts were better written than others, but overall, a really great story.  Get your tissues.

"Books are a uniquely portable magic."

Stephen King

a post in which I refuse to mention the Cyclones

Besides the obvious (reference title), we had a good week back from Spring Break.  On Thursday evening, Sara's rescheduled Open House took place, and on Friday evening, the rescheduled "Deputy Round-up" at her school happened.  It made for a very exciting end of the week. 

Sara was so excited to show off her school at Open House.  Unfortunately, Steve had a work event he couldn't get out of, but I was able to skip Open House at my school to take the girls to Sara's.  We visited her classroom, where Sara was being shy and a frequent parent volunteer said, "Wow, Sara, you sure are quiet tonight."  Nothing better than a little honest insight into her day ...

 Deputy Round-up proved to be lots of fun: face painting, balloon animals, cake walk, photo booth, snacks, and a silent auction at which Sara was thrilled to win an ice cream party with her teacher.  Steve was equally excited about his winning bid that scored him some new wireless headphones.  By the time we walked home on Friday night, we were all exhausted!

Yesterday was another rain-out, but today the sun finally came out and we got a taste of spring. We opened up the windows and enjoyed the sunshine.  Steve and I also put down twenty bags of mulch, which I know I'll feel for the next couple of days.  And it must have been the weather, because there is not other real explanation, but we both worked ourselves into a clean-out frenzy this weekend, and organized some parts of the house that have been left virtually untouched since we moved in.  For me, it was mainly the kitchen cabinets and my dresser drawers.  For him, it was almost every other space in the house.  Spring cleaning feels so good!

My updates lately feel like just a recap of our day-to-day, but these are the things I know I'll appreciate having documented down the road.  Life is hectic, loud, and generally good in the Brittain home!

Spring Break

Our spring break has come to an end.  For the first time in a few years, we didn't travel anywhere, and although I missed not being in Florida (especially since our weather hasn't been great), we had a good time at home.  My parents were here for the first part of the week, and then they headed to MN early Thursday morning for a quick visit before they return to FL to finish their "winter".  

Unfortunately we had quite a bit of rain and lots of cloudy skies this week.  We found indoor activities to occupy our time, which included multiple Target trips, lunches out, art projects, and movies/nests in the family room.  On Tuesday we headed downtown to the aquarium, which provided a nice change of scenery and climate!

The sun finally came out on Wednesday, so we headed to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve for some playing and hiking.  It was pretty muddy, but it felt so good to get out for fresh air. 

We found walking sticks of all sizes!

 

When we got home, we played on the driveway and G&G convinced Sara to finally start riding her bike without training wheels.  She didn't want to listen to what I had to say about it, of course, but got the hang of it with Grandpa's help.  We've worked on it more since, and Sara is gaining confidence (which I've found has been her biggest obstacle). 

On Thursday we went swimming at the indoor pool at the rec center.  Sara was told by two different lifeguards that she was too short for the big slide, and she was so disappointed because she's been able to use it when she's there for swimming lessons.  She is currently 46 inches and needs to be 48 inches to ride during open swim hours ... it made me sad to watch her be denied because I so know that pain of being too short.  She asked me how long it takes to grow two inches and was unsatisfied with my answer of, "I don't know, it's different for everyone."  She still had a great time swimming and practicing her cannonballs. 

Friday was another rain-out, so we drove across town to have lunch with Steve, which the girls thought was so fun.  Yesterday, finally, I got the bug to be productive around the house and started just a couple of quick projects.  Today we planted some new plants out front.  They look good, and will look even better next weekend when we fill in the beds with mulch.  For her part, Emma is ending our week with a black eye (thanks to an accidental piggy bank to the face, courtesy of her sister) and potty-trained (even in public) with the exception of a few accidents here and there! So although we didn't travel, we've had a really great week.  As you can imagine, I'm both ready and not ready for our quality time to come to an end!

Of course I can't end this post without celebrating the Cyclones, who did indeed with the Big XII Championship for the second year in a row!  They played three tough, very close games and came out victorious last night.  We're proudly flying our ISU flags in both the front and back while awaiting the Selection Sunday results.  As a friend so eloquently wrote on FB last night, "It feels good to be a winner!" Yes ... yes it does!

Cyclone Saturday

We had a full-blown Cyclone Saturday last weekend!  In the morning, Steve, Todd, and Sara headed downtown to see the women play in the Big XII tournament at the American Airlines Center.

 They had great time, even though the women lost.  From what I hear, Sara spent much of the time eating popcorn (below) and recording score updates in the notebook she brought along. 

Later in the afternoon, Steve and I headed to Ft. Worth to see the men play at TCU.  We first hit up a pre-game alumni event with 400+ alums from the DFW area at a great BBQ place.  The president of the Alumni Association was in town because of the women's tournament, and stopped in to lead us in some cheers and the fight song!

We had a great time at the game, where the Cyclones finished the regular season with a big win. It was fun to see some of our favorite "celebs" up close and personal!

Steve and I enjoyed our night out with so many Cyclones fans.  The arena was full of cardinal and gold ... the Hilton Magic definitely traveled to Ft. Worth. 

The men begin Big XII tournament play tonight.  We're hoping for three wins and a repeat championship!