MyBaby - vtmomof2 Journal - September 2007

News on SCHIP

Posted September 28, 2007 at 12:27AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I try to listen every Friday to air america, they have a segment called "brunched with bernie" of course Bernie is VT's newest senator Bernie Sanders. Anyway, he was talking about SCHIP, which I have been trying to do my part to save, he says that the senate is now veto proof, but the house still has some work to get to be veto proof. We need more republicans to join the democrats and moderate republicans to stop Bush from taking health care away from our children. People in our country always think that if it doesn't affect them than they don't need to be involved. This is not true, this affects our whole country. If you are in VT and you have Dr. Dynasaur, you could lose that coverage for your children if they do not override Bush's veto. With the eligibility levels over $60000 per year, this affects a lot of people. Keep your fingers crossed, and write your representatives in the house of congress:)

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Sticky_Mommy responded September 28, 2007 at 1:13PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I've emailed this to 2 of my friends. Thank you!

vtmomof2 responded September 28, 2007 at 2:11PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Thank you. I have been trying to get people to contact their representatives, this is the only way we can save this funding. It is so important, and I am so upset that this president is playing politics with it.

scirillo responded December 27, 2007 at 7:53PM

I saw an article about this in the paper yesterday. It blows me away to see what people spend on sports and movies.. but when health care for our children or education is brought up such debates follows. Thanks for brining it up!

Conflicted - Need Advice

Posted September 27, 2007 at 8:58AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I need some advice, please feel free to offer it. I posted about my parents before, well, I'm an only child, so when my mom found a love note in my dads stuff I was the only one to be really involved. Well, my mom has taken my dad back 2 times, and is on the verge of taking him back the 3rd time. The advice I need is how do you deal with seeing someone you care about get hurt over and over again, and they not take your advice? I told her what I thought, but she is so conflicted that she doesn't know which way to turn. I gave up, I told her that I have 2 kids, a husband and school work I can't deal with the conflict. I really put my foot down when my dad tried blamed me for his affair. He won't accept any responsibility for what he did, and won't cut off the relationship or seek help from a counselor. I told my mom that this is very telling and to seek legal advice. I just don't know what to do anymore, she is upset, and I can't just turn my back. I need advice.

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Smasuzzo responded September 27, 2007 at 9:28AM

OK... first off him trying to blame you is beyond unacceptable. Either of them pulling you into this isnt fair. You are their child, even if you are an adult it is not fair to bring you into it. I went through a similar situation with a best friend and all you can do is offer advice and support, but if they don't listen, thats not your fault. You did the right thing. you put your foot down and told her what you think she could do. Bravo! As far as him not cutting off the relationship... that should be a clear indication to your mother that she needs to seek legal advice. She should not be his second choice... she is his WIFE.

rockergirrl responded September 27, 2007 at 9:31AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

this is a hard place to be in I am sure. All I know is it is very hard to try and help loved ones who do not want to help themselves or take your advice. It is the worst. All I can say is stay supportive and keep offering your love and advice to her but in the end it is her choice.

dustbunny responded September 27, 2007 at 10:21AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

wow, I agree it's her choice but if he won't end the affair, keep reminding her of that (your mom)...this sounds like one for Dr. Phil...ask your mom what she wants for her future...then work backward from there. maybe? it's hard to dig out of the mess when you are in it but if you know where you want to end up, the mess is more tolerable...

vtmomof2 responded September 27, 2007 at 10:27AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Dustbunny, I agree this is one for Dr. Phil, I even told my mom that.

dhiya responded September 28, 2007 at 5:56AM

It is better to talk it out clearly and take a strong wise decision...See what is good for her future and go for it without any hesitation...

bestmommy responded September 28, 2007 at 9:19AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

see this may sound really rude and unreal but dont take in a bad way.. just convince your mother to be out of the relationship.I mean is there any point living with a man who cheat you when he should be the one to be there for you always. Ican understand your position but you are all your mother has and she needs you

vtmomof2 responded September 28, 2007 at 9:28AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I think a divorce is inevitable. She is in therapy, by herself, and I think it is doing wonders for her. I just keep trying to support her, and I tell her she can only work on herself, she can't change him.

Something Stinks

Posted September 26, 2007 at 10:19AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Something in my house stinks. I don't know what it is. I have emptied the trash, check my potatoes and onions (likely culprits) but they weren't rotting, and I have gone around the house sniffing. I can't figure it out. It is driving my crazy. I think it might be shoes. I have them by the door, and that is where I smell it the most. I hate it when this happens, I can't stop searching until I find the smell. I think I might light a candle.

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Sticky_Mommy responded September 26, 2007 at 10:28AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

You sure it's not a diaper one of your friend might have hidden on you? LOL

vtmomof2 responded September 26, 2007 at 10:33AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

No, definetly not a diaper. Although a couple of years ago, it could very well have been. My hubby would leave them all over for me to find, or smell.

bestmommy responded September 27, 2007 at 3:31AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

shoes and dont forget the socks..

dhiya responded September 27, 2007 at 7:48AM

If you cannot figure out try using a room freshner which will help...

10 Pounds Down!!!

Posted September 26, 2007 at 7:19AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Well, I have lost 10 pounds. My pants are fitting better now, and my energy level has increased since I have given up soda. Which is funny, I drank soda to increase my energy level, but I feel better without it. I have also added more fish and veggies to my diet and I feel better. I am so happy to have reached this milestone, I still have a ways to go, but I take it day by day.

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bestmommy responded September 26, 2007 at 8:06AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

congrats.. way to go :)

dustbunny responded September 26, 2007 at 8:08AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

yes...nice work!

rockergirrl responded September 26, 2007 at 8:28AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

congrats! I am so jealous. I keep making up excuse after excuse.

Sticky_Mommy responded September 26, 2007 at 10:28AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

YOU did it! Nice work.

dhiya responded September 27, 2007 at 7:53AM

Keep it up and keep it going....I need to get some motivation from you now...

Student Loan/Account UGGH!

Posted September 25, 2007 at 10:41AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

So today I got a letter from my school, they made a mistake while figuring my aid package, and gave me too much money. What is frustrating is I based my loan on what was available for aid, and than increased enough to cover my books. This lowers my total package, luckily I increased enough to cover my computer, so I still covered my tuition and books, but now I will not cover my entire computer. This is so frustrating, I made a decision based on the info they gave me, and I would have made a different decision if I had known it was different. How can I trust the numbers I get next year? Very frustrating. Thanks for the vent.

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rockergirrl responded September 25, 2007 at 11:38AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

oh that is very irrating indeed.

Smasuzzo responded September 25, 2007 at 11:43AM

Don't you have some rights there? I mean i had to sign something accepting their loan... the signature should go both ways...

vtmomof2 responded September 25, 2007 at 12:04AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

You would think. But these kind of things are always they have rights you don't. Very frustrating, plus this was scholarship money, not loan money, I decided my loan amount based on what I was getting in scholarship and grants.

Smasuzzo responded September 25, 2007 at 12:55AM

damn the man..

dhiya responded September 26, 2007 at 6:19AM

That is soo sick...

SCHIP

Posted September 24, 2007 at 11:31AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I have written about this before. The states childrens health insurance program is at risk. Congress has done its job, the republicans and democrats have worked together to fund this program without borrowing and our president has threatened to veto this program. He is going to throw children out of this program and our children are going to be without health insurance. This is not socialized medicine. This administration is playing politics with our children. I have contacted my congressional delegation about this issue, but they already support it. People with republican senators and congress members need to contact their delegates. They need to tell them to support SCHIP and override this veto. It is time that something be done for our own country. They are building hospitals in Iraq and kicking American children off from these health insurance programs. This is going to hurt our middle income families. President Bush has said that this program is eating into the profits of private insurance companies, he is more concerned about these companies than families and children. Please contact congress, tell them to support SCHIP.

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rockergirrl responded September 24, 2007 at 11:37AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

thanks for this info.

bestmommy responded September 25, 2007 at 5:27AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

thnx for the info

Apple Picking

Posted September 24, 2007 at 8:03AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

This weekend we went apple picking, and no, unfortunately we did not find the wooden apple to win a free ipod. But we did have loads of fun. The apples were so huge, they were the biggest apples I have ever seen, and we were able to fill our bags at one tree. I have never seen apples so plentiful. My kids had a great time, they were able to pet some animals. My son was a little freaked out when a goat sneezed on him though. My daughter actually held a rooster, I could not believe it.

I love this picture, she is "driving a tractor":)

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vtmomof2 responded September 24, 2007 at 8:04AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I don't know why it looks like this, it didn't when I wrote it??

Sticky_Mommy responded September 24, 2007 at 9:37AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

try making the photos smaller and stack them under each other...

vtmomof2 responded September 24, 2007 at 10:22AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Thank you sticky mommy, this looks a lot better.

rockergirrl responded September 24, 2007 at 10:26AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

fun. We went apple picking this weekend too. I agree - the apples were huge this year. Just gorgeous.

momotogo responded September 25, 2007 at 12:23AM

Poor son & goat sneeze. That happened to me as a kid (about 6), but it was a sheep. Big yuk. Freaked me out too.

dhiya responded September 26, 2007 at 7:01AM

That is soo cool..Soo much fun...

How Frustrating

Posted September 21, 2007 at 12:17AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

My email is down, and I can't remember my yahoo username to use that email. I filled out all the steps so they would tell me my username, and than it said it would email me my username. That defeats the whole purpose! How frustrating. My hubby and I email each other through out the day, and we were trying to make plans for playing mini golf with the kids this evening. Stupid email, now I will have to call him later.

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rockergirrl responded September 21, 2007 at 1:52PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

I know how you feel. my DH and I use IM to communicate throughout the day.

Missing Mommy

Posted September 21, 2007 at 8:48AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Last night after I got home from my class, my husband told me that he was in the shower and had to get out because our son was crying for me. He said he missed mommy. This morning I was talking to him and he said that he missed me, he just wanted a hug for bed. I have to drive an hour to and from class, I only have 2 on campus so it is only 2 nights, but this is mommy guilt central. I have to make sure before I go to my next class that I give him extra big hugs. Poor baby, he was crying for me:-(

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Sticky_Mommy responded September 21, 2007 at 9:12AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

Oh that guilt - it will get you every time. It's sweet to be missed and it be an ajustment for the kiddos, DH and yourself - hang in there. You're doing the best thing for you and in turn for your family.

BRAVO for going back to school!

rockergirrl responded September 21, 2007 at 10:54AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

those moments are hard indeed.

dustbunny responded September 21, 2007 at 1:11PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

aahhh, little guy.

maybe do something special those two nights...like a scoop of icecream or something to associate mommy's school nights with something to look forward to??? just a thought. maybe you could hug a teddy bear when you leave and then put the bear in bed w/him and tell him the bear (or whatever) will give him your hug?? just ideas - hang in there!

Homework

Posted September 20, 2007 at 8:42AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Yesterday, my daughter spent 5 hours doing homework. I'm not exaggerating. She forgot her reading folder the night before so her teacher gave her the opportunity to do 2 nights worth of homework last night. This wasn't so bad, the problem is that she didn't understand the homework. She is a perfectionist, she will struggle with something for hours before telling me the real problem. She was sitting on the porch, and I thought she was done her homework, but she was still thinking about it. She finally came to me with questions, and I tried to help her, but her homework was really confusing. I don't think she understood the directions very well, and I couldn't follow what the teacher wanted by reading the paper she had. I helped her with one night, but the second night was very frustrating, luckily my hubby came home and was able to at least try to help her. I know she knows how to do it, she tends to overthink things. She wants it to be perfect and will drag her feet if she can't have it perfect. I had to explain to her that it is ok to not understand something right away, we had this problem last year to, and it led to test anxiety. Being a perfectioist myself I told her that I know how she feels, that she is usually good at everything the first time, but sometimes it is ok to get stumped. I told her it was ok to ask extra questions of the teacher. Part of me wants to call the school and talk to the teacher and tell her that she needs to explain things better to her, but the other part of me, the winning part at this point, is going to let her try to do it herself today. I told her to hand what she has to the teacher, if it isn't correct ask her how to do it, ask the teacher to explain tonights homework, and if she still doesn't understand keep asking questions. If she struggles tonight I will call the teacher tomorrow. I think it is important to let kids try to solve their own problems before stepping in, but I am going to worry about her all day.

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dsfasd responded September 20, 2007 at 9:09AM

That's a hard call. It's great you know your DD so well.

bestmommy responded September 21, 2007 at 2:26AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

I dontknow wether it would be right for you to call or not? but good to know your d is dedicated towards her studies

dhiya responded September 21, 2007 at 6:42AM

I am also like that but it is good to know that your DD is so dedicated at this age but sometimes it becomes an obsession and creates tension within the kid-the pressure to perform and be perfect in everything....Just make her understand in a nice way where she actually believes what you say...Both you and your DH need to give some counselling for the wellness of your child....Coz at this young age it is easy to change but once if the behaviour develops then changing gets tuf....

vtmomof2 responded September 21, 2007 at 7:32AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Follow up - My daughter talked to her teacher and she gave her some extra help during recess. She now understands the questions and was able to do her homework with ease last night. She is a perfectionist, but I keep tabs on her so she doesn't over do it. I just want to keep her interest in learning alive, it is her curiosity that keeps her going. I think learning is so much more important than getting the top grade.

LibbyS responded October 2, 2007 at 3:42AM

Glad to hear that things went well when you followed up with the teacher. Good idea to talk to the teacher, hopefully she can check that your daughter understands requirements from now on. 5 hours is way too long for anyone other than really committed senior kids.

Perfectionists are a weird bunch - I know, because I am one. One thing which frustrated me as a child as a teenager was that I couldn't understand why people didn't want me to do my best etc.

It was only when I realised that something really good was better than getting nothing done because it wasn't perfect.

Someone told me that the didn't want me to do a 180 degree change and not care, just a 10 degree adjustment. I liked that analogy - a slight modification, not a complete turn around. It was a way that I could still be proud of working hard, not be made to feel like I was doing the wrong thing.

Hope things go well from now on.

So Proud

Posted September 19, 2007 at 9:08AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Ok, I have to brag about my daughter. She is quite smart. She is in the 4th grade, and yesterday was her 3rd day coming home with candy from her teacher because she was the only kid who knew the answer to the questions that she asked. But yesterdays was especially good, she asked the class who represented VT in Congress. This is the one time my political junkiness paid off for my daughter, she was the only one who knew the answer. She was also well versed in the three branches of government and who was in each. They only teach this stuff on Constitution day, but I make it a point to teach her the constitution. Since I'm studying to be a paralegal, I'm reading the constitution and I am teaching her about it at the same time. It is a lot of fun. She is enjoying it too, and it paid yesterday as she was happily eating her smarties.

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dustbunny responded September 19, 2007 at 9:19AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

she's smarter than me! who the heck is in congress? I can't even remember what congress does...I get all my politics from john stuart and the colbert report. no joke, it's pathetic.

dustbunny responded September 19, 2007 at 9:19AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

btw, that's really awesome.

vtmomof2 responded September 19, 2007 at 9:27AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Congress makes laws, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Patrick Leahy, and Rep. Peter Welch. Just in case anybody puts you on the spot. Also, just a little factoid, we have one of the strongest delegations in congress, this is why VT gets a lot of money back from the federal gov't. Sen. Leahy is the chair of the judiciary, a very powerful post. He will be holding the hearings for the AG soon, I am such a geek, I plan on watching the entire proceedings. I watched the hearings for Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, both very interesting. Watch next year for a lot of republican money coming into VT, since Leahy will be seeking re-election.

dustbunny responded September 19, 2007 at 9:48AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

wow. thanks and I appreciate the tutorial

bestmommy responded September 20, 2007 at 6:02AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

way to go... congrats..

dhiya responded September 20, 2007 at 8:07AM

Great!!Smart kid I must say...You should be proud indeed...

No Coughing

Posted September 18, 2007 at 3:19PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

I usually go a little early to pick up my kids from school, this way I can get a decent parking space before all the buses arrive. So, today, I was reading my philosophy, and waiting. The kindergarten class came in from gym class, and a couple were coughing. I'm assuming it was because they were running around and probably have a cold, since there is a nasty virus going around, and nobody keeps their kids home anymore. Well, the gym teacher kept yelling at them for coughing. She was telling them to stop coughing and hold it in. I thought it was awful, how can you stop yourself from coughing? Not to mention a bunch of 5 year olds?

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Sticky_Mommy responded September 18, 2007 at 3:39PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

?? What the? Maybe they were making a game of it and the gym teacher was tired of playing? I'm reaching here...

vtmomof2 responded September 18, 2007 at 3:44PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Really reaching. I was there and these couple of kids were really coughing. I know fake coughing when I hear it, and they weren't faking.

rockergirrl responded September 18, 2007 at 4:07PM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

that is crazy. Makes you want to be a fly on the wall at school to see what else goes on.

LatteMommy responded September 18, 2007 at 5:45PM

LatteMommy

That is just nuts. Totally not right.

Smasuzzo responded September 20, 2007 at 10:28AM

um not to mention it was gym... some of them could have asthma and gotten worked up from running around... that makes me pretty peeved

bestmommy responded September 21, 2007 at 3:12AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

she will realise next time she had coughand cold..

The Trombone

Posted September 18, 2007 at 1:07PM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

This year my daughter is able to play an instrument. I knew she would want to, she isn't a sports kid, but she loves music. So I encouraged her to find an instrument that she really liked. The other day she came out of school and said I know what I want to play. I thought, flute, clarinet, but she looked at me and said the trombone. I was a little surprised that she picked the trombone, but she was all excited and said she loved the sound of the trombone. So trombone it is. She got her trombone and I was so proud of her being able to make it play, of course she has only had one lesson so she can only really blow in it at this point. But she can get a few notes out of it. She loves it, she happily practices. The funny part of course is that the trombone is almost as big as she is! I'll have to take a picture.

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bradensmommy responded September 18, 2007 at 2:04PM

Kiara 3/02-5/02 Braden 6/03 In the Belief that EVERY CHILD SHOULD LIVE

That's so neat! I can't wait till my son can get into sports, I would love to see a bunch of 5 year old play softball:~)

Sticky_Mommy responded September 18, 2007 at 3:36PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I remember the reason I wanted to play the trombone in 4th grade, there was only one other girl - the rest all boy band geeks. I was in heaven.

dustbunny responded September 18, 2007 at 5:00PM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

trombone...wow...cool. you go girl!

WILMom responded September 19, 2007 at 10:59AM

Mommy of 2 Girls!

Aww how sweet! My husband and I met in high school band :) He played trombone and I played french horn. I hope she loves it as much as I did :):):)

BigKid131 responded September 20, 2007 at 1:15PM

I'm a big kid now.

I play the flute and have for many years. I love it and I hope your daughter does too! It is a lot of fun and I think it just helps relax me.

Picture Day

Posted September 17, 2007 at 12:05AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Today is picture day. It is always as soon as school starts. Usually I bring my son into school early and I can have his picture done also. Today, however, they had a new guy doing the picture taking and he forgot his equipment in St. Albans, for those who are not familiar with VT, Richford is 1/2 hour away from St. Albans, so he had to drive there and back. Needless to say I didn't get to have his pictures done this morning. I had a really cute sweater on him, which was good this morning since it was so hot, not I will have to go after school and it isn't as cold, I will have to have something else for him to wear. My daughter does not like picture day, she doesn't like her picture taken. She looked so pretty this morning though, she was wearing a pretty brown short sleeve sweater that looked really nice on her. Nothing to fancy. I'm not one of those parents that dresses their kids up for picture day. I like having a picture of how they normally look, plus she has gym and recess, how uncomfortable it would be to have to wear fancy clothes all day.

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rockergirrl responded September 17, 2007 at 12:07AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

Our picture day is Wed. I am excited.

vtmomof2 responded September 17, 2007 at 2:52PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

Well, I had my son's picture taken. He is so funny, whenvever you say "say cheese" he scrunches up his face and eyes. He kept doing it and I couldn't help but laugh. The photographer kept trying to get him to open his eyes, he did get a nice picture, one without so much scrunch. He makes me laugh.

LoraF responded September 17, 2007 at 7:59PM

Dreams are free, reaching them is priceless

My DD is not in school yet but around Easter this year we took her to Sears for her pictures, well she wouldn't let the guy pose her and everytime he went near her she would start to cry and run to me. I felt so bad for the photographer, although he did get alot of good shots of her it was so time consuming and my 17 year old was practically doing hand stands to get her to smile or just stay still.

bestmommy responded September 18, 2007 at 4:40AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

upload those pictures in mybaby lol.. i also want to see them..

dvd1711 responded September 18, 2007 at 1:25PM

Ok, ok, I can't help it...

A photogropher forgot his equipment?

Bullying?

Posted September 14, 2007 at 9:26AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

My daughter came into my room this morning crying. She didn't want to go to school, she was afraid. She told me earlier this year that a boy in the 6th grade had pushed her off the swing, she is in the 4th grade. I told her that he probably thought she was cute, and that boys, not knowing what to say, will push or poke a girl they think is cute. I told her to stay away from him. Well, he had been pushing her friends, and smacked one with a book after reading class, which they have next to his class. She was afraid he would hit her. So I went to school because I can't have her so intimidated she cries and is afraid of going to school. The counselor said that he doesn't usually get in trouble, and it usually a good kid. She agreed with me and thought that he just didn't know how to talk to girls. Now, I am wondering how she is doing. She isn't interested in boys yet, so it doesn't make sense to her. I guess the boys are starting to notice her, I hope it is a little while longer before she starts to notice them.

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rockergirrl responded September 14, 2007 at 10:18AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

Oh I am so afraid of that phase. It is such an awkward phase for kids to go through. Good luck with the situation.

Sticky_Mommy responded September 14, 2007 at 5:06PM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

YIKES. I'm looking to your for guidance as your DD is school age, so please pass on what you learn.

vtmomof2 responded September 14, 2007 at 5:21PM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I tell my daughter to tell me everything. When she comes to me and says I have something important to tell you, I always drop everything and listen. Like this morning, if it is serious, I go right to the principal and I tell them what is happening and what I expect them to do about it. I know I am in the right because I have researched the law. (this is why I'm studying to be a paralegal, I always research laws) I also follow up with her and them.

LatteMommy responded September 14, 2007 at 9:11PM

LatteMommy

Oh my goodness. I feel for you. I am afraid of that phase. Sounds like you are doing the right thing for her. you're a good Mom.

LoraF responded September 14, 2007 at 9:17PM

Dreams are free, reaching them is priceless

I have a 17 year old stepdaughter and last year she had a problem with a boy who kept touching her rear. She came home and told me and I was quick to call the school. The Vice Principal told my husband that this boy had a simular problem the year before. She was afraid to go to her classes with him in there and afraid to walk the halls. The school more or less gave the boy a slap on the wrist. The boys father called my husband and apologized immensley. The boy, who had alot of the same classes as my daughter, had most of their class mates stop talking to her and treating her meanly. It was so frustrating for me because it felt as if they did nothing about this. I then threatend to call the cops and only then did the school take it seriously. How can we tell our daughters to report sexual harrasment to an authority figure in school when the school doesn't take it seriously? I hope you get a better result than I did but if not keep on complaining until you get problem solved. If it is not your daughter will not want to go to school or her classes and may even affect her grades. Good luck.

dvd1711 responded September 17, 2007 at 11:20AM

I'm very lucky. The school system where I live and both kids attended/attend have no bullying policy and it works. The key to its success is buy-in. The parents, school staff, and kids must know that bullying is serious and will not be tolerated.

Some older school administrators chalk it up to "oh, they're just kids." It's unfortunate to call the police.
Check with your local school teachers union about starting a zero tolerance policy for bullying. If you get the teachers to accept it, they can push it to school admins better than parents. Stay involved though. This may be an opportunity for vtmomof2 and LauraF to advocate for all kids in your schools.

/Dave

vtmomof2 responded September 17, 2007 at 12:16AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

There is actually a zero tolerance law in VT, and it applies to all schools in the State. The boy in question has not bothered my daughter again. Unwanted touching is never appropriate, and it is important that all children learn this, or they will have trouble when they reach the workforce.

bestmommy responded September 21, 2007 at 3:17AM

life is beautiful so live every moment

good luck is all I can say!

How Often Do You . . .

Posted September 12, 2007 at 9:56AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

How often do you:

clean your toilet

wash your kitchen floor

change your sheets

vacuum your floor

I'm just curious. I usually clean my toilet a couple of times a week, wash my floor probably a few times a month, vacuum my floor every day or two, now I don't change my sheets as much as I should, simply because I forget.

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Smasuzzo responded September 12, 2007 at 10:24AM

I clean the whoel place every week... change sheets every other

LatteMommy responded September 12, 2007 at 10:31AM

LatteMommy

Here is a GREAT tip....throw a party at your house like once a month...it'll get you to clean it and keep it looking fresh. That is what I'm doing. Having a party on the 22nd and we have rearranged our whole living room, stained the unfinished tables, bought new "colored" curtains, painted, thorough vacuumed, clean kitchen, clean rooms, clean bathrooms. IT FEELS WONDERFUL. I do have to clean our downstairs bathroom at least twice a week. I change our sheets like once or twice a month but I heard you are suppose to do that once a week.....Is that right? That's just too much washing, got plenty as it is. LOL

vtmomof2 responded September 12, 2007 at 10:38AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I agree, latte, it is too much wash. I like the throwing a party idea. Maybe I can just act like I'm throwing a party. I just did a complete cleaning job before my son's birthday about 2 weeks ago, and I need to go through it again. I'm impressed with smasuzzo, every week, a thorough cleaning! I have to get everybody on board, since I started school, I just can't do it all myself anymore.

dustbunny responded September 12, 2007 at 11:28AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

yes, latte has it right- also IN-LAWS. nothing makes me wipe the place doen than a visit from IN-LAWS

dustbunny responded September 12, 2007 at 11:29AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

BTW...I clean WAY WAY WAY less than smazzuo...I think she's lying. kidding!

rockergirrl responded September 12, 2007 at 12:14AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

oh not nearly enough

LibbyS responded September 13, 2007 at 8:40AM

Sheets, usually ever weekend. I love clean sheets
Floors, every weekend or sooner if needed
Bathroom (basin, shower, loo) on weekends
Crap on the dining room table - just before someone comes over for dinner !!!1

Sticky_Mommy responded September 13, 2007 at 10:37AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I love inviting people over to the house to whip it into shape, or I invite my Mom over and she loves to clean my house and I let her.

I have a pile papers on my counter that never seems to get put away...

sheets once a week or once every other week
Kitchen floor once a week
Sweep everyday under the kitchen table, rest of the house once a week or every 10 days
vac every 2 weeks
bathroom every week
toilet every 10 days-ish

momotogo responded September 13, 2007 at 4:16PM

sheets weekly
floors every couple of weeks
toilet/bathroom weekly
If only my in-laws would call ahead so I had warning and a reason to spruce up the house...sadly, I just get caught with a messier house than I would like them to see.

6 AM

Posted September 12, 2007 at 6:30AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Well, this morning I was up at 6. I'm not usually, but my hubby left for work before 6 and left the downstairs light on. I can't take a light being left on, so I was up. I thought I will go downstairs finish my work and maybe work on a little philosophy, but here I am reading the playground and writing a blog. My brain isn't awake enough for Socrates, and I will work eventually. I am watching the sun come up, albeit through clouds, and the kids are sleeping so it is quiet. My son was coughing last night, so it will be a fun day today. He caught his sisters cold, so he will have to stay home from preschool. I have been studying while he was in preschool, but today I will have to squeeze it in while he is taking a nap. The one good thing about him being sick is that he will take 3 naps. I should be awake enough for Socrates by then, maybe:)

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rockergirrl responded September 12, 2007 at 7:22AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

6am stinks. That is the time I get up everyday (not by choice)

vtmomof2 responded September 12, 2007 at 7:38AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I'm lucky, my daughter is older, and my son sleeps longer than I do. He takes after his father.

LatteMommy responded September 12, 2007 at 10:38AM

LatteMommy

6am is a bummer but watching the sun come up is so beautiful. That is the only thing I love about getting up early. other than that, it's a stinker.

dhiya responded September 13, 2007 at 6:35AM

I can stay awake for a long time in the night but waking up early is so sick but I have no choice but to wake up at 5.30 AM.But once I am up I feel fresh but getting out of the bed is a bummer.

September 11th

Posted September 11, 2007 at 10:50AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

On this the 6th anniversary of the greatest attack on US soil, I wanted to take a few moments for reflection. On this day 6 years ago we were attacked, and this event changed me. This one event woke me up to what was going on with our government. I always paid attention, but this moment made me pay attention more. I am a complete history buff, and I was captivated by watching a historical event unfold in front of my very eyes. I am still amazed by how this event has shadowed our country ever since. With wars raging I am saddened by the lost of life that our country has had to endure, both on this day and every day since. Please remember those who died in the twin towers, the pentagon and on flight 93. Please remember that since this day our civil liberties have been restricted out of fear. This is completely opposite of what the US stands for and what any person, both in the past and current conflicts, has given their lives for. Please remember what we stand for and what Benjamin Franklin said "If you are willing to give up your liberties, for the sense of security, you deserve neither." Our country has been so gripped by fear since this day 6 years ago, we have willingly compromised what we stand for. In 1931, in his first inaugural address, President Franklin Roosevelt said "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." This was in the throes of the great depression, in a time where people were calling for a dictator, out of fear of the uncertainity. These words ring true today. This is our government and we must not give up our rights out of fear. My prayers are with all the people who died in the attack, in the war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq. God bless them and our country.

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rockergirrl responded September 11, 2007 at 11:00AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

thanks for writing this. I was weeks away from giving birth to my first child and I was terrified. Bringing a child into the world weeks after that happened was very hard. My thoughts go out to everyone who lost a loved one that day.

dustbunny responded September 11, 2007 at 11:09AM

dishing the dirt, cleaning the chaos

thank you.

Sticky_Mommy responded September 11, 2007 at 11:50AM

I love my job, it gives me a break from my kids!

I feel so lucky to be an American.

vtmomof2 responded September 11, 2007 at 12:00AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

We feel lucky to be Americans, because we are. We have rights, some others don't, but these rights must be protected, because nothing is a given. I fear we have taken them for granted, and now they are in jeopardy.

vtmomof2 responded September 11, 2007 at 12:01AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I stand corrected, FDR spoke those words in 1933.

LatteMommy responded September 12, 2007 at 10:49AM

LatteMommy

6 years later and I'm still brought to tears. I am so proud and thankful to all those men and women who have fought and fight to keep us free. God bless us all and our freedom.

First Cold of the Season

Posted September 10, 2007 at 7:44AM by vtmomof2
Life is crazy but wonderful.

Well, 1 1/2 weeks into the new school year, and my daughter already has a cold. She has had two loose teeth so far this school year, and the reason this is important: she constantly has her hands in her mouth when she has a loose tooth. She is constantly wiggling it. I told her that she needs to keep her hands out of her mouth since this is how we catch colds, but she can't help it. Plus the school does not let the kids wash their hands like they should. I have to get some purell hand sanitation for her again. We did this last year and it seemed to work. So she is home today all sniffling and coughing. I just can't send her to school when she feels miserable. Of course my throat is a little sore so later this week will be my turn which is always the case.

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rockergirrl responded September 10, 2007 at 8:34AM

www.findbarefootbooks.com

that stinks. My youngest son has a touch of something too. In preschool they made the kids wash their hands as soon as they came into the school and it really helped cut down on the sicknesses throughout the year. Props to you for keeping your child home. I cannot stand it when parents send their kids to school sick. It is not a drop off sick care.

vtmomof2 responded September 10, 2007 at 8:57AM

Life is crazy but wonderful.

I agree. Everytime she comes home saying so and so is sick, I just cringe because I know she will probably catch it.