It is a wonder my brother and I survived past age 10.
This morning Punk asked me to teach him "more dangerous games that you and Uncle D used to play." So after a morning of brewing our own sodas (cinnamon twist and cherry vanilla swirl) I taught them Little Joey Carrot. If, like us, you have been cooped up for nearly a week, you really should get out a giant blanket and play.
Spread the blanket out on an open space on the floor. Take one person and roll them up diagonally like a burrito. Make sure they keep their hands down and legs straight - eventually the blanket will cover their feet and hands, making them pointy at both ends. You can use a few belts to secure the person inside the blanket if need be. Then sit back and enjoy.
Without using their hands, the person has to try to get up. They are bound, blindfolded, and trying to avoid sharp corners of coffee tables all at the same time. Add to this, the fact that the entire family is laughing hysterically at their predicament . . . the "carrot's" confusion, laughing spasms, and mild humilation, make for great family memories.
Trouble is, it's hard to stop at just one game. Punk has heard my list, and really wanted to follow up the fun with a rousing version of help I can't breathe. Kooka wanted to play Tom Sawyer, or help I'm falling.
Most of which are self explanitory.
I can't wait until the next family get-together when I can teach D's kids to play crash up derby. You play on real bikes, all crashes MUST be head on, and on the moment of impact you must sing out "crash up der-by" as loud as you can without falling off.
Considering everyone else in our family seemed to kick out prematurely, it begs the question . . . how are the two of us still alive? Without even taking in to account the fact that I often times walk barefoot in the snow, and D spends his days sticking his arms into giant, faulty electrical generators. I think we built up some kind of immunity from our dad, whose favorite game is allowing underage children to drive cars while pretending to supervise.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
the cutest thing
I do not really like to brag, and at the risk of turning into one of those people who can't stop showing pictures of their prize-winning cat, or making your taste their blue-ribbon pickles . . . I have to show off these pictures of Kooka. Styling by mom, photos by dad, and attitude by . . . well, that is pretty obvious.
Friday, December 26, 2008
fair warning
Consider this your warning:
Kooka has mono.
The kissing disease.
Now aside from wondering who the heck my first grader has been making out with, you may have a few other questions. Unfortunately, I have too many answers. I have been down this road before, and really hoped she wouldn't be. But here it is . . .
•Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus.
•Ninety percent of adults over the age of 35, have the Epstein Barr Virus in their system. Which means, if you are a grown up, most likely you can keep getting hugs and kisses from Kooka, but use common sense.
•In many people the virus will remain dormant, but many people will have flair ups, months and even years after their initial diagnosis.
•Mono can cause a very enlarged spleen, as well as liver problems, so if you have been around us recently and have a "tummy ache" you might want to get that checked out . . . apparently those suckers can explode.
•This is concerning to us based on what Punk likes to dub our "poor genetic material" on my side of the family.
•We had a mild scare with her two years ago, where the doctor suggested the possibility of another autoimmune disorder . . . needless to say, I won't sleep tonight.
Anyway, we will be laying low for a while, trying to rest, trying much harder than a six year-old wants to. Wish me luck.
Kooka has mono.
The kissing disease.
Now aside from wondering who the heck my first grader has been making out with, you may have a few other questions. Unfortunately, I have too many answers. I have been down this road before, and really hoped she wouldn't be. But here it is . . .
•Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus.
•Ninety percent of adults over the age of 35, have the Epstein Barr Virus in their system. Which means, if you are a grown up, most likely you can keep getting hugs and kisses from Kooka, but use common sense.
•In many people the virus will remain dormant, but many people will have flair ups, months and even years after their initial diagnosis.
•Mono can cause a very enlarged spleen, as well as liver problems, so if you have been around us recently and have a "tummy ache" you might want to get that checked out . . . apparently those suckers can explode.
•This is concerning to us based on what Punk likes to dub our "poor genetic material" on my side of the family.
•We had a mild scare with her two years ago, where the doctor suggested the possibility of another autoimmune disorder . . . needless to say, I won't sleep tonight.
Anyway, we will be laying low for a while, trying to rest, trying much harder than a six year-old wants to. Wish me luck.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
party time
I went to the kid's Christmas parties at school.
Kooka's class planned to decorate cookies and watch a movie.
Punk's class played games.
When I asked Punk which game he wanted to bring from home he had this to say:
"Hmmm. Imaginiff. Oh yeah - and I I forgot to tell you, Mr. D says we are supposed to bring a game, but we are also supposed to bring, beer, cigarettes and lots of junk food."
"Really? I didn't see that on the note."
At this point Kooka begins scanning her own teacher's note and mutters, "Hmmmm, I don't think the first grade is having that kind of a party."
She was right - first grade was much more classy - daiquiris, chocolate martinis and caviar.
Kooka's class planned to decorate cookies and watch a movie.
Punk's class played games.
When I asked Punk which game he wanted to bring from home he had this to say:
"Hmmm. Imaginiff. Oh yeah - and I I forgot to tell you, Mr. D says we are supposed to bring a game, but we are also supposed to bring, beer, cigarettes and lots of junk food."
"Really? I didn't see that on the note."
At this point Kooka begins scanning her own teacher's note and mutters, "Hmmmm, I don't think the first grade is having that kind of a party."
She was right - first grade was much more classy - daiquiris, chocolate martinis and caviar.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
christmas gifts
If any of you are looking to do any last minute shopping - here is a great site: 15 of the crappiest gifts ever: 15 gifts
Actually - I almost bought the alarm clock for Punk . . . and we have already ordered the earrings for Treats.
my job
Don't know if I have mentioned this but - I love my job.
Never suspected I would. Figured I had my niche - studio work, competitions, choreography, but noooooooooooooo - I absolutely love working at that school.
Some classes are better than others - but everyday something good happens.
Most recently, I was granted the opportunity to choreograph the school musical, which just happens to be (insert drumroll here) . . . THE WIZ - which is one of my all time favorites.
It will keep us all incredibly busy, but I am incredibly excited.
Never suspected I would. Figured I had my niche - studio work, competitions, choreography, but noooooooooooooo - I absolutely love working at that school.
Some classes are better than others - but everyday something good happens.
Most recently, I was granted the opportunity to choreograph the school musical, which just happens to be (insert drumroll here) . . . THE WIZ - which is one of my all time favorites.
It will keep us all incredibly busy, but I am incredibly excited.
feet
Today Kooka's math assignment was to measure the feet of her family members.
It was all fine and dandy until I measured mine and came up a quarter inch shorter than Punk.
When did that happen?
Probably about the same time that I borrowed a pair of his sweatpants, or grabbed his gloves by mistake.
I hate this.
It was all fine and dandy until I measured mine and came up a quarter inch shorter than Punk.
When did that happen?
Probably about the same time that I borrowed a pair of his sweatpants, or grabbed his gloves by mistake.
I hate this.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
weird-o-rama
There is small world - and then there is like Twilight Zone small world.
See if you can follow this . . .
In 7th grade Sheila moves to town - we are both athletes, both musical - and become best friends almost instantly. We go to the same church, both have annoying little brothers (who grew up to be absolutely wonderful), all through junior high we are inseparable.
Fast forward 18 years (give or take) we both have kids about the same time - both girls.
Fast forward another 6. Her little girl goes off to first grade and ends up sitting next to a little brown-eyed girl. Those two little girls become best friends. Little brown-eyes girl is my niece. (Who even though she looks like my little brother, is not nearly as annoying as he was at 6.) Weird huh?
Keep reading.
So - just this year I send my own baby girl off to first grade, where she sits next to a little blonde haired girl that we will call Sid. Kooka and Sid become fast friends. Kooka invites Sid to a Halloween party where we discover that - guess what? Sid is Sheila's neice.
Now, if you are keeping track it works like this - MY neice is best friends with Sheila's kid. SHEILA'S neice is best friends with my kid.
It gets better.
Kaia decides to invite Sid over tomorrow to play. We can't seem to find Sid's phone number. Nothing is where it should be since we moved. We finally manage to get a hold of it, and we call her mom. She asks where we live. We tell her, and she is quiet for a minute. "Did you just move in?" she asks. I tell her we did. "We live next door to you," she says.
So in the dark cold night. I carry Kooka into the front yard - her mom carries Sid, and the two of them just stare at each other for a minute. "This is sooooo weird!" Kooka says. She has been living next door for two weeks and didn't even know it.
So now - we will be able to have the best slumber parties ever. Brown-eyed girl can come to our house, Sid and Sheila's kid can meet over there and everybody can hang with their best friends and cousins all at once.
Kooka is thrilled beyond belief.
See if you can follow this . . .
In 7th grade Sheila moves to town - we are both athletes, both musical - and become best friends almost instantly. We go to the same church, both have annoying little brothers (who grew up to be absolutely wonderful), all through junior high we are inseparable.
Fast forward 18 years (give or take) we both have kids about the same time - both girls.
Fast forward another 6. Her little girl goes off to first grade and ends up sitting next to a little brown-eyed girl. Those two little girls become best friends. Little brown-eyes girl is my niece. (Who even though she looks like my little brother, is not nearly as annoying as he was at 6.) Weird huh?
Keep reading.
So - just this year I send my own baby girl off to first grade, where she sits next to a little blonde haired girl that we will call Sid. Kooka and Sid become fast friends. Kooka invites Sid to a Halloween party where we discover that - guess what? Sid is Sheila's neice.
Now, if you are keeping track it works like this - MY neice is best friends with Sheila's kid. SHEILA'S neice is best friends with my kid.
It gets better.
Kaia decides to invite Sid over tomorrow to play. We can't seem to find Sid's phone number. Nothing is where it should be since we moved. We finally manage to get a hold of it, and we call her mom. She asks where we live. We tell her, and she is quiet for a minute. "Did you just move in?" she asks. I tell her we did. "We live next door to you," she says.
So in the dark cold night. I carry Kooka into the front yard - her mom carries Sid, and the two of them just stare at each other for a minute. "This is sooooo weird!" Kooka says. She has been living next door for two weeks and didn't even know it.
So now - we will be able to have the best slumber parties ever. Brown-eyed girl can come to our house, Sid and Sheila's kid can meet over there and everybody can hang with their best friends and cousins all at once.
Kooka is thrilled beyond belief.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
punk's debut
I realize that I have had video overkill lately - but the kid looks sooooo darn cute warming up for his first orchestra concert tonight. The fourth grade strings did a great job - they mostly plucked their songs - and did a few with a bow. The violins were in the middle back so he is hard to see in the other videos - but maybe I will post one of those too if you want. This is Punk before the show - the classy kids in the back telling each other to shut up were just part of the extra-special ambiance. Enjoy . . .
kookas news
Today was a delayed start for school. Which meant that I had to call in a sub for school - but it also means that I got to be here for Kookas big news!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
get down with your bad elf
I can't stop. The Charleston is pretty good too - but I am a disco chick at heart . . .
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
what a REAL report card looks like
Apparently I have been doing it wrong for the past four years. Punk and Kooka brought home their first publicly funded report cards today. There are no F's to speak of - then again there are no A's or B's either. There are a bunch of S's and D's and numbers and little comments, I am attempting to translate as I write.
What I do know is this: Both kids are doing above average in everything. Punk is great in reading, spelling and art. He is off-the-charts amazing in social studies - which was news to me. Oddly enough - even though his scores are fabulous - his effort grades are just a bit above average - which led Mr. D to write this in the comment section: Punk has made a great adjustment to school, but I still do not think we have seen his best work in all subjects.
I must have showed mild disappointment, because Punk asked me what the deal was. I had to explain, that I would rather have him working his skinny little behind off for a 2, than barely working at all for a 4. He countered with "But a 4 is as high as it goes . . . so, if I am barely doing anything and getting a 4, shouldn't they be giving me something DIFFERENT to do?"
Too bad there is not logic class in 4th grade.
Kooka's report card was positively glowing. "Kooka is doing a GREAT job in ALL areas of first grade!" "She is reading above year end level expectations already and participating in enrichment activities!" "Keep up the good work!" She is a wizard in both gym class, art and reading. She is in challenge math, and her Spanish is quite good as well. But the best part is that her work, study habits and effort were ALL above average grades - which makes me happiest of all.
Overall - I am pretty proud of both of them.
What I do know is this: Both kids are doing above average in everything. Punk is great in reading, spelling and art. He is off-the-charts amazing in social studies - which was news to me. Oddly enough - even though his scores are fabulous - his effort grades are just a bit above average - which led Mr. D to write this in the comment section: Punk has made a great adjustment to school, but I still do not think we have seen his best work in all subjects.
I must have showed mild disappointment, because Punk asked me what the deal was. I had to explain, that I would rather have him working his skinny little behind off for a 2, than barely working at all for a 4. He countered with "But a 4 is as high as it goes . . . so, if I am barely doing anything and getting a 4, shouldn't they be giving me something DIFFERENT to do?"
Too bad there is not logic class in 4th grade.
Kooka's report card was positively glowing. "Kooka is doing a GREAT job in ALL areas of first grade!" "She is reading above year end level expectations already and participating in enrichment activities!" "Keep up the good work!" She is a wizard in both gym class, art and reading. She is in challenge math, and her Spanish is quite good as well. But the best part is that her work, study habits and effort were ALL above average grades - which makes me happiest of all.
Overall - I am pretty proud of both of them.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
two things
There are several things about public school that bother me. But since my time is limited, and my patience is thin, I will limit it to just two tonight.
1) Why in the name of heaven does headlice appear to be RAMPANT at this school?! We have received FOUR notices this year about it - and all four times, it just so happened that the infected child was deskmates with one of mine. WTF? Thank god neither of them have it. If they ever get it, Kooka will be sporting that new Katie Couric do, and Punk will have to pull out his old Charlie Brown shirt, because ALL he will have is one lone hair on his forehead.
Can't they fumigate or something? Next thing you know they will be sending notes home about ringworms, and spiders that crawl up kids noses during naptime and lay eggs. There is only so much I can take.
2) Punk brought home a permission slip today. Apparently the entire fourth grade will be attending a "Kindness Retreat." Yeah - you heard that right . . . they are going to waste an entire day of precious educational instruction on teaching nine year-olds how to spread (and I quote) "kindness in every lunch line and hallway in America." I told Punk that I would sign it, so he could hang out with his friends all day, but I also told him to tell his principal to "bite me, because my child is learning kindness at home."
Seriously, I get what the are trying to do - I really do. But taking 100% of the kids out of school to prove a point to the 10% who are social losers seems a bit ridiculous. Seems to me, they'd have better results, (and utilize everyone's time more effectively) if they just pulled 7 bullies out of class, had some high schoolers kick the crap out of them and say, "hey - how do you like it?" or "do unto others," or some other moral chestnut.
Every day I grow more grateful for the school where I teach. If you sass off to a teacher - they will kick you out. If you harass another kid - they will kick you out. If your grades are bad - they will kick you out. And I am hoping that is true if you get head lice too.
1) Why in the name of heaven does headlice appear to be RAMPANT at this school?! We have received FOUR notices this year about it - and all four times, it just so happened that the infected child was deskmates with one of mine. WTF? Thank god neither of them have it. If they ever get it, Kooka will be sporting that new Katie Couric do, and Punk will have to pull out his old Charlie Brown shirt, because ALL he will have is one lone hair on his forehead.
Can't they fumigate or something? Next thing you know they will be sending notes home about ringworms, and spiders that crawl up kids noses during naptime and lay eggs. There is only so much I can take.
2) Punk brought home a permission slip today. Apparently the entire fourth grade will be attending a "Kindness Retreat." Yeah - you heard that right . . . they are going to waste an entire day of precious educational instruction on teaching nine year-olds how to spread (and I quote) "kindness in every lunch line and hallway in America." I told Punk that I would sign it, so he could hang out with his friends all day, but I also told him to tell his principal to "bite me, because my child is learning kindness at home."
Seriously, I get what the are trying to do - I really do. But taking 100% of the kids out of school to prove a point to the 10% who are social losers seems a bit ridiculous. Seems to me, they'd have better results, (and utilize everyone's time more effectively) if they just pulled 7 bullies out of class, had some high schoolers kick the crap out of them and say, "hey - how do you like it?" or "do unto others," or some other moral chestnut.
Every day I grow more grateful for the school where I teach. If you sass off to a teacher - they will kick you out. If you harass another kid - they will kick you out. If your grades are bad - they will kick you out. And I am hoping that is true if you get head lice too.
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