The judge let Gio come home with us!!!!!
I'll fill you in on the details later, but suffice it to say, we're all very happy.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
We wish you a ..... bah humbug
I can't believe it's less than a week until Christmas. I have so much to do yet. Presents to buy, presents to wrap. Cleaning. Planning the Christmas day meal. Baking cookies. I'm hoping to get the bulk of the baking done today. Cutouts, choc chip and coconut cream cheese are on the agenda.
Gio has court tomorrow. I'm so nervous for him, that I'm practically sick. I've spoken to everyone that I could possibly think of. His Philadelphia PO, who has known Gio for years, agrees that instead of another placement, Gio's best shot at not becoming a high school drop out, felon is to come with us. She said she'll recommend it to the judge. I guess it's up to the judge. I have a letter from our school administrator, saying what a difference being part of our family has made in JJ's life. JJ said he'd go to court and talk to the judge, but that wasn't allowed. I have another letter from one of Gio's teachers saying he noticed a difference in Gio when he came to us, and how Gio avoids classroom drama, and so on..... Who knows what will happen. It will either be a wonderful, happy ride home from Philadelphia, or a miserable silent one. Keep your fingers crossed for Gio.
Gio has court tomorrow. I'm so nervous for him, that I'm practically sick. I've spoken to everyone that I could possibly think of. His Philadelphia PO, who has known Gio for years, agrees that instead of another placement, Gio's best shot at not becoming a high school drop out, felon is to come with us. She said she'll recommend it to the judge. I guess it's up to the judge. I have a letter from our school administrator, saying what a difference being part of our family has made in JJ's life. JJ said he'd go to court and talk to the judge, but that wasn't allowed. I have another letter from one of Gio's teachers saying he noticed a difference in Gio when he came to us, and how Gio avoids classroom drama, and so on..... Who knows what will happen. It will either be a wonderful, happy ride home from Philadelphia, or a miserable silent one. Keep your fingers crossed for Gio.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Pardon me, I'm venting
I need to vent!!!
As I've alluded to, our new foster kid Gio got into some trouble. Before he came here, he and a couple of other Children's Home kids got into a fight with a man, and they beat him up pretty badly. There was a witness, and the guy, and all three of them were brought to the police station for questioning. They all denied what happened. Keith is the one who had to take Gio, and he was disgusted by Gio lying, saying he had no idea what they were talking about, he wasn't there, etc. This is just a few days before he came to live with us, but Keith brought him here that night for dinner, and we talked with Gio. We told him that the right thing to do was to go back to the police and admit what he did, say he was sorry, and cooperate with them. He refused at first, but we told him that if he was really intent on turning his life around, he had to start doing the right thing. After a bit more talking and coaxing, he agreed. Keith took him back down the next day and he talked to the detective, and told him exactly what happened, but only about himself, he refused to say anything about the other two boys....but at least we'd made some headway. The detective told him that he was proud of him and really appreciated him being honest.
A couple of days later, Gio comes to stay with us. He said he wants to change his life, and wants more than a life of getting into trouble and being a street kid. Not his exact words, but that's the gist of it.
He's here for three weeks. In that time, his grades go up in school. He's earning 100's on his behavior points, I have teachers coming up to me saying what a difference they've seen in him. He had many heart-to-hearts with me, where he told me about his miserable home life, lack of any kind of consequences for his actions, and a mother who never really cared at all what he did. He said that he never really felt support until he met us. And, that he really thought that Keith and I were the only two people he could trust.
Then I got a call that I had to take him to the detention center. I took him there, thinking he'd be charged with something, then sent home. Wrong. They kept him. We went to his first hearing, and the bitch who worked at juvey said we weren't allowed to go in, but she'd tell him we were there. At the next hearing, we were allowed in. In the meantime, we've visited him every time we're allowed to (twice a week) and I write him letters several times a week. He writes to us too. At his second hearing, he says that he's going to plead guilty. They drop all but one charge, and he makes his plea. Then the judge asks if there's something he'd like to say to the victim. He looks right at the guy and says, "I'm sorry. I'm manning up for what I did, and I'm sorry. That's all I can say" I was so proud of him.
Now, they've sent him to Philadelphia to their Juvey (because even though it happened here, he's a ward of Philadelphia, so that's where he has to go). Right before they sent him there, he got his weekly phone call and called me. The other two boys still aren't admitting what they did, and none of their charges were dropped, so Gio saw the benefit of "coming clean". But, today when he called, he told me the victim didn't show up for the hearing for the other boys, and he has to come back later in the week and pick them out of a line up. If he can't do that, the other boys get off. Gio would never testify against them, he was their friend. (Even though in my opinion, they're hanging him out to dry). He said to me, "See, I was right. If I wouldn't have gone back, I wouldn't be getting sent to Philadelphia. I would be home by next week. They're beating their charges. But, it's too late now"
God, do I feel awful. I still think it's right that he admitted what he did and pled guilty, but where's the justice? How do I expect this kid to learn a lesson when he's going to serve some time, and the others are going to get off scott free? I know that I wouldn't want him to have lied, but don't you think he should get some kind of break for fessing up? I could just scream! See how good it is to do the right thing, Gio? See how great it will be living here with us, being honest and doing the right thing? Oh yeah, as soon as you're done serving what ever amount of time some Philadelphia judge says you have to serve, while your buddies are free, running the streets. And, I told him that I felt awful about this whole thing, and you know what he said, "Don't worry about me. It's okay."
As I've alluded to, our new foster kid Gio got into some trouble. Before he came here, he and a couple of other Children's Home kids got into a fight with a man, and they beat him up pretty badly. There was a witness, and the guy, and all three of them were brought to the police station for questioning. They all denied what happened. Keith is the one who had to take Gio, and he was disgusted by Gio lying, saying he had no idea what they were talking about, he wasn't there, etc. This is just a few days before he came to live with us, but Keith brought him here that night for dinner, and we talked with Gio. We told him that the right thing to do was to go back to the police and admit what he did, say he was sorry, and cooperate with them. He refused at first, but we told him that if he was really intent on turning his life around, he had to start doing the right thing. After a bit more talking and coaxing, he agreed. Keith took him back down the next day and he talked to the detective, and told him exactly what happened, but only about himself, he refused to say anything about the other two boys....but at least we'd made some headway. The detective told him that he was proud of him and really appreciated him being honest.
A couple of days later, Gio comes to stay with us. He said he wants to change his life, and wants more than a life of getting into trouble and being a street kid. Not his exact words, but that's the gist of it.
He's here for three weeks. In that time, his grades go up in school. He's earning 100's on his behavior points, I have teachers coming up to me saying what a difference they've seen in him. He had many heart-to-hearts with me, where he told me about his miserable home life, lack of any kind of consequences for his actions, and a mother who never really cared at all what he did. He said that he never really felt support until he met us. And, that he really thought that Keith and I were the only two people he could trust.
Then I got a call that I had to take him to the detention center. I took him there, thinking he'd be charged with something, then sent home. Wrong. They kept him. We went to his first hearing, and the bitch who worked at juvey said we weren't allowed to go in, but she'd tell him we were there. At the next hearing, we were allowed in. In the meantime, we've visited him every time we're allowed to (twice a week) and I write him letters several times a week. He writes to us too. At his second hearing, he says that he's going to plead guilty. They drop all but one charge, and he makes his plea. Then the judge asks if there's something he'd like to say to the victim. He looks right at the guy and says, "I'm sorry. I'm manning up for what I did, and I'm sorry. That's all I can say" I was so proud of him.
Now, they've sent him to Philadelphia to their Juvey (because even though it happened here, he's a ward of Philadelphia, so that's where he has to go). Right before they sent him there, he got his weekly phone call and called me. The other two boys still aren't admitting what they did, and none of their charges were dropped, so Gio saw the benefit of "coming clean". But, today when he called, he told me the victim didn't show up for the hearing for the other boys, and he has to come back later in the week and pick them out of a line up. If he can't do that, the other boys get off. Gio would never testify against them, he was their friend. (Even though in my opinion, they're hanging him out to dry). He said to me, "See, I was right. If I wouldn't have gone back, I wouldn't be getting sent to Philadelphia. I would be home by next week. They're beating their charges. But, it's too late now"
God, do I feel awful. I still think it's right that he admitted what he did and pled guilty, but where's the justice? How do I expect this kid to learn a lesson when he's going to serve some time, and the others are going to get off scott free? I know that I wouldn't want him to have lied, but don't you think he should get some kind of break for fessing up? I could just scream! See how good it is to do the right thing, Gio? See how great it will be living here with us, being honest and doing the right thing? Oh yeah, as soon as you're done serving what ever amount of time some Philadelphia judge says you have to serve, while your buddies are free, running the streets. And, I told him that I felt awful about this whole thing, and you know what he said, "Don't worry about me. It's okay."
Monday, November 29, 2010
One holiday down, another on the front
Aaah, Thanksgiving's over. It's great having everyone over.
Thursday went well...the kids from the Children's Home seemed to have a good time. They said it was their best Thanksgiving ever.
Yesterday I had my whole family for our "Thanksgiving dinner". Every family member was able to come this year, that hasn't happened in a while. And, for some strange reason, everyone that came brought pie. For dessert we had a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie, a sweet potato pie, 2 banana cream pies and a peanut butter pie. And cookies.
I cut my finger while peeling potatoes....it could have used some stitches, but I wasn't about to go to the hospital with a house full of guests. It bled almost all day. Oh well, I didn't really want stitches anyway.
Gio has court today. I think they're going to send him to another placement, for a while anyway. Unfortunately, he has a prior record, so he won't just get a slap on the wrist. I hope he doesn't have to go too long.
Everyone else is good. I guess it's time to get in the Christmas mode now. I'll probably decorate next weekend, and get a tree the week after that. And shopping...yuck, I don't even want to think about that. It might just turn out to be an all-online Christmas. The older I get, the less patience I have for crowds and lines.
Thursday went well...the kids from the Children's Home seemed to have a good time. They said it was their best Thanksgiving ever.
Yesterday I had my whole family for our "Thanksgiving dinner". Every family member was able to come this year, that hasn't happened in a while. And, for some strange reason, everyone that came brought pie. For dessert we had a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie, a sweet potato pie, 2 banana cream pies and a peanut butter pie. And cookies.
I cut my finger while peeling potatoes....it could have used some stitches, but I wasn't about to go to the hospital with a house full of guests. It bled almost all day. Oh well, I didn't really want stitches anyway.
Gio has court today. I think they're going to send him to another placement, for a while anyway. Unfortunately, he has a prior record, so he won't just get a slap on the wrist. I hope he doesn't have to go too long.
Everyone else is good. I guess it's time to get in the Christmas mode now. I'll probably decorate next weekend, and get a tree the week after that. And shopping...yuck, I don't even want to think about that. It might just turn out to be an all-online Christmas. The older I get, the less patience I have for crowds and lines.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hey. Long time, no see.
What's new with me, you ask?
Plenty.
And not much. Work front is still the same. Liking my new job as secretary. The kids are all doing great. Brighton is growing so fast and is so smart. I enjoy every minute I spend with him.
As you might remember, we do our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday here, which is great. But it usually leaves us bored on Thanksgiving day. So, I've invited a few kids from the Children's Home (kids that either have no home to go to, or no home where they're welcomed) here for a semi-Thanksgiving dinner. I'll rent some movies, there will be football on tv for the boys. We'll play some cards or board games. Hopefully they'll have a good time.
At home, a big change. Gio moved in with us. Things were going great. He's so sweet when he's here. He's good with Brighton when they visit. We went to a boring family get together and he was very good with all the older people there. We've had numerous heart-to-hearts about his future, lifestyle changes I expect from him, making something of himself. He was getting it. Really getting it.
But, Tuesday I got a phone call that I had to take him to the police station regarding an altercation he got in before he came to live here. I took him down there, under the impression, according to the detective, that he would be charged, then released to Keith and I. WRONG. They kept him. Now they're talking about shipping him back to Philly, some other placement. This is reminding me of all the crap we had to go through with JJ. So, I'm back in fighting mode. DHS, Children's Home, Juvenile Justice. And, just think....I didn't even want to get to know the little shit. Then I wasn't sure if I wanted another kid. Then, the next thing I know...I'm in love. His behaviors at school settled down, he gets great reports from his teachers. He's helpful around the house. And, unlike all the other kids I have (And I know this is all normal) he doesn't think that everything Keith and I say is absurd. He hangs on our every word, like we know everything there is to know about everything.
On a selfish note, there is something about introducing a kid who has had a very rough life, to all the normal/dysfunctional things most families experience. Eating dinner together every night. Talking about the future. Planning a little vacation. Talking about decorating for Christmas. Anyway, now I have made it my personal responsibility to make sure this kid doesn't slip through the cracks. He told me that he's never had anybody support him before like Keith and I do. He said it really helps him "chill".
That's really about all I have to report on.
Plenty.
And not much. Work front is still the same. Liking my new job as secretary. The kids are all doing great. Brighton is growing so fast and is so smart. I enjoy every minute I spend with him.
As you might remember, we do our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday here, which is great. But it usually leaves us bored on Thanksgiving day. So, I've invited a few kids from the Children's Home (kids that either have no home to go to, or no home where they're welcomed) here for a semi-Thanksgiving dinner. I'll rent some movies, there will be football on tv for the boys. We'll play some cards or board games. Hopefully they'll have a good time.
At home, a big change. Gio moved in with us. Things were going great. He's so sweet when he's here. He's good with Brighton when they visit. We went to a boring family get together and he was very good with all the older people there. We've had numerous heart-to-hearts about his future, lifestyle changes I expect from him, making something of himself. He was getting it. Really getting it.
But, Tuesday I got a phone call that I had to take him to the police station regarding an altercation he got in before he came to live here. I took him down there, under the impression, according to the detective, that he would be charged, then released to Keith and I. WRONG. They kept him. Now they're talking about shipping him back to Philly, some other placement. This is reminding me of all the crap we had to go through with JJ. So, I'm back in fighting mode. DHS, Children's Home, Juvenile Justice. And, just think....I didn't even want to get to know the little shit. Then I wasn't sure if I wanted another kid. Then, the next thing I know...I'm in love. His behaviors at school settled down, he gets great reports from his teachers. He's helpful around the house. And, unlike all the other kids I have (And I know this is all normal) he doesn't think that everything Keith and I say is absurd. He hangs on our every word, like we know everything there is to know about everything.
On a selfish note, there is something about introducing a kid who has had a very rough life, to all the normal/dysfunctional things most families experience. Eating dinner together every night. Talking about the future. Planning a little vacation. Talking about decorating for Christmas. Anyway, now I have made it my personal responsibility to make sure this kid doesn't slip through the cracks. He told me that he's never had anybody support him before like Keith and I do. He said it really helps him "chill".
That's really about all I have to report on.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Fall update
Well, I guess it's officially fall. The high temp today is only supposed to be 56. And, it's raining. Yuck.
We went to Renee's for the weekend, and went to the Bloomsburg Fair. It was really nice. Brighton is getting so big, and he's so social. We've started calling him Repeat, because that's exactly what he does. If there's a conversation going on, he'll stand there and repeat both sides. But, he changes it around so it makes sense that he's saying it. For example, if I'm saying to Keith, "I'm hungry, I'm going to find something to eat. You want something?" Brighton will say, "GiGi's hungry. She's going to find something to eat. You want some, Pop Pop?"
But, when we came home, we found that we have no water. Keith thinks the well pump went. So, the "well guy" is coming this morning. I took the morning off, so I can wait for him, and shower!!
On other fronts.....
Last weekend I went away with my bookgroup for a ladies only weekend at the beach. It was such a nice time. Beautiful weather. A whole weekend in either a bathing suit, sweats or pajamas. We played games, ate, slept, talked, watched the first season of SNL on dvd. It was so relaxing.
The boy I mentioned before has been spending more and more time at our house. And, it's happened. I've fallen for him. He's had such a sad, neglectful, abusive childhood so far. But, when he smiles because you do something simple for him (like buy apples at the grocery store because they're his favorite) he lights up. We asked him if he wants to live with us. He said he had to think about it. He's concerned about fitting in in our school system. And, he has a valid point. It won't be easy. So, we'll see where that goes.
That's about all I have.
See ya when I see ya.
We went to Renee's for the weekend, and went to the Bloomsburg Fair. It was really nice. Brighton is getting so big, and he's so social. We've started calling him Repeat, because that's exactly what he does. If there's a conversation going on, he'll stand there and repeat both sides. But, he changes it around so it makes sense that he's saying it. For example, if I'm saying to Keith, "I'm hungry, I'm going to find something to eat. You want something?" Brighton will say, "GiGi's hungry. She's going to find something to eat. You want some, Pop Pop?"
But, when we came home, we found that we have no water. Keith thinks the well pump went. So, the "well guy" is coming this morning. I took the morning off, so I can wait for him, and shower!!
On other fronts.....
Last weekend I went away with my bookgroup for a ladies only weekend at the beach. It was such a nice time. Beautiful weather. A whole weekend in either a bathing suit, sweats or pajamas. We played games, ate, slept, talked, watched the first season of SNL on dvd. It was so relaxing.
The boy I mentioned before has been spending more and more time at our house. And, it's happened. I've fallen for him. He's had such a sad, neglectful, abusive childhood so far. But, when he smiles because you do something simple for him (like buy apples at the grocery store because they're his favorite) he lights up. We asked him if he wants to live with us. He said he had to think about it. He's concerned about fitting in in our school system. And, he has a valid point. It won't be easy. So, we'll see where that goes.
That's about all I have.
See ya when I see ya.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Run in with the law
Here's a picture of me with three nice police officers yesterday at the race. I asked them to pretend to arrest me for "speeding" in the walk, but they said they weren't allowed to. So, I just stood there with them and jokingly told people they were lecturing me to slow down!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
walking
Today I'm going to NYC to participate in the Susan Komen 5k. It should be a good day, except it's raining. I bought one of those dollar ponchos to throw over my clothes, so hopefully I won't get too wet.
After the walk I'm not sure what we're going to do. We were going to go to Chinatown to shop, but I don't know if we'll do that in the rain. Maybe we'll do a museum instead. I'll see what my friend, and walking partner, feels like doing. We could probably just spend the afternoon in Macy's. If you've never been, the one in the city is so big...they have a whole floor of just shoes!!
I didn't even get to see which celebrities were going to be there this year. Last year Cyndi Lauper and Judge Judy were there.
And, I'm thinking about starting to run. I need to do some sort of excercise. But, who knows if I'll follow through.
After the walk I'm not sure what we're going to do. We were going to go to Chinatown to shop, but I don't know if we'll do that in the rain. Maybe we'll do a museum instead. I'll see what my friend, and walking partner, feels like doing. We could probably just spend the afternoon in Macy's. If you've never been, the one in the city is so big...they have a whole floor of just shoes!!
I didn't even get to see which celebrities were going to be there this year. Last year Cyndi Lauper and Judge Judy were there.
And, I'm thinking about starting to run. I need to do some sort of excercise. But, who knows if I'll follow through.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Decisions decisions decisions
I have a graduation party to go to later....a friend from bookgroup. Well, actually her son. I'm making "crockpot mac and cheese" to take.
Tomorrow my Jersey brother is coming for the day. I'm making bruchetta (with tomatoes from my own garden), and spiced pretzels to munch on. Then the meal will be: salad, mac and cheese (baked, not crock pot), corn on the cob, bbq beef ribs. Dessert will be strawberries and angel food cake.
JJ moved his bedroom down to the basement ("It's more like an apartment down there"), so now I have an extra bedroom upstairs. I've been looking forward to it. When Joe or Renee comes, no more shuffling people to sofas and such. BUT....Keith met this boy at the Children's Home and he wants him to come and live with us. He's been here a few times and seems nice enough, but jeez Louise. He's 14....so I'd be prolonging my motherhood by two years (since Braden's 16), and there goes my spare bedroom. I'm conflicted. I know he's kind of a high-risk kid...prone to fighting and stuff, so I know that no one else would take him. Doesn't he deserve a chance? Don't I deserve a spare bedroom? I'm sick of feeling like I have to save as many kids as I can. But that's really how I feel. So....I don't know what to do.
Tomorrow my Jersey brother is coming for the day. I'm making bruchetta (with tomatoes from my own garden), and spiced pretzels to munch on. Then the meal will be: salad, mac and cheese (baked, not crock pot), corn on the cob, bbq beef ribs. Dessert will be strawberries and angel food cake.
JJ moved his bedroom down to the basement ("It's more like an apartment down there"), so now I have an extra bedroom upstairs. I've been looking forward to it. When Joe or Renee comes, no more shuffling people to sofas and such. BUT....Keith met this boy at the Children's Home and he wants him to come and live with us. He's been here a few times and seems nice enough, but jeez Louise. He's 14....so I'd be prolonging my motherhood by two years (since Braden's 16), and there goes my spare bedroom. I'm conflicted. I know he's kind of a high-risk kid...prone to fighting and stuff, so I know that no one else would take him. Doesn't he deserve a chance? Don't I deserve a spare bedroom? I'm sick of feeling like I have to save as many kids as I can. But that's really how I feel. So....I don't know what to do.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Update
Hey everybody! I know it's been forever since I blogged, but someone who shall remain nameless (hint: her name sounds like phlegmabites) has been harrassing me, so here I go.
I changed jobs back in May. The secretary at our school left, and I applied for her postition and got it. It's more money, so I jumped on it. It allows me to not do my part-time job with the autistic boy anymore. I'll miss working in the classroom, but I'll still get to see my favorite students as they come and go. Another plus, the office is much warmer than the classrooms, so I don't have to wear three layers of clothes everyday to work.
JJ graduated in June. He's taking classes at Community college this summer, and for the fall semester, then he plans on going to Moravian College and play football while getting his education....hopefully. He also has a part-time job at Walmart, pushing carts.
Braden turns 17 next week. He's been driving with his permit, but he drives me insane. He either goes way too slow, or too fast. And, he has a hard time staying in the center of his lane. I hate driving with him....but then I feel badly about hating driving with him.
Renee and Joe are both doing great. Joe is running a half-way house in Philadelphia for men just getting out of drug re-hab. He loves it. He's also working part-time at a sporting goods store. He looks better than he has in years - working out and cutting out sugar. Renee has become such a great mom to Brighton. She's going to be starting cosmetology school soon and can't wait to be a hair-dresser. It's what she's wanted to do since she was four.
Brighton is really doing fantastic. He's such a cutie, and so smart. Of course, I'm his Gigi, so I may be a bit biased! Here's a picture from his baptism last week. He's was getting a bit bored waiting for the services to start.
Well, that's about all I have going on. Nothing exciting to report. But, again, I guess that's a good thing.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We got 15" of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. So, this is my second snow day in a row. HELP ME!!
Why do TV stations feel they need to broadcast nothing but weather/traffic/accumulations when there's a snow storm? ALL DAY??? I was home from school and couldn't watch any of the shows I like to indulge in when I'm off. No The View, No Ellen, No Oprah.
I did, however, make a nice apple crisp (which I'm going to have a piece of shortly), and made a nice dinner for my family last night.
That's really all I have.
Why do TV stations feel they need to broadcast nothing but weather/traffic/accumulations when there's a snow storm? ALL DAY??? I was home from school and couldn't watch any of the shows I like to indulge in when I'm off. No The View, No Ellen, No Oprah.
I did, however, make a nice apple crisp (which I'm going to have a piece of shortly), and made a nice dinner for my family last night.
That's really all I have.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
It's snowing here. Schools let out early yesterday, in anticipation of the storm that instead of arriving at 3:00, mosied in around 10:00. I'm not complaining though, I got to go to Tristan's early, and I was home by 5:00. Then Keith and I went out to eat with friends of ours. I had a great cup of pepper pot soup...it made me with I would have not ordered the salad and just gone with a big ole bowl of soup instead.
Braden's dive season is wrapping up. He took a couple of second places and a lot of thirds. Not bad for his first year. He found out this week that he'll get a letter for it, and he's very proud.
Report cards came out, and he got an A in English. This is his first not-learning-support English class. I'm very proud of him. JJ's report card....nothing to be proud about. There's a local college, and a pretty good one to boot, that wants him to play football there. They know his grades aren't good, so he has to do the summer and the fall semester at community college, in order to get in. You'd think he'd try a little harder in his last year of high school, but apparently not. I have serious doubts as to whether he'll be able to cut a college class.
It's going to snow all day here. I don't mind, I like staying in. I'm going to move furniture around in my bedroom, do laundry, read my book and play with my farm. Sounds like a good day to me! Oh, and I'm making meatloaf for supper. I love meatloaf!
Braden's dive season is wrapping up. He took a couple of second places and a lot of thirds. Not bad for his first year. He found out this week that he'll get a letter for it, and he's very proud.
Report cards came out, and he got an A in English. This is his first not-learning-support English class. I'm very proud of him. JJ's report card....nothing to be proud about. There's a local college, and a pretty good one to boot, that wants him to play football there. They know his grades aren't good, so he has to do the summer and the fall semester at community college, in order to get in. You'd think he'd try a little harder in his last year of high school, but apparently not. I have serious doubts as to whether he'll be able to cut a college class.
It's going to snow all day here. I don't mind, I like staying in. I'm going to move furniture around in my bedroom, do laundry, read my book and play with my farm. Sounds like a good day to me! Oh, and I'm making meatloaf for supper. I love meatloaf!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
More nothingness
I had a bonus day off today. There was a water main break near our school, and we got sent home at 8:00 this morning. It's a shame that I wasted an outfit and did my hair, but I did get a day off. I did some laundry and tried to take a nap, but the stupid phone kept ringing...so much for the nap.
We got a new kid in our class, and he's a duzy. So far he's told us that: He's a two time New Jersey state wrestling champ, that he gets up at 4:00 am for a two and a half hour bus ride to school, that his watch cost $450.00, that he does mental math faster than 90% of the people, and that he's been recruited by the Marines and the Army. He's an 11th grader with a fourth grade Reading and Math level. Oh, he also pulled his mom's car for four miles, on the parkway, when it broke down. So, now we all (the staff in the room) make up ridiculous lies about ourselves all day. It's kind of fun!
Other than that, I've got nothing. Braden and JJ are both doing well. And, Keith is Keith. I'm going to go give another shot at a nap.
We got a new kid in our class, and he's a duzy. So far he's told us that: He's a two time New Jersey state wrestling champ, that he gets up at 4:00 am for a two and a half hour bus ride to school, that his watch cost $450.00, that he does mental math faster than 90% of the people, and that he's been recruited by the Marines and the Army. He's an 11th grader with a fourth grade Reading and Math level. Oh, he also pulled his mom's car for four miles, on the parkway, when it broke down. So, now we all (the staff in the room) make up ridiculous lies about ourselves all day. It's kind of fun!
Other than that, I've got nothing. Braden and JJ are both doing well. And, Keith is Keith. I'm going to go give another shot at a nap.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Snoreless sleep
Nazareth started a diving team this year. They built a new middle school and it has a pool. They've had a swim team, but this is the first year for diving. They made an announcement at school a couple of months ago saying they were looking for divers, and Braden thought, "Why not?!" He's doing very well. I'm proud of him. I tried to post a video, but it wouldn't work, so you'll have to take my word for it. Any of you on facebook, I posted them on my wall.
Keith's away at a wrestling tournament in Virginia. He'll be gone until Sunday. I love, love, love having the bed to myself, and not having to drown out his snoring with pillows over my ears!!
Jay Jay is doing college tours, but has his heart set on Moravian. I like Moravian best too. It's close and has small class sizes. And, the football coach really likes him. Since he didn't take his high school academics as seriously as he should have, he'll have to do the summer and the fall semester at community college, but he should be able to start in the spring. My fingers are crossed. Since he's realized that college is a real option for him, his grades have gone way up at school.
I almost hate to say this, but everyone's doing very well here. No major issues at all. Now, if only I were happy.
Keith's away at a wrestling tournament in Virginia. He'll be gone until Sunday. I love, love, love having the bed to myself, and not having to drown out his snoring with pillows over my ears!!
Jay Jay is doing college tours, but has his heart set on Moravian. I like Moravian best too. It's close and has small class sizes. And, the football coach really likes him. Since he didn't take his high school academics as seriously as he should have, he'll have to do the summer and the fall semester at community college, but he should be able to start in the spring. My fingers are crossed. Since he's realized that college is a real option for him, his grades have gone way up at school.
I almost hate to say this, but everyone's doing very well here. No major issues at all. Now, if only I were happy.
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