pWhile we were driving yesterday, Brandon was pretending to drive in the backseat with his beyblade.stadium, telling Peyton they were going to look for bad guys. Peyton asked him where they were going, and he replied, “Oakland.” Dave thought it was funny that Brandon thinks there are bad guys in Oakland. br
We interchanged play with work yesterday on the drive down, making the most if the sunlight. I printed off some 2nd grader worksheets, but we’re not sure what standards they are using, as Brandon is able to do many of them. Some are harder concepts, such as “Who’s vs. whose,” so I’ll wait, but others, like homophones and synonyms, I figured I could introduce or have him practice. Dave didn’t know how Brandon was supposed to know the difference between “beats vs beets”, but he knew others like “eight vs ate”, “son vs sun” and “won vs one”. I was proud of him. We stopped for dinner, then got in around 8pm. The kids stayed up a little, then bathed and tried to go to sleep. The combination of not bring able to run around, being excited, and being not in their own beds led then to roll around for over an hour, and not fall asleep until after 10. They took turns waking each other up, as Brandon wouldn’t fall asleep, then Peyton woke up thirsty. They both got up at their usual time of before 7. We ate a quick breakfast, then headed off to the park. Not to go in, but to see about buying season passes, which are going up. This is the second time this year where we’ve gotten that close yet did not enter the park. Dave had run ahead while I talked behind with two walking kids through Downtown. Poor Peyton was doing her best, jogging along, while trying to talk breathlessly to us. After his walk a thon fear, I told Brandon he’s now graduated to walking status. He agreed! So we met up with Dave, then we headed back to the car, as he’s gotten his answer. We headed further south and urged the kids to sleep. Peyton took us up on it, her tired body not giving her a chance, while Brandon fought every step of the way. He was too busy looking out the windows. I took a nap, and later he told me there were army trainings going on. We checked in, and then touched base with Meg and Jeff. We all met up at the pool, and spent some time in the heated pool. It was perfect. Abby was showing Brandon all her different strokes, while pushing Brandon to show her his. He hasn’t been in swimming for awhile, but all his previous lessons are paying off! Looks like he just needed some motivation! Abby was very encouraging to Brandon, and they played well together. Peyton swam mostly with me, but she wanted to do what the big kids were doing. When they did head bobs, she was not to be outdone. She was able to hold her breath for a quick 10 count. We started for 5, then 7 and finally 10. She kept telling me how she’s going swimming this summer “by my own self” at her lessons. She held her breath longer than Brandon, who is usually too giggly to go too long. She and Abby about tied! Latter she wanted to jump into the pool like Penelope, but I’m always afraid she will jump backward and hit her head. We got out after about an hour. I can’t remember a time I’ve been in such pleasant water! It took no time to get used to it, and it was much harder getting out. We bathed and headed back down for lunch. The kids did done worksheets, while we waited for food to arrive. We could tell the pool had done its job to wear them out. I brought them back to.the room while Dave settled up the bill and drank the rest of my complementary margarita. I’d only gotten through half. I’d drawn the blackout curtains, and it was pitch dark. Both continued to roll around, even after I out soothing music. Finally Dave came back, laid down with Brandon, then he went out first. I could hear his breathing change,with a faint snore. Dave soon was breathing a bit deeper. I knew I needed to get Peyton down fast before she woke up Brandon, but because she’d already slept earlier I didn’t know how likely it was going to be. I started combing her hair in my fingers, and after about 5 minutes, she was down for the count. I tried to sleep, but we’d had coffee earlier. The amount of alcohol I had was but enough to counteract that, so here I am blogging. Looking forward to spending time at the wedding and with the cousins. Brandon had asked if we’d be seeing Abby again. We said we would. Hopefully we’re at the same table!/p
pWhile Peyton and I were going to school, I was talking to Dave on.speakerphone briefly, reminding him of something, but Peyton was trying to ask him to put more batteries in her computer. She managed to ask, but only after I was done. After we hunt up, she said, “Mommy, you said a lot of words to Daddy, and I only said one word.” I think Dave’s said that to me in some form before. This morning, I had both kids in the car on the way to Peyton’s school first. Both were talking over each other at me, so I had to break it up. I gave Brandon the floor, then after his thought, it was Peyton’s turn, then back to Brandon. After a few rounds, Peyton said, “I have no words.” Brandon continued a few solo rounds, then also gave up, and then there was silence.br
After Peyton was at school, we went to flag salute, then I went home to pack. Then I went back to Brandon’s school for yard duty. After that, I went to gas up the car, and pick Peyton up. She was in the bathroom stall, just getting out with the door opened, but another kid slipped in somehow. I couldn’t tell if she was coming or going, but when she saw me, she started walking toward me. I reminded her to pull her pants up (she said she was done) and wash with soap she water. We left and met the boys at home. We were on the road 45 minutes later. Not too bad.br
/p
There’s a Pinterest pin that I need to share for my little girl.
How to Care for Introverts:
1. Respect their need for privacy.
2. Never embarrass them in public
3. Let them observe first in new situations
4. Give them time to think. Don’t demand instant answers.
5. Don’t interrupt them.
6. Give them advance notice of expected changes in their lives.
7. Give them 15 minute warnings to finish whatever they are doing.
8. Reprimand them privately.
9. Teach them new skills privately.
10. Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests and abilities
11. Don’t push them to make lots of friends.
12. Respect their introversion. Don’t try to remake them into an extrovert.
Many of these apply to Peyton. We say she is sensitive, but really, she is being put on the spot when she gets in trouble in public, and very much dislikes it. The other day, Brandon made her mad, and she just stared at him. I told Dave she was staring, while Brandon was giving her this goofy grin, knowing he’d gotten her mad. Dave told me, “Yeah, that’s pretty effective.” She gets it across that she’s pissed without having to say anything at all. And totally puts him in his place. I prefer this than the piercing scream she is also capable of.
Brandon was so excited when I picked him up today. I had Peyton with me, since Dave said he was running late. He told me, “I got 14!” I didn’t believe it! I really should have more faith in him. Really. This is his 3rd day this week with a 14. Still an A. Phew. He earned another Beyblade episode and since it was his second day in a row with an A, he got one of his toys down from the refrigerator stash. This is something that we’d gotten for him since it was a good deal, but it’s been up there for 2 months now, waiting for him to earn it. Don’t want to jinx him, so I’ll stop there.
So, Dave signed up for science chair, and was debating whether he needed a second chairperson. He wanted to do it alone to avoid conflict with others, and to have a direct line to the principal to chat her up about Brandon if needed. He was emailed by the volunteer mom who said another two moms volunteered. One we didn’t know. The other – Mrs W! WHAT? Are you serious? She is the mom who tends to lose her top with Brandon. And she can be a bit particular. Nothing that I haven’t done, but still, he’s my kid. She was at the meeting on Tuesday night, and saw Dave talking to the volunteer coordinator. Then she volunteered the next day. Anyways, Dave’s hesitant; he wants to know if she thinks he’s incompetent because he’s Brandon’s dad, but then at the same time, he doesn’t really care what she thinks. He doesn’t want to ostracize her either, since she’s really involved in other aspects of the school and has been here a few years. He knows he has the inside scoop, since he is, after all, a scientist. Peyton heard us talking, and she said, “Yeah, Daddy’s a scientist. And Mommy, you’re a farmist.” Cute. So, he wrote back, and took the high road to ask her to be the co-chair. I supposed I will be on his committee 
We hope to show the family that we are truly in it for the kids and are trying our best with Brandon despite what she may think of him.
While we were working on worksheets tonight, Brandon told me, “Ryan knows this because he memorizes it with his mom. How come you don’t spend time with me like that? Ryan says his mom says, ‘Memorize this!’” I told him we were spending time together now, then he said, “Yeah, like how much?” I told him, “Well, at least 10 minutes.” He said, “Oh, okay.” That satisfied him, I guess, but now I feel like he wants me to drill him more. I found out that only the valedictorians are being admitted to the UC’s these days. At least at my cousin’s school. I do recall meeting several valedictorians when we first started school, even just on my dorm floor. But since the UC system is struggling, we did hear they were considering accepting more out of state students because they make more from them than those within the state. We joked that we’d send the kids out of state for high school, so they have a better chance of getting back in. Also, I need to read “SATs for dummies” because the score is now out of 2400, and those getting into schools such as our alma mater are getting darn near close to that. These poor kids. (By the way, I don’t make him memorize addition, he either uses his fingers or uses the “kangaroo bumps” to figure it out. I have a feeling he’ll memorize it on his own as he doesn’t want to have to keep using his fingers or the bumps each time).
First, to start, Brandon did well today! He got another 14. That’s two in one week, which is awesome! So he had his field trip to golfland, and he was prepped this morning as to how to carry the club. We told him, “Just like you carry a bat,” and he said, “Yes, club down.” He was going to be fed pizza, and either sprite or fruit punch. I reminded him that he was to drink water, but I’m not sure what really went down. I asked him who drove him there, and he said, “Wagner’s mom,” like he was in high school. That’s the mom that LOVES Brandon (insert sarcasm), but apparently, he told me she didn’t have to talk to him at all about his behavior. Maybe he’s learned to fear her. They were gone for two hours during the day, and he still managed to get 14. He told us he drank water, but then smiled, and then said he had 2 pieces of pizza. Peyton and Dave went to their field trip. Dave had 3 boys plus Peyton. Most of the activities surrounded soccer and then there were 20 minutes in the jumpy house. Dave said he was trying to create order, while another mom sent her kid up saying, “There’s no line, go ahead.” Needless to say, Dave was not happy with her. He said Peyton listened for the most part, and they had fun. Here were the pictures:
I had Brandon working for a stamp on his papers today. I printed out some worksheets that I found online, and started drilling him. He’s enjoying it, and he’s motivated. I even leave him to his own devices and have him tell me when he’s done, so I can check things. Yes, he’s only 6, but times have changed. He will play this weekend. I’m also planning on bringing the worksheets in the car for the drive down, and I have to print some for Peyton, too so she doesn’t get jealous. Of her brother doing homework
Dave and I met up with the principal today. I felt like a little kid sitting across from her desk, like WE were in trouble. The meeting didn’t go as well as I would have expected, as she was highly encouraging us to get Brandon tested and touted the use of medications to help. We told her we were resistant to doing so, but she was telling us of the kids she knows who have been helped by the medications. We talked briefly about how the 1st grader teacher would be selected. We won’t know who that will be until the day before school starts next year. Our pediatrician wanted us to wait until after the school year to touch base with her. We’ll have to re-visit it in June after the year is done. We were told that testing him too early might introduce test bias should the test need to be administered again later on. Dave tried to suggest that there was a lack of consistency with the noon aides, but the principal stated that they were all very much the same. Not wanting to get into an argument about it, we did not press the issue, but were under the firm belief that this is not true. This is the most critical time period for him, unstructured play. Always has been. Next year will be worse as the 1st through 5th graders all play together, with minimal supervision. Only time will tell, and we’re still waiting for that maturity to kick in. I did hear an “Excuse me” from him as he passed by Peyton. She demands it most of the time, as she is very diligent in saying it to him. This is a big step for him. Also, I’ve recently noticed he’s taken away toys from her, then thrusts it back into her hand to self-regulate and try it again. He stops for a second and then asks nicely, but usually it’s when we’re around. So, we went to work, and I was bombed with the unfortunate news that a coworker called in sick, and I was to do his work, delaying my training. Luckily, Julie was able to help me in the afternoon, and we finished up in time, but I still missed out on being mentored for one more day before being left to my lonesome next week.
At the end of the day, I picked up Peyton, who didn’t want to go to Brandon’s practice. She said she wanted to stay home. And since she kept her underwear dry, she got to watch Mickey. She told me she didn’t like Tangled and Aladdin because the “Mudder is scary,” and “Jasmine doesn’t say nice words.” (That reminds me, on Sunday, Dave had the kids call his mom to wish her a happy mother’s day. While on the phone, Peyton said, “Happy Mudder’s Day!”) So she watched while I washed up the dishes and got dinner ready. She ate for almost an hour. She was done by the time Brandon and Dave got home. Dave just dropped him off, then took off for the PTA meeting. Brandon had wanted to stay again for extra t-ball practice for hitting. Dave said that the coach pitched overhand to Brandon and the other taller boy on the team. When they get up to bat, the coach warns the other team, “Watch out, Big hitter!” and “Another big hitter here.” So, Dave was running late, and left about 15 minutes to the meeting start time. I got the kids to bed, and read to Peyton while Brandon was getting himself ready. I had her stay in her room, while I had Brandon read to me. Since he was captivated, I went to get his 1st grader book. I had him do several pages; he was to read the instructions, then follow them and let me know when he was done, so that I could check him. He was to measure things with a ruler, put the number in the box, and circle the longest (one on assignment) and shortest (on the other assignment). I then had him practicing writing his name and dating the page. I will prove to myself that he CAN learn this stuff, and if he can’t focus at school, we’ll make sure he learns it at home so he doesn’t fall behind. He did tell me, “I have to go to sleep early because I have my field trip tomorrow. And I’m going to be on my best behavior.” I got him to sleep later than normal, 8pm, but he didn’t make noise after I left. He got a 9 today, but he told me, “I tried today.” I feel like he’s deficient in his ability to follow the rules like someone is deficient at math. As long as he is trying, I can’t yell at him, right? I can just remind him, show him how to do it whenever I can, and then let the school do their part. In the meantime, I will make sure he is good at math (and reading, and spelling, and everything else to support him). He is getting it, so it’s encouraging. Hopefully the behavior part will catch up at some point. Well, no one ever said parenting was easy. And I’ve always liked a challenge. Dave came home to catch me up on the meeting. He signed himself up for the Science chair and will be in charge of a night time science fair type thing and also an assembly. I’m proud of him for putting himself out there. He calls it “In my wheelhouse” since it’s science. He said the principal sat next to him at the meeting tonight. And the mom who has beef with Brandon was there as well. Dave’s goal is to put ourselves out there to prove to the other parents that we are NOT deadbeat parents with THAT kid. That we are a normal family trying to do the best we can for our kids. (Coming down from the soapbox now!)
Today, I asked Dave to pick Brandon up for fear of seeing his daily report. We’d had a long weekend, full of family time, and he did not sleep well and rest. He was getting a bit mouthy last night, which we typically see after spending multi-generational time. This morning went well, the drop off was smooth, with a pleasant hug from Peyton to Brandon. Brandon half-heartedly gave her a hug before being distracted with the toys the girls were playing. He was so sweet, even asking, “Can I play with you?” before diving in. This is a BIG step for him. I left him, and dropped Peyton off with no problems. Dave picked him up, and I met them back at home. Peyton asked me on our drive home, “Mommy, what are we going to eat for dinner?” I honestly didn’t know, so I didn’t know what to tell her. As we were a block away, Peyton said, “We’re almost ho-ome!” I think she was excited about the prospect of eating. When we got home, Brandon came out to say hello. Peyton was sent up to take a bath, since she’d peed twice on herself. Mondays always seem to be the most difficult for her. Brandon wanted to redeem his Beyblade cartoon episode from last week, then I asked to see his report. He was beaming when I looked at it, and it said, “14″. That’s an A!! YAY! What a great start to the week for him. He got to watch the whole show while I worked with Peyton on her worksheets in his room. He came up to us after he was done. At that time, Peyton was done, and wanted to go back to see what was going on downstairs. Dave was grilling up some steaks, steaming some broccoli, and was almost done. The kids got situated and started to eat. We finished up, then Brandon got up to take his bath. He read me one book, then we shared the reading of another. As I was finishing up with the laundry, Brandon called my mom. He had the phone on his own, and as soon as she answered, he said, “I got a 14!” She congratulated him, and was encouraging him to continue his streak. It is timely, as we are meeting with the principal tomorrow to see how we can best support his behavior. He is working toward some toys that have been above our refrigerator for a long time. They’ve become like a toy box at the dentist, but this has prove quite elusive. He needs 2 days in a row of 14 or 15′s on his report. We’ll see if he can remember what he did today (he stayed clear of his other friends, who were on yellows today). He needs to stay strong.
We were driving home yesterday, and suddenly, “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” started playing. Dave thought it was weird since it wasn’t Christmas time. Peyton recognized it immediately, and said, “OH! The Nutcracker song! WE went to the Nutcracker, remember?” I was happy that she remembered. We were home, and it was still playing. She told us she wanted to stay in the car and listen to it. Brandon said, “Well, okay, Daddy and I are going to go inside,” inferring that I’d stay in the car with her, which I did. She still does look at the program that we have in the office and asks who the characters are. Maybe it’ll have to be an annual girls’ trip to the ballet if Brandon isn’t interested.
Last year, Peyton attended a school that doesn’t celebrate any “Hallmark” holidays. It is intended not to ostracize those who do not celebrate such events. So, I’ve never gotten cards or anything like that from Peyton. This year, I received a card from Peyton along with a paper flower, and also something from Brandon. He’d brought home a paper bag on Thursday, and he told me I couldn’t open it until Mother’s Day. He said I could open it on Saturday before we headed out. He was so excited for me to open it up. It was a special candle he’d decorated, and told me, “It’s a tealight!” He wanted me to light it right away, but I told him I’d save it. Here are the pictures of the cards I received. I love their artwork! Brandon’s card was great, too, as there was a form of ad libs that he’d answered with his teacher.
