I have written before about J and school. And how he is so much like I was.  Well, today I got to see him in action at school.  This was the first time I was able to help out this year as his first teacher, who retired at Christmas,  didn’t have anyone in.  And this second teacher wasn’t asking either, so several of us just told her we were going to come in.

First I must say this, his teacher deserves a medal.  Some of the kids in his class are just out of control.  And I mean, seriously out of control, should be sent for a time out in the corner or something out of control.  Or maybe they just need a hug, I don’t know.  You know what I do know.  They need a hug.  They need attention.  One on one attention that they don’t have to share with a sibling or another parent.  These kids are crying out.

As a result, my Son is getting left behind.  Not only him, but the few boys in the class that behave and are scared silly to upset the teacher so they don’t participate, they don’t sing along, they just sit criss-cross applesauce and listen.  The difference from last year to this year is truly amazing.  I have noticed it all year long, but at least now I can pinpoint what is actually going on and encourage him a little more appropriately.  In addition I can make sure I offer my help each and every week, if I have to.  If by me helping out means the teacher can give more attention to all the kids and rest easier in the evenings and be better prepared for them the next day, then I will do it.  I need my Mom’s help with Apple, but that’s ok because she knows that it is for J.

I do hope that next year will be better, otherwise I might just be signing up for some homeschooling.  Either that or switching to a private school, will have to see how it goes.  Either way I am ready.

Back in the 1970’s we used to do some pretty silly things for fun.  One of those things was taking a drive out to the Airport to watch the planes land.  Back then, parking was free and you could stand outside on the deck and wave at the passengers as they walked across the tarmac.  My Dad loves to fly, but we seemed to drive everywhere we went.  I guess with four kids it was just cheaper to take the car.  Those Sunday afternoons at the Airport were very special to me as a child and I am happy to pass on the tradition somewhat to my son.

We don’t take special trips to the Airport for fun, because the price of parking is just ridiculous, but when we do have to pick someone up, we spend a little extra time hanging out, throwing coins in the fountain and getting a treat.

My Eldest Sister arrived from Regina today for a four day mini-break.  Well mini-break with her two youngest children might be a little hard, but there is much more help here with the two kids, so she should at least get to sleep in and have playmates for the kids for a few days.

My Niece was dressed as though she was on her way to Paris, France instead of Ottawa. So, so cute.

We are so happy to have them here, me especially because my Sister wants to go Downtown to the Market.  And since I have been trying to get there for the last three weekends, I am thinking that this weekend is it!

 Of course that’s not the only reason I am happy to have them here, but it sure makes it a little more interesting.