49- 50 %

Tell me this:

If the measure of a superior builder is that 1/2 of his buildings don't fall down, would you hire him to build your house? 

You're turn:  Send me your analogies of the 1/2 time show at DOE?

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Race to the Middle - or just stuck in the middle?

What would a nursing home look like if you applied the same standards to healthcare that the state has now applied to AYP?  Only 49-50 percent of the residents would be required to receive "proficient" care - no bed sores, working wheelchairs, functional respiratory devices, nutritious meals, baths, freedom from med errors.  God, you better hope to be in the 50 percent of haves.  Because life would be hell for the have-nots.  And yet, the home would still have a superior rating and a body count!  Coveted 5 stars, well if it was education it would be the coveted 3 stars. 

BTW - it is nearly impossible to receive the 5 star Medicaid rating.  Only 1-2 long-term care facilities in the state of Delaware have achieved that rating and maintained it since the system was implemented.  But, hey, we're celebrating huge AYP gains across the state b/c only half of our students were required to be proficient in order to achieve AYP.  Come on!  30+ schools failed to meet fed. minimums and yet they are rated Superior???

Yeah? and in the real world, if only half the residents in a nursing home received genuine, competent care, the facility wouldn't be rated Superior, THE PUBLIC, STATE, LEGISLATORS, and GOVERNOR WOULD DEMAND THAT THE FACILITY BE CLOSED and Dir. of Nursing and Medical Director WOULD BE JAILED! IMPRISONED! LOCK THE DOOR, THROW AWAY THE KEY! (seriously, not kidding.)

What hell is wrong with this picture?

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The Race to the Middle

A very wise man once told me that if your objective is for 49% of your students to be proficient in math and 50% to be proficient in reading, then you are truly not Racing to the Top.  You are racing to the middle.

AYPAYPAYPAYDAYPAYPAYPAYPAYPAYDAYAYPAYPAYPAYPAYPAYPA

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The AYP Fallacy

AYP - Adequate Yearly Progress

The time honored tradition of No Child Left Behind. A rating system that allow researchers, policy-makers, and parents to gauge the success or failure of schools.  Except now, that system, as terrible or wonderful as it may have been, has been thoroughly corrupted creating a sea of meaningless scores and more haze and confusion than the smoggy movement of common core standards.

In today's News Journal, DE Sec. of Education Lillian Lowery is quoted as saying, "While I laud schools that made strong academic progress, I caution about trying to compare this year's ranking to last year's," Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery said in a statement. "Because of the changes to the ranking system ... it is not fair to try to equate them." 

That's because you can't.  Because DOE has essentially rendered the system useless.

And, Dr. Lowery, I, too, laud them because I know I have amazing people in my classrooms who are working every day to help kids achieve.

Here's how it went down:
1) Delaware adopted DCAS, a growth model test to replace the very flawed DSTP. 
2) With that adoption, the State Board of Education approved raising cut scores - that means that individual students had to get more answers right to attain the same achievement categories as they did under DSTP.  All in the name of rigor!
3) The State, with the approval of the feds,  also made a lesser known put equally important change to its very secretive AYP formula.  From NJ:  "the U.S. Department of Education agreed that Delaware should move its 2011 minimum test score targets in reading from 84 percent proficient to 50 percent and in math from 75 percent proficient to 49 percent." 

Translation - Even though individual students had to get more answers right to attain the same success as last year or to show progress, fewer students collectively actually had to show that achievement for schools to attain higher AYP ratings. 

So a school that was failing last year could be rated superior this year even if only 1/2 of the student population can read, write, or perform math proficiently.

4) DOE implemented DCAS in 2010-11 at all schools.
5) The result became public yesterday.

Of the schools rated this year, 137 earned a "superior" rating, 32 were "commendable" and 37 were on "academic watch." It is possible to fail to meet federal test score goals and still receive a "superior" rating: 42 schools failed to meet federal goals but still earned a state ranking as "superior."  - News Journal

AYP - The Incomparable Results

There are two things in education in Delaware that are indelible.  1) When the sec. of education says "human capital" she is utilizing business jargon to depersonalize what we all common know and revere as "teachers." 2) When she says something shouldn't be compared, you need to immediately compare it.  And a picture tells a thousand tales.

While the following graph is based on the information printed in today's version of the news journal's story on AYP, when I initially ran the data in the story, I noticed something was missing --  Approx. 50 schools.  I checked with the reporter and the NJ updated the story today with accurate data, so I've updated the graph.  What story do you hear when you read it?

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Birth Plans

Birth plans have been a hot topic in my neck of the woods lately and I just wanted to throw my two cents in to the mix. 

When I start talking birth plans with some people, I see them roll their eyes -- even on the phone, I can actually hear some people rolling their eyes!  Especially Labor & Delivery nurses.  The comment I've heard most often is, "The lady that brings in a birth plan is always the one that ends up with a c-section!" 

My approach to birth plans has always been this:  A woman needs to know her options before she can think about a birth plan.  In class, we play an "Options" game where we talk about all types of things that will likely be brought up during your birth -- some positive, some negative.  The point is just to get people talking and learning about various interventions, when they are actually necessary, and finally how they feel about them.  We go over all these options and then I encourage them to go home and print out the 22 page birth plan online (you know what I'm talking about!) and check off all the little boxes.  Again, just to get the two of you talking about how you feel about these options.

From there, it gets significantly whittled down to a simple one page document that is unique to the two of you and your wishes.  My favorite is the "Yes, Please" and the "No, Thank You" columns.  Polite, and not a list of demands by any means, which I think sometimes the L&D nurses envision when handed the dreaded Birth Plan.  

When I was pregnant with my 4th baby, I had imagined myself laboring in my bathroom with the big garden tub.  I don't think I had ever said that out loud and it certainly wasn't on a piece of paper.  I loved that bathroom.  I had been contracting all day long -- it was such a great day, really -- but it was not until I got to that bathroom around 8:30 that night that contractions really picked up.  By the time David came in the bathroom about 30 or 45 minutes later, I was telling him to call the midwife.  He couldn't believe it.  After timing a couple of contractions and listening to me sound out my contractions, he agreed to call her.

I strongly believe in Emotional Relaxation.  I believe that the mind is a very powerful thing, possibly the most powerful tool in labor.  I've known many women in various labor situations that without a doubt, Emotional Relaxation played a huge role in how their labor played out -- good and bad.  I believe that imagining your birth -- imagining yourself remaining calm and relaxed, imagining the smells you want to smell, the food you might want to eat, the music you might want to listen to -- are all good things. 

Labor is a funny thing, as we all know.  We don't get to choose our labor, which I believe, is what makes it so exciting.  Hindsight is always 20-20 and you can always look back and think or wish you had done something different.  It's hard to just roll with the punches and enjoy the journey, but that is my best advice.  Take it one contraction at a time.  It's like I always say in class, if we knew exactly what your labor would be like, that's what we'd prepare for, but since we don't, we'll prepare for all sorts of situations that labor is likely to throw at you.  Hopefully you will feel prepared to deal with them as they come. 

Back to the birth plans:  Go ahead and make one.  Making a birth plan doesn't mean that you are married to one kind of birth and you are going to be unhappy with your birth if it doesn't look like it does on paper.  It just means that you have talked about all the options and have decided what is important to you.  You have a right to have those wishes heard and honored. 

We makes plans every single day of our life.  I live by my list every day, every week, every month.  Sometimes I get it all done, exactly like I plan, and other days, life happens and the list doesn't.  I understand that obstacles are in the middle of the road occasionally, and I may have to go around them or just deal with them head on.  Laundry is a weekly obstacle that gets in the way of my plans! 

You don't stop planning your life just because it might not happen the way you want it to. Go ahead, plan your lovely birth.  Pay close attention, when you imagine your birth, to the details -- the people in the room, the lighting, the temperature.  Keep the things you like and dump the rest.  Enjoy your labor.  It's yours and only yours, no matter what it looks like on paper.  Enjoy the journey, speed bumps and all. 

Finally, honor your labor and your birth.  I've had several people over the years that have had "necesareans" and some of those have rolled a little easier with the punches than others.  I think mourning the loss of something you didn't have or get is a tough place to be.  Talking to people who understand is so important, and at some point, acceptance is necessary.  Knowing you did everything within your power to carry out your birth plan seems to be an important step to accepting the outcome. My friend, Abbey, writes a blog called The Road to VBAMC and she just wrote a fabulous post this week titled When Your Birth Doesn't Go As Planned.  If you are in this situation, I suggest you head over there and check out what she had to say.  I think you'll find it extremely helpful. 

Birth Plans?  Don't be afraid of what might happen.  Go ahead and plan what you hope will happen.

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Generators, every make and model, major price drop!

Irene has come and gone.  And with her the $1k to $5k generators for sale on Craigslist.  Amazing thing happened this morning - huge price cut.  Still more than you'd spend retail.  But, hey, if you need one go here: http://delaware.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=portable+generator&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

Try these search terms on CL for the best variety - "generator," "generators," and "portable generators"

My fav at the height of the panic:  Aug 26 - 10,000 kw Baldor Generator - $4000 (Dover) tools

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Hurricane Humor

Have you picked up french toast makin's yet?  Milk, bread, eggs? After receiving the warning call from Delmarva, it's probably fairly safe to assume you'll be cooking by D batteries.  What? Can't find D batteries?  Is your store sold out?  Well, Walgreen's had some kind of sale on batteries this week and they are all stocked up.  Head there.

And now for an Ode to Irene:




This one is a bit better than the first.  It was written for the last storm named Irene in 1999.

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State releases school ratings, completes the Texas Two Step! #netDE from transparentchristina

From Transparentchristina.wordpress.com.
Go Here to see how your school ranks -  http://transparentchristina.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/state-releases-school-ratings-completes-the-texas-two-step-netde/

BUT DONT MISS THE IMPORTANT TEXT IN PR STATEMENT BELOW CONCERNING AMO RESET!

State Releases 2011 School Ratings
Release Date: Aug 26, 2011 7:29 AM ShareThis

Delaware’s Department of Education today released its first set of annual school ratings since the state raised requirements for student proficiency in core subjects and streamlined school rating categories.

While the changes in the ratings system, consolidation of categories and a reset of the state’s Annual Measureable Objectives (AMO) make a direct comparison to last year’s ratings more difficult, the new ratings provide a sustainable baseline to measure schools against the state’s higher expectations for student performance. The shift from seven to three rating categories, which separates school ratings and school improvement statuses, also brings more clarity around school performance.

In 2011, 137 Delaware schools earned “superior” ratings, 32 were rated “commendable” and 37 were rated as under “academic watch.” Last year, 66 schools were rated “superior,” 17 schools “commendable,” 46 schools “academic review,” 0 schools “academic progress,” 26 schools “academic progress – under improvement,” 0 schools “academic watch” and 37 schools “academic watch – under improvement.”

Under the new accountability system, schools are classified in one of three categories:

•Superior means that the school is “above” targets

•Commendable means the school “meets” targets

•Academic Watch means the school is “below” targets

While the ratings provide a view into a school’s overall performance, a school also can receive an additional status of “under improvement” if it failed to meet annual yearly progress performance targets for two or more consecutive years in a specific area or areas. Those areas can include: participation in reading or math; performance in reading or math; or issues around other academic indicators, such as graduation rate or attendance rate.

A total of 66 schools have been designated “under improvement” this year, 32 of which made adequate yearly progress but are frozen in that status until they do so for two consecutive years. The other 34 did not make AYP.

Federal law and Delaware regulations require that certain corrective actions be taken by schools designated as “under improvement.”

In addition to simplifying the school rating system, the Delaware Department of Education — with the support of the state’s districts and charter schools and at the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education — applied for a reset of its Annual Measurable Objective (AMO). “AMO” refers to the percentage of students within a school who must be proficient in reading and mathematics on state standardized tests each year as required under federal No Child Left Behind regulations. Under the 2001 law, all students must demonstrate proficiency in reading and mathematics by 2013-2014.

The “reset” changed the interim AMO “steps” or target percentages schools must meet but still adheres to the requirement that 100 percent of Delaware public school students in grades 3-8 and 10 demonstrate proficiency in reading and mathematics by 2013-14.

The change to the AMOs was the result of the introduction last school year of a new statewide assessment and higher proficiency standards, which raise the bar for what level of mastery is considered proficient. Other states also were granted similar resets due to changes in their state assessment or other policy changes.

The state followed a federal formula to determine the new interim steps, which moved schools’ reading target for 2011 from 84 percent to 50 percent of students being proficient and the math target from 75 percent to 49 percent.

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The Saddest Sight These Eyes Have Seen...

Loyal dog guards Navy SEAL
http://www.joe.ie/joe-life/life-features/loyal-dog-guards-navy-seal-coffin-0015265-1's coffin

yesterday at 12:14 pm

The dog of a US Navy SEAL killed in action remained loyal to his master - even after death.

At the funeral of Petty Officer Jon Tumilson, 35, many were sad to see their loved one being laid to rest, but it was his dog Hawkeye that took it the hardest. The loyal labrador stayed beside Jon, even in death, at his funeral in Iowa last week.

Jon was one of the 38 servicemen killed when Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan downed a US Army Chinook.

During the funeral last Friday, Hawkeye walked up to the casket, heaved a sigh and lay down in front of it for the duration of the memorial. The photograph of a lonely Hawkeye was taken by Jon’s cousin Lisa Pembleton at the service, which was attended by 1,500 people.

Lisa posted the photo on a military blog with the sole message reading ‘Jon’s loyal son’. Lisa told reporters, “I hadn’t planned on taking any pictures other than with family. The message posted on Home Post read:

Hawkeye is/was his loyal “son”. To say that he was an amazing man doesn’t do him justice. The loss of Jon to his family, military family and friends is immeasurable. I hadn’t planned on taking any pictures other than with family. However, from my seat at the funeral, I felt compelled to take one photo to share with family members that couldn’t make it or couldn’t see what I could from the aisle. This is that photo…

Find more artists like Indigo Girls at Myspace Music

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Rent Inspection Woes

It is little secret that I loathe rental inspections. I thought I was over that but obviously, from the day I had I am not. I'll tell you about it.

I was out-of-balance & overwhelmed by the sheer enormality of the 'things-i-have-to-do' as the role of house keeper, mother, wife, sil, friend & simply being me. There was alot going on. Alot more than usual. I was managing. Then the 'rent inspection' notice arrived with a whole 7 days notice. Not cool. I got lots done (with help from self-joined-bloggers club-members *THANKS GIRLS*

But then hubby got sick. Not just "i dont feel well" but the running between bedroom, bathroom & toilet type. It wasn't pretty. So I cancelled. They made it for the next day AT 2:30. ALL day I tried keeping our usual living areas clean which is near impossible with lots of little kids. Got fed up and left returning for the 2:30 rent inspection. By 3pm I left again thinking they have a key. No problem.

Returning at 5pm to find a card stuck in the door saying they missed me as arranged will make it in 2 weeks time. Also that the yard needs tidying. Ok. So not impressed. 4 days preparing for this thing.

Fast forward to today. We do jobs daily. We have to. So we got stuck into them. Plus extras. I was narky, I was cranky, I lost all compassion and care for my children because we had an 'important' lady coming to see the tidy house. I said I cant cuddle you "im busy" & I growled when they dragged 1/2 loaf of bread into the lounge and crumbed it while chasing crumbs around with the vacuum. No fun to be had.

In truth I had been cleaning 'other' jobs to what I 'used' to do so there wasn't much to do. More just getting it tidy and KEEPING it there for the scheduled time. Lots of little kids can make a serious mess in just a moment or less :(

WHEN did housework take precedent over loving kids??!! WHEN did some STRANGER who was coming to scrutinise my cleaning skills (or lack of?) become more important than the little people I carried and birthed and nursed with my own body??!!

Last night my husband mentioned that Australia's prime minister Julia Gillard had a coffee at our local cafe van thingie coffee cat. Impressed? No I wasn't. The newspaper reported that she spoke to locals who were nearby. Still not impressed. I wouldn't want to talk to her. Why? Because she is NOT directly important to me in any way. No seriously! I would rather NOT have a conversation with the PM. I have nothing to say to her and quite simply she means nothing to me. My OWN CHILDREN however mean the absolute world to me. No word of a lie!

And here I am, pushing my loud irritating mess-making children away for some real estate chick who most likely would be rude (they all are, atleast to me).

*sigh*

We all have those days right? No? Oh :(

So the real estate chick rocks up. Looks half way through and then tells me there is 'still stuff that needs to be cleaned up in the yard'. And I am thinking "there is a LOT of 'stuff' out there what in PARTICULAR is she referring to?" So I challenge her. What stuff? All of the rubbish she tells me. Ok. Like what stuff? exactly what?. And she points to our *cough* shed and says all of this. I look around at the piles of camping gear, fishing gear, children's toys, pot plants, my gear box (no joke) and reply "this is OUR stuff! there IS no where to put it". No kidding!

It has an open carport. As in when you drive past the place you get to see all our washing hanging up. As in when you walk to our front door you get to see all our camping gear, fishing gear, children toys and bikes and my gear box. I admit it could be 'tidied up' but as for 'put away' that is just not going to happen!

She said to put it in the shed 'or something'. I told her this IS the shed. There is NO WHERE for it to go. She even looked out the back saying 'what about a garden shed' WHAT THE HECK? *sigh*

So I straight out asked her. Do you know when our lease is up because we are planning on moving. The place has no shed! We have no where to safely put our belongings. There are no flyscreens. And there is not enough space for us. 12 months and we've outgrown this little 3br place.

We WERE going to purchase it but according to actual finances we are a few k's short. And we feel peaceful about that. Had we bought it ourselves, we would have put a shed on it - for starters. And made do with what we had.

So tonight, Hubby doesn't go out on Wednesday nights. So I got the kids in PJs and sent them to bed. (Hubby DEMANDED toddler be in PJs - as opposed to suitable sleep clothes). He got them out and in the lounge and read them a story. I was thinking AWE how sweet is that man! cuddling his kids, reading them stories. Just being with them. Then Pop arrives, takes them away. HUH?! DATE NIGHT!! So I feel a lot better, relaxed and chilled... Ahhhh 

So from here, we are praying and hoping for a bigger, actual cared for home to make our dwelling place for (hopefully) the next few years.

AND, I am praying that My God will change my heart towards rent inspections.

5 Things I am Thankful for: 
1. Challenging the lady on what she was actually referring to
2. Standing up for myself instead of 'smile and wave'
3. New Days, passed inspections
4. DATE NIGHT!
5. My wonderful children, who do so much, whom I love so dearly.

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Home Schooling: Excuses

My first born son spun me out today. He is clever like that really. First of all he somehow managed to squish his left thumb in the car door. A first for us. That didn't spin me out. It was terrible.

A few hours later when I sat the two older children at the dining table to commence more book work my 5yr old first born child announced that he "Can't do my school work because I have a sore finger. It hurts when I turn the pages".

Pfft! Dont worry about that mate! I'll turn the pages for you.


But then he spun me out again. I could hardly believe it.

I placed a brand new worksheet in front of him from our brand new curriculum thingie and asked him what it said. He told me. It said BIRD. I didn't tell him. There is no pictures next to it either. So okay the kid can read bird. But then I asked him the next one. RABBIT. WHOAH!! and the next? CAT, KITTEN & DUCK... Okay so I did help him with duck. But after saying "der" he got the rest.

These words are NOT words I have worked with him before.

So clever...

I'm proud...

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recycling

I don't know how the rest of you were raised, but I was raised to reuse and recycle. Possibly not the exact type of recycling where you put all recyclable materials into the light blue bin for the council to pick up once a fortnight.

I am talking about opening gifts carefully so we can use the wrapper again, saving ice cream containers for a multitude of uses, piling egg cartons up until they are so high they tip over, and washing out jars with lids and putting them in storage for *cough* 'when' we make jam...

Remember laughing about how grandma's were so thrifty they would save the sticky tape on gift wrapping and other super strange things? My husbands grandmother doesn't flush her toilet.. and tells you off when you do it (TWICE ha ha) & she catches all her water in ice cream containers and waters her garden with it. Yes she is crazy & seriously I don't like her & not for her extreme recycling ways. 

Needless to say these habits were ingrounded into me so well that I have been doing them for years on my own accord. In fact I have (in the past) felt GUILTY for throwing away a perfectly good glass jar with lid just because I felt too LAZY to wash it and put it in the recycle bin. Actually to just put it straight into the rubbish bin. I had this dilema of having too many 'use one day' items clogging up my home.

Being the *ahem* wonderful homeschooling mum that I am... asking other more talented homeschooling parents what they do for "social studies" one day ended up in me reading about doing 'recycling' as part of social studies. There are lots of 'activities' that can be done. For example colouring in the 'recycle triangle', watching you tube videos of what happens to the recycling and what they make out of the materials, taking an excursion to your local recycling plant and actually putting recyclable products into the recycling bin.

For me: I googled. What is recyclable and what is not (Cos I honestly couldn't remember!). I was surprised to learn that recyclable items have this triangle on them...
Plastic ones look a bit like this one (although the number can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 in our area): 

I was also surprised that yoghurt containers, milk cartons, tin cans, ice cream containers AND their lids, egg cartons and GLASS JARS were ALL RECYCLABLE (in our area). The site asks that they be washed out before being put into the recycle bin.

I was excited. I showed the kids the triangles and told them they go into the recycle bin. Then I would ask them if an item went into the bin or the recycle bin. They were more excited than I was and learnt quickly.

For me it meant I was able to declutter the multitude of ice cream containers, glass jars, yoghurt containers, egg cartons, re-usable containers that filled my already overcrowded and tiny cupboards and spare room. I managed to fill the bin up in a day. And had to wait another 12 days before it got emptied. During which time I had stored up recycling in boxes and bins. When that was emptied it took less than 5 minutes to fill the recycle bin. And so on and so on. It is filled in around a week.

It feels good to recycle, better knowing it isn't just getting dumped as land fill (a reason to use cloth nappies actually). Our rubbish bin is now only half-filled to 2/3rds full on pick up day. Good hey! It USED to be overflowing. My cupboards have more space and I can move better in my spare room.

If your my local reader check this out: http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/kerbside/EsperanceWA

I don't believe in the 'global warning crisis' and all those 'environmental concerns' but I do believe that we could look after the earth that God created with his voice a lot better than we do.

If you are interested in recycling I encourage you to check out what you can and can not recycle in your area and see if you are creating more work for the workers by putting in items that should not be present. 

5 Things I am Thankful for:
1. Freedom I feel, less stuff in the house (freedom from my OLD way of recycling to my NEW way of recycling)
2. Knowing that putting recycleable materials into the recycle bin is used better than it would be if it was stored in my home
3. Teaching children in a NATURAL environment
4. Learning about recycling myself and seeing what can be done with things
5.My children - because I love them, lots.

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A Letter to Grandma-To-Be: All the Things You Want to Say But Can't

A few years ago, I took dinner to a dear friend who had just had her 4th baby.  It was the day she had gotten home from the hospital -- in fact, she had only been home a couple of hours -- and what did I find?  The Grandma sitting on the couch holding the new baby and the mom up, rushing around, helping the other kids get their dinner dished up.  When I left, she walked me to my car, and we had a heart to heart.  She didn't want her mother-in-law to be the one to hold the baby, but she felt so awkward about asking her to trade places.

As so it is with many new moms.  As a childbirth educator, I see so many pregnant women worried about their mother or mother-in-law coming to help after the baby is born.  Since it is so hard for many of these women to say what's in their heart, allow me:


Dear Mom-

I am so excited you will be spending some precious time with us after our baby arrives.  We are committed to letting the baby come on his/her own time, so we hope that waiting time is enjoyable for us all.  Let's make the most of these last few days together before our world is turned upside-down!

We have prepared for the birth by taking classes and we have talked a lot about our hopes for after our baby is here.  Breastfeeding is so important to us both.  In order to establish a good milk supply, I plan on holding my baby and feeding her a lot!  I am so excited for this experience.  I know that you will also want to get in some good bonding time with your new grandbaby, and there will be plenty of times that I'll need your help with that, including when I shower or nap. 

We have discussed what we hope to be able to do ourselves, but also made a list of things that we would happily accept your help with.  Among that list is cooking, shopping, dishes, and general pick-up.  Everyone has told me to "sleep when the baby sleeps", but I know that will be hard for me to look around and see the mess.  I would be so grateful for your help in those early days of helping to keep things straightened around the house so I can enjoy and get to know my new baby.  

Everyone tells me how much the baby will change in the first month and I don't want to miss a thing!  Thank you so much for coming to help us and for respecting our wishes as we embark on this new journey called parenthood.  I love you.

If you have not made a list of how people can help you after the baby is born, do so.  Have a talk between you and your husband too.  Decide who will do what in the first couple of weeks postpartum.  You may not be comfortable with other people doing certain things for you.  For example, I don't want anyone doing my family's laundry.  Weird?  Maybe.  But cook for me, shop for me, do my dishes, mow my lawn -- I can make a list!

Their job in coming to help you when you have a baby is not to actually help with the baby -- it's to help you with housework so you can bond with your baby and recover adequately.  Your emotions will be in overdrive and being able to just focus on the baby will help you transition from pregnancy to being this baby's mother.  Let your mother help you do that, but give her a road map.

You want to cry when she leaves because she was that helpful around your house -- not because your relationship is damaged due to her lack of help at your time of need.  Communication is the key.  I hope this letter is a starting point if this is a difficult topic for you or your husband to approach with your family.  Enjoy your Babymoon!

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Are they all yours?????

Yeah, they are all mine... and I love it...

Am I going to stop... No, probably not... God-willing

You've got your hands full... Yeah, they've been full since I had my first, filled since having my second, now they are overflowing...

You must be busy... Yeah, probably, but I've not noticed much difference since just having TWO

Don't you have a tv... No actually I don't. I hate tv and am super glad I don't have one. But don't try give me one cos I am running out of people to give them away too.

How many do you want... I don't have an answer. How many God will bless me with?!


There are loads and loads of comments that people with large(r) families receive. You've got to be quick with your come backs, and you've got to not take it too personally given most of us "choose" or at least "allowed" lots of kids to be born from us and not to judge back too harshly.

You see, often a parent of lots of kids will state that 'atleast my children are learning respect, to share, to be kind, and considerate, to help with chores, to behave whilst out and blah blah blah.' and in lots of cases this is true. HOWEVER, there are lots of small(er) families that children are also taught these characteristics (& more on both accounts). Opportunities arise in all occassions for positive qualities to be taught to children regardless of the number of siblings they have.

To counteract the negativity of having lots of kids a larger-kid-parent might state "because those with SMALL(ER) families COULD NOT COPE having lots of kids". Some of those less-kid-parents would cope a heck of a lot better than others with lots of kids. Ain't that the truth! You see, it is not HOW MANY kids a person has that gives or takes their ability to COPE from them. There are other influential factors involved. Such as WHAT they are coping with, their SUPPORT network, HOW they are managing the issues (and non-issues), etc etc etc

See, the truth is this. Children are a blessing, but they're hard work with a mind of their own. There are parents with lots of kids who do NOT train or teach their children in positive ways and are most likely to end up in juvvy or jail in a later life. And there are parents to only one or two in the same position. And there are parents with lots of kids who are raising wonderful positive children as well as ones with less kids. Ain't that the truth!

But here is the other side: 
Some of those parents with a small(er) amount of kids are in the process of working their way UP to be a family of a large(r) family - you know... like me?!.
Some of those parents WISH they COULD have had lots of kids or more kids, but for some reason their body will not allow them to, or they don't have a partner, or [insert blank]. In fact, that SINGLE (or double) child was a complete miracle in itself. A child they are (usually) extremely extremely grateful for.
Some of those parents HAD a child but for some unbeknown reason their child died, or they had a miscarriage or something happened.
I know people on all sides of the track, and if I know that many people, you probably know people like them all too.

I don't know why people feel they can and should comment on the choice of how many children you do or do not have, your coping skills, parenting skills, and what not. But they do. I don't know why people have a negative opinion of having lots of kids or just a few. But they do. And there is nothing you can do to change their opinion. In fact they have the right to an opinion, as you have a right to yours, and I have a right to mine. We were all given the ability to think freely.


Personally, I've been getting comments since having my 2nd child. That is TWO (very) little kids. And they have never stopped. Not yet anyhow.

Actually, after the birth of my FIRST child on the way out of the hospital I came across the mother of two adult children who congratulated me on the birth of my boy and then stated matter-of-factly "I hope you don't have as many as [my inlaws - who had 9 kids]!!!" as if it was a bad thing. I don't know what propelled me to state it but I replied quick as a wink "Yeah! I hope I have MORE!" and that was the end of that. 

* At the fruit and vege shop I had two perfectly well behaved (during those moments) children sitting in a side-by-side pram quietly gazing around. The shop keeper looked at the two of them and said (negative tone) "Whoah! How the #$@# do you manage that?! I am struggling with the ONE @#@$# as it is and couldn't imagine having to have more!" I simply replied, "I love it" whilst thinking jeepers, imagine her reaction when I start showing with our third. It wasn't MY fault she was struggling with her ONE, in fact her negative comments geared towards me were not MY problem. They were hers. Does this affect me? No. Why? Because it was not personal, as in not aimed at me directly but more at her own inability to get her head around 'having' to have another child. Does this mean that I can't cope with my 2 kids 24months apart? Pfft! No. It means she is inwardly amazed and thinking I wear one of those super-mum--suits under my snug fitting clothing. If only it were true.

* One time at the bank I had four-kids-under-four (3 1/2, 18mths, 10mths, & my newborn). I had no pram (Can't get a pram up the steps and through the door so I never used it). I was joyful, using the opportunity to train my children how to behave while out and be obedient (obedience training), and continuously talking to the children and complimenting them on their wonderful behaviour. Another customer (with negative tone of voice) stated that it looks like I have my hands full. Yes, I replied while busily doing what I went in for whilst holding two babies and the hand of a very active 18month old. But she kept going. I didn't have time or energy to argue, to talk, to make statements or anything. And quite frankly I didn't care to. Why? Because I had a job to do, and I loved just about ALL those moments with caring for that many kids. And YES during that time my house somehow was clean and mopped daily... I mean nightly...  But then the amazing thing happened. The bank teller who was serving this old lady with the negative attitude who kept talking about me stated Yes, She (me) obviously looks like she likes it. To which I finally replied Yes I do, quite alot actually. I love doing this. And walked out of the bank.
You see, you can't argue with that. Why? Because it is an emotion and a feeling, and you can not argue with someone's emotions or feelings. You can not tell a person that their feelings are incorrect because YOU can not feel them. And isn't it a good thing that I love(d) doing what I was doing. Nothing 'poor' about me having to deal with 'all-those-kids'. Quite blessed actually.


Just because YOU do not LIKE something does not mean that someone ELSE will not LIKE it. We like it like that in our society. It means that all the jobs in our society are filled by people with different skills, different interests, different hobbies. It means that me, as a mum, can go to the 'market' (woolies) and purchase the food to feed my family, it means that me as a mum, can go get my car fixed by someone with skills, and it means that my husband, as a tyre fitter, can go put tyres on other peoples cars. It means that we don't have to DO everything which also means that we don't have to LIKE to do everything. I like things like that and I like what I do.

The majority of my dealings with people have gone along the lines of:

• You look like your hands are full (Couldn't deny it - they are)


• You look busy (ahh, yes... cos you always see me OUT)


• How many do you want (I Always answer 10 with a shrug... it spins them out, and then they wont be shocked at the next pregnancy announcement)


• The occasional "how do you do it?" (Do what?!) 

I think for me most people KNOW who my in-laws are, and/or they KNOW that I am up for a big(ger) then 'normal' family, and they KNOW that nothing they do or say is going to impact the desires of MY heart, or my heart convictions. Why would they? And what does it matter to them? How does it influence YOUR life if I was to have more kids then you think I should have. You don't have to look after them, or raise them. Heck! Your on the internet you don't even have to LOOK at them!

Bottom line is this: 
If you've birthed a child, are raising a child, would like to raise a child, no matter how many you have or how many you want... Really, wouldn't it just be wonderful if we could get alongside one another and encourage one another, build each other up, and love one another. But let each other make our own mistakes, wrong choices, and do it our own way without the negativity that comes along with advising other parents.

I LOVE being a parent, I don't think I'd even be alive still if I wasn't a parent, and my life would definitely be worth a lot less without my four little blessings. I love being the parent of lots of little kids.

To those of you who had, and have lost a baby either in-utero or after birth, to those of you who want and wish you could/will have more, and to those of you who wanted and never had... I want to honour you tonight... Because I know, & understand slightly of what that feels like... Through loss and fears of my own... From she who has lots of little kids...



5 Things I am Thankful for:
1. Support Network
2. EACH of my little kids
3. That I have the opportunity to be a STAY AT HOME kind of a mum
4. That I have my special and individual convictions so that it doesn't matter what you think about me
5. Having my hands full, cos it means my HEART is even fuller

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Survey for New Charters in Wilmington

I stumbled upon this last night through a link from the Innovative Schools website:  http://www.makemineamodelschool.org/

I haven't heard these names in recent conversation nor seen any press, but it appears that two Charter Management Groups are scoping out Delaware, specifically Wilmington, for their next big ventures.  For that matter, just b/c I hadn't heard of them, doesn't mean they aren't already working on the chartering process with DOE.

Here's some info from the high school survey:

About the Big Picture High School Model

 Big Picture High School model is a dynamic approach to learning, doing, and thinking that has been changing the lives of students, educators, and entire communities since 1995. Development by Big Picture Learning and designed as a small school with personalized attention, all components of the school design are based on three foundational principles:

(1) that learning must be based on the interests and goals of each student; (2) that a student’s curriculum must be relevant to people and places that exist in the real world; and (3) that a student’s abilities must be authentically measured by the quality of his or her work.

At Big Picture, classrooms are small, with approximately 15 students, and are run by Advisor-Student-Parent-Mentor teams. Students who attend a Big Picture High School spend three days a week in the classroom and two days a week in internships with a mentor. Small advisory groups complement the internships through the development of an individualized learning plan with input from the student, parents, advisor and mentor. Students who participate in the BIG Picture High School graduate with a diverse portfolio of work experiences that prepare them to make informed decisions about college and their career.

Big Picture High Schools have transformed the lives of high schools students nationwide. Compared with traditional high schools, Big Picture schools have an average graduation rate of a 92% and a college acceptance rate of 95%. You can learn more and view videos on the BIG Picture High School model at www.innovativeschools.org or at www.bigpicture.org.

Info on the proposed new elementary charter from the press release:

The proposed elementary school will be designed specifically to serve Spanish speaking students in the Hilltop area of the city, and will replicate the Expeditionary Learning model. Utilizing project-based learning, the Expeditionary Learning model challenges students with high-level tasks and active roles in the classroom. Students in Expeditionary Learning schools:


 Work with experts – scientists, historians, mathematicians, writers, and artists – to conduct field research to learn and produce high quality academic products that meet professional standards  Hold themselves and their peers to high expectations for quality work, and are committed to learning  Take leadership roles in their schools and communities  Engage their families and communities in their learning by leading family conferences and making formal presentations to expert panels  Contribute to their communities through meaningful service embedded in the curriculum.

Follow the link and check out the survey -
http://www.makemineamodelschool.org/

all-in-all, an informative read.

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DOE RFP for Lead Partners - yes, I said "lead partners"

Delaware is doing the hard work required to be a Mass Insight Turnaround State - remember, folks, we were chosen to be one of their lab rats, among a cohort of states/districts that agreed to implement their unproven, unresearched school turnaround strategies.

During the first round of PZ schools, the MI language was a bit sanitized.  "Lead Partners" were called "Coordninating Partners."   However, one can't help but think of Mass Insight when reading the state's RFP for Lead Partners:  http://www.doe.k12.de.us/rfp/DDOESTULeadPartnerRFQ-FINAL8-3-11.pdf

It's not Mass Insight's m.o. to come apply to be a lead partner so there's no fear there.  It's just a quiet reminder that our DOE did commit us to what is becoming the social experiment of our time. 

Some highlights from the RFP:

Delaware will challenge its local education agencies to work together to achieve the following goals:  60% proficiency on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on Grade 4 Math; 55% proficiency on Grade 4 Reading, Grade 8 Math and Grade 8 Reading by 2015.  Racial (black-white and Hispanic-white) and income (low income-high income) achievement gaps that close by half on NAEP by 2015.  100% of students meeting state standards on the Delaware state math and reading exams by 2014.  A No Child Left Behind graduation rate of 90% for the class entering high school in 2014.  A college enrollment rate of 70% by 2014.  A college retention rate of 85% by 2014, as measured by the percent of college students who complete at least one year of college credits within two years.

All LEAs have the option of choosing to work with a Lead Turnaround Partner to help plan and manage the turnaround process. LEAs may choose to outsource management of Partnership Zone schools to a third party operating partner. Lead Partners should be identified and agreed upon in the LEA’s proposed plan with a preliminary contract and be approved by the Secretary before funds can be released. If the Secretary does not approve the plan, or a plan is not made within 120 days, the LEA must choose to close the school, reopen as a charter, or contract with a private management organization.

The role of the Lead Partner is typically defined by four overarching responsibilities:


1. Accountability. The Lead Partner is held accountable for results through an MOU that outlines accountability measures, performance monitoring expectations, and impact metrics.

2. Governance. The Lead Partner collaborates with the school/district in decision making on school operations and staffing including hiring a new principal or approving the current one and supporting the principal in staffing an effective cohort of new or rehired instructional staff

3. Comprehensive services. The Lead Partner provides core academic and student support services directly or by aligning the services of other program and support partners that may sub-contract with the Lead Partner

4. Embedded, consistent school presence. The Lead Partner maintains an embedded, consistent, and intense relationship with each school that requires a daily presence in the school during the turnaround period throughout the length of the contract

I guess what stands out the most is that there are absolutely no references to working with local control or school boards or boards of education...

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Rest Peacefully, Creed C. Black

 “As every editor knows, a newspaper can generally avoid controversy and criticism if it will publish every­thing that people want pub­lished, suppress any news that may be unpleasant to anyone, close its eyes when it sees some wrongdoing and remain silent when vigorous leadership that might offend someone is needed.” --Creed C. Black

The following obituary is from the News Journal.  A much more thorough and thoughtful piece can be found at http://www.kentucky.com/2011/08/16/1847393/former-herald-leader-publisher.html

Creed C. Black, a former vice president and editor of The News Journal newspapers, has died in Florida at age 86.

He was more recently publisher at the Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky, where he made dramatic changes from 1977 to 1988, the paper reported.

In Wilmington, Black resigned in 1964 in a dispute over coverage of the DuPont Co. The New York Times reports the resignation came “after the papers’ owner brought in a public relations executive from the DuPont Company to help manage the news department. DuPont was by far the most important company in town, and Mr. Black accused the owner of the newspapers, a securities firm controlled by the DuPont family, of wanting to make the papers, The Morning News and The Evening Journal, DuPont “house organs.” The newspapers were later sold to Gannett Co. Inc.

In the 1970s, Black was a top executive at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

In 1983, Black oversaw the Lexington Herald and The Lexington Leader consolidate into one newspaper and oversaw the construction of a new newspaper plant.

The Herald-Leader won its first Pulitzer Prize under his watch.

Daily circulation at the newspaper increased by 28 percent and Sunday circulation grew by 61 percent making the Herald-Leader the dominant regional newspaper in the area.

Black died Tuesday at Baptist Hospital in Miami.

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Gov. Markell FINALLY signs the Charter School Accountability Bill HB 205

http://governor.delaware.gov/news/2011/1108august/20110819-charter_schools.shtml
August 19, 2011


Governor Signs Charter School Legislation

Law increases oversight and accountability for charter schools

Governor Jack Markell signed into law today a bill that will strengthen education for Delaware children by increasing accountability and improving oversight of charter schools.

“Charter schools complement the work of our traditional public schools, bringing flexibility and creativity that can be a good fit for many students and teachers,” said Markell. “Charter schools empower parents to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs. But the promise of charter schools is not just added flexibility – it is added flexibility coupled with heightened accountability.”

The Markell administration worked closely with legislators, charter schools, and the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA) to pass House Bill 205. The law is designed to better ensure that individuals requesting a charter are qualified to govern a school by requiring criminal background checks and disclosure of financial interests in the school.

The new law also requires that charter schools share more information about their fiscal health throughout the year and changes the way that state funding is disbursed to new charter schools to bring financial challenges to light earlier.

“This law will help the state give stronger options, support and oversight to ensure our charter schools provide children the education they deserve and taxpayers the accountability they deserve,” said Dr. Lillian Lowery, Delaware’s Secretary of Education.

Moving forward, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will have greater authority to intervene once a problem is identified. If a charter school is on formal review, a Financial Recovery Team may be appointed to examine the school’s finances, provide information to parents and teachers, and make certain financial decisions.

An improved timeline for charter renewals will allow parents and teachers to know earlier if a charter will not be renewed, enabling parents to apply to another school through the state’s school choice program. In the case that a charter school is slated for closure, the new law shortens the timeframe for a high-performing charter school to obtain a charter to serve those students.

“This makes some important changes, both in terms of imposing greater accountability on charter schools and giving parents time to meet their children’s educational needs if a charter should fail,” said Sen. David Sokola, D-Newark, who sponsored the state’s original charter school law. “But these are evolutionary changes that build on what we’ve learned about charters that allow us to build an even stronger charter school program.”

Representative Terry Schooley, who sponsored HB 205, noted that there have been some ups and downs through the years with charter schools, but they have had several successes in educating children.

“This bill is a good first step at addressing some of the issues which have come to light – like financial oversight, criminal background checks and better timelines for both the schools and DOE to make sure the issues are resolved,” said Rep. Schooley, D-Newark. “In the end, when charter schools fail, kids fail. That's not what we want. All kids deserve the opportunity to excel in school.”

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Gov. visits with students on the first day of school...

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Music I loved back in the day...

One of my favorite bands back in the 90s at The Review! Awesome interview! And yes, my Delaware is showing tonight :)

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Just Like You!

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@ 5 months

Dear Princess,
@ 5 months of age you continue to delight each one of us. Although the high pitched squeals of demands are becoming a tad irritating. I think we can survive with that.
Already you are begining to be on the move. Pushing yourself up with your arms, then on your knees and rocking your way forwards. Or backwards. Some times I catch you up on your head and feet pushing your body along. That sure is using your head. Your a smart one that's for sure. Just today you moved half a metre off your mat. You know, your mat is down so that you can remain on a CLEAN surface. You do have older grubby self-feeding siblings you know!
You can even manage to sit up if your legs are out enough. Balancing with your baby-pudge I say.
Some days you'll roll from your tummy to your back where you'll lift up your legs and grab hold of your feet. I think you are liking your feet. They are always grabable and always tickable.

You still demand cuddles and attention, usually you get it from someone. Your still demand fed, but I know when your going to demand it so there are no surprises there.

You continue to sleep most nights through. Although of late you have woken in the night for a quick night-feed. No playing for you though! I'm not silly.

You often play with toys, giving things a good munch. You remain to not like getting into the capsule and let everyone know about it. I don't see why your so upset about that given you love riding in the car when it is in motion, or getting swung in your capsule.

Majority of the time with you is spent with a heart rejoicing with gladness at the delight in your face as you communicate and chatter with us. A smile erupts on your beautiful face as you recognise those that love you.

I am thinking that you & Jarah have a special sort of baby-bond. Either that or he is just smitten and in-your-face alot. He is rather affectionate though so don't be alarmed by the transfer of his food on your face. He's just kissing you. again. and again. and again.

Anyway, it is mighty late, your asleep, Papa is reading and the kids are in bed... I should sleep to so I can cuddle you tomorrow.

Love Mummy
xx

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Putting washing away - the secret

Mt FoldMore gets mentioned often on my FB feed. So often that I am always amazed how other mothers spend the time folding their washing and putting it away.

Over the past 6 1/2yrs of being married my own Mt has evolved from being put away nicely, to having no where to go, to being dumped on the spare bed, to being put into tubs. I am not really one for purchasing new furniture for each person who is born into the family. Actually we move so often it is better not to have any/much.

Because I have lots of LITTLE kids time runs away from me too fast that I don't even bother to FOLD our washing because simply I don't have the TIME to do such a task. In fact I am semi-at-a-point where I am not putting washing away, the kids are. For the past 6 1/2yrs all the washing has been left up to me, and me alone.

Training the children to be independent is important to me. Let's face it. Most likely they will grow up, and if that is likely they will have their own homes to look after, and most likely that will include such tasks as washing.

At just 3yrs of age my 2nd child can put away nearly 6 loads of washing ALL BY HERSELF! With the large sum of 10 cents for doing so. She's worth the expense. So how do we manage to do this?!

Here's the secret:
Everything has a PLACE to be in.
ALL the washing is kept in the SAME ROOM
MOST washing is sorted into TUBS/BOXES according to who's or what they are

Each of the children have their OWN tub/box.
PLUS we have the PJ box (everyone's PJs go in here Except Michael's because.. he doesn't have any).
Then there is Papa's cupboard, and Mummy's cupboard.
There is also a SOCK box, a JOCK box,
& a leggings box (for thy princess who practically ALWAYS has to wear them for modesty reasons).

Then there is the SWIMMING box,
the summer HAT box,
the winter HAT/BEANIE box,
the CURVES (my gym) box,
the DANCING box (for dancing),
& the CHURCH box (for church clothes),
and Bubba's Modern Cloth Nappies, and another box for nappies & wipes.
Oh & also the 'library box'. Which doesn't always sit on the clothing shelves.

On top of this is now the TOWEL box (kept in the linen cupboard),
the FLOOR TOWEL box (old nappy flats),
and a heap of boxes for the different types of sheets/rugs/blankets we have.
I was (meant to be) doing the towels and sheets etc. But they were being put 'out of the way' and thus not getting put away. So I got another box for towels to go straight into. Unfolded. Yep. Even the towels havn't been folded.  Okay. So I have folded some. But not all. But you know what? When you fold 5 towels, to shower/bathe the family and 5 towels get unfolded to be used... it is kind of annoying.

The children's tubs are kept in the WARDROBES where the hangable washing is put on their rails (der). Out of sight means the washing area just about always looks tidy.

It means:
Everyone knows where to look for something, everyone knows where to put things. It means that I can ask one of the older children to get something for me that doesn't 'belong' to them and they know where to look and can find it easily.

It means family-helpers *Hi Vicki* know where things are or atleast where to look.

It is all about being ORGANISED in a way that is effective and efficient for OUR family at THIS stage in our lives. Eg. I can grab the dancing box and have all we need ready-to-go at the drop of a hat. It means that I can say alright church clothes and the children can grab the box with what they need. It means when socks are needed they know where to look.

When time is available we will *home school* and "pair" socks up. Then with the paired socks I'll put them in each persons SHOE box (box for their shoes = different post needed) so we can get socks and shoes quick.

What used to take ages, takes barely any time. What used to be a frustrating task searching for clothing items in piles is done in moments. I used to have to do EVERYTHING, now the children are gaining the ABILITY to do (just about) everything I can do.

I love my system, it works for me, and I hope that you may gain some thing from this that will work for you too.

5 Things that I am THANKFUL For:
1. A system that WORKS for me
2. A system that WORKS for the children
3. Packing alot of STUFF into a small area
4. Free & cheap tubs for items to be stored in
5. That the children are older, with abilities, leaving me with LESS (ha!) jobs


This has been linked to: www.wearethatfamily.com WFMW
Please Note: We live in a SMALL 3br house. We have OUR bedroom, the children's bedroom & the school room / storage room / clothes room separated using wardrobes.

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No, no no no no!

I seriously LOVE this kid. But seriously he says no too much. Let's face it. He has just turned TWO.

This is our new pram. It is a strider plus with toddler attachment. I can also put our Strider Plus "infant carrier" aka CAPSULE onto it. So far I have used it TWICE. That is TWO walks priced at $425 EACH. Need to use it lots more and I do plan to. Honest.

Both walks I put this no-saying-two-year-old into his bottom part of the pram to strap him in he screamed & I don't mean a 'rebellious-2-yr-old' type scream but more of a DONT-YOU-DARE-PUT-ME-IN-THAT-THING!

See, when I was 35/36weeks gest with the above child we had a disagreement with a mud puddle on a sharp corner & fought with a tree. All was unharmed apart from the tree & the oversized-will-easily-fit-THREE- baby-carseats-and-a-giant-double-side-by-side-pram-in-the-boot. The markings remain on the tree as a reminder of what-never-was.

But it meant we were now 35/36weeks (aka 4-5weeks til due date) with NO vehicle, a 3 1/2yr old & a crazy 17mth old. Not cool. I did envision me screaming my way to the hospital about a km up the street and round the corner in labour but after my 2nd labour (one previous to this) I wasn't taking chances.

With NO finances saved, no insurance, no plans of getting another vehicle...

We settled for an old bomb. I mean I think we paid $1200 for it (approx 3 months after getting it - thanks to Tax & family who practically gave it to us). The problem with this new car was the boot space. It wouldn't fit my giant-double-side-by-side pram. It would fit my run-about-stroller. That I no longer had. Cos someone's husband broke it.

I didn't WANT to go out and spend $$$ on a NEW pram. Especially when I had one that was awesome that I LOVED. So I didn't!

Which meant that when the above child was BORN & I had errands to run (& actually I was babysitting a beautiful 10 month old 3-5days per week ALSO) I had to come up with a new strategy.

I could WALK down town with pram & 4 kids UNDER 4 (3 1/2yr old, 18month old, 10month old & newborn) which I often did. (but couldn't go INTO the bank or any other shop except Target & Coles because I couldn't fit the pram up the stairs OR through the door) OR I could DRIVE down town in my lil red bomb.

Then I would have to SLING my new born, put the 10month old on my hip, grip tight to the 18month old and have the 3 1/2yr old hold onto the 18month olds hand.

Ahhh. Those were the days... I actually miss those days they were so wonderful. *sigh*

This time I put my newborn in the sling, hold the 19-24month olds hand, who holds the 3yr olds hand, who holds the 5yr olds hand. And then we toddle down the street all proud of my 3 little hand holders who are doing it perfectly for the strangers to marvel at & get all clucky and go "naaw how cute" just before someone looks at someone wrong, holds too tight, walks too fast, or too slow & my pride sinks back to reality... as the children begin to fight...

It is a bit crazy at times. Sometimes one or two will run off, keep walking, stop walking. In a few shops they split up in THREE directions. I really hate that. I was given a double pram, tested it out. Ended up carrying a newborn, pushing a pram, yelling at the 5yr old, trying to grab and control the 3 & 1yr old. THAT was nuts. I almost kicked them to the ground just so they'd stop walking. I didn't. But seriously. When you run out from behind your packed 4WD onto the road your going to hit the bitumen one way or another.

So the above toddler has BARELY been put INTO a pram. I mean he has sat in prams, been pushed in prams, fallen asleep in prams. But so rarely. I usually carry him or make him walk.

My 2nd child used to sit in a pram for the WALK (sometimes) but as soon as we'd stop she'd escape. So I'd cross the straps. And she'd escape. I'd pull them as TIGHT as they could go. And she'd escape. So I would be left with a double-side-by-side pram being pushed with one hand and carrying a toddler with the other (& a preggy belly sticking out).

So my 3rd child won't sit in the pram. He really doesn't like it. But you know what? After the initial NO NO NO NO NO! *wipes tear* he sits back and enjoys the ride. Well atleast some of it.

After saying Nope I am not spending money on a pram I've gone and spent a heap on one. An ugly one. The UGLY one I say is UGLY every time I see it. Obviously I got the thing for practicality.

So. In a manner-of-teasing my toddler, I stuck him in the top section FACING ME & made fun of him. All the while he repeated NO NO NO! Ha ha.

Today while toddling down to the shop, two kids in pram, two kids holding onto pram I got to stare and coo at my baby while walking.

FOUR kids, NINE prams. NINE prams and I have NEVER had that function. To stare at my baby. Was quite a novel experience. One I suspect I am going to enjoy, and enjoy often.

5 Things I am THANKFUL for:
1. Ease, of walking with a pram & kids
2. Back pack 'monkey straps'
3. Pram Brakes
4. Tax returns
5. Double prams

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Today: The kids & I

Just took our gianormous double *new* pram for a walk to the shops. It helps not having a vehicle in regards to HAVING to walk. But trully I have only done it twice. Once to buy it once today. 

I have my runner-child with a back pack and lead tied to the pram. It is like controlling a small disobedient untrained pup. I think we need to work on that. But twice now, she has been saved from being hit by something large and moving and I'm not talking about myself. 

The oldest lags behind in his noisy riding books "clip clop clip clop" so I had him holding that ridiculous (& yes I DO believe they are ridiculous) strap that is now compulsory on all prams. It kept him walking close and not 50metres behind me. 

My little back seater did NOT want to get into the pram but somehow the older children got him in and strapped without killing him. It did sound like he got close. Fortunately if he doesn't want to sit in the 2nd child can go in there. 

I was a bit excited that it started to rain. It meant I had to pull the rain cover out and put it on, test it out. Not a single drop of rain landed on us but that's okay. 

Plans: To use the new vehicle to get us down town & me as skinny as child number 2. Okay so the second part wont happen but I figure it is worth a shot. 

On another note I am now putting child number 2 back into nappies at night time at age 3 1/2 because it is less work then having to change sheets daily & less of a nightmare for me to get peed on. Seriously.

Very soon we will continue on with our school work, learning phonics & addition & Aleph (Hebrew Alphabet) & even a bit of scripture stuff.

Afterwards, cleaning and tidying, preparing meals and maybe even a nap.
Some days there just is not enough hours in it for me.
Hoping you have a good one.

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What. A. FORTNIGHT!

With the pile up of regular house hold jobs, an unexpect sudden crisis, & the begining of sick husband, kids & myself, an urgent stirring in my spirit & a couple of all-nighters, a "call" to begin youth (again), discovering nits (again), AND having a rent inspection (that they failed to do so it is happening in another two weeks?! NOT HAPPY!!), two kids having night mares in their sleep, on TOP of my regular busy life as a mum to lots of little {home schooled} kids I was sitting on the verge of exhaustion. Yet I had no time to do what needed to be done. I was barely sleeping, and not eating (much). On the verge of exhaustion meaning ... if I don't get some REST or some SLEEP very very soon then I am going to crash and the crisis will become in-house.I needed something I needed it fast.

Sharing that 'news' created new stresses in those that I shared it with, knowing that if *I* crashed that there would be 4 little kids in need of a bit more care then I could give them.

But low & behold...

Prayer.

One kid being out with Papa, Two kids attending church with in-laws (on a Saturday!), left me home alone with just my happy giggly baby. But what to do? (I had a bath).

Then when Papa & kid got home we headed out for some lunch & quality time with that SINGLE (plus bubba) child. & a random trip to the pet shop organised by the Papa (& a bird bite HA HA sorry hunny but it was a bit funny...)

The children were still away so I had a nap. A real sleep. For hours. During the DAY.

Then the kids got swapped over. My two returned and my one left. One went to bed? & I chilled with the other.

It was an extremely relaxing day, a refreshing time for me. Back to reality and not sitting on the verge. What an awesome feeling!!

The nits are under control, the rent inspection is over (for now), the children are back to normal, home schooling is about to commence, house is mostly tidy, I have solved the problem to my carrying and controlling lots of little kids by buying an expensive strider plus pram with toddler attachment thingy PLUS one of those 'back pack restraints' for my runner-trying-to-get-hit-by-a-car child.

I've even been encouraged in all the areas that I need it. 

A new week, a refreshed spirit. Ready to go. A new season of life.
The fortnight is a reflection of the Power of God in my life.

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Hoping for a Fast Labor? Think again!

There is a list I give out in Class 8 titled "Variations of Labor" and we spend the entire class discussing this list.  Some of the things listed include Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), Breech, Failure to Progress, etc.  Also on this list is "Fast Labor".  I always start out this class by telling everyone they will have something from this list, but you don't get to pick which one it'll be.  There's always someone in the room that shouts out, "I get the fast labor!" to which everyone laughs and they fight over who gets that one!

My friend, Janet, who I referred to in last weeks post, had a very fast labor with her 2nd baby -- 3 hours to be exact -- and she received so many comments along the lines of, "Well, if my labor was that fast, I could do it without drugs too!"  Comments like that total negate the incredibly hard work she did in those turbulent 3 hours.

Now, if you had a very long labor, I know we aren't getting any sympathy from you!  It's great if there is a balance between fast and hard and long and slow.  While there are things that will sometimes work to speed things up or slow things down, we still don't get to choose.

I don't know how many times I've heard, "Who cares how the baby gets here as long as they are healthy."   We just want labor to be as fast as possible so we can get it over with. 

Any time a mom is dilating quickly, contractions are right on top of another.  She gets very little break, if any.  Now, hindsight is always 20/20.  A mom having a fast labor doesn't know she's having a fast labor -  especially if her last labor was 30 hours.  She's thinking "I can't do this for 28 more hours!" 

Some of you have had a fast labor and you know it was out of your control.  It was like a roller coaster ride that you couldn't get off of and just had to hang on until the end.   When you get off the ride, it's all a blur -- the racing heart, the just wanting it to be over, the nausea, the fear.  Generally, when women have a baby super fast, they just can't believe it when it's over, also a blur.  Most of them will say that they wish it had been longer and they got to enjoy their labor more, to use some of the techniques they learned in class.  They missed out on enjoying the "putsy-putsy" stage, as Dr. Bradley called it, with their spouse.   The processing of a fast labor is unique.

It's hard to explain to a woman about to start labor all the reasons not to hope for a fast labor.  I've seen women hope for a slower labor, only to have a fast one!  Since you don't get to choose the pace of your labor, I don't want to scare anyone, I just am hoping to help some moms to see that maybe a fast labor isn't all that it's chalked up to be.  Let's show some respect to those that had super fast labors.  They were hard and intense. 

A side note about fast labors:  Mom is more likely to tear when the labor is fast because she doesn't have as much time to stretch.  This is also more common with smaller babies that have a tendency to shoot through the birth canal.  Big babies and longer labors ain't so bad after all, my friends.

Some quick tips if you are having a fast labor:

Labor on your hands and knees.  This takes the baby's head off your cervix and may help slow things down a bit.  

Get in the water.  Even if it doesn't slow contractions down, they will at least feel different and more tolerable in water than on land. 

If the baby is coming through the birth canal fast, lie on your side.  It lessens the tension on the perineum and makes you less likely to tear.  

Enjoy that labor.  It belongs to you and your baby.  You only get to experience it once.  Don't wish it away by hoping it goes by super fast. 

I have to end this post with the same picture I opened with, simply because it totally makes me laugh.  Labor is a roller coaster ride.  Embrace the thrill!

Still laughing...

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Let's Circle Back!

Yep, it's a duplication of effort!

If your feeder school fails to make AYP for two consequetive years, your child is eligible to transfer to a higher performing school under NCLB.  The DOE has removed the AYP rankings from the school profiles.  Parents are now unable to look up their feeder school on DOE's website to learn whether or not it made AYP for 2009-10 school years.  AYP for the 2010-11 school year is being withheld from the public and boards until Friday, August 26th.  School starts Monday, August 29th. 

How will you know if your child is eligible for a transfer?  Will your child start school in a failing school year?  When DOE finally spills the beans, will districts be able to accommodate your request before schools start?  Should you want to exercise your right to transfer, will your child be forced through two transitions - one to the school that is failing and one to the higher performing one after the school year has already begun.  What about the games being played by DOE is student-centered, child-first, pro-education? What a messy circle.

Should we get our "panties in a bunch" over the negligence purported by DOE with regards to parents rights? I think that depends on how much you covet your democratic rights under federal and state law.   Should we report it to the feds?  That depends on whether you believe the feds will support the law.  Should we chalk this up to an eschool outage?  That depends on whether Eschool directly feeds to that little indicator on the school profile pages (99% sure it does not, as the indicator would likely be blank, not missing.) Should we be upset that DOE sends its online presence on vacation in July and August?  Only if you give a hoot about your tax dollars.  Circle, Circle, Circle. 

Don't worry, I bet the DOE folks are already circling to craft their reasonable excuse for their latest failure. 

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What's happening to that Pesky AYP ?

Yes, there are likely a million answers to this question.  But, I'm only looking for the right one!


If you've visited the Delaware Department of Education website recently, you might have noticed a little change...


ALL AYP RANKINGS FROM SCHOOL PROFILES HAVE BEEN REMOVED!


Go Here:  http://profiles.doe.k12.de.us/SchoolProfiles/State/Default.aspx


Under the ABOUT Tab, beneath Telephone and Web, is customarily a little box with stars and note about what the stars mean - Academic Progress, Academic Watch, Superior, etc. 


Well, that happy little box has been scrubbed from all pages in the SCHOOL PROFILES file.  Note that at the top of the page, the site was last updated "Summer 2011."


So, if withholding AYP rankings for the last school year wasn't bad enough, now the state has removed all pre-existing AYP data.


It's baffling, I know.  And I'm sure they'll give us a sensible explanation.


In the mean time, I am forced to assume that all schools in Delaware are simply SUPERIOR! 

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DOE Subverts Parents' Rights!

   WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

11 Business Days until school starts.  11 Business days until you put your kids on school buses or drive them into their choice schools. 11 days and you have no idea how your school stacks up on the failure/success scale because the Department of Education is withholding AYP ratings from you and your school board.

The policy on face value is to withhold the findings until they have been thoroughly vetted.  That's DOE's excuse.  It's the national excuse for DOEs through-out the US. 

HERE'S YOUR PROBLEM, PARENTS:
You and I don't know how our schools rate.  Under NCLB, we have the right to transfer our children to a higher performing school if our feeder school does not make adequate progress, but we can't do this until we know which schools made AYP. Delaware DOE will release the AYP rankings on FRIDAY, AUGUST 26th.  Our students will report back to school the following MONDAY, AUGUST 29th.  Your child may start their school year in a failing school and then endure a transfer and transition to a new higher performing school if you desire to move your student to that higher performing school. Imagine the complications if the nearest higher performing school is in another district - inter-district transfers? Oh, my!

DELAWARE's DOE IS SUBVERTING YOUR RIGHTS UNDER NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.  This wretched policy must go. DOE needs to be held to a higher standard that ensures these rankings are released early enough in the summer for you to make educated decisions regarding your child before the school year starts.

Parents, what are you going to do to protect your rights?  First, don't fall for "The Excuse." Parents in other states aren't.  They are asking questions and demanding change. Second, consider "friending" the Deputy Sec. of Education and ask him to change the policy.  For important links, visit:  http://transparentchristina.wordpress.com/2011/08/10/doe-now-providing-preliminary-ayp-reports-to-subordinate-employees-of-school-boards-while-excluding-the-schoold-boards-netde/

Georgia released AYP results in July.  Unhappy parents criticize DOE for late release:  http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2011/07/21/do-ayp-transfers-create-solutions-for-kids-or-new-problems-for-schools/

Oregon DOE releases  AYP in early August: http://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=131300831058681700

North Carolina releases preliminary AYP results in July: http://www.whiteville.com/articles/2011/07/28/news/doc4e2d995c95f04061558291.txt

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