SCHOOL’S OUT! Oh no, now what?
School’s out! Hooray! It’s SUMMER! (Gwinnett County gets out today, but the rest of Georgia will soon follow.)
There are very few sentiments that parents feel as excited about as kids but I think summer is one of them. (Christmas and Disney World are others.)
We love our teachers and we love our school, but I am so thrilled to have three months off from our regimented schedule. I am excited that the kids can sleep in. I am happy they can go back outside to play after dinner. And it’s such a relief not to have to say “Ok, it’s time to do your homework!” (Not to mention no more extra-curricular activities to drag three kids to.)
So I’m looking forward to having all this special unstructured time with them, but then the reality sets in. I have three children, 8,6 and 2, at home with now 24 hours a day for three months. What in the heck am I going to do with them?
My boss recently asked me this very question and I told her: “I plan to wear them out. Tired children are good children.”
We are mainly going to go the YMCA in the morning. They will play while I work out. (The older kids have basically like a camp program – play outside games, and then have indoor time with ping pong and other games. The baby gets to play on the little playground and with toys inside.) Then we’ll swim with our friends and have a picnic. And then we’ll come home, and they will be exhausted. The baby can nap. The big kids can play in the basement, and I will have some quiet work time.
We are going to have a couple of more structured weeks – art camp for Walsh and math camp for Rose (both at their request), and VBS for the whole family. All of those activities will be in the morning so they should be tired by the afternoon. Throw in a visit from friends from out town, a short Disney trip and longer beach trip and bada bing that’s a summer!
So my questions for you are:
Are you just as thrilled as your kids about the impending summer?
What’s your big plan for the summer? Structured time at home? Day camps? Spend the night camps? Academic camps? How much academics do you try to cover during the summer?
Also I want you to think back about what are your favorite summer memories? Which ones have stayed with you through the years? Maybe that will help you plan activities for your kids.
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85 comments Add your comment
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
6:43 am
MY LAST day to get up at 5:45 a.m. HOORAH. Actually my daughter gets up and I join her right after 6;00. The bus is here at 6:25. My perfect day is to get up at 7:30 with no alarm LOL.
Honestly, I do not have many fun summer memories myself ( not a lot of fun memories as a child period and my sisters and I discuss how sad and ridiculous this ) BUT I love having my kids home.
I am lucky that I can work double time 30 plus weeks per year and kick back in the summer…not everyone can do this.
We have a pool in our neighborhood and it is great to catch up with everyone. We also have cookouts and ice cream parties in our back yard. We have a few trips to the beach and usually one to see family. We read a lot and now can read books together, that we both enjoy.
One elementary school tradition, that my daughter reminded me of and I think I mentioned it before, the moms on the block would meet the kids at the bus after the last day of school and spray them with silly string and then pass out popsicles. She is 17 but said, “Mom we knew you would do it each year but we acted surprised and loved it.”
If you live in metro Atlanta, be sure to check out the parks and recreation….Gwinnett has some good ones and we have nice parks. Pnut sports camp is offered at night and pretty low key and usually 2 days per week. The library usually has fun programs too!
Eat some ice cream and enjoy your kids…they grow up way too fast!
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
6:45 am
Theresa…I tried to start this off and it is already acting up….this is getting old…I know it is not your fault but not worth the time of those who try to comment. Perhaps my comment will show up later. Too bad.
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
7:05 am
YIPPEE…my comment did show up…maybe this will be a lucky day for everyone….
Fred
May 20th, 2009
7:24 am
I still have a few more weeks of school left, We get out June 13th. I am not going to work this summer, I am going to take it off and enjoy the time with my wife (who is also a teacher) and our daughters. We will also go to the Y every day. The girls have just graduated from the little kid child care into the more adult oriented “teen room” and boy are they excited. we will also spend a lot of time on the new and larger bicycles as well as plenty of time at the pool. The girls decided that they wanted to be a poart of the neighborhood swim team, so lots of practice there. Other than that a whole lot of whatever, local museums, Busch gardens, camping. Summer with the family is my favorite time of year. We have nothing big planned and that is OK by me.
momtoAlex&Max
May 20th, 2009
7:31 am
If you had asked me that lasy year, I would have said OH NO, now what am I going to do. Money was terribly tight and could not afford a dang thing.
This year though, I am MORE than ready for school to be out. This year was the first time I had two kids in regular school and the schedules, homework, extra curriculars, classroom activities, etc wore me OUT! I am ready for lazier mornings and care free days. Plus, I have lined up quite a few camps and out of town trips.
When they do not have camps, we will do some PTA summer enrichment activities in the mornings and play outside. Then we will have lunch, have reading hour and then we will head to the pool most afternoons! YAY!
I cannot wait.
PHR
May 20th, 2009
8:01 am
My husband is a teacher and is off with our son during the summer. Last year we didn’t plan anything structured for our son. My husband got tired of trying to entertain him a couple weeks in. This year I planned a few different camps, but still left some down time. My son gets to go to soccer camp, Cub Scout camp, and Y-Camp this year. I think he will love all of them.
JJ
May 20th, 2009
8:11 am
I asked my daughter last nigh, for the last time EVER, do you have any homework? She laughed…..I told her I had to say that for the last time. I won’t be asking her next year when she is a college girl.
Summer fun, she is babysitting for my friend this summer, so she will be enjoying a 7 year old. They will play Wii, they will go fishing at the neighborhood pond, and go to their neighborhood pool, and we bought a Slip & Slide for their backyard, so they will be busy. They both get brown as little berries in the summer…….outside all the time. This boy adores my daughter, and she loves him too, they get along great and have so much fun…….
The only drawback is, I have to get her over there in the mornings, 6:45, so we still have to get up early three days a week……
As for summer fun, we have a HUGE “family” picnic (about 5 families) planned for Stone Mountain, a trip to PCB, and lots of local activities, not to mention Lake Lanier is in my backyard, and we like to take the doggies up there and have picnics……I’ll stop and get a rotissiere chicken and fixens at Publix, and go grab the kid and the dogs, and head up to the lake for a picnic dinner…..
No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks……..
JustMy2Cents
May 20th, 2009
8:17 am
Well I have the pleasure of working ten hour days during the summer, so the kids get to spend about 11 hours with the babysitter. Luckily, she has kids about their ages, and she does take them on field trips. They go out for ice cream, go to the bouncy places, six flags, the park, etc. I will have 3 day weekends and we will go to pick your own fruit places, 6 flags, the lake, bike rides- inexpensive stuff.
The things I remember from my summers as a kid: hanging out with my grandparents doing arts and crafts, girl scout camp (man I HATED that), and just playing with the neighborhood kids til we were hungry and it was time to eat, or the street lights came on! We would “explore” the woods behind our house, roller skate in the basements or on our street, walk to the penny candy store and stop at the park…ahh back in the days when you could play outside and not worry about getting mugged/kidnapped/raped/shot etc.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
8:17 am
JJ — I was thinking about that song all last night and even thought about starting with it – but I tell you I think teachers are so much nicer now!! – I think it’s the regimented schedules that are what stinks about school now — I don’t think families used to be under this much stress to do so many things during the school year — I am very cautious and only let them do one activity each (other than church) during a quarter so I don’t think we’re overscheduled and it still feels very stressful and tight. My friend in Augusta has three kids and they do 10!!! activities a quarter among the three kids — How on earth could you get to that many things and still get homework done — I hate the nights we have to be some place!! makes me nuts –
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
8:32 am
JJ my husband sang this song on Monday and we laughed at him. He went to parochial school and those nuns were not all warm and fuzzy in the sixties..still used rulers to rap knuckles.
I never sang this song as I am a teacher and the few dirty looks I gave were well deserved.
JJ…6;45? Can she drive herself? Mine still has no license ( she will just be 17) and is not in a hurry. Her brother had his the week he turned 16 LOL.
Yes, I do have memories of walking to the penny candy store at my Grandma’s in Chicago…I loved non pariels ( sp?) those chocolate circles with the white sprinkles…still do!
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
8:36 am
PHR — We need to add into out list a little play date action for our little guys!! Let’s figure out when you guys can come and play!! The kids would love to see you and so would I!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
8:41 am
Mother – she could drive herself, but we only have one car and I have to get to work. Sometimes I let her have the car and I ride with my friends. I work with the father of the kids she babysits, and he and his wife carpool, so it’s no big deal, I can ride with them. But then I don’t get home until after 6:00. I usually get home around 4:30. Small sacrifices huh?
JustMy2Cents
May 20th, 2009
8:43 am
Oops…forgot to add the “edjumacational” stuff. The girls have their Summer Bridge books and are required to do a few pages daily in addition to reading for at least twenty minutes a day.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
8:44 am
2cents – what time of day do you do the school work?? I’m trying to figure that out –
JustMy2Cents
May 20th, 2009
8:50 am
Theresa- regarding all those activities…we stick to 1 kid gets to do an activity at a time. My oldest was up first with karate. We have about a month left on her 30 month contract, so it is time to find something for the 6 year old. Even doing 1 activity it was hard to juggle everything. By the time I got home from work, made dinner, she would have to woof it down and go change. About an hour and a half later, come home, chores time, shower time, homework time, reading time- about 5 minutes of tv time before the dreaded words “go brush your teeth and go potty and get in bed”.
JustMy2Cents
May 20th, 2009
8:56 am
I either send the book along to the babysitter and they do their work there and I check it when I get home, or we do it after dinner before they read.
I do feel bad for the girls though. They have to get up at 5:45 all summer long except for Fri-Sun.
RJ
May 20th, 2009
9:09 am
Having 2 months off to be with my kids is such a joy! I can’t wait to begin my summer break. Last day for me is next week, but the kids are out as of Friday. We plan on using our community pool quite a bit. The kids will spend a couple of weeks in camp, but not the entire summer. As they get older I truly cherish the moments that we spend together. My husband loves having me at home because dinner will be served on time every day!
Becky
May 20th, 2009
9:16 am
I am so looking forward to summer vacation time..Our two enjoy going up to the north Georgia mountains hiking..Ok maybe just walking..They both have boots, backpacks and love going walking thru the mountains and parks..We are going to FL. for a week at some point.
There is a cabin up near Blairsville that they want to go stay at, so that will be one weekend..They have paid fishing, but the boy only wants to catch and release..A long weekend to Tenn. to do all of the tourist stuff..
We are going to do a lot of stuff local also..Atlanta History Museum, Botonical(sp) Garden, movies at the Fox Theatre, Calloway Gardens..
The boy loves to ride the motorcycle with his Poppy, so they will be riding that a lot this summer..Leaves me and the girl to go have our nails done at the mall..She’s only six and they know here there already..
Then the biggie of the summer vacation, they will be seven in June and we are having a big party for them..I took them last year for their birthday to DC and even though they loved that, they want a party this year with all of the family..
JJ
May 20th, 2009
9:37 am
My 50th birthday is this weekend!!!! AND I have a three day weekend. WOO HOO!!!!
DB
May 20th, 2009
9:40 am
My daughter is graduating this Saturday. She finished her AP and senior exams last week, and her class is now on their senior trip out west — she is skiing, hiking, horseback riding, rappelling, and whitewater rafting, and will be back tomorrow. Baccalaureate on Friday, graduation on Saturday, lunch for 35 people Saturday afternoon, family reunion on Sunday, and I NEVER EVER EVER have to wake up at 6:15 am and walk in her room chirping, “Good morning!” again. And I will so miss it! (but not the 6:15 part!)
We’re going on a cruise in June, she has college orientation at the end of June, she’ll be working to earn spending money for college, and at the beginning of August, we’ll be in New York again for a few days. We’ll spend the summer getting her ready for the next exciting phase of her life — college! My son is home for the summer and is helping out around the house until he starts his job next week. Both of them have to be at school early in August.
Everyone keeps asking me what I am going to do with everyone gone next fall, and I just laugh — I can do anything I want!! It’s exciting — my daughter isn’t the only one looking at new horizons!
DB
May 20th, 2009
9:41 am
Happy birthday, JJ!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
9:51 am
DB I didn’t know they still did Baccalaureate. I have not heard one word about that at all. Is is just for the private schools? My brother graduated down here, and he did Baccalaureate (1980), but I haven’t heard much about it lately. We didn’t do that in Colorado.
And thank you for the birthday wishes. I’m thinking about getting a tattoo……
Becky
May 20th, 2009
9:53 am
Happy Birthday JJ..To all the parents that have kids graduating this year, congratulations for you and them making it through 12 long ears of school..May they go on to be very happy and sucessful as adults..
Becky
May 20th, 2009
9:59 am
JJ, a tattoo?? You go girl..That is one thing that I have never done..I’m not far behind you for 50, but I still don’t think that I will get one..My nephew tattoos for a living and he has been trying to get me to get one for the last 5-6 years..So if(when) you get one, I hope it turns out to be exactly what you wanted..
JJ
May 20th, 2009
10:09 am
Thanks Becky, I’m thinking of a guardian angel on the front part of my shoulder, somewhere where I can see it……I figured I’ve made it this far, there must be an angel watching over me……or something to honor my father, who passed away 17 years ago, or my daughter’s zodiac sign on my ankle. So many choices…….
But knowning me, I’ll chicken out at the last minute. I’m not one for pain……VERY low threshold for pain……I’m a whimp…..
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
10:11 am
Happy Birthday JJ!!
Becky — I have big news for you and all our moms – It looks like we’re going to be doing a bunch of giveaways this summer — like movie passes, and passes to places like Six Flags — I’m still working out all the details but we do have a big, big giveaway that is starting on Monday!! So even though it’s the holiday be sure to log in!!!! Big stuff!!
stevecode
May 20th, 2009
10:13 am
Hooray! In Atlanta school’s out means “lock all your crap up” because the city (and worthless “parents”)won’t do anything about the out of control teens! If you have great kids, that follow the rules and abide by the laws, then please forgive this statement, but if you take offense to this-then you are that parent, so start some kind of punishment program for your kids, although it is probably too late.
LM
May 20th, 2009
10:14 am
Happy Birthday JJ, go party like a rock star!!!
We are out of school next Friday and then AB/DC starts work at the Boy Scout Camp again this year. With my new hubby gone, and her heading off to camp, I will get some much needed ME time. She will get to come home for some weekends, and hubby will get leave in June, she will come home to see him so we will get one last night together. AB/DC & I are planning a vacation for the week following July 4th, was looking at PCB, but think we will head to Myrtle Beach. It has been a long time since I have been there and it would be nice to see where I used to live and what they have done with the AFB.
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
10:16 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JJ! My sister thinks I should get a tattoo when I turn 50 but not me. I may get a makeover to see if there is anyway I can look beautiful…LOL!
Yes, they do have baccalaureate in Gwinnett County…at least at our school.
My daughter and I are off to a meeting in Florida….have a great weekend all!
CONGRATS TO ALL GRADUATES AND THEIR PARENTS TOO!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
10:21 am
Mother, where does your child go in Gwinnett County. Mine’s graduating from North Gwinnett….I moved up there specifically to get her into that school, and I haven’t been disappointed at all!!!!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
10:22 am
Hey Stevecode, do you have any ideas about what those “out of control” kids can do???????
Joe
May 20th, 2009
10:22 am
“We love our teachers and we love our school, but I am so thrilled to have three months off from our regimented schedule.”
Yeah, and I bet the teachers are thrilled to send them back to you!
Cherie Hammond
May 20th, 2009
10:23 am
I’m very fortunate. I am the Director of a YMCA Sleepaway Camp. My daughter actually moves out of her bedroom and goes to camp (1/2 mile down the road from our house). Even though we live at Camp year round, I’m always amazed at the maturity and self esteem she gains from Camp. AND she is active and happy – outdoors having fun with other kids under the guidance of really positive role models who serve as the Camp Staff. As a YMCA Camp Director and more importantly as a parent – I say “unplug your kids this summer and send them to Camp” – please know, many camps, espeically those run by non-profits including YMCAs offer financial assistance! Happy Summer!
Becky
May 20th, 2009
10:24 am
stevecode, you are right on the mark..As much as I hate to admit it, those parents are all in my family..So no offense taken here..
GeorgiaSpoons
May 20th, 2009
10:26 am
Theresa, you actually have 3 months off in Gwinnett County??? We (Coweta County) dont get out till May 29 and go back Aug. 7, so basically only 2 months. Lucky you!! Enjoy your summer with your kids. Mine still have to get up early as I work and they go to sitter. Count your blessings!
momtoAlex&Max
May 20th, 2009
10:28 am
@Cherie: I am actually sending my oldest (9 year old) to sleepaway camp for the very first time this summer. I’m excited and scared at the same time. I don’t mean scared because I think anything will happen to him, but I am so worried that he’ll get lonely or homesick! Of course, he sees none of this, I am always upbeat about it. And I am sure he will be fine, he’s a social kid, but he will not know anyone when he arrives.
I’m sure I’ll be posting here when the time arrives and all of you will be reassuring me that he is having the time of his life. right??????
momtoAlex&Max
May 20th, 2009
10:30 am
Cheri: not the YMCA one. I mean he’s going away for the week to a camp in NE GA.
JATL
May 20th, 2009
10:30 am
Even though we’re not in “regular” school yet, my son’s preschool program ends this week as well. For the month of June he is going to VBS, then we go to the beach for a week (CANNOT WAIT!!!!!) and then his preschool has half day “camp” for the rest of the month. When he’s not there and for the rest of the summer, we’ll be hitting Grant Park Pool and their fabulous gradual entry kiddie pool and splash area, the Botanical Gardens (another splash place), EARLY trips to the zoo, and story time at the library and Wren’s Nest (which I highly recommend -Joel Chandler Harris’s house and home of the Brer Rabbit stories). I also plan to spend at least one day a week at my parent’s house about an hour south of here because they have a pool (and of course they love to see their grandchildren)!
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
10:31 am
JJ… Collins Hill we also moved here for the schools…that was 20 years ago and things have changed.
Gwinnett Schools are out from tomorrow until August 17 ( I think this correct) …I believe that is 12 weeks, if I can still count.
GaNative
May 20th, 2009
10:37 am
I can’t wait till August comes again. I hate it when school’s out and the kids are home. They eat up everything, drink up everything, stay up all night, run the air conditioning till they get cold, then turn on the heat to warm up.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
10:43 am
I just double checked it’s 11 weeks and four days before we have to go back — so pretty darn close to 3 months — wait 4 weeks in a month — 12 divided by 4 — yup about 3 months (I am bad a math so actually not bad to question me!)
Andrea
May 20th, 2009
10:44 am
We do MomSchool several mornings a week. Math facts (square root, multiplication, division, etc.), reading, writing and social studies are normal rotating subjects but we expand on these. The girls (age 11 and 13) will be in charge of menu planning, shopping, cooking and serving dinner one night a week. We give them a budget, too, to make sure math is a part of it. They will continue to play their instruments (tuba and saxophone) each day, too. The standard agreement is that MomSchool and music practice have to be completed before they watch TV, play the Wii, go outside, etc. Mornings work best for all before malaise sets in and while everyone is fresh. They also work in our modest vegetable garden. Between this, playdates and vacation, no one loses their mind (until late July at least).
lwa
May 20th, 2009
10:45 am
I remember as a youth coming to GA for the summer and just sitting around being a kid at my grandparents. We slept until noon, ate lunch, watched t.v. and went outside and played all afternoon and evening. I played with my cousins and just explored the neighborhood. I loved it.
My mother passed away so I really don’t have anyone to send my kids to for an entire summer. We have a vacation planned and some weekend get-a-ways. My 9 year old is going to a sleep away camp for 1 week, hang out with her friend riding bikes, scooters, etc. I really want her to rest after an entire school of year of hearing “CRCT Test.” I need to deprogram her.
My 16 year old is going to work.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
10:46 am
Andrea – love the plan — love momschool– love having them plan a meal and cook – mine couldn’t cook it but they could plan and prep –
Andrea
May 20th, 2009
10:59 am
When our kids were younger like yours, they picked out recipes and shopped for easy recipes–orange milkshakes was a favorite. They still talk about the fruit platter they put together–they did all the prep and arranged it very nicely on a platter. Kids can do lots in the kitchen with some supervision. Since I love to cook, it is a great way to spend time together without it seeming forced.
Becky
May 20th, 2009
11:00 am
Cherie, how old do the kids have to be for this camp? Also, theres not a YMCA in the county where I live, does this matter?
MomtoAlex&Max, of course we will be telling you that he is having the time of his life and he actually might be..BUT, that doesn’t mean that you will be..I know that I would be worried to death for my two to be at a camp overnight away from me..It’s not something that you can just not do..
Thersa, looking forward to the great giveaways..We haven’t braved Six Flags yet..Of course I only live about 5 minutes aways from there, so we might this year..At 7, they think they are old enough to enjoy it and be able to do all of the walking that we will have to do..
JATL, I hadn’t thought about Wren’s House thanks for mentioning that one..There are so many places that I want to take them, it’s tough to make time for all of them..
GaNative, if you are serious, I feel bad for you and your children..IF you are this negative about summer vacation, what is it like the rest of the time?
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
11:03 am
Cherie — tell us the name of the YMCA camp you are the director of!!
Becky
May 20th, 2009
11:24 am
I promise that I’m not trying to hi jack the blog..LOL..Has anyone ever taken their children berry picking? We are going this weekend to pick strawberries, then in June to pick blackberries, scuppernogs and muscadines(sp).. The kids are really looking forward to this..
non-stop
May 20th, 2009
12:05 pm
I am so excited about summer. My son is going to have a blast! As I work :( I know that my babies will be enjoying summer as much as possible. Field Trips almost everyday to parks, skating rinks, six flags, movies and so on.
Any of my memories of summer to pass on to my kids…no, not really. I was training for the 96 Olympics basically my whole life. So, I never really had summers. But if my kids are focused on a goal as I was…then yes, I would support them 100%!
Tammy
May 20th, 2009
12:12 pm
I’m excited that the kids are getting out Friday for the summer. I’m tired of the homework and projects. The kids are doing swim team in the morning , dtr is going to Girl Scout camp and my older son is involved in football practices most of the summer. So they will keep myself entertained. The only problem is to make sure they are learning over the summer since they have swimming in the morning.
Tammy
May 20th, 2009
12:19 pm
I forgot to mention my favorite memory. My favorite memory is when I go spend the summer with my grandparents in SLC. My grandfather and I would sit on the porch after dinner. We would eat watermelon and play with the dogs. I miss him and my life was much more simplier.
April
May 20th, 2009
12:26 pm
We have several day camps planned – mostly through church or local groups. These are usually rather inexpensive and a lot of fun for the kids. VBS is one of our favorite weeks, also. My middle child will be going to sleep over camp for an entire week this year. I can identify with the nervous and scared part. She went to a mini camp last year and asked to do the longer one this year. I think it is a great self-esteem and idependence booster – but I have to worry a little or I would not be the mom :)
We will also enjoy days just relaxing by the pool and catching up with friends.
sd
May 20th, 2009
12:30 pm
stevecode is right. For the last three summers, we have had a lot of car break-ins in my neighborhood.
The first summer, they were breaking windows to get in. I would leave a note on my window that read “Car is unlocked. Nothing to steal. Have a nice day!”
JATL
May 20th, 2009
12:35 pm
Oh -and I hope I’m not ruining this, but late afternoons (after naps and avoiding buying lunch there) at the Aquarium are usually not horribly crowded! The Children’s Museum is hit or miss -lots of day camp field trips and rainy days are crowded, but early Monday mornings and mid afternoon naptime (if your kids don’t nap) can be good -same goes for jumpy places like Leapin’ Lizards. We also plan to spend some time in the woods. My 3 year old LOVES rocks and searching for new rocks, and I have one of those baby back packs I carry the 7 month old in (makes for a good workout).
I also have a question for everyone about Six Flags. When I was a kid my parents took me once every summer and it was a highly anticipated event! My oldest is only 3, and I know they have the Thomas area they opened last year, but what else is there that a 3 year old can do? I hate to spend the bucks for my husband, myself, and our 3 year old (surely infants are free -right?) if he’s only going to have a few things to do and a few hours to spend before he’s bored and done. I know they have the great carousel too and a kids area, I just can’t remember how involved it is and if a 3 year old would enjoy it.
JJ
May 20th, 2009
12:39 pm
Tammy – SLC Salt Lake City? I practically grew up there. SLC was my second home, as all my relatives lived there and up in Ogden…….
Please let me know for sure……..I have an entire life of memories of SLC…….
Photius
May 20th, 2009
12:41 pm
George Carlin said it best about parents and children:
“And you’d be anxious and depressed too if you had to put up with these pathetic, insecure, yuppie parents who enroll you in college before you’ve figured out which side of the playpen smells the worst and then fill you with Ritalin to get you in a mood they approve of, and drag you all over town in search of empty, meaningless structure: Little League, Cub Scouts, swimming, soccer, karate, piano, bagpipes, watercolors, witchcraft, glass blowing… It’s absurd. They even have “play dates”, for Crying out Loud! Playing is now done by appointment! But it’s true. A lot of these striving, and parents are burning their kids out on structure. I think what every child needs and ought to have every day is two hours of daydreaming. Plain old daydreaming.
Turn off the internet, the CD-ROMS, and the computer games and let them stare at a tree for a couple of hours. Every now and then they actually come up with one of their own ideas. You want to know how to help your kids? Leave them alone.”
Stephanie
May 20th, 2009
12:43 pm
Photius- I couldnt agree more!!!!!!
DB
May 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
JJ, I think several of the public schools around here have baccalaureate, too, but for our school, it is mandatory for the kids. Regardless of what folks may think of “mandatory”, keep in mind that it’s a private school, and it’s what we signed up for, so we don’t have a problem with it. :-) It’s a very nice service, although the kids are wild with excitement for graduation the next day!
Have fun with the tattoo, but I will never have a tattoo! I have spent far too much money at the dermatologist dealing with this oh-so-sensitive skin to ever consider injecting dye into it!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
1:10 pm
Oh in our old neighborhood, kids were always outside playing. You couldn’t drive over 25 mph and had to dodge the kids. That’s why I bought my first house in that ‘hood. My neighbors and I used to organize kick ball games, etc. The kids all rode bikes, played hide and seek, tag, or just sat in the front yard and chatted. We lived on a long street, with a cul-de-sac at the end. All the kids were about the same age, and they ran in the streets constantly. They weren’t bad, and never did any property damage.
We used to have “driveway Parties” on Friday nights. All the adults would pitch in, and I would go buy margarita ingredients. I had a blender, one neighbor brough ice, etc. We would sit in my driveway for hours drinking margaritas, and the kids would play. Sometimes we would be out there until midnight……the kids still talk about those nights. Like I said, we still see our old neighbors, even though all of us have moved out of the old hood.
One neighbor had a dump truck full of dirt dumped at the end of her driveway. She was re-doing her back yard. All the kids were playing on this mound of dirt, so we got creative, and asked all the kids to go home and get shovels and wheelbarrows. We had a little “chain” of kids helping get this dirt to her backyard. Four kids with shovels would fill up the wheelbarrows then wheel them into her backyard, and come back for more. We tackled that mound of dirt and by the end of the following day, you would never have known it was there. The kids loved it, we all got dirty and just had a blast. I really miss that neighborhood. Good times……..but we had to get out, it started to go downhill real fast!!!!
lynn
May 20th, 2009
2:17 pm
Happy 50th JJ!!! Come on down to the lake and we can drink beer & ride the boat all day.
JJ
May 20th, 2009
2:18 pm
Lynn, I’m there!!!!! And thank you.
Michelle
May 20th, 2009
2:34 pm
Well, Cody’s last day of school is today! Woo Hoo! He will be in the 1st grade next year. As for summer plans, unfortunately, the hubby and I both work full time. He will be in the summer camp at Daycare. They do have 2 field trips a week and a pool on-site. So I am confident he will be having a lot of fun. I’m not sure if they work on education, but I hope so! I plan on doing a lot of reading with him over the summer too!
We have a pool in our neighborhood too! I am hoping to actually relax and spend some FUN time together. It was a LONG first year of school!
As a kid, we used to either go to the pool at the high school (In Indiana all the high schools have pools…it is a winter sport there!) There was also a swimming hole that we would go to. For awhile, we had a pool in the backyard. I grew up with lots of brothers and sisters so we always had something to do!
Kathy
May 20th, 2009
2:37 pm
MJG….first day of school in Gwinnett is August 10, 2009.
JJ….Happy B Day!! Just curious…what kind of tattoo are you thinking of? Do you know where you are going to get it? My brother is a tat expert (he has several, all designed by him) and could probably recommend a place.
Kathy
May 20th, 2009
2:38 pm
JJ..I meant he could recommend a tattoo establishment….not a place on your body : )
motherjanegoose
May 20th, 2009
2:52 pm
Kathy…OOOPS…I was told the wrong date by my daughter…guess I needed to check.
Michelle, if you think the first year is long, you’d better get your running shoes on.
Check in with JJ and DB…this past Junior year was a doozie with my daughter…she took AP Physics. Her brother and I tried to talk her out of it. ( he had it and I am too ignorant to know anything about it) She slid by with a B and I was fearing she would get her first C in her life. I am thrilled.
Have a great weekend…we are outta’ here tomorrow!
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
Just returned from 2.5 hours of picnics, dancing (with a DJ) and games at our elementary school. That’s how they celebrate the last day. All the parents come and eat and dance with their kids. The kids had a wonderful time and the parents did too!.
JJ
May 20th, 2009
2:57 pm
Kathy – I’m thinking of a guardian angel on the front of my shoulder (so I can see it); or something honoring my father who passed away 17 years ago; or my daughter’s zodiac sign on my ankle.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
May 20th, 2009
3:09 pm
I can’t remember if I already shared this or not — We made out teachers in K a photo book of the whole year on Shutterfly.com. We just gave them to them and they LOVED THEM!! Turned out really well. We also created a custom web site on Shutterfly for free where all the parents can log on and view all the photos from the year. They can print them, download them or even print the book we made for the teacher! Several parents said at the picnic they had ordered it! It turned out great!! I think I’m going to use the custom web site next year as a room mom central location — you can also post calendars, rosters and I think even coordinate stuff needed for the class on the site.
lakerat
May 20th, 2009
3:28 pm
Happy Birthday JJ –
But, at the risk of being a “voice in the wilderness” – why would anyone who is pushing the other side of life’s highway (over age 50) want a tat? They are for those who do not know better and who will ask themselves (usually at this time in their life) “What was I thinking?” To each her own, I guess!
Good luck with the graduation, the tat, and the search for “non-loneliness” – how did the “date” go last weekend”? And, I really do hope your 3 day birthday weekend is fun!!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
3:32 pm
Hey Lakerat……I want a tat because I have made it unscathed for 50 years (and trust me, I put this body through HELL, I’m actually surprised I’m still alive…..), so there’s an angel looking over me…..hence the guardian angel.
Becky
May 20th, 2009
4:03 pm
lakerat, that’s always been my thoughts on a tat..My sister (58) got her first and only tat at 49..Just a little background for you on her..She went to MO. to visit her two oldest sons, one that does tats for a living talked her into getting a small one..We’re talking half dollar size..Winds up being about 4 inches wide and about 5 inches tall..It’s a heart with a ribbon and flames across it..On the lower part of the ribbon is a name..When I pick her up at the airport and see it, I say who is “Z”? She looks at me and says. “R” says he’s my grandson..WHAT?
My nephew isn’t sure that the boy is his, even though he’s listed as the Dad on the birth certificate..Then you have the fact that the tat is about 4 times bigger than it was suppose to be..
Nephew moves down here, opens his own shop and wonders why I won’t let him put a tattoo on me..One because I don’t want one, two, because I would hate to strangle him if he put one on me the same size as hers is..
So again JJ, if you get one, that’s great for you..It’s not that I don’t really like them, it’s just that they never wash off and that scares me..
JJ
May 20th, 2009
4:20 pm
Well I talk a big game, but when it comes down to it, I’m a sissy in the pain department. I understand they won’t work on your if you are drunk and that’s about they ONLY way I will consider the pain. OR maybe a big fat doobie….;)
Nadia
May 20th, 2009
6:41 pm
JATL…We went to Six Flags when my youngest was three years old. There was plenty to do. I do not remember him having to sit out on many rides. I think there was a Looney Tunes area (???). The stuff all around the carousel was fine for him, too. They had old-fashioned cars kids could drive, with a parent. Plenty of stuff.
This summer, I just want to hang out at home and let the kids play outside. We have woods they like to explore behind the house, and we are in a cul de sac, so they just play all day. We will take a vacation to visit family. We have a neighborhood pool that we will go to almost daily, too.
ZachsMom
May 20th, 2009
6:56 pm
All of those teenagers with no manners will be at six flags so make sure you cover the 3 year olds ears.
Justmy2cents
May 20th, 2009
7:05 pm
Becky- at 7 six flags should be good. My 6 year old can ride Mindbender, Ninja, and Great American Scream Machine. If she were 1/2 inch taller, she could ride more. There are plenty of other rides to do though, and apparently they just re-opened Monster Plantation.
Berry picking is fun with the kids- although you may want to pack some wipes/towels for them to sit on if they get really dirty (you know kids get sidetracked from their task LOL). Even more fun is the gem hunting…talk about filthy!!
As far as tats go…I have a few; I got them when I was in the military. No regrets on any of them, even after having kids. I’ve had them for over 13-14 years now and half the time I forget about them.
JATL
May 20th, 2009
7:24 pm
Go for it JJ -I’ll be 40 in January and still love the tats I got in my 20s. I’m actually having one enlarged so I can have my children’s birthdates put into it. That’s quite popular now (at least with intown parents). I can’t wait until 50 -I will have had the post-childbirth tummy tuck I’m desiring by then, and I’m going to get a ring of mermaids and other favorite symbols around my newly polished and positioned belly button! Trust me, don’t fear the pain -if you’ve had a baby, you’ll find the “pain” of a tattoo laughable!
Thanks for the tips Nadia! I wasn’t sure what they still had there from when I was a kid or last went a number of years ago.
And yes, I’ve heard that the teenagers there have become even “lovelier”, but he probably won’t hear anything he hasn’t “accidentally” heard in the car. I remember when I was a kid, part of the thrill of going to Six Flags was looking at all the hippies, hippie teenagers and what my mom called “trash kids” in their clothes I wasn’t allowed to wear, smoking and saying things that left my mouth agape. It was a learning experience!
Becky
May 21st, 2009
8:24 am
JATL, thanks for sharing that..My big concern with even taking them, is that the girl is very small for her age..They are twins, but shes the size of most 4 year olds..Because they were born 1 1/2 months early and were so small at birth, we were told that she might not ever walk, so she tires out real easily..When we took them to the local fair at the mall, she wasn’t tall enough to ride most of the rides there..
As for berry picking, I’m realy looking forward to that..We’ve been pumpkin picking before and they are so thrilled to be going berry picking..They both love any kind of berry, so I’m sure that it will be a blast..
If I sounded ugly over anyones tats, that wasn’t my intention..I do like them and I have seen oodles of very nice ones..They just aren’t for me..I do have a question though..At what age would you let any of your children get a tat? I have a niece (by marriage) that let her son get one at 14..Am I the only person that thinks this is a little young?
JATL
May 21st, 2009
2:37 pm
Becky -I love tattoos (but not all of them!), but I think 14 is way too young! Personally I think tattoos go under the heading of things you can do when you’re “grown” -or at least 18! If either of my boys ever wants one, he’ll have to wait until he turns 18. I think some things still need to be a rite of passage or whatever you want to call it! Have fun berry picking. I think we’re going to do that next year when the youngest is able to participate.
I know at Six Flags they have those stroller/carts you can rent. I don’t know how your daughter feels about those, but if you went then maybe she could hop in one of those if she got really tired. It is a lot of ground to cover.
DB
May 21st, 2009
2:52 pm
Becky: In my house — NEVER! If the kids want a tattoo, they better be on their own! Neither of mine have ever expressed any desire for a tattoo, though, and my daughter flat-out refused when some friends suggested it on her 18th birthday — she has the same skin issues I do, and doesn’t want to complicate things. I honestly don’t get the whole tattoo thing, and I have to admit, I can’t shake visions of beer-bellied sailors whenever I see one. Why tattoo your child’s birthday? Can’t you remember?
Becky
May 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Glad to know it’s not jsut me that thinks 14 is way to young..But, I guess it runs in that side of the family..His Mom has about 30-40 tats, my nephew has to many to count..
When I had custody of my 2 nieces last year, they both wanted a tat and that was my big thing..NOT while you are living in my house..Needless to say as soon as they went back to their Mother, she let the oldest (17) get a tat..
We might try the stroller thing at Six Flags..I know that they will love it, not sure that I’m going to enjoy it as much..LOL…As for the berry picking, I know that we will all enjoy that..
FCM
May 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
Well they have day camp–so lots of field trips. Then we hit the pool at night/weekends. $1 movies for the really hot days. One child goes to sleep over camp this year for a whole week. Both children will head to the beach to see his side of the family for two weeks. Then when they get home we have a couple of weeks where I might try to plan some time off work and do something for us—but I would rather pull them out of school for a couple of days in the fall and do something then so we shall see.
They are looking forward to camps though. They are excited.
We will have a WOOO HOOOO Summer is here party over the weekend. If it rains will go to the movies.
I seem to count years by school calendars, and yes the break from the added pressure to my schedule will be nice.
Next year we are up grading to 2 activities…one at school and one not.
JATL
May 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
DB -people with “real” tattoos that aren’t some fly-by-night immature experience they wanted to have as a teenager usually choose something well thought out and meaningful -hence children’s names and birthdates often designed into a more elaborate tattoo -not because we can’t remember them, but because it’s one way to express how much it means to us. Some people have charm bracelets or birthstone necklaces; some people get tattoos. Isn’t it nice that not everyone is a carbon copy of everyone else and there are different tastes and ideas in this world?
deidre_NC
May 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
happy birthday JJ–mine was last week. my daughter will graduate june 6th–then college next fall…its a lot of mixed feelings here. im so glad to be done with school-i think college will be a lot more her thing–right? my oldest son will be 36-youngest is 17-so ive been doing the school thing for way too long!! all the summers my (5) kids were out were filled with some camps–lots of family camping and horse riding-and just plain playing. im not much in to lots of plans and structure. its hard for parents who both work..harder for single parents-i would have loved to be financially able to never have to work and be with my kids all the time…but alas it wasnt in my cards…but i always was glad when school was out-school really runs your life.
yall all have a great and safe summer!
DB
May 22nd, 2009
12:41 am
JATL – The thing is, I can take a charm bracelet or a necklace off, or even put it away when I get tired of it or it falls out of style. I just can’t imagine *any* design or symbol that I wouldn’t get almighty tired of after a few years – except my wedding ring! :-) Nope, a few decades from now, I guess I’ll be one of those rare corpses that the medical examiner will be puzzling over and muttering — “no distinctive markings of any kind . . .” (Can you tell I’ve watched too many “NCIS” reruns?!)
Becky
May 22nd, 2009
8:38 am
deidre_NC, Happy late birthday..Hope it was a great one..
JATL, I know where you are coming from..I have a great niece (18), she has what I call the trailing stars on her shoulder..So I ask her what was the meaning of them, she looked at me like I had 2 heads and said, we wanted them..I said who, she said her and some friends..They had no real meaning…It’s tats like this that I don’t get..
Again, I don’t mean to offend enyone because they have tats, they just don’t suit me..I also think that when you get to the point of having so many that you don’t see any skin, that is really gross..One or even up to 5-6 is more than enough..IMO..