Tuesday, June 24, 2008

School's Out

Sylvia had her last day on Tuesday. I said my good-byes on Monday, and gave all her teachers and the Principal a thank you letter. And donuts. Couldn't get through it without crying, of course. This past year at KIPP has represented everything that can work in education. While I'm trying to reserve judgment, I hope that some of it at least can work out for next year, as well. One good note: I've met her math teacher for next year, and he seems really great.

Sylvia won Best Actor in a Play for her Junior Thespian Club!! Which she totally deserved. My girl lit up that stage, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mother. And she's got an award now to prove it :)

And from the "things that annoy me" category: Why oh why do I need to write all three of my phone numbers (home, work, cell) THREE times for ONE enrollment application for a summer program? Multiply that by two, of course, for the two girls. I know that's not just the Boys & Girls Club. That's every official form for everything and anything. We could seriously use more efficiency in so many areas of our daily lives.

The girls had their first day at Boys & Girls Club today and had a really good time. They can paint, play sports, read books, play games, and in a couple of weeks, be able to go swimming on a regular basis. Riley especially likes the lady who runs the kitchen and loves to help her. Pretty soon, she'll be making dinner for us.

Riley's given me a run for my money lately as a mom. I even called my own mom tonight, feeling completely helpless. My mom talked to her for a while, and Riley improved her behavior after that. (I've gotten over that whole "must do everything myself" stuff. One of the most important lessons I've learned these past 5 years as a single mom is to ask for help when I need it.) Hopefully, she's got it together now at least to last us through our weekend at Disneyland.

I just want us to be able to spend 3 whole days with no housework, no work, no real obligations outside of enjoying ourselves. That would be nice.

So I most likely won't be posting until we return. I'm trying to keep up with my Reader, but it's so hard. And I know missing a whole weekend will make it harder, but I'll do my best to catch up as I can.

14 comments:

KG said...

Good for you for figuring out how useful it is to ask for help! I, unfortunately, am an idiot and am still into the "must do everything myself" phase.

Don Mills Diva said...

Have a great time with your girls and congrats to Sylvia - you must be very proud.

Shiona said...

Congrats to Sylvia for her reward. Have fun at Disneyland. I was that way with my mom too but I grew to appreciate it by the time I graduated from high school.

Shiona said...

*her*

LunaNik said...

Go, have fun, relax, enjoy your family. Then, come back and click "Mark All As Read". It's very liberating. You'll see. ;)

Kori said...

Hit the Mark as All REad for everyone but me. Because I am important, dammit! I hope you have an excellent, realxing time with the girls, and I really hope Riley is better for you!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Sylvia! How exciting!!

Have a great time at Disneyland!!

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful trip!

GetSmartGal said...

You are a strong woman, single mom raisin two, I have come from a family full of single moms...you are even stronger for asking for the help!

Have a great time at Dland, I live not that far south and haven't been there in years-need to get back! :)

Tara R. said...

Congrats to Sylvia on her award! Very cool! Have a great time over your Dland weekend. Say hi to the Mouse for me. I want to take my boy to DWorld this summer. He was six the last time we went... he's due.

Anonymous said...

"One of the most important lessons I've learned these past 5 years as a single mom is to ask for help when I need it."

Right there with you. It's hard, but it must be done.

Anonymous said...

Aww all you single mamas are going on trips while I sit at my desk and file THOSE HORRIBLE 3 COPIES OF THE SAME SUMMER PROGRAM PAPERWORK FORMS..AHHHGHHHHH SHOOT ME!
Have fun on your trip and congrats to Thespian Jr.

Single Working Mommy said...

Hey Lady--RELAX! Have a good time on your trip. Don't worry about your reader. I hope Riley doesn't give you a hard time.

Congrats to Sylvia!

OHmommy said...

Hey... hope all is well. How many more days until school starts