Friday, August 27, 2010

We interupt my latest obsession...



...to bring you this brief post.

The first two in the series I think I read pretty much in one sitting, but thanks to my new life of non-luxury, I just can't do it. I'm telling myself that I've matured and that I'm just savoring it, but it's just a lie-I've got too much else going on.

When I was complaining about all the housework were you thinking to yourselves, "just wait until school and activities start, hehehe,"?

Oh my goodness. How do you people find the time to blog?

I'm not one to over schedule my kids-we've got some piano lessons, soccer practices, cub scouts and Young Women activities and I feel like I'm drowning. Have you ever been in one of those whirlpool things that is shaped like a donut and it sucks you around and around and around and you have to cling to the exit to pull yourself out of the rushing water? That's kind of what my days feel like.

Oh well, it's all good.

The transitions is going nicely I think-it's always difficult, but I think we're through the worst of it now.

Margarita-7th grade

She's definitely coming in at a difficult age. And coming from an international school where kids are used to lots of comings and goings and people are always looking for new friends, to a US public school where most of the kids have been together for a while is tough. She feels like no one is really looking for new friends. And the size difference is tough as well-her class in Brazil had around 50 students-her PE class her has 47!

But, she's got a great attitude and will survive.

It is funny to hear her talk about how well behaved the kids are here compared to in Brazil and how teachers here tend to be able to control their classes, despite the large class sizes, much better thank in her old school. Unless you've lived there that probably sounds strange, but Ballerina Girl will know just what I'm talking about.

Julio-4th grade

He had a few rough days at the beginning but now he's got friends in the neighborhood and feels pretty comfortable. He loves being independent and riding his bike to and from school. He has a kind teacher who doesn't raise her voice and that's just what he needs after his somewhat different experience last year.

He started piano, reluctantly, yesterday and starts soccer next week. My brother gave him about 5,000 of his old baseball cards and now they are all over the house being "sorted out". Thanks, bro!

Juan Carlos-2nd Grade

He's doing great. He's got a teacher who's basically a rock star at their school, everyone wants her as their child's teacher; she's already sent him two cards in the mail and one nice note home. He was sick on Monday, so of course, being the rock star that she is, she called to check on him. She told me that they had moved desks that day and that the kids were allowed to make a request of someone they wanted to sit by; she said she had close to 15 people that wanted to sit by Juan Carlos and she thought it was so funny because he wasn't even there that day for them to be reminded of him.

That's Juan Carlos.

He started soccer this week and starts piano next and wants a different friend over everyday for play dates.

Pedro-Preschool

Pedro loves his preschool and so far his teachers think he's the cat's meow.

Wait til he comments on their "bouncy" bottoms!

Well, I've got 15 minutes until the kiddos come storming in.

Back to my book...

(have a great weekend!)

9 comments:

Janice said...

My book hasn't come yet! It is due today.

Ballerina Girl said...

I'm about to go and buy it for my Kindle...
and control in a classroom? Ha, that's a novel phrase, and certainly one that does not exist here...
I miss you tons and really, it sounds like you've got things figured out...
my world is jumping all around the place...still no look-see and waiting for the contract...AGH!

love u,
BG

Abby said...

Did I tell you that I got Matt to read the Hunger Games and now he's obsessed? And he NEVER reads fiction. He is on high adventure with the YM and took Mockingjay with him, so I haven't started it yet. I'm forcing myself to finish the book I'm in the middle of first anyway.

When Matt talked to Julio on the phone last week he promised him a bunch of baseball cards at New Year's (I guess they're all stored at Stuart and Susan's). Don't say I didn't warn you.

We need to catch up--I miss your regular posting:) It sounds like things are going well despite being a bit overwhelming. Sorry for the novel-length comment!

andalucy said...

It sounds like everyone is adjusting well. I know exactly what you mean about that feeling of being sucked into the whirlpool. I always had that feeling too when I lived in the US, and there are pros and cons to that life. I always felt like I had to push against the current there to keep my life manageable.

We just downloaded Mockingjay to our Kindle and Xinnia is hidden away reading it for the day. Maybe I'll get a turn next.

Kari said...

I'm so glad to hear Wonder Woman say she feels like she's swimming sometimes!! My kids just think I'm crazy when I say "Put it on the calendar and remind me later, I'm not going to talk about that or make a decision on it right now." Poor Mom, they muse piteously, she can't walk and chew gum at the same time. Sigh. I used to be really brilliant, I promise.

Fabiola said...

I feel you are getting yourself used to the new kind of madness in your life.

As for me, I feel overwhelmed with my life in São Paulo, due to crazy working schedule and traffic. So, we all have our share of worries.

I always thought about Margarita when you first told me you were moving back. I always thought would be harder for her. I am praying she can find good friends soon ; )

Lynne said...

You'll have to tell us what you think of Mockingjay. I have mixed feelings, liked it but was a little disappointed at some parts.

Loved hearing about your kids. My 2nd grader sounds a lot like yours. He is so friendly he always has lots of friends. So opposite me when I was his age. I was SOOO shy. I'm happy he's not that way. I hope Margarita finds some friends soon. That is a rough time to move.

Super Happy Girl said...

How is Margarita in 7th grade? I still think of them as little kids.

All the cool girls are reading those books and I haven't even read the first one. I downloaded it (for free!) to my smart phone, so I'll read it as soon as I am done with what I'm reading.

Hey, don't drown. That feeling of drowning is not good, take a break once in a while.

Chooch said...

I will finish Mockingjay tonight and will need someone to talk to about it. Let me know when you are done.