Easter '08

Easter was filled with candy, bunnies and the sounds of music created by the Ford children. They preformed 2 separate concerts. Yes, I said two... with many scene and instrument changes. It was loud and terribly cute (at least the first one :)

The kids took turns on the violin (thank you Ximena), piano, recorder and tambourine. Here are a few pictures of the day!

House for Sale

Nobody wants to buy my house but I'm not bitter. I'm not - really I don't think I am.

I am not bitter that I am trying to sell my house in the worst market ever! So bad that no one has even looked at it. I am not bitter. Oh yeah did I mention that we bought the house built in 1958 that had not been updated since. We spent two solid years doing everything in this house from walls to floors to the roof. OK, so I admit that Geoff did most of the manual labor in the house but, I have literally dug up half of the yard to trying to remove the old landscaping (if you can call it that). When I planted, I did so economically. I bought small and dug a big hole. The idea was that I was willing to wait a few years to see the fruits of my labor. Little did I know that my other half would feel the need to bail on our long term plan. So I am in an almost finished house with a less than half finished yard and the AC breaks down. According to the AC guy we need a new compressor. That is going to cost pretty penny that I do not have. But like I said, I'm not bitter.

Bad Tooth Fairy

Jackson lost one of his top front teeth at school on Friday. He pulled it out at lunch. So, he kept the tooth in a little bag and put it under his pillow and when he woke up it was still there and worse - No money! How could that happen??
We had to run out early (no milk) and when we came back - Jackson found that not only was his tooth gone - but he got $5! The Tooth Fairy must pay big when she is running behind. Crazy! Madeline made the comment that "Mom, you must not be the tooth fairy then since this happened while we were gone, then again, we did go out to the car a little earlier than..." Smart girl - Jackson did not seem to care about the mystery he was thrilled about the $5.

So it's official

Madeline is a 3rd grader. She was moved up on Monday so that she could take the FCAT this week which is necessary for 4th grade. I feel good about the decision. Mostly. Okay, so I have some reservations but who wouldn't. She is happy about the move and the school and the teachers were wonderful about the whole acceleration process (how often do you hear that?). I am sad though. I am not sure how my baby is going to be a 4th grader next year - didn't she just start elementary school? Next year I have to start thinking about middle school! I feel like I lost a year - oh I guess I did in a way...

Tae Kwan Do Tournament

Madeline and Jackson competed this weekend at the Friendship Open! Both kids did great. Jackson was first in forms and in sparring and Madeline had a good showing too! She did her form great but sadly did not win :( She did get 2nd in sparring! Both worked hard and took home a fancy trophy!

Pokemon Mania

Can you name all of the evee evolutions? What about the name of pickachu's trainer? Well I realized the other day while teaching chemistry to my 6th period class that I know way too much about Pokemon. About a year ago - my children began their obsession with the Japanese critters better known as Pokemon. Madeline started by diving in and absorbing all she could. I think she can actually turn into a sponge and learn all that is around her. Pokemon was no different. For a long time I could only discuss Pokemon with her for a few minutes and then I just couldn't take anymore. The conversations would go "Who do you think is cuter - Chimchar or Piplup?" or "my starly just learned quick attack" and on and on. I try to learn to listen for about 5 minutes and then I would have to stop. Fast foward one year... one of my students asked about Pokemon and all of that I actually started talking about pokemon. Just think of all of the things I could use my brain for... Isn't that a form of authentic learning. I just learned it - I didn't want too. It is like a bad country song. When I learn the lyrics I have to sing it - even if I don't want to. So feel free to discuss pokemon with me. I can honestly say that Glaceon is my favorite evee evolution. I may not want to but I will feel compelled to demonstrate all of the useless knowledge I have gained over the last year.

Pendragon

Everyone is doing it! I have finally decided to try blogging. I plan to write down some of my thoughts on my kids, and job and of course the journey of getting divorced. So why now? I am currently reading the Pendragon series (thanks Madeline). The books are basically about a time traveling teenager out to save all of space and time from an evil villain - not a bad read! But what I found interesting that is tied to me creating this blog is the main character must journal all of his adventures so that someone will know what has happened. So I am going to blog in the spirit of Bobby Pendragon. I am going to try to be perfectly honest in my thoughts and ideas even if it makes it hard to follow.