schoo schoo and poo poo

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and he's off to first grade!

Luke started school at the beginning of August.  Our neighborhood was actually rezoned with our new school district which means Luke is going to a different school for 1st grade. We had the option to transfer him back to Bon Lin where he went to Kindergarten and just provide our own transportation and actually most of our neighbors and his cousins did that.  We thought about it and thought about it and decided to send him to Rivercrest - a school that on paper doesn't score so well on greatschools.com but we feel like it's going to be good for Luke.  It has a wonderful staff and when we go there I get a good vibe and it seems like a loving environment.  Hopefully he'll have a good year. 

 I love this kid!  So, I've been tutoring and reading to his class every Monday and that has been really good to be at the school and so far it seems really good.  One thing I like is that for conduct he starts on a G every day and has the option of moving up and so even if he makes a mistake - he can work hard to move his clip back up.  Seems to work better for him.  Also first grade is awesome cause he actually gets graded papers and tests sent home so I can praise him for scholastic stuff and he's realizing there is more to school than just conduct.  And he's feeling more confident and successful.

Luke - beginning of 1st grade video
I couldn't get him to do an interview but here's a few clips:  a song from school about decomposing words, reading Ningago with Jane and doing the ALS ice bucket challenge.
Lukebeginningof1stgrade from katiehale on Vimeo.

Lucy!!  She started Bolton Pre-K with Ms. Amber last month.  We have an awesome carpool with her cousin Emme and a new friend Bennett - so I only have to drive once a week!

What do you think - does she like to pose for the camera?

  

YEE-HAW!!  She and Bennett on cowboy day

Lucy - beginning of pre-school interview video

Lucyinterview4 from katiehale on Vimeo.
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And sweet Maryanne and potty training... where to start.  I usually I do a little potty training write up after I'm done on the blog of how it went etc.  I never wrote one because ---- well, it wasn't ever done.  I started the first Saturday of August and am just now.... in mid OCTOBER - feeling like things might, just might, be ok.  So much was just the circumstances - like me.  I was pulled in too many directions this time and had a harder time focusing on just her.  I started when Freddy was only 2 months old and school was starting for Luke and Maryanne was only 2 years and 4 months - the youngest of my kids to start.  So..poor Maryanne.  She has had a rough couple of month with whininess and new little tantrums too.  I really hope that this whole experience didn't scar her for life and that the new behavior is just a two and a half year old thing and not a product of potty training.   She's such a sweetie - truly.  There were a few dark moments though where I was calm on the outside but screaming "why is this my life!?!" on the inside as I cleaned up accidents....and more accidents.  But by jove I think she's got it!!

 The exciting first day (8/2)...

After going 10 times on the potty - she got her barbie princess dress. (8/5)

And after going poopoos in the potty 3 times - she got her long-awaited Tinkerbell shoes!!

The Disney employee was so cute and gave her a special potty training certificate from Mickey.  That was one happy girl.  (9/11)

and she's only had maybe 2 major accidents since then.  So - I guess it just seemed more stressful because of all the other stuff added to it.  She really did great.  And I just hope that sentence can stay past tense. :)

Maryanne video -

 singing 4 songs and a bonus bridezilla meltdown - a clip I will totally have to play for her on her wedding day. :)

Maryannesings from katiehale on Vimeo.

And don't forget about Freddyboy's social education.  Here he is kickin it with coolkid Remmington Thomas on his first playdate.