Friday, May 31, 2013

The Pilgrimage

Demi took the boys and their friends on her now annual pilgrimage to Canobie Lake Park.  She's a trooper.  Just her and 6 adolescent boys.  She didn't even have Gizmo this year.  It was too hot for the Giz.  It had to be close to 100 up there.  Poor Demi forgot her book too.  She was bored stiff.  But the boys behaved and had a great time.  They were actually home at a decent hour.  I think the heat got to the boys and slowed them down this year.
     The day kept going when they got home though.  The inevitable sleep over.  Even that seemed to go OK.  5 boys in the basement and I think they did get some sleep.  The little guys and the older guys got along well.  All in all, another success.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Muzak

I guess I officially became a stereotypical, out of touch Dad today.  Its not my fault.  I have cause.  I was provoked.  Seriously!  The crap that was supposed to pass as "music" blaring out of Caz's room was atrocious.  It was an offense to the ears.  I know he loves the electronic music now.  He loves making it on the computers.  Its hidden in all the video games and movies.  Skrillex is the current favorite band.  Rubbish! Absolute rubbish!
     I didn't say that to him of course.  That"s not something I can voice.  Not just to spare his feelings.  But I can't confirm that I am an old fuddy duddy......

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Don't Call It a Comback

Caz has rallied hard here at progress report time.  His is almost on honor roll with a few grades that need to post yet.  Better than the grades are the comments:
     "Conduct Excellent/Effort Excellent"
     "Great Effort"
     "Great Work"
As long as he's trying, we are generally happy.  I am glad that the extra efforts are paying off.  And I am very happy that he feels good about it.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day 2013

Happy Mother's Day Demi!  I hope all the Moms out there have a wonderful day.  You all deserve it.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

I Need a Twix

Homework! Homework!  Give me a break!  I have been working the Caz on make up assignments all week.  He has until Friday to hand them all in to salvage some of his grade.
     It sure isn't easy.  Not all the teachers use the Student Portal at all, let alone for homework assignments.  Some teachers use the Teacher's pages on the school website.  Other's have their own websites.  How is one supposed to find it all?  Of course Caz should be writing it all down.  If he had, we wouldn't be here today.  I know his ADD makes it tough but he's got to figure out a system.  So we continue to work on finding on.  It's exhausting though.  I thought my homework days were far behind me.
     It's a hard balance.  How much to I help.  How much is reasonable to expect of Caz?  How do we find a system that works for how his mind works?  Which isn't like how my mind works.  Until we figure it out, we keep working at it.  It's what parents do, right?

Friday, May 3, 2013

Baby Nolan

Welcome to the world, Baby Nolan.  Demi's nephew and wife had a baby this AM. 7 lbs 4 oz.  Everyone is healthy and feeling well. I had a good time teasing Demi about being a Great Aunt and her sister a grandmother.....until I realized that I was a Great uncle....Doh!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Zero Dark Anniversary

The one year anniversary of the Bin Laden raid passed without much fanfare.  Just as well really.  On both sides.  I am really glad the press did not play it up.  And I am glad there was not any acts of vegenence.
     Demi and I took the boys to see Zero Dark Thirty.  We thought it was important to see one view of history.  We had a full family discussion about it afterwards.  It was good healthy discussion.  Productive.  It is important to talk about these things as a family unit.