Credit where credit is due

Our big girl got her very first Principals award!!

Our school has a reward system where by you earn yourself a 'mini merit' by showing Respect, Responsibility or Personal Best. You need to earn 20 mini merits to earn yourself a Merit Award, and 100 mini merits will see you get a Principals award.

Whilst I think the concept is good, I don't think it's a particularly fair system. In fact the whole thing just makes me so annoyed. Some teachers hand them out freely, giving credit for small things and praise where it should go, where others just don't give many at all.  For example last year it took poor Bib until almost term 4 to earn herself 20 mini merits, whilst her bf in another class had 100 by the middle of the year?? I know she's not perfect, but surely she deserved more than 20! And there was even one boy who by the end of kindy hadn't made it to 20? Surely the aim of the mini merits is to encourage them to to well, encourage them to WANT to do well?
Oh man...the whole thing bugs me.

So when Bib came home beyond excited, announcing how she'd finally earned herself a Principals Award, we were thrilled for her. It was something we were going to celebrate.
Pip took the day off so we could all attend the assembly and help give her the recognition she so deserved. She was so proud :) You know that little grin they do when they are about to burst inside and yet don't want to give away too much.......that was her from the moment she saw us all sitting at the back of the hall :)
Congratulations beautiful girl x you earned it x

Does your school reward behaviour? Do they have a system that's fairer than ours?

Lots going on here at number 32......so yes I am still alive! Thank you for your emails :)

 Hoping to get back in the swing very soon. Have much to share.

Till then xx

Tough day

We have had a terrible and sad day.

Last week I lost the dog lead so have been unable to take Duke for a walk, so feeling very guilty about leaving him at home again whilst we headed off to playgroup, I brought Dukes sister (who happens to live next door) over for a play.

Two hours later we arrive home to find an absolute mess in the back garden.
THE CHICKEN........!!!!!
Our one and only very loved chook was all we had left of the original 4 and she now layed in a feathery mess on the lawn.

I feel so violently ill and don't even know where to begin the clean up. It had me in tears the whole time. And the kids, oh they saw the whole devastating carnage.
Whilst I know this was not Sally's (the dog) fault, she knew no better, I just know it was a kill that was completely in vain. Sally didn't want to eat her but would have only wanted to play, but the poor chook........she never stood a chance.
Oh I  feel so, so guilty for not even thinking of her happily scratching around the yard. Duke and all our chooks have always just lived communally together. They share the same water, sleeping space (they are often found huddled up together) love for exploring the garden and even the same breakfast some days! It has been that way for the past 4 years and so when I thought of putting Sally in our yard for a play, I just didn't - well - I just didn't think.

Sorry dear chook. I hope your time here at number 32 was one of mostly joy and happiness. We loved your company, eggs, fertilising poo and feathery joy you brought to our garden. I will miss you and never forget you. Please rest in peace in a lovingly dug hole in a place you used to call home. I'm so so sorry xx

6 lessons learnt in one weekend!

This weekend saw me hopping on a plane solo and heading to Queensland.
Solo is not how I travel much these days! With 3 kids a hubby and a dog, there's usually someone keeping me company. So to head off solo was such a treat.
Lesson 1 - Time alone gives you the chance to step back and appreciate

It was my oldest friends wedding day and I wasn't going to miss it for the world. Not only are we in different states, but she lives about 7 hours west of Brisbane on a big property where they they run cattle, sheep, and grow wheat and chickpeas. So catching up is rather hard and it has been a long time coming......the catch up and the wedding he he
Lesson 2 - Old friendships are so special

We drank, we chatted (very loudly over the band!) we danced, we drank, we reminisced, we laughed, we drank, and we promised not to make it so long between hugs next time. Did I mention we drank??!!!
Lesson 3 - Farmers really know how to work hard and play hard

I also got the chance to spend some time with just my parents (they also flew in for the wedding). As the 2nd of 5, and now with 3 of my own there's not much chance to get both your parents to yourself. It was very special. We chilled, chatted, laughed, enjoyed the time together and I got spoilt!
Lesson 4 - My parents are the BEST

I then stupidly missed my flight home (I was 2 minutes late to check in apparently!) which meant calling my dear friends who had agreed to mind my girls till I arrived home, (Pip had a full day of sport with Stooge to attend) to say would you mind having them an extra 6 hours!!
Lesson 5 - I have amazing friends

Finally I'm back in Sydney. Pip comes and collects me from the airport. The kids have been collected, bathed and fed. The house is tidy, the washing done and then he cooks up a small dinner for us both
Lesson 6 - I love my husband more than words can say

Have you learnt any lessons of late?
Do you ever get solo time?

this moment

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special moment. . - soulemama

A toy is just a toy. Right?

Here at number 32, I am so aware of the toys and games we purchase our kids. The idea of buying for the sake of buying is not something I am a big fan of and really who has the money to do it anyway?
I like the  kids to be outside exploring mostly, but there are times when toys and games are needed!

There are generally two categories of toys.
'Open ended' and 'Closed ended'.

Open ended activities/toys are those which don't have a natural conclusion as you can continually vary what you do within the activity and keep extending it. Things like, playdough, marbles, bean bags, instruments, dolls house, lego, blocks etc
They are toys that will grow with the child. They will be able to be used over and over and not go 'out of fashion'. They are the toys that will still be in the house when the grand kids come along.

Closed ended activities/toys on the other hand, are those that have a set beginning and end. They don't require too much thought and have a set way they need to be used. Things like, puzzles,  specific bought card games, board games and generally toys that require batteries are mostly closed ended.
Unfortunately these types of toys are usually highly marketed, making them attractive to the kids, but  once the child pushes the button and the toy does 'it's thing', the novelty wears off and they become bored with the toy.

What do you buy?
Think about your next purchase (for your kids or another you may be buying for). Open your mind and you'll be amazed how you'll be opening theirs.

This moment

 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

Via Soulemama.