San Diego Safari Park

A week ago we were surprised to receive an email from Mr. H. He lost his composure due to two kids misbehaving more than usual. Mr. H has the bulk of the rowdy boys this year, and a bad situation escalated to worse, with Mr. H raising his voice.  He apologized not only to parents via email, but to each child individually, explained he was not perfect, would strive to be a better role model, and asked for their forgiveness. We do appreciate his remorse and understand how difficult it is to keep 27 children on task, and behaving appropriately. If this happened with JJ (when he was SS's age), it would only be a matter of talking to him, allow him to process what he witnessed, and move on.

SS is a very sensitive child, the smallest things truly upset her. When she was in preschool we had a similar incident, so we knew to be worried. SS had been moved from the toddler class to the preschool group. That was a big change for her in both positive and negative ways. The toddler teachers coddled SS, something that did not help SS with the transition. One morning she said she did not want to go to preschool, which was surprising, SS loved preschool. When I asked why she said the teacher was mad at her, then the tears began to flow. I reassured her her teacher liked her, and was not mad at her. When I talked to the teacher she was upset that SS thought she was mad. As it turns out the previous day a few kids in SS's class were not listening. SS was not a part of the group. The teacher admonished the rowdy group and said "You guys I'm not happy." That was it, and SS internalized that admonishment and was hurt. The teacher had a talk with SS, praised her behavior and apologized for the misunderstanding. I wish we could say SS has come a long way in that regard, but she is still hypersensitive.

Now we have SS scared of her teacher, although she still likes him.  SS was really looking forward to the field trip to the Safari Park, but was hesitant to go. Mr. H talked to SS again but our daughter was still fearful of him. The school district determines how many parents are permitted as chaperones for field trips. The two chaperones had already been selected, no room at the inn for a third. Thankfully the teacher and the principal came up with a solution for SS to participate. I have a purple volunteer badge, that means that I can be around the kids unsupervised. SS is required to ride the school bus for the field trip. I will be allowed to join them but must drive on my own, and of course pay for my admission. Not a problem on either requirement. It was a good thing I was there, because one of the mothers was a no show.

SS gets her first glimpse of me as they arrive. She had been looking for me during the drive to San Diego, did not see the van and was becoming anxious. I arrived at the park way ahead of the bus, lead foot that I am.

Front and center, loud and proud.

The deer were a hit with the kids, especially the one standing on its hind legs.

The okapi was hands down our favorite animal. 

Lions laying around enjoying the sun.

SS loves tigers.

Scary

I am not a fan of bats, they are rather creepy but SS loves them. I don't know if it is about Batman, but she really likes bats. I had to suck it up for my baby girl and look at the yucky creatures.

Beautiful creatures.

Our beautiful creature.

The kids were allowed to spend five minutes at the splash pad.

SS looks like a world class runner on this action shot.

Another one of those moments when you have to suck it up and allow your child to do things that were taboo for you. Abuela was big on germs, cleanliness, and that translated into a strict animals are filthy and are not to be touched  rule. At least they had brushes for the kids to use. I'm still uncomfortable with petting zoos, but I realize it's just conditioning. I don't want SS to miss out because of my hang ups.

I am glad I was able to join SS on the field trip. Initially the principal decided an appropriate punishment for the rowdy boys was they could not go on the field trip. I don't know why, but she changed her mind. They were there, and there was only one chaperone. It took me about twenty minutes to figure out the three boys identities. I asked SS and she confirmed my suspicions. Those boys are very high maintenance. And this is coming from the mother of a very high maintenance boy.

Mr. H is a very nice person, but very inconsistent, I could see how the kids get out of control.  He is naturally loud and comes across as yelling, so I wonder how much louder he was when he lost his cool. One minute he is the kids best friend, the next minute he is stern. I wondered if it was situational, but SS told me that is how he is at school. Again I can understand how the kids take liberties when he is on I'm your friend mode. The important thing is that SS was able to participate, and had me by her side amid all the madness.  It was quite a crazy day, I found myself texting P about how freaking LUCKY we are with SS. Sure she is a hellion at home, and sometimes makes us want to bang our heads against a concrete wall until they crack.  But she is such a well behaved child at school and wherever else we go. The most remarkable part is that she is so good despite our fly by the seat of your pants parenting. Yup, lucky indeed.  

This one cracks me up because it's classic SS. Everyone around her is going wild and rolling downhill. I told SS she could join them but she declined. There she is watching it all, and when she decides to join in the mayhem, she does it her way. She tentatively walks around, then walks backwards. That was a big rebel move on her part. SS is not comfortable with chaos, or what Abuela calls bullicio (I think).

School Harvest Festival

When did Halloween become controversial?

Carnitas for breakfast.

We offered cereal (two Halloween editions), oatmeal, and the always sure thing, eggs. Toast with jelly or Nutella also got a no. SS liked Tuesday's carnitas dinner so much, that she had them yesterday over chips, so carnitas nachos, for lunch. And that is what worked for breakfast this morning. Carnitas with plenty of avocado and Mexican crema. She gobbled it all, and while an unconventional breakfast, it worked.

SS's big backpack.

It does look huge and heavy from this perspective, but it only contains he homework binder and lunch box.  

Plus her two water bottles in the side pockets. It's been really hot as usual, but also humid. SS has been finished both water bottles this week. She is going to need another metal water bottle, because SS likes her water ice cold, and the ice in the plastic water bottle melts. And from the earful I got yesterday this is very upsetting to our daughter. 

Coming soon to a store near you, SS's own brand of Lego jewelry. The girl is discovering some girly things she likes, but obviously with her own twist. She is at school today wearing one off this on each wrist. SS also discovered My Little Pony, and likes the yellow one, the name is Shutter something, bug, fly, or shy. Not too sure about it because I'm only fluent in super hero or Lego language. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

October is THE BEST MONTH around here, not only do we celebrate P's birthday, but, HALLOWEEN. SS has been asking for decorations since the first day of the month, and we finally delivered.

When hedges attack! 

I used the cookie cutters on SS's sandwich, and she gets to eat a witch hat and a ghost for lunch.

But the deal is she must finish the mess that is left after fun is had. Well, the middle, I'm not bothering with the edges. 

And a side of pickles, because SS is all about pickles whenever she can get them.

This morning I was combing SS's hair while CNN was on as usual. The breaking news announcement was made, and as usual I didn't expect much. Because CNN has a serious misunderstanding of what the term means at times. They cover a story for a day and still use that announcement.  This time it was used properly, a stabbing attempt foiled in Jerusalem. Good morning world, thanks for the reminder of how f*cked up, crazy, violent the world is. As I was pondering that the reporter on the scene was talking but I did not catch the beginning. I did hear the phrase lone wolf, and not sure what context it was used, and it really did not matter, it's part of the post mortem drivel.

Then SS begins howling, HOWLING, and it took me a few seconds to realize she heard the phrase, is not aware of its meaning in the context used, but what the hell, the dude on TV said lone wolf, and she's going to howl like a wolf.  And that led to me dissolving in a fit of laughter. Which is kind of inappropriate, given the suspect is dead, and it is indeed a tragedy, and an all too common occurrence. It's tone of those things that as a mother of a young child I should take seriously, and I do. But the last thing I expected was to have my child howling like a lunatic in the middle of the living room at 7:00 a.m.

The thing is we have had a rough few months, it's been stressful, as evidenced by P's eighteen pound weight loss. His mother's health is taking a toll on him, and he is struggling with things I experienced as a child and teen, so many moons ago. I remember the pain, and feel the loss decades later, and there is nothing I can do to make it better for him.  Coupled with never knowing when I'm coming home, and worrying where am I investigating by my lonesome, and if I'm safe. The past week was hell for us, and it was an eye opener as to how much I have missed, and how much I'm missed. And it's hurtful to see how stressed out my eight year old, innocent child has been. So howl away SS and be the carefree eight year old you are meant to be. The past week of extra cuddles has been good for all of us, and now thanks for the laughs. 

Our little cutie.

When did she grow?

What happened to our baby?

It's rough without the Hummer.

SS can't believe we made her walk.

The always helpful SS misting her Baba.

SS went up that mountain twice.

SS's first Matterhorn experience.

And we got to go twice! When we were done the attendant pulled out cart out of the queue and asked if we wanted to go again. SS wanted to pass but we knew this just doesn't happen, especially with such long lines. We out voted her and might never get to ride again.

Our first selfie with a selfie stick.

Now back to cuddling and the movie.

Pizza, hot wings, and Avengers Age of Ultron.

Waiting for pizza and in room movie.

Going for her diving stick.

Ready

Gotta take it easy on Labor Day weekend.

SS's worked hard all year.

Sometimes a girl needs to take a break and relax.

Hello my old friends.

SS is holding her Chinese New Year Snoopy we bought in Kunming. I had it on my desk at work and had to go back Thursday night, and SS snatched him.

On her lap is the old DVD player she has not used in a while. And good thing because traffic sucks.