Thanks West, but not necessary. The reason for today's test is, our state does standardized testing, using the scores for non-neighborhood kids (ironically, we're only on the other side of the same road!) to gain acceptance to his school. Since it's also part of a neighborhood where anyone can attend the school, and the test scores haven't made it to the school yet, we had to do the tests so they could figure which classes to put the children in so as to have similar levels in each class. He whizzed through it. It's actually opposite of "no child left behind". This is a school for gifted children and the neighborhood is in an intercity area. That is, the intercity kids are put through the same rigors as the gifted children and as a result, they do well. They use the separate classes for two subjects, giving the slower learners as much help is needed. The rest of the time, they are together. I know it's hard to believe that Nashville is so progressive, but it is. Nashville was one of the first cities to go Metro and, consequently, we don't suffer disparate areas with kids who lack education and support systems. It's a great place to raise a family. Mostly, I am surprised how much earlier he's having to do the sorts of things I didn't do until high school. 5th vs 11th grade?! It's amazing how things are changing. For the better? I guess, but I thought summer was for relaxing! ;)

I thought for sure I posted to this yesterday. Obviously not. Now I feel like I've lost some memory of time yesterday. My kids go back Tuesday, this coming Tuesday, Aug. 1. I met the 4th grader's teacher yesterday. Gave her fair warning. I already know the 1st grader's teacher, the program she's in keeps the same kids together for K-3, it's called Intact Family. The kids move up together to the next teacher in the family. So I also know that when DS goes to K in a year, he'll be in that family and will have the same teachers DD has. I explain this because it actually helps with organization of back to school! The 1st grade teacher sent her packet of info, including the supply list, home last spring. DD is already familiar w/her teacher and knows where the classroom is for not only 1st, but 2nd and 3rd, too. If we're crunched for time, we could actually skip the meet-the-teacher night tomorrow. But she wants to go, so we'll go. My middle schooler will also meet his teacher tomorrow night. Then, with supply lists on my desk, I will change into my pajamas, make a cup of coffee, and buy school supplies on line! I love staples.com. It really is an easy button. Last year I ordered almost everything at staples.com, got free delivery b/c is was over $50 and it was all delivered to my front door by a Staples truck in 24 hours! I was ready to hug the delivery guy! He has no idea the headache he helped me avoid. We also keep overstock supplies, stock up when they're on sale this time of year. They always need something as the year goes, it's a great feeling to have it handy and not need to go after it. DH wants to rearrange the kids' rooms. He wants to move the oldest 2 in together in the biggest room, put the youngest in the smaller room alone. Then he wants a nice big table for computer and homework for the older boys. While I think that is a great idea, and the boys actually do, it's a lot of work! But considering the shared needs and activities of the older boys, it would be a better use of the spaces. I need to organize myself for back to school, that's the biggest thing. I need to make that main notebook like flylady talks about and commit to using it. I've got volunteer and PTA duties that need managed, the kids activities, household stuff, plus I've taken on caring for my neighbor's 7 m/o 3 days a week now (she's a teacher). So I've filled my plate, that's for sure. This time of year feels like a time for new year's resolutions to me, organizational ones in my case. I'm going to add magnet hooks for keeping papers on the frig to my Staples order, thank to Talley Sue. And a calendar, agenda for my notebook.

Hello! My name is Jennifer I work at Btech in Colorado. we are an extension to the high schools in our district that offer classes in technical careers. thanks to our home improvement/construction Class. We were made beautiful pallet gardens! and we are in need of seed for fruits in vegetable to get our garden started. fruit and produce would help two local food panties in our area. If you have seeds that you can donate to us please contact me at Jennifer.Medrano@Adams12.org Thank you!

You might want to list this under "The Seed Exchange" or "The Plant Exchange". There is a link for Adopt-A-Newbie where people can adopt you and send you supplies. Seeds are easier to send than plants, even cuttings can cost 3 to 5 dollars. It will also have instructions on how to set up your page so people can send you private messages.