Kindergarten homework is for grown-ups

I'm not enjoying kindergarten homework as much the SECOND time around. I know it's not fair to the younger child, but it is what it is... Collages, family photo albums, I can handle this. I need warning (more than one night) but I can make it as cute as the next BTDT kindergarten mom does. But SOME homework, some "homework" leaves me scratching my head and wondering, "ungraded work: is it really necessary to run out and get three apples and a 16 oz water bottle before bath time when all I want to do is sit down"?

Our homework tonight required that we cut three apples in half and compare the number of seeds in each one. Yes, my Baby Boy had just eaten the last one for snack the day before. I have no apples in this house. So we skipped the hands on part and discussed the topic. Then come the higher level thinking "probes". I leave the last question as your thought for the night. (and yes, I came up with three, but seriously...)

Name three ways an apple is like a stoplight.
_____________
_____________
_____________


At this point I prefer 4th grade multiplication and division.

Can a split personality be a good thing?

I take these silly tests because of Myspace. Usually they are pretty accurate. I've noticed, however, that I either have to answer in "social" mode or "work" mode. If I do both I come off as muddied and indecisive.

Do I like to socialize with a large group of people? Yes. Do I? Rarely. Do I like to work on a team? Not so much. Am I judgmental in a social setting? Not often. Am I judgmental and decisive at work? Ab-so-lutely.

Maybe this is why I don't make many FRIENDS at work. Ya think? The only friends I have at work are the ones whose professionalism and intelligence I admire. (and those took years to gather). I guess blurring the lines a bit would be beneficial if I ever want to have a social life since lately all it seems I do is work or think of work. Argh.

My work profile might as well have titled itself "outspoken mean witchy-poo", whilst I don't think people who know me socially would think that (Or don't tell me if it's true!)

A little unsupervised snack

My children know how to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, I can often come out of my Calgon moment to find them doing all sorts of terrifying things. Baby Boy was being very quiet so I asked My Daughter what he was doing. "Sleeping", she said. I came out of my room to find him with his hand in the cereal bag. Too cute. Ignore the knee bruises. They used to shock me, but I'm numb to them now. The kid never goes very far without falling.

Kids' music Mommy can tolerate

I'm loving this (lyric and illustration, no story) book and album. It's a Sandra Boynton creation and her books, musical or otherwise, all rock! This is best for "older" kiddos. I wouldn't necessarily use it as a lullaby for a newborn, but as long as they are old enough to dance they'll love it. It's been out since 2005, but Kohl's sold it in their "Kohl's for Kids" section for 5.00. Therefore you can get a brand new copy on Ebay for cheap!

My kids love the Tantrum song, the Boring song, Dog Train, Cow Planet, and The Penguin's lament. I highly recommend it!