One Tough MOTHER!

O.K...probably NOT the classiest title in the world
but I have a really warped sense of humor and it made me giggle.

Spring is pretty much here , which means we have only a few months to finish
SCHOOL YEAR 2010-2011.

We are not a "by the book" family , when it comes to home education (O.K...when it comes to anything) but I really try to make sure we stay on some sort of path .

We have had a busy year, fun...but busy...so we have found ourselves running behind in our studies.

Not such a big deal if everyone will agree to put forth the effort required for the task at hand.

A week ago, after breakfast, I called the troops to formation (time for school) and I was met with whining, rolling eyes, toddlers hiding the T.V. remote, and a very loud " but I was playing my D.S.". and "I have to get ready for my tennis lesson"

I smiled, nodded my head in approval and told the little monsters..er..darlings to carry on.
They could do what THEY wanted to do and I would spend the day doing what I wanted to do.
A Win /Win scenario.

Of course, that was met with several "woohooo' s & high 5's" and off they went....Skipping Merrily into the Land of Sloth & Artificial Stimulation.

I made myself a cup of tea, grabbed my day planner, a pen, a notebook, & my Lesson planner and I sat down in the library.

Every now and then one of the kids would walk by and say, "Whatcha doing?".

"Oh making plans", I'd say.
They'd smile..I'd smile...Happy Happy Day....so they thought.


During my time with my planner- I scratched out any and every activity that the children had( during week days) for 90 days...weekends not included.
I decided that maybe the problem was not the kids attitude toward education...maybe it was my attitude.
Maybe they didn't believe that I thought it was more important than the DS or the TV or a MOVIE.

So I was willing to take the blame and work diligently to prove to my precious children how important it is to spend your time wisely AND what can be accomplished when you do.


I call this THE 90 DAYS OF MOM!

"For 90 days we will FULLY devote ourselves to our education and wrapping up the 2010-2011 school year. No TV, No Computers, No outside commitments- NOTHING but finishing up our lessons."

"90 days? in a row?!", My 9 year old asked in disbelief. "But the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID sequel is coming out on Friday!"

"Yeah, and You can go and see it on Saturday." " You WILL NOT die if you do not see a movie on the opening night... I promise"

I also gave the kids a new set of ground rules:
*All school work must be started by 9 am and finished by 3p (without exception)Monday - Friday.
*There will be NO OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES (theatre commitments, tennis lessons, play groups, martial arts,outings with friends, dance classes,volunteer work, etc.) during THE 90 DAYS OF MOM.
*Students receive 45 minutes for lunch and relaxation.
* Students are responsible for preparing their own lunches and must use food pyramid on fridge as guide. NO SUGAR NO COLA NO EXCEPTIONS
*Students must clear and clean lunch area before resuming studies.
*Students must complete Fall reading list. Any unauthorized reading material will be confiscated and trashed.
*No artificial stimulation Monday-Friday. This includes(but not limited to): All hand held gaming devices, T.V.'s, portable DVD players, Leapsters, Wii, PS3,DVR,BluRay,surfing web on computer or cellphone.
*Cell phones will be turned in ( to Mom) at 9am (daily) and will be returned upon completion of school work. Texting will cease at 9pm Monday- Friday No EXCEPTIONS.
*Students will not Whine, Cry, Groan, Sigh, Roll Eyes,Pout,Sharpen pencil 1,000 times,work on their "comic drawing skills", make YOUTUBE videos with Legos, go to the bathroom 20 times, or give themselves/ kittens/dogs/Barbies/baby dolls/younger siblings manicures during a school day.
* Students may use computers and Main T.V. for approved educational purposes.
All educational DVD'S must be applicable & approved before viewing.
* All students must comply for 90 days.
Failure to do so will result in loss of Weekend Privileges(including vehicles and cellphones) and a possible stint in a European Boarding School.

****If , by some chance, a student finishes his/her work before THE 90 DAYS OF MOM is over-That student will receive a gift card and the right to gloat and use the "Loser" sign, at will. ****

THESE RULES WILL BE PLASTERED HIGH ON THE FRIDGE FOR ALL TO SEE.

The kids are counting down the days like they were on their way to ALCATRAZ....which is always a good sign.

THE 90 DAYS OF MOM starts April 6.

I'll let ya know how things turn out.