Graduating 5th Grade

(This should have been posted in late June. Let's just pretend that it was. :) )


My oldest son is graduating from fifth grade tomorrow.

When I was in fifth grade it was scary to think of going to a new school and being completely unfamiliar with both the territory and the demands of middle school. That's when I really started to goof off in some subjects and my friends were all that mattered. Well, that and not being taller than the teachers (which I did not fend off. I was taller than most by the eighth grade). My awkwardness and shyness made me look like a snob and I gave off a grumpy vibe a lot.

I must have had a lot of fun in middle school too though. I can remember goofing off with my friends and the silly things we did. There were a lot of laughs back then. It was a time of walking the line between ignorant childhood bliss and crushing adolescent angst. And speaking of crushes, I don't know if I even told my best friend who it was that I was gaga over. I didn't know how to talk about it and I always felt like I was an oddball and should keep it to myself. I do remember that I had a diary and I wrote it in there, behind a sticker. I'm pretty sure I chucked that diary in the garbage years ago but it would be fun to look at it now. Okay, maybe "fun" is not the right word because it might actually be very painful. Yes, the more I think of it, last time I read it I was embarrassed for myself. Embarrassed OF myself. Hence, I chucked it into the "circular file."

When I look back at that time in my life, the first thing that usually comes to mind is "that was a terrible time". But really it wasn't so bad. I think I need to adjust my attitude, for my own sake as well as my son's. After all, I want him to have a very successful, goofy, silly, funny, crush-filled experience in middle school. And I hope he still opens up to me during our late-night, bedtime-stalling chats. I'd like to hear who he has a crush on.

But it may be awhile. He currently thinks "girls are gross and mean". It's probably better that he doesn't have a diary or journal to remind him he once thought that. But I can remind him. :)

Bland to Grand

Why would I choose such a title for my first blog? Two reasons: 1) I'm fresh out of witty titles, and 2) I looked around my room for inspiration and I was left with the overall feeling of dissatisfaction with my surroundings. Therefore, I coupled that with my desire to create more in my life and the title was born. Plus, it rhymed. I'm in a rhyming mood lately.

I have discovered a few fun little rhyme-y sayings that I'm starting to use with my kids. The first one I stole from a tv show. I use it when my kids start to complain over what we're having for dinner (an infuriating whine-fest that must be stopped!): "You get what you get and you don't get upset." Lo and behold, give a kid a rhyme and his behavior changes!! Who'dathunk? So last night when I was writing a note on the whiteboard on their bedroom door about being grateful for their teachers' efforts today, I came up with my own: "No complaints and say Thanks." My husband says that doesn't rhyme but I beg to differ. The underlying thought of this little ditty? Shut up and be grateful. But since it rhymes, it is nice! And I can say it in public. And fellow Moms will think I am great. And that's the whole point of teaching them manners anyway, right??

So my advice for you, since you didn't ask for it and apparently that's the best time to give it, is that when you are trying to discipline or teach your children manners, make it rhyme. Good for all occasions!! Need a little help getting started? Here are some more gems: "Mommy'll go crazy if you are lazy!", "If you whine, you buy me wine", and "Potty's are for poop, not your toys". Oh man, have to work on that one.....