Apparently, it takes two adults, one child, and a calculator. So sad.
I was standing in a very slow-moving Walmart return line last week. In front of me was a mother with her son, who was about age 6. The little boy started complaining at how incredibly long it was taking to return their item. Believe me, I was relating quite fine to his woes. He guessimated that it was taking something like 100 hours. Yep, it sure felt like that.
The mother told the boy that there are only 24 hours in a day, so 100 hours isn't quite accurate. A mother after my own heart, or so I thought, using idle time for a learning moment. The boy then contemplated how many days would be 100 hours. Hmm...three...four? The boy thought hard and decided four days would be about 116 hours. Then the wise mother chimed in to help him. Here it comes...the big teaching moment.
"Let's see...24 x 4 would be....um....let me think...76, I think. No, that doesn't sound quite right. Um...um...let's see.. 24 x 4 is..."
A young man in front of them, who appeared to be in his early 20s, joined in the big quest to solve the big problem of the day. Finally, after what seemed like a forever discussion that involved zero problem solving skills, he whipped out his cell phone to use the calculator. Woo hoo...we have an answer. 96! Then the mom cheered and said,
"I was right!"
"No you weren't," responded the boy. "You said 76!"
Man, gotta love that kid. Not only was his guess (116) just a accurate as the only adult submission (76), but he's willing to call it as he sees it.
I'm always amazed at the general lack of understanding numbers. There are numerous ways to solve this problem quickly, e.g. using 25 x 4 and subtracting 4, doubling to 48 (for 2 days) and then doubling again, or adding up the tens, then the ones. Even just working it out mentally as you would on paper would be quicker than all the discussion involved or even the time required to use the calculator.
Unfortunately, there were also a number of ways that would have made the Walmart return line move faster, and that wasn't happening either. My free time was slipping away as fast as that lost learning opportunity.
2 incompetent employees + 12 people in line = 14 minutes spent contemplating the failure of public education
Very sad, indeed.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Help save the Becky Thatcher house!
This is a cause that my daughter is quite passionate about, so if you have the time to vote with a few clicks, it would be very appreciated. There are 9 days left for voting and you can vote every day. The final top two get $250,000 from Pepsi for their cause.
If they don't win, I think my daughter will cry. She's been begging everyone she knows to vote. Actually, if they do win, I think she'll cry,too, but they'll be different tears. http://livelaughlove-lll.blogspot.com/2010/12/save-becky-thatcher-house-v20.html
I am copying an email from Henry Sweets, the curator of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, whom my daughter met a couple of years ago during a memorable visit to Hannibal.
VOTING IS EASY:
1) Text Pepsi at 73774 with this numeric message: 104141 – and/or
2) Vote online at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain - You must SIGN IN before voting (lower left corner in the blue bar). Pepsi does not send out spam or anything else, but you do need to register your email with them in order to vote. After signing in, vote with the link provided here, or by searching for "Mark Twain" in the search box at the top of the page. (NOTE: If you have more than one email address, you can register them and vote more than once online.) - and/or
3) You can also vote through your Facebook account. (A Facebook icon is provided on the Pepsi sign-in page at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain see the see the left corner.)
We appreciate your votes and please encourage everyone else you can to join us in bringing this grant to Hannibal .
Henry Sweets, Curator
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
If they don't win, I think my daughter will cry. She's been begging everyone she knows to vote. Actually, if they do win, I think she'll cry,too, but they'll be different tears. http://livelaughlove-lll.blogspot.com/2010/12/save-becky-thatcher-house-v20.html
I am copying an email from Henry Sweets, the curator of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, whom my daughter met a couple of years ago during a memorable visit to Hannibal.
VOTING IS EASY:
1) Text Pepsi at 73774 with this numeric message: 104141 – and/or
2) Vote online at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain - You must SIGN IN before voting (lower left corner in the blue bar). Pepsi does not send out spam or anything else, but you do need to register your email with them in order to vote. After signing in, vote with the link provided here, or by searching for "Mark Twain" in the search box at the top of the page. (NOTE: If you have more than one email address, you can register them and vote more than once online.) - and/or
3) You can also vote through your Facebook account. (A Facebook icon is provided on the Pepsi sign-in page at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain see the see the left corner.)
We appreciate your votes and please encourage everyone else you can to join us in bringing this grant to Hannibal .
Henry Sweets, Curator
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
A little splurge on frothy milk
I mentioned a while back that I was getting the opportunity to review another item from CSN Stores. Last time I went completely practical and purchased a steam mop for my kitchen floor. This time I was a little more self-indulgent; I ordered a milk frother. There were several different choices, but I ended up with the BonJour Cafe Latte in Black for $19.95.
To be honest, I didn't know such a think existed until I was browsing on CSN Stores. Being one who enjoys a specialty chai, foamy milk included, from the local coffee house, the idea of a less-expensive homemade version was appealing. I have a concentrate chai mix that I like, but my homemade lattes have been absent of any frothed milk. Until now, that is.
This little gizmo has a powerful spin. It took me a couple of minutes to get enough foam to be able to spoon it onto my drink. But when I was done, it did make my drink look extra special. I don't use it every time I make my chai. After all, sometimes I'm simply more concerned about getting caffeine in me as quick as possible and I don't care much about presentation. However, when I have the time, or when I'm serving guests, this gadget certainly will make those homemade drinks closer to the expensive cafe variety. My only complaint about this model is that the batteries were very difficult to put in. It isn't so much the batteries, but getting the cover back on properly. It is a small inconvenience for a little milk foam on top of a warm cup of tea.
Of course, you aren't limited to using it on chai. It comes with some recipes, and I plan to try it on good 'ole hot chocolate, with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top, soon. Yum.
To be honest, I didn't know such a think existed until I was browsing on CSN Stores. Being one who enjoys a specialty chai, foamy milk included, from the local coffee house, the idea of a less-expensive homemade version was appealing. I have a concentrate chai mix that I like, but my homemade lattes have been absent of any frothed milk. Until now, that is.
This little gizmo has a powerful spin. It took me a couple of minutes to get enough foam to be able to spoon it onto my drink. But when I was done, it did make my drink look extra special. I don't use it every time I make my chai. After all, sometimes I'm simply more concerned about getting caffeine in me as quick as possible and I don't care much about presentation. However, when I have the time, or when I'm serving guests, this gadget certainly will make those homemade drinks closer to the expensive cafe variety. My only complaint about this model is that the batteries were very difficult to put in. It isn't so much the batteries, but getting the cover back on properly. It is a small inconvenience for a little milk foam on top of a warm cup of tea.
Of course, you aren't limited to using it on chai. It comes with some recipes, and I plan to try it on good 'ole hot chocolate, with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top, soon. Yum.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New recipes for Chex Party Mix (Giveaway)
Up until now, I only knew of two holiday recipes using Chex cereal: the Original Party Mix and Puppy Chow (a.k.a. Chex Muddy Buddies). I had never heard of Chex Lemon Buddies, Chex Apple Pie Snack or Tex Chex Party Mix. Intrigued? Check out your local Walmart store for FREE recipe cards using your favorite Chex cereal.
Blogspark sent me a gift pack including a box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set, and a rather large canvas tote. Now all I need to decide is what recipe to make with my box of Chex. Do I go with something new, or stick with an old favorite? I have to admit, some Chex Muddy Buddies sound pretty darn delicious right now, since I'm craving something sweet. However, Tex Chex would be prefect to snack on while curled up on the couch and watching a family movie. Choices, choices. What sounds most appetizing to you?
*Now closed. Congrats to Beverly, comment #6!* You two will have an opportunity to win a Chex prize pack from Blogspark. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Blogspark sent me a gift pack including a box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set, and a rather large canvas tote. Now all I need to decide is what recipe to make with my box of Chex. Do I go with something new, or stick with an old favorite? I have to admit, some Chex Muddy Buddies sound pretty darn delicious right now, since I'm craving something sweet. However, Tex Chex would be prefect to snack on while curled up on the couch and watching a family movie. Choices, choices. What sounds most appetizing to you?
*Now closed. Congrats to Beverly, comment #6!* You two will have an opportunity to win a Chex prize pack from Blogspark. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
- Tell me what new Chex Party Mix recipe would you most like to try.
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
- Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
- Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment). This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
The giveaway will end on December 24th at 12 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.U.S. addresses only, please. Note: Please make sure you have access and check your email on 12/24 since I need to submit the winner's address the same day. A lack of timely response will result in a new winner being selected!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Chex Holiday Recipes (Chex and Kroger Card Giveaway)
My mom used to make the original Chex Party Mix every year during the Christmas holiday. I find that stuff so addicting! I haven't made it in a very, very long time, and I now have two boxes waiting for me to make a batch to inhale.
I was provided with a box of Rice Chex, a box of Corn Chex, and a $25 gift card to Kroger by Blogspark. Seeing that I haven't done any Christmas baking yet, the timing couldn't be more perfect. I picked up the remaining ingredients at Kroger and plan to mix up a batch tomorrow afternoon, enlisting the help of my kids. After all, I'm sure they are going to help eat it!
For 3 weeks, from December 2nd - December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! What a great time to stock up!
*Now closed. Congrats to JC, comment #19.* The good news is you, too, will have an opportunity to receive two boxes of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card to Kroger. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
- Tell me your favorite Chex cereal recipe, or if you just prefer it in a bowl with milk.
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
- Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
- Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment). This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
The giveaway will end on December 24th at 12 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.U.S. addresses only, please. Note: Please make sure you have access and check your email on 12/24 since I need to submit the winner's address the same day. A lack of timely response will result in a new winner being selected!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas, card or no card
Do you send out Christmas cards? A few years ago, I would have thought that a strange question. Doesn't everyone send out Christmas cards? After watching my mom fuss over getting a multitude of Christmas cards addressed and stamped each Christmas season, I just considered it a required part of the Christmas festivities. That was, until last year.
Last year money was tight. I just didn't see spending money on Christmas cards that everyone would throw out in two weeks, in addition to the postage. We could use that money for a gift for someone...or groceries. So, I broke out of the Christmas card obligation and didn't send a single Christmas card. I almost felt like I was committing some Christmas sin. No Christmas cards? What a grinch! You know what? No one called me to complain they didn't get a card. No one had a ruined Christmas because I didn't add to the pile of Christmas cards. No Christmas curse was cast upon me. It really was ok. In fact...it was quite liberating.
I noticed that we received considerably fewer cards last year. I assume many others made the same financial decision. The trend has continued on this year as well. It might be the result of the 'ole if-you-don't-send-me-one-I'm-taking-you-off-my-list-next-year situation. That is entirely fine. I really don't want to send cards based on the Rule of Reciprocity anyhow. What is the point in that? I'll wish you a Merry Christmas on paper if you do the same? I'll admit, some of my Christmas card deliveries were based on the Rule of Recriprocity guilt. Sort of along the lines of, "Even though I haven't talked to Sally in 10 years, despite her living 5 miles from me, I should send her a card because she sent me one." In reality, Sally was afraid to take me off her Christmas list, too. It just seems, well, a tad silly. The decrease may also be because others may still be in a financial bind. Or, some may have come to the same realization as me - not sending out cards isn't the equivalent to turning green and trying to ruin Christmas for everyone.
I know some enjoy sending out cards and I think that is great; I do like receiving them. Some years, though, it is simply a chore and a last minute duty. I never seem to have my act together enough to enjoy it, but always thought I had to. So, you won't be getting any cards from me this year. In fact, you probably won't be getting any from me next year. It doesn't mean I'll never send out Christmas cards again. It simply means I've decided that supporting Hallmark is no longer a Christmas requirement. I still wish everyone a Merry Christmas, card or no.
Last year money was tight. I just didn't see spending money on Christmas cards that everyone would throw out in two weeks, in addition to the postage. We could use that money for a gift for someone...or groceries. So, I broke out of the Christmas card obligation and didn't send a single Christmas card. I almost felt like I was committing some Christmas sin. No Christmas cards? What a grinch! You know what? No one called me to complain they didn't get a card. No one had a ruined Christmas because I didn't add to the pile of Christmas cards. No Christmas curse was cast upon me. It really was ok. In fact...it was quite liberating.
I noticed that we received considerably fewer cards last year. I assume many others made the same financial decision. The trend has continued on this year as well. It might be the result of the 'ole if-you-don't-send-me-one-I'm-taking-you-off-my-list-next-year situation. That is entirely fine. I really don't want to send cards based on the Rule of Reciprocity anyhow. What is the point in that? I'll wish you a Merry Christmas on paper if you do the same? I'll admit, some of my Christmas card deliveries were based on the Rule of Recriprocity guilt. Sort of along the lines of, "Even though I haven't talked to Sally in 10 years, despite her living 5 miles from me, I should send her a card because she sent me one." In reality, Sally was afraid to take me off her Christmas list, too. It just seems, well, a tad silly. The decrease may also be because others may still be in a financial bind. Or, some may have come to the same realization as me - not sending out cards isn't the equivalent to turning green and trying to ruin Christmas for everyone.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Giveaway and Review: Gift of Love DVD
The Gift of Love contains a story, music, and three art lessons.
Through my kids' youth groups in the past, there have been special performances with a chalk artist, with a story being told while the artist works. The story portion of this DVD was very much like those performances. While the narrator speaks, completed chalk art is used for the graphics, intermixed with snippets of artist Gloria Kohlmann working on a final scene. At the end, the final picture is displayed with black light. The story would appeal to very young children. At only 10 minutes long, it would be perfect for quieting children at the end of a Sunday School class.
There are three art lessons by three different artists. The first is on Creative Lettering, the second a manger scene with colored pencils, and the last on contours of the face with chalk to make a portrait of Mary. Each lesson incorporates the Christmas message into the lesson. My personal favorite was the Creative Lettering lesson. The techniques in the lessons would be best for ages 6 and up. The lessons vary from approximately 20-40 minutes long.
This DVD tells a magnificent story in a simple presentation. Creative kids will enjoy learning some drawing techniques through the three lessons as a fun Christmas activity. You can learn more about the DVD at www.seethelightshine.com.
Now closed. Congrats, Lisa, commenter #15. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
CHRISTMAS STORY & (3) ART LESSONS: Rejoice, Away in a Manger, Portrait of Mary! The Gift of Love is a Christmas story, artfully brought to life through the captivating expressions of chalk-art, music and drama. approx. run time 143 minutes
Through my kids' youth groups in the past, there have been special performances with a chalk artist, with a story being told while the artist works. The story portion of this DVD was very much like those performances. While the narrator speaks, completed chalk art is used for the graphics, intermixed with snippets of artist Gloria Kohlmann working on a final scene. At the end, the final picture is displayed with black light. The story would appeal to very young children. At only 10 minutes long, it would be perfect for quieting children at the end of a Sunday School class.
There are three art lessons by three different artists. The first is on Creative Lettering, the second a manger scene with colored pencils, and the last on contours of the face with chalk to make a portrait of Mary. Each lesson incorporates the Christmas message into the lesson. My personal favorite was the Creative Lettering lesson. The techniques in the lessons would be best for ages 6 and up. The lessons vary from approximately 20-40 minutes long.
This DVD tells a magnificent story in a simple presentation. Creative kids will enjoy learning some drawing techniques through the three lessons as a fun Christmas activity. You can learn more about the DVD at www.seethelightshine.com.
Now closed. Congrats, Lisa, commenter #15. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
- Simply leave a comment telling me who among your family and friends would enjoy this DVD.
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
- Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
- Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment). This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Review: Wits and Wagers (North Star Games)
Despite all the sophisticated electronic games that flood the market, I don't think there is a kid around that doesn't enjoy gathering around the table for a good, old-fashioned, family board game. When my kids were younger, that usually entailed Candy Land, Trouble, or some other tolerable, but not overly interesting game. Now that my kids are older, game requests have gone to the other extreme with complicated strategy games. Not only are many of these games time-consuming, but often these requests take place late at night when my brain power has been depleted for the day. As much as I love board games with my family, it is difficult to find a game that is entertaining, easy to learn, quick to play, adaptable in game length, and enjoyed by all.
Each round involves answering a question on one of the question cards. All of the questions require a numerical answer. Everyone places their Answer Board in the center to be arranged numerically. Next, the wagering begins. Feeling confident with your answer? Place both of your meeple on your own Answer Board. Did you guess on the question “How many stomach compartments does a cow have?”, but know that Uncle Joe knows livestock better than any other player at the table? Then by all means, put your meeple on Uncle Joe's Answer Card. Part of the fun is trying to figure out which player might have the knowledge to best answer the question. You can also split your meeple and put them on two cards. A large meeple will earn you 2 points, and a small meeple 1 point, when placed on the card closest to the actual answer without going over. If your own Answer Card was the winning answer, you gain an additional point, regardless if your own meeple are on it (believe me - it happens). The first player to reach 15 points wins.
When Wits & Wagers Family by North Star Games arrived for review, I wasn't quite sure how it would go over in our family. It certainly looked simple enough, but sometimes there is a trade off in simplicity. Would it be entertaining for all involved? The box indicated that Wits and Wagers is suitable for ages 8 and up. Our family ranges in age from 11 through 40-something, with varying tastes in board games.
The rules of the game are amazingly simple. Each player gets a one large and one small meeple. Meeple is a generic term for little wooden people used in board games. In Wits and Wagers Family, meeples are are used to make wagers. In addition the meeple, each player gets a color-coded Answer Board and a wipe-off marker. An Answer Board with a “1” is place in the center of the table. One player is selected as a Scorekeeper, and given a Scoreboard. The youngest player is given the duty of asking the first question from the tray of Question Cards. Sounds simple so far, eh?
Wits and Wagers Family was enjoyed by each member of our family. It was both entertaining and educational, depending on the question card. Some of the questions call on reasoning skills and others are just wild guesses. I was shocked to discover just how many times a bee beats its wings in a second and admired the marketing genius of Disney when a princess total was revealed (Seriously? Does the world need this many Disney princesses?). It received a thumbs up from our whole family.
Wits and Wager Family retails for $19.99 and can be purchased, along with other great North Star games, at the North Star website, as well as at online retailers, and local book and game stores.
Read more reviews on this product at the official TOS Crew blog.
Disclaimer: This review was provided as a result in my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I was provided the product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I have received no other compensation.
I strive to give a balanced overview of each product, detailing my opinion of both pros and cons and how the product worked for my family. What works for one family may not work for another. I encourage you to read reviews of other Crew members and research sufficiently to determine if any product will be a benefit to your homeschool.
Read more reviews on this product at the official TOS Crew blog.
Disclaimer: This review was provided as a result in my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I was provided the product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I have received no other compensation.
I strive to give a balanced overview of each product, detailing my opinion of both pros and cons and how the product worked for my family. What works for one family may not work for another. I encourage you to read reviews of other Crew members and research sufficiently to determine if any product will be a benefit to your homeschool.
Proud to be a Misfit!
I've been so preoccupied the last couple of weeks that I completely forgot to check the results of the Misfit Awards. I didn't win any of the nominated categories, but you might enjoy seeing the results at Hearthside Homeschool Reviews.
Now, does one feel proud that they didn't win or proud that they did? Either way, Lori at Hearthside has provided a generic button for all of those who didn't win a category, yet consider themselves to be a Homeschooling Misfit. I don't know about you, but I'm proud to be a Misfit. It means I'm human and don't have superwoman expectations of myself - a necessary skill when homeschooling, no?
Now, does one feel proud that they didn't win or proud that they did? Either way, Lori at Hearthside has provided a generic button for all of those who didn't win a category, yet consider themselves to be a Homeschooling Misfit. I don't know about you, but I'm proud to be a Misfit. It means I'm human and don't have superwoman expectations of myself - a necessary skill when homeschooling, no?
Monday, December 13, 2010
State Championship surprise!
I've posted a couple of times about the progress of our First Lego League team. This is my first year coaching, and our family's second year being involved.
Being on a First Lego League team is often intense, time consuming, and emotionally draining. It certainly has its rewards, though. The learning experiences it provides would be difficult to find elsewhere and I'm glad my kids have such opportunities to participate. Of course, a little recognition makes all that hard work and effort worth it even more.
After a practice tournament and winning the Championship Award at our qualifying tournament, our team, the X-Bots, attended the State Championship tournament this past weekend. There were 46 other teams, who earned their spot by being a high scorer at their own qualifying tournament, in the tournament. We knew the competition would be tough.
Our robot didn't perform as expected, but we ended up in 14th place for the robot game anyhow. Not bad, but the kids were a little disappointed since practice runs at the table resulted in higher points. A program that consistently ran at the practice table would fail during game time. Surprise number one for the day.
The three interview areas - core values (teamwork), project presentation, and the technical interview - seemed to go ok. I really didn't have a good feel for how they compared, though. We'd find out after lunch, when they announce "callbacks" for the top teams. The callback time came and went with no word. The kids were a bit disappointed. Then, after about 30 minutes past the callback time, we received notice that our team was indeed called back for not one, but two interviews. Furthermore, in one area they were up for two different awards. Surprise number two for the day.
The second interviews took place in front of a crowded room of judges. The kids did great. I was very proud of them. With being a top scorer in three areas, I was pretty confident that they would receive at least one subcategory trophy.
The awards ceremony finally came. Our team sat with anticipation. Award after award was called, but the X-Bots was not named. All of the callback areas, where they had the highest chance,an came and went. The kids shoulders drooped a bit. It was a tough competition. The team did well, but it looked like it wasn't enough to earn a top score in any single category. Surprise number three for the day.
I could see the defeat and the kids started not paying much attention to the announcer. There were only two awards left. Next up, the award for the Finalist (Runner-Up/Second Place) was called.. X-Bots! There was a lag before any of the kids responded. They were shocked! Surprise number four, and a nice one at that.
The day was filled with up and down surprises, but certainly had a happy ending. As a tournament Finalist, we are next in line to attend the World Festival should the other team not be able to go. That would be the grand-daddy of surprises for the X-Bots.
Being on a First Lego League team is often intense, time consuming, and emotionally draining. It certainly has its rewards, though. The learning experiences it provides would be difficult to find elsewhere and I'm glad my kids have such opportunities to participate. Of course, a little recognition makes all that hard work and effort worth it even more.
After a practice tournament and winning the Championship Award at our qualifying tournament, our team, the X-Bots, attended the State Championship tournament this past weekend. There were 46 other teams, who earned their spot by being a high scorer at their own qualifying tournament, in the tournament. We knew the competition would be tough.
Our robot didn't perform as expected, but we ended up in 14th place for the robot game anyhow. Not bad, but the kids were a little disappointed since practice runs at the table resulted in higher points. A program that consistently ran at the practice table would fail during game time. Surprise number one for the day.
The three interview areas - core values (teamwork), project presentation, and the technical interview - seemed to go ok. I really didn't have a good feel for how they compared, though. We'd find out after lunch, when they announce "callbacks" for the top teams. The callback time came and went with no word. The kids were a bit disappointed. Then, after about 30 minutes past the callback time, we received notice that our team was indeed called back for not one, but two interviews. Furthermore, in one area they were up for two different awards. Surprise number two for the day.
The second interviews took place in front of a crowded room of judges. The kids did great. I was very proud of them. With being a top scorer in three areas, I was pretty confident that they would receive at least one subcategory trophy.
The awards ceremony finally came. Our team sat with anticipation. Award after award was called, but the X-Bots was not named. All of the callback areas, where they had the highest chance,an came and went. The kids shoulders drooped a bit. It was a tough competition. The team did well, but it looked like it wasn't enough to earn a top score in any single category. Surprise number three for the day.
I could see the defeat and the kids started not paying much attention to the announcer. There were only two awards left. Next up, the award for the Finalist (Runner-Up/Second Place) was called.. X-Bots! There was a lag before any of the kids responded. They were shocked! Surprise number four, and a nice one at that.
Christmas preparations
I've been a little absent here. In an effort to schedule a bit better for the holidays, I've let some things go, including my blog.
Last Christmas, with the down-turned economy and a struggling family business, was a stressful one, for my husband in particular. He didn't feel like decorating or being in the holiday spirit. He was too worried about the finances and keeping a roof over our heads. This year, however, my kids jump-started a rather rare desire to deck the halls, so to speak.
While shopping, my husband and I received a phone call from our youngest asking when we'd be home. He and our daughter had put up the tree, he said, and were waiting for us to come home and decorate it together. Now, my kids are 11 and 13 and have assisted with putting up the tree. They've never took it upon themselves to drag it out of the basement and do the job solo. I wasn't sure if we'd come home to a crooked tree or something that looked like a giant Charlie Brown tree from not properly "fluffing" the branches. I must say, they did a beautiful job.
That action spurred more decorating. We have giant snowmen on our windows, homemade paper snowflakes, several nativity scenes, wreaths, baskets of potpourri, Christmas stockings and Santas all about. It is very nice after last year.
We were able to share our holiday spirit with my niece and nephew, ages 4 and 5 months. Ok, the nephew was a little oblivious, but I think my niece had fun. We've never had the pleasure of babysitting the kids, and I was hoping it would all go well. My niece is a little, um...afraid...of her uncle. It has taken her 4 years to warm up to him. However, she gladly accepted his help with building this gingerbread house with my son and daughter.
Didn't they do a fabulous job?
The house is decorated and my Christmas shopping is almost done. While things certainly aren't financially perfect, they don't look as dismal as last year. No, the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with finances. I hate the materialistic focus on the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But not having the added stress in our household this year, well, it makes a person smile just a bit wider...
Last Christmas, with the down-turned economy and a struggling family business, was a stressful one, for my husband in particular. He didn't feel like decorating or being in the holiday spirit. He was too worried about the finances and keeping a roof over our heads. This year, however, my kids jump-started a rather rare desire to deck the halls, so to speak.
While shopping, my husband and I received a phone call from our youngest asking when we'd be home. He and our daughter had put up the tree, he said, and were waiting for us to come home and decorate it together. Now, my kids are 11 and 13 and have assisted with putting up the tree. They've never took it upon themselves to drag it out of the basement and do the job solo. I wasn't sure if we'd come home to a crooked tree or something that looked like a giant Charlie Brown tree from not properly "fluffing" the branches. I must say, they did a beautiful job.
That action spurred more decorating. We have giant snowmen on our windows, homemade paper snowflakes, several nativity scenes, wreaths, baskets of potpourri, Christmas stockings and Santas all about. It is very nice after last year.
We were able to share our holiday spirit with my niece and nephew, ages 4 and 5 months. Ok, the nephew was a little oblivious, but I think my niece had fun. We've never had the pleasure of babysitting the kids, and I was hoping it would all go well. My niece is a little, um...afraid...of her uncle. It has taken her 4 years to warm up to him. However, she gladly accepted his help with building this gingerbread house with my son and daughter.
Didn't they do a fabulous job?
The house is decorated and my Christmas shopping is almost done. While things certainly aren't financially perfect, they don't look as dismal as last year. No, the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with finances. I hate the materialistic focus on the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But not having the added stress in our household this year, well, it makes a person smile just a bit wider...
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