The World According to Leslie

 As you know, I am staying home and helping my sister with her two littles. The schools here are completely virtual, at least for the time being.  So, I have my kiddo upstairs doing her community college classes for dual credit (high school and college). Then I have a 2nd grader and a 4th grader downstairs at the dining room table with me.  As I type this, the 2nd grader to my left is watching a live video of her teacher, and the teacher can see her. Every so often, she unmutes herself and speaks to her teacher and classmates. On my right, the 4th grader is watching a live video of her teachers (yes, two of them), but the teachers can neither see or hear her. The 2nd grader will have the chance to do a 2-3 minute dance break, but the 4th grader will sit there. She will get a 5 minute break, but unless she goes to the potty, she will not move from her seat.  This goes on every day from 8:30-10am. At that time, they either go to small group with teachers, or they do in...

I know I keep posting about the countdown for the Princess to finish 8th grade. We have had some trials and struggles this year, but who hasn't? It really is going to be bittersweet. She's finishing 8th grade. It was like this when she finished 5th grade too. (Our transition years, 5th and 8th) have been struggles.  :(  But, she always does really well with it. She's going to be in high school in the fall. How did that happen?  Before long, she's going to be taking Driver's Ed and wanting to drive the car.  (Please note I said WANTING TO.... no guarantees we're letting her drive!! That might be more than I can handle!) This year, I've seen her change from the kid who didn't want to go back to school because she was being bullied last year to the kid who can't wait for this year to be finished because she's ready to go to high school. She's taking 3 high school classes. She's already ahead of the game, in that department. We ar...