Question of the Day 1

Today's QOTD is:
How well do you know your next-door neighbors?

Answer:
We are lucky enough to live in a great neighborhood and have close relationships with pretty much our whole block! I am reminded of when I grew up, when all the kids were out playing and over at each other's houses, when you could call up a neighbor to borrow eggs or butter, or call them in a pinch to watch the kids for a bit. In fact, our neighbors across the street came over to use our washing machine when theirs was broken and they lent us their extra car when ours was in the shop! Talk about friendliness!
Our neighborhood is filled with kids ranging in ages from 6 months up to 14 years old- who love to babysit Le and Lo! We have built in playmates and babysitters! In fact, our neighborhood just planned a progressive dinner where we have drink and appetizers at one house (ours), then move to the main course at another house, and end with dessert at yet, another house. We have 9 families involved and everyone signs up to bring a dish to one of the host houses! The party will take place on March 24th! We even got the older kids to babysit all the younger kids after the meal so the parents can have some fun adult time! I'll let you know how it goes.
As Anthony says, we're not moving until Sara and Clare, and Ivy and Shawny (the girls who babysit for us) go off to college! And I must say, I'd have to agree!! We are pretty lucky to have such great neighbors.

Pink No More

I, personally, kinda liked the pink format but too many people shot me down! It's back to the blue and green tones! Let me know what you all think!

Education Issues

I have two things to report:

1: Should etiquette/manners be taught in school?

Situation: We have a 5th grade teacher who is starting a unit on etiquette/manners to her class. Now, I'm all for being polite and respectful but we're talking about boys standing up when a girl approaches their table, bowing when an adult enters the room, etc. To me this is a little over the top. I understand some things: proper table manners, holding the door open, and of course, the good old please and thank-you. Which bring me to another question. Should this be taught in school? I mean, if it doesn't start at home and the parents don't value it, then are the kids going to? I guess it "can't hurt" and some kids may not have appropriate adult role models (not the case in my school) but, I personally feel that this teacher is over-stepping her boundaries. What do you all think? Maybe I am, again, being to sensitive and yes, the basic rules of manners and respect in context need to be addressed but a whole unit on etiquette???

2: Second Graders performing Shakespeare.

Situation: My "favorite" second grade teacher- the one who has done the crazy, inappropriate assignments in the past, is having her second graders perform Shakespeare. Yes, Shakespeare. I barely understand Shakespeare. This has NO meaning to their lives and no connection to the second grade curriculum what-so-ever!! Making a bunch of second grade students memorize lines that they do not understand is pointless to me! Why not have the kids work in groups to create, write, and perform their own plays? Why not have the class write a play for a book they are reading??? So, I spent my 45 minute session with these little guys rehearsing lines today that included:
"Helena, love me so. I can not let you go."
"I can not love you, I will not love you."
"Marry me, please. I cannot part without you."
And on and on and on...
Yes, second grade reading lines about love and marriage?!?!?!?!

Going Green

My friend Karen is SO on top of "living a greener life" and taking action to make changes that will positively impact our world! She even started a website/blog with her sister-in-law. Check it out at Green Girl's Guide. I am inspired to do what I can do in our little part of the world to make a difference. This can be a but overwhelming at first, but once you get going, the change is easy... and it makes a big difference!

To begin with, I signed up to reduce our "junk mail" and "credit card offers". A company named "Green Dimes" will do this for you for a minimal fee.. and will plant a tree in your name for each month that you are a member. Check it out! Green Dimes

Other simple things Team Robinson has done:
- I bought 4 reusable grocery bags from Trader Joe's and use these when I go shopping! No more plastic bags that are a pain to begin with!
- We switched all of our cleaners to non-toxic, environmental friendly cleaners. I LOVE the Mrs. Myers brand along with the simple.pure.green. products!
- I now bring my own coffee mug when getting a latte/mocha before work and I purchased a non-leaching water bottle to use instead of buying plastic water bottles.
- We switched to the more energy-efficient light bulbs and make sure to turn off all lights when we are not in a room. We also turned out heat down by 1-2 degrees.
- In addition, we turned down our hot water heater and only wash clothes on the cold cycle!

My next step is to look at environmental friendly make-up and facial products that will positively benefit myself and the enviroment!

So, a BIG thanks to Karen and Laura for jump-starting these efforts and making us all aware of the little things that we can do to make a difference! I did it... what will you do????

New York Trip

Best Things about our Trip
1: Catching up with old friends
2: Playing in the snow!
3: Dinner at Mrs. B's
4: Target with Meg
5: Strong Museum of Toys

Not so great things about our trip to NY
1: Traveling and airplane ride... need I say more???
2: Adjusting to new time zone and new setting
3: Sleep!
4: Leah's moodiness
5: Logan's business

BUT it was a great trip!!!! And thanks to everyone who helped make it successful!!

Is Spring Here?

We have spent the last few days outside... in our bare feet with no jackets on. Anth and Logan got fresh sand for the sandbox, new mulch for the garden, and the weeding has begun. Playing the the sandbox, water table, jumping on the trampoline, and riding bikes galore! Does this mean that spring is here? We'll see... I don't want to "tease" the kids but it is so nice to spend time outside! I open the back door, make sure the fence is locked, and the kids are free to roam.. I mean, play! They love it! Logan was so excited about the warm weather that he pulled out the pool, got his bathing suit on, and is ready to swim! I told the little guy that we still have to wait a few months until we can swim. Luckily, he was satisfied with the sandbox!

Anthony's Pick

As requested by Anthony, (he has been asking for a little "airtime"), so here we go!

A musician he discovered a little while back:

Rehab
by Amy Winehouse

Check it out here.
http://popbytes.com/archive/2006/10/amy_winehouses_rehab.shtml

My personal opinion, (if I'm allowed): great song and voice but freaky video and lyrics... overall, I like it!