AR tests

As kids start school, you have to learn the lingo of school work, new programs and such. Well AR tests came into our life in First Grade. AR stands for Accelerated Reader. To put it simply, the child reads a library book that is designated a certain level, like 1.9 would be a First grade book but almost a Second grade because of the 0.9. Then they take a simple 5 to 10 question comprehension quiz. Well there is the word I dread...comprehension.

Comprehension has been a struggle for Zachary, but this summer they worked specifically on comprehension and auditory processing. I had already decided I would not be able to spend as much time reading and re-reading multiple times to make sure he understood the material because the books are just getting too long. Well three weeks ago, he got a 100% on his first test, then last week he got an 80% (got 4 out of 5 correct). I was so excited!

This week, he brought home some crazy, long book. He has been very insistent on him reading his books and me not helping. Wednesday night, when he finished reading his book for his Thursday AR test, he said, and I quote, "quiz me." So I did and he seemed to know his stuff. He took his 10 question quiz and got a 100%. Whooooohooooo! I am so proud of him. We treated him to his favorite restaurant...Lupe Tortillas (his choice, honest). What a fulfilling day! Just thought I would share my joy.

Enchanted Rock

When we were in Austin over Labor Day weekend, we climbed Enchanted Rock. Thank goodness my good friend had her camera. I, of course, left my camera and to say the least, the iphone is not the best. Here are two pictures from our adventure...

Me and my buddy

The little climbers

My friend, Traci, and her kids went (the first three on the left), me and Zachary, followed by my cousin Amy and her daughter (last one on the right). We had a good time, and the heat was not too bad. We followed that up by ice cream in Fredericksburg and shopping at the Five and Dime store.

I have no idea what you are talking about!

On Wednesday, I was taking a shower while Zachary was eating breakfast. Normally he watches tennis while he eats, so he is preoccupied. He lost his TV privileges, so I guess he thought he would entertain himself.

I get out of the shower to hear Pete barking and a loud knock on the door, followed by the door knocker being used and then a knock again. This did not sound like a normal solicitor, which I don't normally answer. So I go to the peep hole, in my towel, no less....looks like a man in a uniform. I'm a little confused, so I say "who is it?" He says, "Pasadena Police. We received a 911 call from this number. Is everything OK?"

So in my shame, I crack the door and quickly explain Zachary and the situation, profusely apologize, and say we are fine. Then I found Zachary with two phones, quietly eating as if nothing new was going on. I see the answering machine has a message, so I play it back. They say the typical stuff and then add, "the phone was answered by a young man saying "I have no idea what you are talking about! We've dispatched an officer. Please call us back."

After I regain my composure, I remind him of our trip that past Wednesday to the Police Station with the Boy Scouts, and we were not to play on the phone.

You know, I had always been proud that he had never placed that call when he was younger. I guess I am getting a few pranks a little later in his life. Hmm, what's to come?

Looking forward to Labor Day fun!

We are headed to Austin. We have lots of family there. We are going to see Lauren on Friday. She will keep Pistol Pete over the weekend. Saturday will be fun with the Robbins Family. I think we are eating at the Nutty Brown Cafe and then going to climb Enchanted Rock...yes, in this crazy heat.

Sunday, we will probably take little Lauren and Zachary swimming, maybe a little golf in the late evening, and then we will get to see the babies and more family. Adam and Nicole and Ryan and Michaela have added to the two newest additions to the Scott Family. I think little Nolan and little Luke might be the best part of the trip. I'll let you know next week.

Then on Monday, I am absolutely thrilled to see my childhood best friend and her newest son, Owen. Denise and I lost touch in about 9th grade when she moved. There was no cell phones or emails, and my allowance did not pay enough to cover long distance calls very frequently. Nonetheless, she found me at Christmas, which was probably the best gift I received last year. I'm finally going to get to see her, meet her husband and hug her kids.

Then back home with Pete and Zachary in tow. They are good riding buddies. Zachary is excited we are bringing Pete and beating Uncle Bill at chess, but I'm not sure about much else. He is very concerned about "pausing" his online chess games so he doesn't loose. I'm praying for good behavior and less mouthiness. I've often wished he had the Ziploc seal and I could open and close it when necessary. Ha. Enjoy your long weekend wherever you may be!