She Can Be Taught!

I am BEYOND excited to be writing this post! As I sit here and reflect on Bayleigh, I am seriously beaming with pride and as I type, I am choking back my tears!
The Friday before last week, in the Friday folder that had the awesome report card, Bayleigh brought home a Math test that she earned a 50%--U on. You know what that means...this 9 weeks begins with a 50% grade. I was NOT happy to say the least. I didn't yell at her or get mad, but I did let her know that it is unacceptable and that it is NOT OK to bring home grades like that.
So, then this past week--STRUGGLES! She simply did not understand the subject of One and Ten Spots. I ended up on Thursday working with her from the time she got home from school until 9:30 with the exception of 2.5 hrs that we took her to gymnastics. I also placed a call to her teacher before she left the school because I had no clue how to teach her. I didn't know what to say or how to explain it at all. My vocabulary was clearly not what the teacher was using. Bayleigh was frustrated with me and I was beyond frustrated with her as well. Luckily, her teacher was VERY understanding and even finished my sentence when I said, Mrs. Linder, this math homework...she said it's hard! Yeah! She helped me explain it and gave me some tips to remind Bayleigh of and even pointed out to me where she was struggling--which was a great start for me because I had no idea what she was doing. Ends up...the topic is Ones and Tens spots and Bayleigh was wanted to add ones and/or tens to both spots when it just needed to be in just one or the other depending on the question. I could tell from her paper in the Friday folder the following day that she did much better, but knowing Bayleigh--I could tell she still just didn't get it. It wasn't "clicking for her". UGH!
So, this weekend we did math. And, it's MLK Day so there was no school today and we hit it again today. While talking to one of my BFF's, I told her of our issue and she pointed me to this site she found on pinterest.com. Click HERE to go to the exact blog page if you want to. Score! FINALLY! A hands on tool that actually helped! THANK YOU FRIEND!!! <3!
I have to tell you--watching Bayleigh learn tonight has brought on a wave of emotion that I am kind of surprised by. I am seriously overwhelmed with pride! With Bayleigh, it's always just seemed as if she just wakes up and KNOWS things. She is the type that catches on very quickly and just "gets" it. You know what I mean? I am sure that this just fueled her own frustrations when she wasn't getting the ones and tens spot lessons.
Now on to the trick...the tool...
It calls for styrofoam cups, but I only had solo cups, so I put a piece of tissue paper in the bottom of one to keep them from collapsing into the other.

What you do is...

1. On two, (3 if you do the hundred's spot too), cups--along the top rim where you drink write the numbers 0-9.

2. Place the cups into each other with the open end or the part with the numbers facing your left hand when looking at them.

3. The cup on the outside--the numbers on the right are the One's spot.

4. The cup on the inside--the numbers on the left are the Ten's spot.

5. Twist the cups to create a two digit number. Example 71.

6. Ask the question What's One More Than 71? At this time, the child will know that he or she must turn the ones cup up one number to equal 72.

7. Have the child reset the cups to 71. Then ask, What's One Less than 71? At this time, the child will know that he or she must turn the ones cup down one number to equal 72.

8. Have the child reset the cups to 71. Then ask, What's Ten More than 71? At this time, the child will know that he or she must turn the Tens cup up one number to equal 81.

9. Have the child reset the cups to 71. Then ask, What's Ten Less than 71? At this time, the child will know that he or she must turn the Tens cup down one number to equal 61.

**On a side note, if you click the link above to go to the ladies blog where I found the tutorial...she used the styrofoam cups that have the rims that prevent the cups from collapsing into each other AND she used different color pens for the Ones, Tens, and Hundreds spots. Great idea!

Here shows what the outside of the tens cup looks like too. The 0's are hidden on the inside of the ones cup when you line the numbers up as you can see in the previous picture.

This tool worked great for Bayleigh and I was even able to ask her several numbers in a row and she gave the correct answers without the cups! SHE OVERCAME HER STRUGGLES! I watched her learn and be so proud of herself right in front of my eyes...it didn't happen over night while she was sleeping! Heeeheeeheee!

I am SO incredibly thankful to the author of that blog for showing us mommies the tools that worked for her. I hope that should another mommy somewhere, someday need these tools she too will stumble across my blog and find herself completely proud of watching her child learn as well. (This goes for daddies too of course)! Next week's lesson is similar except they are using a Hundred's chart to get the answers...Wish us luck!

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*



Meet Abigail!

So, Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 I was browsing Facebook from my iPhone. When I first logged in, on my wall was a post from one of Bayleigh's little school friend's mom saying they had two puppies left. I knew around Christmas time they had the puppies and were giving them away. I wanted one, but our December was SO crazy busy that I knew that it was a no go so, I never mentioned anything about the puppies to Larry. Anyways, Tuesday evening I get on and right there is the post along with a picture and after begging Larry and then ultimately winning the coin toss, I wrote on Elissa's picture telling her I wanted one. We were able to go over to her house just a few minutes later and they they were! SO CUTE and SWEET! From the pictures, I wanted the little one that they had named Halo, because she was like an angel!! But Cookie really took to Bayleigh and after asking Bayleigh if she wanted one she of course said yes and that she wanted Cookie. So, Cookie is who we got!
On the way home, we talked about a name change. I loved the name Clarissa and loved the fact that it sticks with a "C" name to go with our Cooper that we alreay have. Bayleigh wasn't having it. So, we just kept thinking. When we got home, we went to dinner at my mom's house and then I headed to town to buy all of the essientials that a new puppy needed. No more FREE puppy. LOL! I had to throw that in because that's what Larry said. :) After returning home the name talks started up again and Bayleigh said, her name is Abigail Cookie! HOW CUTE! I said, Abigail is perfect, but let's call her Abbi and it was a go!
Abbi, is simply a sweetie pie and her love for Bayleigh is as strong as Bayleigh's love for her. Where Bayleigh goes, Abbi goes! Tuesday night was kinda nuts. Bayleigh was beyond excited and Abbi was doing great being separated from her family, but when we put her in her crate she threw a fit. I couldn't handle it. It broke my heart. So, I snuck her out and slipped her into bed with me and Larry and that's where she slept. I KNEW that night that NO MATTER WHAT, the next night she was sleeping in her crate.
So, last night I moved her crate into the bathroom and at 9, in she went and the screaming instantly began. I closed the door and joined Larry in the family room. Bayleigh had just gone up to bed. As I sit, watching the TV with Larry--because Lord knows we couldn't hear it, I hear Bayleigh crying upstairs. So, I go up and ask what's wrong and she of course "wants her dog". I explained that we are far too busy for Abbi to not be crate trained. I had to tell her the same thing that Larry had just tried to tell me...it doesn't hurt a baby to cry, so it won't hurt a puppy to cry. LOL! He's right, but it was hard. Bayleigh understood that I was right and quickly fell to sleep. It was funny because Tuesday night when Abbi started crying Bayleigh picked up her pillow and blanket and headed to the couch to "comfort her". I heard her saying, Abigail Cookie--I am here to comfort you! It's OK! That wasn't working. LOL! Once Bayleigh fell asleep that night, that was when I headed upstairs with the little sweetie in my arms. Last night though, I knew I was staying strong because I HAD TO! Finally before midnight she went to sleep. THEN, the dog from the house down the road stood in front of our house barking, howling, growling forever around 2:30! What the HECK! So, Abbi was back awake! When Dakota and Makayla got here she was crying again, so I got up and took her potty and then put her in our bed until it was time to get Bayleigh ready for school.
Overall, it was a long tough night, but we survived it. Tonight will not be any easier, but Bayleigh has gymnastics tonight so she will have to be in the crate for that as well. A dose of tough love...it's not easy on anyone involved, but much needed. Wish us luck! :) Now, onto the details and pics!
Name: Abigail Cookie Rutherford, "Abbi"
D.O.B: November 22, 2011
Breed: Mix, Chihuahua Yorkie Terrier
Got Her: Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
Color: Black with white on her chest and paws
Oh who are we kidding!! You don't care about that...you want the pics! Here you go!!!
(sorry, they are all crappy cell pics again)

 Is She trying to be all gansta here????

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*

Grades

Bayleigh got her report card for the second quarter of First Grade. We are very proud! Here's the report...

Reading-99, E
Language-96, E
Spelling-100, E
Math-95, E
Social Studies-85, S
Science-85, S
Art-93, S+--gonna have to email the teacher about this because it's down from an E and I just want to make sure she's doing what she is supposed to do...
Music-94, E
Physical Education-89, S

The comments from her teacher say, "Showing good progress. Excellent Effort."

Way to go Bayleigh!! Looks like you are well onto a great school career so far and we hope you keep up the great work. Surely you will earn lots of scholarships if you keep this up and you will become a dentist without a doubt! We are SO PROUD of YOU!

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*



Welcome 2012

Well, we did indeed survive 2011 and we give thanks to God for that. I think that over all 2011 ended up being a pretty good year. Medically, it was without a doubt better than 2010 for me. Thank you Jesus for that! Bayleigh became a stronger swimmer and spending time in the pool was very fun not having that constant worry. Of course I worry, but it wasn't a panic worry that I am known to usually walk around with. Bayleigh also lost her first two teeth--FINALLY! Hunt down previous title's for that info!

2012 started off with us ringing in the new year with my sister in law Rachel, brother in law Eric, and nephew Max. That's become a family tradition and we look forward to it each year. :) First we went to dinner and my father in law joined us there and then we came home, to their house, and exchanged gifts. My wonderful SIL thought buying her niece a pink drum set would be a terrific idea. Now, while this is true in the eyes of her beautiful niece--this momma doesn't think so. LOL! I will say this, those drums make Bayleigh one happy little lady and let's be honest--I just want my chick-a-dee happy! So, thank you aunt Rachel for the drums!

Here is a picture of Bayleigh all dolled up on our way to Eric and Rachel's. I don't know what it is about this picture, but she looks so grown up. She was all sassy in her new Christmas outfit and her new Christmas make-up. Yes, I introduced her to BLUE EYESHADOW!!!

So far, 2012 has also been providing us with the most gorgeous sunsets EVER! The Sky has been beaming with color and I find it distracts me as I drive because it's hard to not take it all in. Based on a picture my SIL posted one morning this weekend too, the sunrises have been just a wonderful! God really is good! Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic, but here is one I took this past Saturday. Yes, I was driving down the road and then at one point I even pulled over on the side of the road and got out of my truck to take more crappy cell pics. I really need to keep a camera in my purse.

This picture doesn't even do it justice!

I know that 2012 has just begun, but January is already almost half over! That means Valentine's Day is right around the corner!!! I decided that this year, I would 1. save some money and 2. get a little creative! I decided to make Bayleigh personalized Valentine's Day Cards to pass out to her classmates. I ordered them as wallets from one of the online photo printing companies I use and I only spent $6 something for 54! I didn't think that was too bad. Usually you spend $2-4 on a generic box at the store that EVERYONE has and that has just too few that you have to buy an extra box so that you have enough and then end up throwing them away. Here's what we designed together...



Cute, right?! I thought so too!

Ok, I think that is all for now. I have one more blog I want to do after this about grades. (it should be right above this post). Hope you have a year of many blessings, good health, and happiness.

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*

(I need to work on a new one of these)

Where in the world have we been???

Oh my Gosh! I can't believe I have not blogged since mid November! I am sorry for not updating!
This is what we have been up to and I will TRY to post photos and more details at a later date, but don't hold me to that. Sorry.

November 12th, 2011
We had Bayleigh's 7th birthday party at the Waldron Baptist Church. The theme was a Luau and the turnout was amazing! Bayleigh's friends from school that came were: Kaylee, Josee, Kylee, Maggie, Avery, Silas, Nolan, Chaille, Brooklyn, Allie, Trent, Mason, Cendall, Caroline, Caden, Max, McKayla, and Stephan. LOTS of family and friends were there too. We served a ham dinner and played lots of games. She got lots of neat gifts that ranged from books/DVD's to beads, craft kits, and Barbies. She also got money to go toward her KINDLE that her Grammy bought her and iTunes gift cards. It was a lot of fun.

November 22nd, 2011
The Waldron PTO hosted a field trip to That Fun Place in Greenfield, IN for the kids that sold 3+ boxes of candy bars to raise money for the PTO. There was about 60 kids that went and it was fun. I got to meet Bayleigh's little friend Lucy that she talks about all the time. She is a very sweet little girl and her and Bayleigh get along great!

November 24th and November 25th, 2011
Ahhhhhh, Thanksgiving and Black Friday! FUN! Our families came to our house as an annual event! Then Black Friday actually kicked off at 10PM on Thanksgiving night. Talk about being TIRED! Bayleigh, Kim, and Kaitlynn and I hit the stores and did some MAJOR damage, but got some GREAT DEALS! Probably our biggest deal was our Cricut Scrapbooking machines from Michaels that run $199.99 and we got them for $69.99! SCoRE! Kim and I bought one for each other. (we are so much alike it's crazy).

December 10th, 2011
We went over to Ohio and shopped and stayed in a hotel with my friend Jennifer (Goob) and her two sons. Her husband was going to go, but they ended up needing a major home repair so he stayed home to fix that. We hit IKEA and huge home furnishing store and the Bass Pro shop. Met up with Goob there and then went to dinner and then hit the hotel next door to swim and sleep. The next day we went back to IKEA with Goob and also a store called Jungle Jim's which is a huge grocery store with anything and everything you can think of. Wish David was with us, but I'd like to make it an annual trip as well. Here is the free pic with Santa from The Bass Pro Shop, The bedroom Bayleigh picked out at IKEA, and the Owl Beer and Cheese from Jungle Jim's.

Oops! I'm a little out of order

December 3rd, 2011

We took Bayleigh to the Greenwood Park Mall to see Santa. Here are the pictures from that.



December 16th, 17th, and 18th.
We made our annual trip to Wasatch Lake Cabins. It was a ton of fun, but we were frustrated because the owners wouldn't let us use the lodge and were VERY RUDE! They kept running their 4 wheelers on our property ALL NIGHT LONG and we were trying to sleep and they were just annoying. I think we might try to find a new cabin to go to next year. Santa came again and the kids were excited to get their gifts. The weekend over all was relaxing and it was a good time.
Then, the 18th, Bayleigh had her Christmas Program at Mt. Pisgah Church. She sang a solo part in the program and did great!

December 21st, 2011
We made our annual trip to Christmas at the Zoo. We typically go with my Brother in Law and Sister in Law, but Rach was sick so we went and picked Max up and took him with us while she got better. :) It wasn't as cold as it has been in the years past which resulted in a crowded zoo, but it was a great time.

Saturday and Sunday December 24th and 25th.
Christmas Eve we went to Kim's as we always to. It was FUN! The crowd wasn't as big as usual do to some family not making it home, but Kim did a great job with Dinner and just spending time together was nice. When we got home Bayleigh headed up to bed and Larry read her Twas the Night Before Christmas and then not long after she went to sleep we did as well.
My mom and Larry's dad came over for Christmas morning. His dad spent the night. Bayleigh wanted Bongos from Santa and was excited to get those. She also got clothes, a karaoke machine, a mic and stand, Monster High barbie, a toy puppy, money, and movies. I think she made out like a bandit. She passed out the gifts and when she kept finding her name she would get excited and at one point said BOY, I must be spoiled. :) It was funny and cute.

This coming Saturday we will spend with Eric and Rachel and exchange gifts with Max and ring in the new year. I am excited for that. :) I am pretty sure I won't blog again before the new year so I will close by saying this...I hope your 2011 was filled with many blessings and I hope your 2012 is as equally blessed. :)
(I am sure this blog is FULL of typos, but I am sorry. Also, as you can see I was able to squeeze SOME pics in).

Thanks for checking in. God Bless! I will try to do better about keeping up. As you can see...our weekends have been PACKED and time has been scarce!

Hotel Get Away!

On Saturday, November 5th, 2011, Larry's cousin's Kim and Steve rented a hotel room for us and one for their family as well and we spent the night away from home and with each other. It was So relaxing and we had a blast! When we pulled up Bayleigh said it was too bad this hotel was so small because they could have a pool like Great Wolf Lodge. Little did she know, the whole point in the evening away was to swim and hang out. When we walked into the lobby the pool was off to the left and there were windows where you could see the pool. I said, Yip, it's too bad this hotel doesn't have a pool because swimming sure would be fun! She got THE biggest smile on her face and hugged me and told me thank you. LOL! I said, it's uncle Steve you need to be hugging right now so, she did. :)

Bayleigh and Joshy in the hot tub!

Here are a couple of videos too!

A HUGE Thank you to Kim and Steve for the much needed night away!

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*



Halloween 2011

This year for Halloween we stuck with tradition and met up with Larry's cousin's and walked around the little community that Larry's aunt lives in to go trick or treating. We met up at Larry's uncles house for a few pics and to say hello to him first, again sticking with tradition. The above picture is of Bayleigh and little cousin Mason. They are so cute!

After walking around we then drove up to visit my aunt and hang out with her for a bit. It was a great evening!

*Double Click To Read The Fine Print*