Accountable Kids = Accountability...for ALL!

 About a month ago I happened across a mention of this program on another blog I follow. I was curious, as most moms would be, at the mention of "ACCOUNTABLE" kids! So I began doing some online research and discovered the Accountable Kids system.

My husband and I regularly fight over discipline techniques, consequences, what privileges are "allowed"... we just were completely NOT on the same page. When I did more research on this system, I discovered that it would be GREAT if it helped start our 2 young boys out on the track of being ACCOUNTABLE people...but it would be even BETTER if it could get us, as parents, on at least in the same CHAPTER. This system is definitely expensive...I even considered trying to get the book and make the rest. But after I sat down and figured in the cost and the time involved, I decided to go ahead and order.

The general basis for the program is teaching your children to be responsible and accountable for themselves, all while strengthen relationships in the family. It's basically choice vs. consequence for kids! Every action has a consequence ...negative or positive. It's up to your child to chose the correct action to get the end result they want! The system is broken down into 4 steps.

1. Step one introduces the chore boards, daily "routine" chores, tickets earned for completing chores & the ability to lose those tickets if chores aren't done or if an undesirable behavior is shown. The most beneficial piece to this is that hopefully with little time or instruction your kids can start doing these routine things THEMSELVES. The tickets are then earned and used to buy privileges such as: a movie, time outside, listening to their music in the car... etc. (Just to name a few of OUR privileges). If a fit is thrown or undesired behavior is experienced, you can simply take a ticket which limits how many privileges can be "Bought". You also introduce the "BEST BEHAVIOR" card which is an especially big "honor" and is just used randomly to help reward good decisions, good behaviors, extra help, etc.
    
2. Step two introduces the privilege pass. This is something that is special and used to target one problematic behavior (i.e. mealtime manners, staying in own bed, etc.) A date card is also introduced. My kids are super excited about this one and are on their way to earning their first date. With each day that EVERY ticket is earned, a star is put on the date card. When the card is full, the child chooses one person to do something one-on-one with. We will keep you updated as we fill this up and try out our first "dates" :)
3. This step adds in EXTRA chores that can be done for "Bonus Bucks"... since the regular routine "chores" are what are done just for being part of the family and how you earn privileges! The BONUS BUCKS can be used to learn how to budget or save for purchases, etc. There are a variety of ways to use these depending on your child's age and the family situation. They are very flexible.
4. The fourth step introduces a "Family Forum" which is a time set aside each week to sit together as a family and discuss several pieces of information to keep everyone going and on track. Quiet time is also introduced. We have not gotten this far yet, but will keep you updated as we go along!

We got the boards within the week I ordered and made a "board decorating" night for that Friday night. Haven (5) and Hudson (just newly 3) both were very excited about this part and we were able to discuss the first basic step as we worked. As I anticipated, Haven was THRILLED to get started. He, in fact, got up EARLY the next morning to get started on his "chores". He isn't QUITE so enthusiastic anymore, but finds comfort in the routine and is generally very good with being self-started. Hudson is younger so trying to understand the concepts a little at a time. He is definitely the one to throw a fit now and then when I ask "Are your afternoon chores done?" when he REALLY wants to be going outside.

We have been working on using this system (and yes it DOES take some work and follow through on the part of the parent!) for a little over a month now and I'm seeing some definite changes in ALL of us. Most all for the BETTER as well.

Some of the main "advantages" I have found using this program:

• It really DOES give everyone an 'equal playing field'. Even us, as parents, that are usually so different in our approaches and styles! We at least have a base to our parenting "system" that is the same! It's great. The tickets as rewards and consequences is WONDERFUL and takes the guess work out of things.
• It gives the kids a sense of stability and routine. Do they ALWAYS get up and do things with as much enthusiasm as Haven did the first day? NOPE! But do they know what I mean when we get out of the car and I say... "Guys have you done your Car Cares today?" Absolutely! They also know when each section of the "chores" is expected to be done and it helps structure their days.
• Having "tickets" to take away works great in public also! You can avoid a HUGE scene by.... "Do I need to take a ticket?"
• It's teaching the kids to be SELF-MOTIVATED! We're working on lessening the reminders!!! YAY! Great thing to learn YOUNG!
• The time spent in front of movies and such has lessened greatly! "Paying" for these privileges definitely helps them find more motivation to do other things. It also has stopped a lot of the arguing over who gets to choose this or that and has stopped the feelings of "entitlement" to things almost dead in it's tracks... even at such young ages!
• Side Note: One other blogger had mentioned putting in an "ASK FOR TICKET" ticket after each section of chores... I did this and YES it's a must! I love that it's a reminder to me that yes I can check their chores... or no I really didn't  give them their ticket after I checked that the bed was made! It hangs there until I give them their ticket then I flip it over. Easy Peasy!

The disadvantages I have found:

• It does take some time and some prep to get everyone on board with each step. (More so for the parents to find time to discuss their "expectations" ahead of time)
• It is hard to keep up with when things get busy and the regular routine is interrupted. Sometimes we get home late and portions have to be left out of the "afternoon" chores etc. I hate that they don't get their sticker when it's not their fault our routine was changed...but it's all about the clear, consistent follow-through.
• It is spendy.

We have only implemented the first 2 steps so far....since the boys are young. In fact we just started step 2 not long ago. But all in all I feel it is something we will continue with! I feel that the money is worth it especially since it's not "Just another chore chart"... we can adapt and use this all throughout their childhood. I'm very glad I went ahead and purchased this! I hope to keep you updated with our experiences as we go, add steps, etc.! This is definitely something that instills values, accountability and more that will benefit my children and my family for LIFE!

Overall I give Accountable Kids 5 stars out of 5! If you are interested or want more information, please check out their website by using this link:  ACCOUNTABLE KIDS

Changes?!

As things continue to roll and life continues to happen we have been talking about a lot of things. Mostly, about me and my job. I'm working on my 5th year here, and really it's a decent job. The hours are great for a mom with young kids, and the flexibility really can't be beat. One of the big downsides is that my mom is the director. I thought after 5 years, I would be able to shake that big, fat target on my back. Unfortunately, this doesn't appear true. It tends to still be the stigma that follows me around. Not to mention, just working with all women can become stressful all in itself....it just feels like I'm always in a pile of stress anymore. I find myself making it to the weekends completely worn out and drained. Don't get me wrong, I love working with the consumers, but I find myself reevaluating what *I* really want out of life. I was already thinking...then we took our Dave Ramsey FPU class about working in your strengths...and finding something you really LOVE TO DO at the end of the day....


Well, I've decided that working with children is really want I want to do. I think preparing kids for school & setting a good foundation for life is what I truly believe in. I'm tired of leaving my kids all day, every day. I have so may things I'd like to be doing with them. We've always talked about having one more too... Now that Helaena's here, that may not be the case... but I think my desire to have 3 probably comes from the 3 I lost in my early pregnancy difficulties. Anyway, before any more of my time slips away, I really want to find a way to be more actively involved with my kiddos. I never want to look back and regret that I didn't get to do something with them.


In doing FPU, looking over finances and especially when we looked at/considered the *COST* of me working, we realized what I was bringing home really wasn't that much after all. When I realized how much money I could *SAVE* just but staying home, it almost made me throw up! So I'm highly considering a daycare option. I didn't think I had much space, but my own provider assures me I do. And when I consider I only have to take on a couple kids to make up what I'm making now, it seems even more feasible. I have so many ideas! I have so many things I want to help my kids experience! And, I feel as though I could really excel if my JOB was to plan educational activities for kids. It really excites me to think this *may* be a possibility!


This won't be a fast decision, or something that happens even remotely close to "overnight" but I think with a little time, a little planning & and little prep, it really could be a good thing for me and my family. I think it could be better, not only financially, but be better for me personally. I think it would be very enjoyable and fulfilling.... so we shall see. I will start with a plan... Put some things on paper... Crunch some numbers... do a little dreaming...and a WHOLE LOT of praying!


Change is never easy. At least not for me. But sometimes change can be exactly what you've been looking for all along......

Finding Time For Me??

One of the first things that happened when we had a teenager sharing our computer time....was a computer crash! UGH! And along with a whole lot of other things we've been involved with we have decided to nix the internet at our house, at least for a little while. It was far to time encompassing and distracting for our family at this point in time. We will be resuming our services, but after we get a better handle on life as we know it! The biggest downer to this is that my blog has kinda gone by the wayside. Not because I don't thoroughly enjoy it, just due to lack of time on the internet! So I apologize for my large gap in things. I do a lot more reading others than I have done on my own for the last few months... However, I'm looking back at all I've written and really appreciate that I took the time to write out so much about our transition. It helped me get through things and get beyond the emotions. And it DEFINITELY has given me a way to see our progress...no matter how slow it seems to go some days.

 I want to find a time to keep this little piece of my sanity going. :) SO.... here I am! :)

Just a quick catch up on life as it has happened over the last 3 or 4 months. Helaena is still with us and loving being here. She is currently working with an advocacy group doing some counseling, etc. Back a month or 6 weeks ago, Helaena made the decision that she wants to live here to complete high school. She struggled a LOT with this decision and withdrew a lot. She quit caring about herself, quit caring about school, quit caring about any friends... basically just sat on the couch. I think she had a lot to think about and was worried that she would have to "hurt" a parent, no matter which way she decided to go. When she tried to talk to her mom, it became an all out battle... well really, more like a WAR. She was yelled at, told she didn't have a choice and hung up on and she didn't even have a chance to speak up for herself. We decided to involve a group that has experience, hoping for the best possible outcome now that the end of school year is looming before us. I guess all we can do is trust the people that have experience, say a lot of prayers, and hope for the best right now.

A positive thing that we've been partaking in at church has been a weekly Dave Ramsey class 'Financial Peace University'. It's one of the reasons we've scaled back on our internet expense right now, too. If you EVER have the chance to take this class, I say DO IT! It's really awesome. It is packed with information, humor, advice....it's REALLY FABULOUS! I would not say it's all easy, or that we're soaring like kites and excelling...this stuff takes time!!!.... but it's definitely changing our outlook and hopefully overtime, our whole life!

As for general day to day life... we're getting there!! :) We've developed a pretty awesome teenage chore system complete with a budget (Thanks Dave! :)) We pay all "commissions" up front and bills are given for work not completed! We're working really hard to make a system that makes life a "teachable moment" and gives good skills to build on for life, not just nag about things that aren't done, etc. We want to help her learn to be responsible, accountable, and take pride in her work. Maybe I'll do a post about how our whole system is set up?!

Anyway, I am committing to blogging more frequently again. I'm super excited about a new system we're starting for the little guys too! So stay tuned! I have a lot to share!! :)

Finding Strength through Faith

I still struggle to make sense of everything "teenager" but am finding strength and understanding a little at a time. Last Wednesday, Helaena and I went to the "Make a Difference Tour" which was an entirely Christian concert featuring: Toby Mac, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith. What an AMAZING experience!! I've never really been exposed to "Contemporary Christian Music" before attending St. Paul's, but I'm finding more and more that I love! I'm amazed at all that is out there. Can't believe I have had blinders on for so long! I have even spent some time listening to Life 101.9. I love in my truck that it shows the song title and who is singing it on the front of the display. It's helping me learn more about the music! Third Day, MercyMe, Toby Mac... great stuff!


This Sunday we became OFFICIAL MEMBERS at our new Church. It felt amazing to be welcomed into this awesome family we've become intertwined with over the last few months! I loved in our "Member" classes (which we did by DVD because of our opposite work schedules) the emphasis was all placed on what spiritual gifts YOU have and how YOU can share yourself and your talents to make the church a better place. They also emphasized living a Christian LIFE. I love that it's an active approach, there is so much to be involved in, and it all doesn't just revolved around just being in church on Sunday morning. That's only PART of the equation. And not only do they emphasize this...they LIVE this. 


During the sermon Pastor James talked about Saints for "All Saints Day". During this time he talked about the members of the church that had died over the last year. In essence he talked about how the world may look at this handful of people and say, "Well they're not that great!" but in all actuality each of them was! They were great spouses, parents, grandparents, bakers, craftsmen, etc. He challenged each of us to be GREAT. He went on to say, we're all here to SERVE not to be SERVED so we should use our greatness to serve others. It made so much sense. The message was awesome. The people he talked about, I knew not ONE of them, and yet their stories really were GREAT!


It's all made me stop and try to get a little grip on myself and my attitude. Things have been hard...OH YES! Each day has been full of challenge... FOR SURE. But I'm here to do great things. God never asks more of us than what we can handle. Everything happens for a reason and this challenge in our lives is all for a specific reason. Yes, my life is busy and I'm working on finding time for myself and my friends...but I'm OK because I have support. I just need to reach out and accept that support.


My husband and I have been working hard to become a united team front. It's not easy but it's achievable. We implemented family meetings in our house every Sunday when we get home from church with an official "agenda" and all. We're trying to keep the communication open and everyone on board so no ONE person (*cough cough* me *cough cough*) is feeling so overly overwhelmed by the entire life change. It's a step. A small step in a LARGE ocean of change, but this week already feels more blessed and less stressed!

Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.     -Proverbs 22:6

Encompassed by life...

So I've fallen off the "Blogging Wagon" for almost a month! :( No one excuse to blame really. More like a million! Life is busy, and dramatic, and overwhelming, and beautiful, and suffocating, and blessed, and... well who knows what life is these days anyway? I certainly don't. I've caught myself thinking I need medication or counseling or something to cope! LOL 


For the most part things have gone pretty well since Helaena joined our household. She is a pretty mature 13 year old. She is very faith-based and appears to have her head screwed on straight. She is also 13... constantly on the phone or texting, always on the computer (another reason I can't get on to blog) and rarely does her chores. *lol* Can't expect perfection, I guess! :) The only real problems we have encountered since she arrived has been with..... yep, you guessed it, HER MOM. I don't think there has EVER been a family that RELISHES drama more than the group down there. Anything they can do to continue to be a thorn in her side...yep that's what they want to do. Helaena has literally sat at the table and cried telling us that she was expected to do all of the housework and take care of her younger sibling and cook meals, etc. She has also told us she was TOLD what to do by her mom every step of the way. She has told us she has been grounded from facebook/myspace/computer and had to relinquish her passwords because she was trying to contact her Dad. Her mom CONSTANTLY texts her. Helaena HATES it. Her mom set a 9:00 phone curfew prior to her arrival... Who's text just popped up on the phone here next to me at 10:20 pm? Yep, one from mom. Everyone down there is mad she is here and everyone is trying to make her life miserable for it. Houston's sister is hugely in on the action too. Doing her best to tell Houston what a worthless father he is and how terrible he is handling being a divorced parent. It's coming at us from every angle, day in and day out.


Around here, I feel like I'm the one man army. I feel like a single mom to 3 kids. My husband's job is partly to blame. 4pm-2:30am is a SUCKY shift. But when we ARE all here I still feel overwhelmed and alone. I feel as though I'm expected to do it all. I feel awkward because I am "NOT" her parent, but I'm in that position the majority of the time. I feel like I should NOT be the person doing the disciplining or setting up the expectations...however I do NOT want to be the person that is being walked over or taken advantage of because the rules aren't being laid out.... it's just such a hard position to be in. She's already 13, already has 13 years of "this is how we do it"....even though how she "used" to do it and how our family "DOES" it are from two completely different planets. In fact, maybe 2 galaxies.


Amid everything, we filled out the paperwork to prove that Helaena has changed residences. We're not asking for her mom to pay US money persay... we're just asking to have OUR MONEY that is to be used FOR HER. And well... it could be 6 months! Take a number! I'm so worried about how to do Haven's birthday, or Christmas. Hell, I'm worried about having enough groceries for everyone. We've cut back where there are luxuries and are considering trading in our SUV for a van just for more space, better gas mileage, cheaper insurance, cheaper payments and overall cheaper cost of ownership. The thought in itself makes me cry. Literally. I know it sounds petty and selfish but it's the FIRST really NICE vehicle I've gotten for myself in my adult life. It's not new, it's got high mileage, but it's mine. And I feel horrible for being selfish but I hate that I may have to sacrifice that one piece of me. We really don't live with many luxuries. We cut down cable and such, but it's our only real "luxury" where we could actually save in our monthly budget. It still makes me cry.


Texted my husband today mid-day and asked what he was up to. "Watching Bones". Yep watching old TV shows through the miracle of Netflix and the Wii.... when I asked if he had all the stuff off the porch he has been promising he will take care of since OCTOBER FIRST, he got all snide and snotty. In fact he had the balls to ask me "Well what have YOU done this week?!" It turned into a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE like 2pm-9:30pm fight. On the phone tonight I say, "You KNOW the reason I was upset earlier isn't that you didn't have the front porch cleaned off?" He said, "No I know it's because I promised and haven't done it." I said..."Ok that sucks too, but really it's because I feel ALONE and you feel ENTITLED to time with the TV or Facebook."


Entitled. My damn husband feels like the teenage girl living under my roof. ENTITLED. I get NO waking minute of ANY damn day to myself, sacrifice anything that is "ME" and do everything for everyone and he's mad because I was interrupting his TV TIME. 


I know this is all probably making no sense I just really have missed blogging and really needed to vent so I could relax my body and mind and sleep. Honestly, the worst part of everything is just how EXHAUSTING it is. It's physically exhausting because everything is CONSTANT. There is always somewhere we have to be or something that should be done or something to cook or something to clean..... and I still work a regular full-time job. AND it's exhuasting because I never have even an hour to myself. Someone is ALWAYS with me. By the time they're all too tired... so am I. I had to force myself up out of bed to come blog tonight just to feel the freedom of time for myself. It's also mentally exhausting, especially WITH ALL the drama coming from down south. They are even posting on Facebook about how her dad's "track record" isn't the greatest. And the poor girl and well all of us who are "thinking/trying" to do the "right thing" are just caught in the middle. It's emotionally exhausting, too. It's constantly something and I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. I cant decide if I'm doing the right thing or if I'm even strong enough to do this at all. So at the end of the day.... I'm just flat out EXHAUSTED and EVERY molehill looks like a mountain and there is no reprieve in sight.


Regardless... right now I feel like I'm lost at sea. I feel like I'm very self-involved with our world of troubles and haven't done a good job at begin a friend or reaching out to my own friends. I just am not sure what end's up. So please bear with me and be patient. I'll learn to cope, I'm sure. And I love you all for standing beside me, no matter how self-involved I am or need to be right now.


I guess my plan right now is to survive. I'm clinging to my new-found faith, my church family, my friends, and my prayers...hoping to find the answers. And I'm trying to remember that God never gives us more than what we can handle. I'm sure things are happening for a reason. I just need to better learn how to Let Go and Let God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

-Philippians 4:6

Life in Full Panic mode...

So this is the BIG WEEKEND. Houston leaves after work tomorrow night... We have been prepping the house, rearranging rooms, trying to get "more organized" (story of my life lol), and dealing with a little bit of DRAMA all at the same time. I feel like my mind won't shut off and I can't really get rid of that ball/knot/sick spot in the pit of my stomach. I've determined that I'm really scared of all the "uncertainties".  I mean I KNOW that she is coming. I know that life is going to change... but I don't KNOW anything else. The uncertainties make my head spin. I have to keep reminding myself to "let go and let GOD". 


Tonight I have been trying to wind down and relax so I can get some sleep...and here it is 12:30 AM and I'm blogging because I'm still having troubles. While I was taking a hot bath my mind was spinning. I don't really know what about just about everything. Usually I read a book while I soak in the bubbles but for whatever reason my mind was just too busy to relax. I got to thinking about my support group I joined last week for "blended families". The one thing the leader STRONGLY encouraged me to do as we do this huge transition was to develop a good relationship with MOM. I had difficulty coming to grips with this. Usually I'm not as Christian as I would like to be when it comes to this subject! I usually let Houston do the calling...and dealing and I just sit in the life I fully belong to and stay out of where I feel I really don't belong. So as I'm soaking in the tub I'm thinking... what would or could I ever really say to her. She has to hate me or strongly dislike me just for all "given" reasons anyway. But as I thought harder I almost felt as though God was asking me to follow this advice. I thought about how hard it would be if *I* were the mother, getting ready to give up *MY* child for an undetermined amount of time. I would be hurt, resentful, sad... And I decided that now was the time to make that "relationship" connection. I'm not saying I want to be best friends with her. I don't think that will be beneficial really to anyone. However, I wanted to reach out to let her know I understood her...mom to mom. And I wanted to make sure there was at least a bridge built over the gap. It may be a small, rickety bridge. It may even be missing a few boards. But it's a bridge. If my kiddos were living a whole days DRIVE away...what would be important to me? A connection. Any connection.


SOOOO.... I got my jammies on and came to my computer. It took a LONG TIME to figure out how to say in words what I wanted. I wanted to sound caring, not fake... compassionate, not patronizing. I still guarantee it's far from perfect, however, I did it. I messaged her...the rickety bridge has been cast over the rushing stream... 


Let me know what you think... it appears below.

Hey,


I know it's a super difficult week for you and I'm probably the last person you want to hear from... but I'm going out on a limb here! :) I just wanted to write to let you know that as a Mom, I completely understand how hard this week must be for you. I know it's probably one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do. Whether I put your mind at ease or not, I just felt like I should let you know that it will all turn out OK. I commend you for having the strength to let Helaena do what she feels she needs to do at this point in her life.


I know I haven't appeared to be an overly active part in anything. Mostly it's because I felt that I needed to "mind my own business". I love the girls to death and watch over them via facebook, etc. I just never felt it was my place to jump in and post on texts, etc. It's hard to know where your "place" is in someone else's life... past and present. I never wanted you to feel like I was trying to step in where I didn't belong. They're YOUR girls. Now I'm getting the chance to be a little more involved with Helaena and I just want you to know that I'm excited to have the chance to build a relationship with her and I'll do my best to be there for her... but I'll never even pretend to take your "place".


I'm not sure how this whole divorce thing goes. LOL My parents have been married 30 years and I've never had to go through it first hand. I know I'm not perfect and I'm not entirely sure of what to do or say, but I'll try my best. I promise you I won't be the "wicked step mother" and I'll try my best not to make life TOO miserable on her! ;) But if you're comfortable, feel free to message or call or whatever if you ever have questions for me. If there's anything you want to know about here, school, etc... If you'd like for me to tape or YouTube activities so you can see/be part via modern technology or anything like that I'd be happy to. I know it's a huge adjustment for everyone, but I don't want you to feel like I'm trying to be distant or keep you away.


I really admire how involved you guys seem to be in your church and I think that's an awesome thing to bless your kids' life with. We recently started going to a new church and I have found a totally new view on Faith. It's amazing how it can touch and guide your life if you let it. It seems like Helaena is pretty passionate about church and we'll make sure she finds something that she can really connect with while she's here.


Is there anything else you'd like to see her do/stick with/ try? Any rules or expectations you have there that want to see her uphold?


Like I said, I'm probably the last person you want a message from, but I really just wanted you to know that I understand... especially from a Mom's point of view. I hope maybe we can work together to keep communication open! :)


-Kristin
**********************************************************************************
Maybe all this talk in our 40 days of Community small group is wearing off on me?! LOL Sometimes the best way to show Christ's love, is far from the easiest. God wants you to accept others, even when it seems difficult, or you'd rather turn your back and go about things a different way. God wants you to show Christian Love. It's his way.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18

Let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.

Romans 14:19

Memory Lane Monday... Third Grade

Third grade is the year that holds the WORST memories for me in all of my school years. In fact I hated 3rd grade so much I can't even put a picture of ANYTHING on this post! LOL


Anyway...here goes reliving the worst year of my school years... here goes nothing!

• I disliked my teacher SO much. Ms. Galey. She was so mean! She wasn't even capable of smiling I swear! I remembering kids in the class (including me) calling her "Miss Gay twad"... nice huh!?
• I got hit in the face with a swing on the playground and chipped my front tooth up. Miss Galey told me to get over it. She was so not compassionate. I was devastated and mortified I had to sit in class with a chipped tooth.
• I got picked on for my weight horribly. I just wanted to be one of the "cool" kids that got invited to the "cool" hotel birthday's. But nope!
• We had to do a "body shape" assignment for math and a girl turned around and told me, you're nothing but a big fat circle. I told the teacher and of course she again, didn't care.
• I had a HUGE obsession with New Kids on the Block! HUGE! My aunt bought me the "Hangin' Tough" concert VHS for Christmas. I had sheets (my parents still have them in the camper! LOL), a blanket, t-shirts and posters!
• I remember we learned cursive this year. I liked cursive.
• We also did a lot with multiplication tables.
• We did this super cool project that was a trip to Washington DC on paper. We plotted out the map and did daily "journals" of where we drove to/through, what hotels we stayed out, how much everything cost..etc. It was a SUPER COOL project! My partner was the other "Kristen" in the class.

Yep...that's about all I can remember from the year of hell. Seriously, I think I block most of it out... I HATED third grade!