We usually celebrate Earth Day in some way. Most often we go to Peanut’s school for a festival, spend some time in a park or in our backyard, or plant some plants in the front yard. But today Peanut woke up sick and I had a pretty bad night last night so I slept in. Hubby had the day off so he was able to take care of Peanut.

I then had to drive my Mom to the doctor since she’s still feeling weak after her stomach virus and ER visit on Saturday. I took her to run a few chores and then went to the grocery store. By the time I got home, I felt worn out again and took a nap. I’m hoping that I am not going into another flare with this sleepy, yucky feeling.

I did get a compliment that made me very happy. One of the nurses at the doctor’s office (my doctor too) told me that I looked like I’ve lost some weight!

I did talk to Peanut about working on recycling glass since our curbside recycling doesn’t include that. We’re going to collect it and bring it to the public bins. We’re also going to bring our plastic grocery bags to the stores to return and keep our fabric bags in the car so I remember to use them.

And for today, here’s a little green photo:

All good things must come to an end including our recent trip to Disney World. It’s tough getting back home and returning to a routine so thank goodness we still had two more days to get back into the swing of things. But tomorrow it hits us with a vengeance.

Peanut returns to school. There is an awards ceremony at 9 AM (of course I’m happy that she’s getting good grades, but my goodness, 9 AM!) and then a 10 AM appointment for me. Peanut also has to bring in her science project that is due.

She knew about this for over two months but only decided on her subject a few weeks ago and got it started the week before we left for Disney. She is working on it right now as I write after informing her that her punishment at home would be worse than her grade at school. Of course Hubby and I are helping her get in done, i.e. we are cutting and gluing papers to the board and yelling and losing our patience….what fun.

Ah to be back in the happiest place on earth where my only care was what park to visit.

Today was Peanut’s last day of school before Spring Break. She had an easy day, with just a little bit of actual school work and a Spring Festival with food and games. She is excited about her time off and so am I.

We get to go to Disney World this Sunday! Of course that’s something we always enjoy, but even if we weren’t going away just to have Peanut all to myself is what I love. Plus sleeping in and eating junk food a lot and going out whenever we want and staying in our pajamas.

Do you look forward to Spring Break as a parent or is this a time you dread?

Image source: Ozark Dale Public Library

The dreaded standardized tests in Florida began today. The FCAT (Florida’s Comprehensive Assesment Test) is a yearly test for certain public school grades. Since Peanut is in the fourth grade, she is taking the Reading and Math sections. Today was one session of the Reading, tomorrow is another and Thursday is two sessions of Math.

This year, the test does not mean go on to fifth grade or not based on passing or not like it did last year. There still is a lot of pressure though. Schools get graded based on each student’s FCAT’s scores. That means that schools may or may not get bonuses. The test itself and the whole grading system – judge a child’s school year on one standardized test – is not a good way to determine how well a student does in school.

My biggest concern with the FCAT is that teachers have to “teach to the test” all school year. A lot of the creativity, especially in writing is gone. There is a formula that is needed to pass the writing portion of the FCAT (that was held last month). So children have to use that specific way of writing each and every time they write.

I am hoping that these standardized tests and the reason behind these tests in public schools, No Child Left Behind, is gone by the wayside soon.