Tim's China Project

In 6th grade the kids have a huge state report and project that they have to do.  It started back in November when the kids pick what country they want to do and they start the research.  Timmy picked, of course, China. 

Every few weeks a  new part of the report was due and different worksheets were completed as part of the assignment.  It's quite a large project. 

It ends with the kids doing a display board and setting them all up in the gym during the Festival of Nations night.

They get extra credit for many things.....

like if they have food from that country ~ Tim had a bowl of Chinese candy for people to try

....or if they wore clothes from that country ~ Tim borrowed some shirts from a friend who has 2 children from China

.....also having artifacts from the country ~ Tim had plenty of those

I'm thinking he did pretty well on his project.  

I asked his teacher if he would get extra credit for having a sister from the country. 

It turns out there was a local newspaper writer there to see the kids' projects and she showed quite an interest in Timmy's.  Not just his work, but his story.  She noticed the pictures were not just from the computer and that they had his family in them.  Then she saw Jay and Olivia.  She ended up asking them a bunch of questions and taking his picture for the city paper. 

He was pretty excited about that and can't wait for it to be in the paper next week.

Big girl

I had to go to the mall to get some new tennis shoes for Tyler the other day and on the way out we passed a Claire's Boutique.  I went in looking for any new headbands...of course...and suddenly got the urge to get Olivia's ear's pierced.  I knew Jay wouldn't mind so I did it.  I actually ended up going somewhere else because I thought they were too expensive....I think I might just be cheap....but I just didn't want to spend $50 for her to get them done.   Tyler and Timmy were with me and they were making me feel so guilty for wanting to do that.  They just thought she was going to cry and it would hurt too much. 

I know, probably not the best way to bond with her....holding her head while they punch holes in her ears....but honestly, she cried for less than a minute and that was it.  We got a mirror and she was smiling at them. 

Now, she points to her ears and shows everyone. 

Sooo cute.

We got home and I wanted to see how long it would take Jay to notice.  He picked her up and saw them right away.  He really liked them.  I think he was glad he wasn't with to see her get upset like that. 

So, I would have pictures, but I got there and took about 2 pictures before the battery died.  I knew it was really low, but I hadn't charged it since I hadn't planned on needing it for anything that night. 

Oh well, I have a before picture.......

                                       .....and an after.  Pretty girl.