This and That and One More Thing

The This:
Miss M woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and a horsy-sounding throat.  I'm pretty sure it's just a head cold, but it surprised us both this morning when she got up because she sounded fine when she went to bed.  She did complain of a headache when I picked her up from after school club and then again just before bed.  Her head was slightly warm to the touch, so I decided to give her some children's Tylenol in hopes it would help her sleep and clear her head and maybe her nose a bit.  Note to self - Get a thermometer.  The good news is that IF it is something more than just a regular cold, we've got her doctor check-up on Friday and she can let us know if something more powerful is needed.

Funny quote from Miss M when she was playing with her play dough after her shower about her stuffy nose.
"I feel like an elephant who got the peanut stuck up his nose instead of eating it."

The That:
This weekend Miss M told me she was part of a new "girls club" at school.  This sent my teacher prickles up BIG time and we talked, at length, about it and my concerns and how she could include everyone (I left the no boys piece of it out of the conversation) in the club.  Tonight when she got out her clothes to wear tomorrow she informed me she "needs to wear" _____ and ______ colors tomorrow.  I guess all the girls in the girls' club are wearing these two colors. 

I tried not to overreact...but I have dealt with the "let's all wear this and not tell others" issue way too many times in my teaching career.  It didn't sound like that was the plan, but I also didn't want her to get put in that situation either.  But, at the same time, the mom side of me didn't want her to be left out. 

URGH!
(This parenting stuff is HARD!)

She laid out the clothes and I started to pray and have an internal battle in my head.  I brought it up later, shared my concern, shared my experiences.  I told her I would like her to NOT wear black and blue tomorrow and all my reasons.  She went with me willingly and picked out a new outfit for tomorrow. She's got an arsenal of what to say if others' in the "club" ask her.

Blame the parent.  "Maryann said I couldn't wear my ____ and ___ outfit today."
Be different. "I have ___ and ___ clothes, but I decided to wear something else."
Be thankful.  "I got this new dress this weekend and I couldn't wait another day to wear it."

The One More Thing:
Tonight Miss M had to go to a meeting with me.  I have four people who have been totally open and willing to care for Miss M when/if I have late meetings or trainings - but every single one was busy.  I got permission from the leader to bring her along and had been preparing her for it since Sunday.  I packed a boat-load of stuff for her to do, eat, and play.  She was golden!  We got out an hour and a half earlier than I was expecting.  She wasn't done with the special "Barbie" movie I found cheap and she had been waiting for all weekend to watch during my meeting.  I told her we'd have to pause it and finish it later.

"But I want to finish it."

"The meeting's done and we're heading home.  We'll finish it later."

"But I want to stay and finish it."

"Well, I am leaving. So you can come with me or stay here."

It was out of my mouth before I even realized I said it!  I sounded just like the mom's I've heard my whole life in the stores trying to get their kid to leave with them when they refuse.  I've always hated that (and judged them - I know SO wrong of me!)....and now HERE I DID THE SAME THING! 

(And the really bad thing is that this was just after a training on Love and Logic focusing on how to NOT engage students (okay, my kid!) in arguments! 

EPIC FAIL, Maryann.
EPIC FAIL.

Her response back to me was:
"Fine.  You go and I'll stay."

Sigh.

I shut the laptop,
Took the ear plugs away from her,
And handed her backpack to her without a word.

The good thing is -
She followed me.

(Needless to say, she didn't finish the rest of the movie tonight.)

Praise Reports:
Miss M is an awesome and DEEP sleeper! I can't tell you what a blessing that is.  We've been getting quite a few monsoon storms through here at night and she always sleeps right through them.  I LOVE THAT!

Prayer Requests:
Tomorrow Miss M's CPS worker is finally coming out to the house to see her, talk to us, and check out how life is going for her here with me.  Praying the meeting goes well and smoothly.