science fair 2012- another last & just in time

Hallelujah!

A first I can really get excited about-

our last school science fair project.

happy, happy, joy, joy

Disclaimer: I NEVER WANTED TO BE THIS KIND OF MOM. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE SO AGAINST EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS.

This year-2012- will go down in history as the very last year of science fair projects for me my kids! Whomever invented the science fair- I want to punch them in the gut. If I would have known how many hours of my life would be consumed with science fair projects- I would not have had six children. Okay, Okay... I am exaggerating... still-- the science fair is in a word:

painful

 Six kids times at least 2 projects each= misery.

 I like science, I DO! I just can't explain it in words... the science fair- sigh.

I vaguely remember Megan's first science fair project- we were all involved & so excited- HA!

This year I decided if we had to do it-- Trent should really learn something!

So (hooray for the Internet!) I googled a science fair project website & found a great idea on:

Facial expressions & communication.

Perfect topic for a kid with aspergers. It was a good project & really not too hard or complicated. But... something in me just wouldn't do it. I just couldn't do it. Something in me snapped.

Brett asked me - what he could do to help me with Christmas?- the science fair project. Then he asked me later what he could do to help me get ready for Christmas again?- the science fair project. This happened several times. My answer never changed-- I just didn't have it in me. I couldn't do it- poor Trent his mom had reached total & complete science fair burn out.

Lucky for Trent-- Dad saved the day. The day before the project was due... (ya, I know) Dad & Trent finished the project.

IT'S OVER.

(cue tears of joy)

WE MADE IT!!

CELEBRATION - JOY- BALLOONS & CONFETTI

 The real science fair question? How many science fair projects does it take for a mom to get totally burned out & want to check herself into the loony bin?

science fair.... FINALLY!

Today was the big Elementary School Science Fair!

Trent has always wanted to participate in the science fair- since kindergarten!

I'm what you call... "science challenged." Well, that is in the areas he wants to go. I know, I know I should try, it's something he is interested in, etc. Honestly, I am trying but there is something you need to know about trent & aspergers... he has no limitations to what he thinks he can do. this is a great gift & challenge at the same time. Last year the science fair was optional for 3rd graders- Trent came home & announced he was going to build an airplane & fly inside it- around the school. I had to put a stop to that- I hate crushing a kid's dreams - but realistically people?

Thank HEAVENS- trent got the best ever fourth grade teacher who actually is a food scientist. She went back to school to be a teacher so that she could teach kids to love science. It has been such a huge blessing in his life which equals a huge blessing in our lives too.

I talked to her early in the year about many things but especially his love for science and thoughts of doing something crazy impossible for the science fair. She loved it! She directed him into a project that was perfect for him & he has been successful.

Parents were allowed to visit the fair after the judging approximately 11:30. Around 11:45 we got a phone call from the school secretary- trent was pacing the halls waiting for us. We should have been more specific with him that we would be there sometime- not necessarily 11:30 sharp- aspergers is so literal.

that's brett & I in the back talking with the teacher.
photo by trent

The best part of all was Jack is home. He came over too- this is the same classroom Jack presented his 4th grade science fair project in- Trent was over the top thrilled to show Jack everything, introduce him to his teacher & invite jack to stay for lunch.

Even though he didn't eat school lunch- he stayed. What a great big brother.

So- I never thought I would be saying this... but HOORAY FOR THE SCIENCE FAIR.

Science Fair Wrap Up

Chloe ~ Science Fair 2008 Today was the annual school science fair... you know the science project we turned in by the skin of our teeth last week. Anyhow I pulled myself up by my bootstraps- walked on the treadmill (yes exercise does help)-took a shower - & went to check it out. Doesn't Chloe look excited? She really was excited. After the judges had gone through all the projects the parents were invited to take a look. Military personnel from Hill Air Force Base came to judge- so cool. Chloe was excited because the "nice guy" came to judge hers. I didn't meet them so I'm not sure what that was about but she said he was really fun & nice to the kids & not too serious- all important qualities.
Look at this baby~ Not too shabby!
Here are Chloe's favorite picks from the other kids.
(all of 4th-5th & 6th grades participated this year)

Will a gold fish live longer in water that is changed daily, weekly, or monthly?
We have had the same goldfish- Zore for 3 years & we love him so this is an important subject at our house. His "girlfriend" Ellie died after 1 year this summer which was very traumatic for Trent. If you're seriously bored you can read about it here. (it's really cute)

Acid Rain.

I didn't read too much about this one- Chloe like it though.

My favorites...

besides the best one- Chloe's (as Trent would say...duh!)

Coke will it turn a nail rusty?

Now that's something I want to know!! Guess what, this kid tested Coke, Diet coke, Mountain Dew, Sprite & water. The good news...nothing rusted. The bad news... water was the hardest on the nail???? Now I'm scared.

Then, the diaper debate.

Which hold more liquid- the expensive name brands or economic generic?

I loved this... very practical & YES GENERIC WON! I love to root for the underdog.

Here's our self portrait! It was really fun walking around with her & learning so many fun facts. I guess the science fair isn't that bad... I'm still glad it's over.

After that I went to Costco & out running errands. Nothing cheers me up like a trip to Costco. I love this place. Costco continues to be the best place to fill up my car.

How much is gas at your house?

Thanks so much for all the kind comments today. I'm feeling better. Although it's absolutely blizzard-like outside- but it's okay- I've figured it out.

The best way to beat the winter blahs- GREAT COMMENTS ON MY BLOG. Now let's hope it'll last..........hmmmmm.

THANKS FOR READING