2nd Grade Math Problems

So we have a 2nd grade math problem in our house. Bird, my ever increasingly resistant 7 year old, is starting to fall behind. Not terribly behind but enough its making me nervous. We have had several talks with his teacher and its always the same. He's lazy. Although, I am beginning to think he is confusing the word "lazy" with down right defiant. Case in point...recently his teacher stated that she was concerned about his ability to do single digit math. Something he has NEVER had a problem doing since he learned it back in first grade. As they are moving onto double digits she is finding that he is having a hard time recalling the single digit stuff. I asked him about it when we got home later that day and he said he was just being "lazy." He also told me that he got his card pulled during class. (A punishment for them.) Next morning I went in and talked to the teacher again (yes, I am a hover parent) and told her about my conversation with him the night before. She stated that it wasn't that he was being lazy necessarily, just that when it came time to do math, he choose to just sit there and do nothing. See, defiant. Not lazy. Growl! I refuse to have a defiant child. Plus, I am sure he is regretting this little foray into the defiant side because he is now being quizzed through flash cards and pages filled with single digit math. I'm sure he's getting sick of it. But I'm not about to let up. Which brings me to the logo at the top of this post.

I cant imagine I am the only one having issues with kids and math. I know math is everyone's least favorite subject (it was mine when I was in school...although through college I learned that it is hand's down the coolest stinking subject ever! If I were crazy, I would have majored in it...but I digress...) This site is super duper awesome for two reasons, 1) math for kids of all ages and 2) its on the computer! Bird LOVES using the computer. So if I can find math fun stuff for him to do on the computer, he's gonna do it. He's not quite smart enough to figure out his mamma is a devious little sneak who likes to trick him into doing things that are good for him. I highly recommend the site if you are having similar issues. I am still looking for a free site that has actual math games for him to play but for now this will do. When I find said, awesome free math game site, I will pass it on.

R.Lynn Designs

I got to say, I am very excited about the start of my year. First off, it just feels like its gonna be a good one. I have no justification for it, it just does. Secondly, I have a lot of motivation right now so I am trying to capitalize on it. Especially since motivation comes and goes like a pregnant woman's mood swings. (I have plenty of experience with those. Sigh*) My pet project at the start of this year is sewing. I sew all year long and I have officially/unofficially had my own sewing business for years. In the past I have focused on things like alterations and repairs but I HATE alterations more than I hate the dentist. Especially on clothes purchased at the store. This year I have decided to no longer offer alterations. Plus, I have finally narrowed in on exactly what I want to focus on sewing wise. I love, LOVE making formal gowns and children's clothes. Its a perfect fit for me cause its what I spend the majority of my time doing when I am not doing alterations and repairs. Given all of this I have set some goals for myself this year. Allow me to lay them out for you...

• Finally put the effort into setting up and running my business. (Including websites and social media) No more excuses. I'm good at what I do so I'm gonna do it. It's as simple as that. 
• Open up an Etsy account to begin selling my formal dresses and children's clothes. 
• Actually make the dresses to sell on Etsy. lol. (That's an important one)
• Market, market, market. (I love marketing, it's part of what I do at my day job so those skills are gonna come in real handy)
• Share my sewing knowledge and skills with others on this blog through videos and tutorials.

Its a simple enough list but I think its a great start. A lot of the stuff is already set up like my website and facebook page but those need some fine tuning. My biggest problem is feeling confident enough to move forward with things. But I know I am good at this and its what I want to do. That's not going to happen if I don't just do it. One of the things I want people to know me for besides quality is the type of materials I use. I want to make wedding gowns that are upcycled and use natural, organic fabrics for anything I am not using upcycled fabrics on. I can't begin to describe how excited I am right now. I feel like I am on track to move forward and I am really, really looking forward to it. Here's to 2013. May your year be as fulfilling as I hope mine will be. :)