Twinkle Twinkle

Lizzy took her turn as STAR STUDENT in school recently. The younger children and I thought it would be fitting to surprise the star with a unexpected lunch date. The conversation went something like this:

Rosie, echoed by Max- Lizzy, Lizzy, we are here (ZZY, ZZY, Here)

Lizzy- HI!!!!!! What are you guys doing here?

Mom- We thought we would come and eat lunch with the Star Student.

Lizzy- I AM THE STAR STUDENT!!!!!

Mom- Oh Good! I guess we picked a good day to come.

School lunch has improved dramatically since my days of brunch for lunch, lunch lady's surprise and pigs in a blanket. We had our choice of either a delicious Potato Bar or a Sub Sandwich. Both choices came with a bounty of fresh fruits and salad and either "white milk", chocolate milk, juice or a water bottle to wash everything down. All of this yummyness was had at the small price of $1.25, per person. I now understand why Lizzy enjoys hot lunch over home lunch, the only thing missing from lunch at school is the lunch ladies don't write you a very witty, sometimes silly, but always well thought out love note on your lunch tray. So, take that school lunch! HA! Score one for the home team.

After enjoying our nutritious meal together, we played on the playground. I was on high alert for the playground bully. Unfortunately for me, I knew him to well, Max had to leave early for lack of sharing the swings. Lizzy was not upset however as she had multiple play offers and ended up looking for "STUFF" in the bushes with a very nice boy named Quintus. That doesn't sound so great, but I assure you that it was all completely innocent.

Later that week, she proudly produced a book compiled by her fellow classmates on why they thought she was a superstar. My favorites were:

I'm a superstar because: I'm Lucky and Cute. (true true Lizzy)

Lizzy's a superstar because:

She is magnifcent, A good friend, lisins to the teacher, nice to uthers, awesome, nevr pushis enyone off the swings, never picks flowrs in the skool, never buts in lines, a good egsampool, prity, good stoodent, and my personal favorite: you are beyotfole (bet you can't guess who wrote that).

I am pleased to see all is well in first grade for Elizabeth. Every child deserves a happy childhood, and I enjoy experiencing it again through our very own Super Star.

Firsts

This Easter marked a few firsts:

1- Rub ons! I'm talking about vinyl lettering people! Anyone who has been to my nest knows there's a lack of vinyl. I'm not saying I don't like it, I just have never used it before now. Let me just say personalizing the children's sand buckets (make-shift Easter baskets) brought me more joy than I ever anticipated. I now own a whole stack of monogram rub on letters, so, what will be next?

2- MAX! Never before in the history of raising our son, has he out-shined his beautiful older sisters when it came to Sunday finery. This year though, he did. And I mean he really did. His suit was more than I could handle, complete with a straw hat of course. I fell in love with our 'southern gent', he seemed completely confident in his attire and the attention it generated. A favorite Aunt & Uncle proudly predicted that Max will be voted best dressed someday, I mean, is there anything more important than that title in High School? Shoot for the stars Max, and hopefully K-mart will continue to provide stylish yet affordable clothing in the year 2024. Now, where's the kid's Easter candy?

Here we go, Here we go, Here we go Now!

2007-It all started with the Costco pre-fab swing set. It's fun for the children, they love playing on it and I love it because of the hours of entertainment it provides.

2008-But, that just wasn't enough for the handsome man my children call Dad. He envisioned something more..... something along the lines of a 6 ft by 8 ft sandbox, complete with cover and roof. I was very proud.

Proud enough that I couldn't help but adorn it with pendants! Of course sewing pendants in varying sizes, onto rope, was way over my sewing skills. So of course, in came my Connie to the rescue. She has saved me more than once and I marvel at not only her sewing skills, but also the great generosity she gives with her TIME. I won't tell you what time this picture was taken, but let's just say dawn was fast approaching. Everyone needs a Connie!

The sandbox proved to be a hit among kids and adults alike! Everyone can fit, with room to dig. Our home became the hot spot for summer parties, and we couldn't be happier!

And now, it's 2009. What gift will we give our backyard this year? There are plans in the works, rulers are out, pencils sharpened, budgets evaluated, Kel's back to the drawing board. If he builds it, will they come? I guess we'll have to wait and see!