Letter of the Day....

P.

A dear friend and mentor once taught me a valuable lesson. Ms. Peck, a fine educator and an even better teacher begins her 3rd grade class the same way everyday. During roll call, her students answer with a "PREPARED" or "NOT PREPARED" reply. Why not the traditional "Here" you may ask? I asked the same question. Her response: "Because I expect my students to come Prepared to school everyday. We need to start the morning Prepared and ready to begin the day. Students don't want to answer "Not Prepared" so, they are more likely to (on their own) Prepare for school." BRILLIANT, I thought, so I tucked that away in my mothering memory bank, to be used at the most perfect time......which happens to be now.

I obsessed about what our Family Back to School Goal would be. Looking back at last year's morning routines helped me see where there was definite room for improvement -for all of us. Reading Nie Nie inspired me to 'step-it-up' in my own mothering abilities and responsibilities. I realized that our family needed a good lesson on 'Being Prepared'. So, thanks to Ballet Amy and Family Fun, I was able to 'plan my work and work my plan'. We made "Be Prepared" place mats for FHE, and developed better organizational strategies. I have made it a personal goal to be more prepared in all aspects of my life. Already, it has paid off for our family. Hopefully, with a little luck, and a lot of thinking ahead, we'll be able to answer "PREPARED" to life's roll call this year.

School Girl

Dear 2nd Grade,

I present to you a professionally manicured & pedicured (Thanks Nana!), newly outfitted, sun-kissed, mom-kissed, excited and well prepared, Lizzy D. Treat her kindly. Enjoy her. Fill her mind with "virtuous, lovely,...praiseworthy," things. And please send her home promptly at 3:35 with a smile, and plenty of exciting news to share of the adventures you two will have together.

Warmly,

Her Mother.

P.S.- If you could also teach her to remember to bring home her lunch box each day from school, that would be fabulous.

P.P.S- Also, it would be nice if you didn't send home any homework over the weekends, holidays, or my birthday, or Lizzy's birthday, in fact, the whole month of May should simply be avoided. Thank you for your understanding.

Rewind

Is July really over? Truly? It was so fun. I felt busy. But, it was a good kind of busy. The kind of busy out having fun. July is so Grand, for many reasons:

Reason #1- Growing.

Lizzy is getting bigger, older, and a little braver.

Reason #2- Facepainting.

Reason #3- "Fire WERKS" in the Mountains.
("That go BOOM BOOM then CHHHHHHHH, like that") Max


Reason #4-Children's Bike Parades.
(FOR FREEEEEEE)


Reason 5- Swimsuits.

Reason #6- Family Bonding.
(anything will unite a family if it involves swimming suits and a cooler)

Reason 7- The 4th Of July Festivities.

Reason 8- SHOPPING & COORDINATING.

Shopping for the perfect summer outfit.

Shopping At The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Shopping on Vacation.

Ahhhhhhh, retail therapy!