Doing The Can Can

Back-To-School Theme 2010-2011 is (Ta-Da): I CAN DO HARD THINGS!

Both Kel and I are excited about our theme for our young learners. We sensed this year would be a big one academically for each of our children. Lizzy will be learning cursive and her times tables, Rosie will become a reader and Max, well, Max will learn all about listening to a teacher and playing well with others. To help our students believe in themselves (even when it's hard), we made a "I CAN!"Can for FHE. The "I CAN!"s are full of valuable reward coupons just waiting to be redeemed. When our kiddos accomplish something "hard" they get to pick a coupon from their can and away we go.

We shared stories from the scriptures about people who accomplished hard things as well as personal experiences from our own lives. Needless to say, our theme was well received and each child couldn't wait to tackle something hard. Last weekend we had our first coupon redemption drawing and activity which included a movie night with Dad. I'm starting to think I need my very own I CAN can just for staying caught up on homework for 2 children in school instead of just one!

Going Three Times...

Lastly was Max, off to his first year of Preschool. He's been waiting for his turn for quite some time. A few notable comments after day one-

"First we Learn-ded, then we played" and "I miss-head you Mommy, and Baby Drewy too" and "Tan I have a snack...ice cream?".

Going Twice...

First Day of Kindergarten:

Mom- WOW Rosie, you have put all of your jewelry on...every last piece.

Rosie- Yea. I KNOW. It's my first day of Kind-ear-gotten, so it's fancy.

Mom- Yes, that is fancy, but Rosie you know you don't have to wear every piece of jewelry to be fancy. In fact, sometimes it's better to just to wear your very very favorite, that way people can focus on that one very fancy piece.

Rosie- Hmmmmmm. Okay. But, I'm wearing my gold sparkle shoes.

Later on the way to school-

Mom- Rosie, maybe we shouldn't have you go this year.....maybe you could stay home with me and your brothers for just one more year. Whatcha think?

Rosie- BUT MOM.....I JUST GOT MY NAILS DONE (thanks Nana) and they won't last until next year so I HAVE TO GO THIS YEAR (in a very exasperated tone, head shaking, while holding up her freshly manicured fingers)!!!!

Mom- okay, when you put it like that, I guess you have to go.

And off she went too. My Rosie. My little companion. There were tears.

Going Once....

And she's off to Third Grade. Just like that. No more summer. No more: "Mommy, I can change Drew if you want" or "I can hold Drew for you while you ------- (fill in the blank, it could be a number of things) or "Can I get Drew dressed and pick his outfit?". None. Zip. Zero. Zilch! We're going to miss her on the home front, but, third grade's a blast, so, away she goes.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

Oh What a beautiful Day........

Today I choose to be happy. I have loved riding Lizzy to school every morning. The cool Autumn air awakes my still groggy senses and I'm able to more fully appreciate the beauty around me. We live near majestic mountains, the eastern morning sun cascades the most glorifying light off their peaks, and I feel lucky to enjoy it. Max notices all matter of animal life behind me in the bike trailer and loudly makes everyone aware of their presence. Rosie tries so hard to keep up with big sister, while still telling her to watch out for cars and look both ways. Lizzy appreciates her morning entourage and makes up super hero names for us as we bike (I'm Magnificent Mommy, then we have Lizzy the Leopard followed by little Robin Rosie-who can really fly). I enjoy seeing neighbors out enjoying a perfect fall morning. Although life isn't perfect, and I have had a stressful September, I choose happiness through morning bike rides and the hope that 'everything's goin' my way'.

The Fancy Lady...

Goes Shopping:

While Shopping at Nordstrom Rack:

Rosie- Mommy, is this where Fancy Girls shop?

Mommy- Yes, Rosie. It defiantly is. (Fancy Girls who want a deal, that is)

Rosie- O.K. Great! I'm going to look for some more Fancy Clothes, like, you know.

Mommy- Yes, I know. You could use some more school shoes Rose.

Rosie- Hmmmmmmmmm. Let me see. (after several attempts to find fancy shoes that were appropriate on the preschool play ground, she found these, and it was love at first sight...can you blame her?)

Gets Fancy:
Rosie (at 8:00 a.m.)- Nana, when are you coming to take me for our special day like Lizzy?

Nana- Ask your Mom when you can go, I can go on Monday or Tuesday.

Rosie- When is Monday or Tuesday? Is that today? Is that tomorrow day? No Max, you can't come, it's for girls, not BOYS (Max is devastated).

Goes to Preschool:

(The Mother goes in to wake older sister Lizzy D. for school and finds a surprise...)

Mommy- Rosie!! What are you doing up so early? And getting dressed? And Bed already made? While Lizzy is still sleeping?

Rosie- MOMM-Y don't you remember that I have preschool today and we have to Be Prepared?

Mommy- Oh, yes, Rosie, I do, but your school doesn't start until after Lunch.

Rosie- I need to get ready, so I'll be ready first. Before Lizzy (that shouldn't be a problem).

Mommy- O.K., Rosie, way to be prepared!

Rosie- I need my lip gloss that Nana gave me for my back-pack.

Mommy- I completely understand, my Fancy Girl (LIZZY WAKE-UP!!).

Rosie- I just can't find what purse it's in!

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.

Sands Through an Hourglass, part 1-

PART 1-

"Rosie, do you know what you would you like to be when you grow up?"

"Yes!", "What?"

"A FANCY LADY!!"

"Like Sands Through an Hour Glass,
So are the Days of our Life"

(Who didn't watch Days in their teens?)

I must confess, the days of my life have been pretty sweet over the past 9 months of school. How did they go so fast? We celebrated with Rosie as she and her preschool classmates entertained us with song and poem at her preschool promotion. Rosie knew every song, preformed every move with incredible stage presence. We were so proud of our little Rose. She enjoyed it and I could tell really loved her classmates and her dear teachers. She will now advance to another year of preschool, but will it be the same?

Both Rosie and Lizzy attended Ms. Lorie's preschool. The same preschool my younger siblings went to, in my home town. I love Ms. Lorie's curriculum and educational philosophies. Rosie attended preschool with my two good friends' children, promising to marry one...."DABE" (Gabe). Seems perfect. I spent those Tuesday and Thursday afternoons spending time with my close friends. Sometimes the park, sometimes the mall, sometimes McDonald's, many times Target. We shared a year together. I cherished those days. I looked forward to those times with just Max. What a different boy he was as a 'singleton'. I learned so much about my son, I learned so much about myself.

Now, Rosie will go to a new preschool near our home, for the convenience of her Mother. I look forward to carpooling with my favorite carpool buddy. But, I can't help but wonder if I'm making the right call. I love Ms. Lorie and Mr. Avery (her father). I love Rosie's friends, which are my friends' children. I'm sure the new preschool will be fine, but will it ever be great?

Cami expressed the feelings of remebering the moment so beautifully in a poem written for my birthday. I don't normally share this sort of thing, but it seems to be the perfect ending for this post and so, I shall:

REMEMBER WHEN

“Remember when” That’s what we will say,

That is what we say

We eat salads
The sun on your face

The freckles on your nose

The “theme” for the day.

Your eyes like chocolate

From one mother to another

A gift only given in a space

Created, nurtured

By the power to relate

A space forever occupied

You with your perfect-ness

I forgive you for that

Me Not so much.

You forgive me for that

We apply sun-block

We wipe noses

Lizzy and Monet

With their missing teeth

Gabe and Rosie

With their hidden kisses

Max with his Trains

Tea with her thighs

“Remember when” we’ll say“Remember when”

Passing The Torch

Recently Kelly and I had the privilege of attending my younger brother Benjamin's law school graduation. I was and am so proud of my brother for this major accomplishment. The desire to practice law runs deep in his veins as his Uncle, Grandfather and Great-father precede him in the career of attorney.

Ben, the curly haired middle child, was quiet and at times, lost in the crowd of 4 boys. He has always been kind hearted, intelligent and sometimes mischievous. But, because of his sweetness and boyish charm he was rarely in the hot seat. My earliest memories of Ben were of him standing in his crib calling for Ra Ra, his older Sister Sarah. I would come and scoop him up and play with him, cherishing the fact that he called for me over my Mother, and that I (5 years his senior) could comfort him. From those early days I have grown use to Ben calling for me, confiding in me and sharing his life with me. I feel privileged. I admire Ben. I love being his older Sister.
Now, his supportive wife Amy and their darling son Owen have worked together in accomplishing the task at hand: Forth Generation Law School Graduate. I know my Grandfather is so pleased. He looks forward to sharing an office with Ben, imparting his Grandson with wisdom about Law and maybe more importantly, Life. Congratulations Ben and Amy!

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.

Say It Ain't So!

Exhibit 1-

Exhibit 2-
Exhibit 3-

Exhibit 4 (a,b,c)
a-

b-

c-

Last week I received some NEWS, of the big kind. Big enough that is, that multiple people called, e-mailed or stopped me at the grocery store to tell me or to get my reaction. Here's the scoop:

OUR VERY DARLING NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL IS GOING FROM A YEAR ROUND SCHEDULE TO A TRADITIONAL SCHEDULE IN THE FALL.

I know it doesn't seem like that big of deal but I happen to LOVE year round. Which is really quite amazing for because we almost didn't move into our home based on the fact that it was a year-round neighborhood school. Thankfully, we gave it a try and it has turned out to be so much fun.

The other funny thing is that I am one of the only if not the only person I know who is SAD about it! I just don't get it. Having more breaks during the year has so many advantages:

Exhibit 1- Going to Disneyland during September.

Exhibit 2- Meeting up with 'Best Best' for a fall friend fest (in the lovely Boise Idaho)

Exhibit 3- Skiing in the middle of the week.

Exhibit 4 (a,b,c,) Flying south for a warm winter get-a-way (our most recent adventure!).

These would not be as do able without the perks of year round. Now, it must be said, it's not perfect! Going to school in June is AWFUL! I hated it! And our summer did feel a little short. But, all in all, my vote is for year round school......not that it counts for much!

The Same, But Different

Rosie has been waiting a lonnnnngggg time for this moment.......PRESCHOOL! I know we aren't suppose to compare children but, this time I must. When I took Lizzy to the exact same Preschool, she ran for the door and I had to physically pull her back to snap a quick (and I mean quick) picture of her. Rose on the other hand enjoyed every minute of me dotting on her. I loved the feeling of her warm, still chubby hand grabbing mine and wanting me to walk her to the door. They were totally different experiences but, I found myself loving both for different reasons.
Now as I look at pictures of these 2 little girls, both wearing the same dress, both standing in the same spot, I am reminded of how unique they truly are. I am learning to appreciate and love them for their differences. I am learning to enjoy the moment and I am so happy to have a preschooler once again!

There She Goes!

There she goes again......

Nana came down to see her off on her first day of all day school!

Lizzy was so excited for first grade orientation.

Remember in grade school when you wanted the prettiest teacher?

As we waited with the rest of the new first graders, Rosie and Lizzy had the following conversation when Lizzy's teacher came outside:

Rosie: LIZZY, LIZZY, LIZZY!!

Lizzy: What Rose?

Rosie: LIZZY, YOUR TEACHER IS CINDERELLA!!!

Rosie's compliment hit the nail on the head and seemed to make Lizzy feel comfortable and excited. We now fondly refer to Lizzy's 1st grade teacher as Mrs. Cinderella. All seems to be going great in the fairytale land of first grade.

"Now I'm Really Big"

The beginning

The middle

The End!

As of July 1st (it's year-round people), our Elizabeth completed Kindergarten with flying colors!
Here are a few things I learned this year:
1- Allowing children to choose their own outfit isn't as bad as I thought (even when they put red sparkle shoes on with lime green socks).

2- A hot-pocket is a nutritious lunch.

3- All kids pick their nose...publicly.

4- It isn't the worst thing in the entire world if a child is late to school once in awhile.

5- The letter "T" makes a Tttt sound, as opposed to a "Ta" sound as I was doing.


I loved sharing a part in Lizzy's kindergarten experience. Thankfully it was a positive one and has made her excited for first grade!

Left Foot, Left Foot, Left Foot, Right!

Ms Williams (at Parent/Teacher Conference): "Lizzy, do you have any goals you would like to set in Kindergarten?"

Lizzy- "Ummmm....to read more at home, not just the baggie books you send home every night"

Ms. Williams: "That is a great goal Lizzy! Do you have other books to read besides the ones I send home with you each day?"

Lizzy- "Yep, lots! I can read the Foot Book all by myself, without any help!!!!!"

Ms. Williams: " WoW, that is awesome!"

Lizzy- "Sometimes I read it to Rosie!"

Ms. Williams: "Lizzy, would you be willing to read it for the whole class? Is that something you would feel comfortable enough to do because that would be a great example to the other students in our class."

Lizzy- "SURE I WOULD LOVE TO"

And so it went; little Lizzy's first public reading! We couldn't be prouder and more thankful for a wonderfully insightful kindergarten teacher.

Right On Track

OH, WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE AUTUMN TIME WHEN YOU ARE ON FALL BREAK?

DO YOU PLAY IN THE LEAVES?

TAKE A TRIP TO 'BOISEES'?




OR FEED A HUNGRY 'GOAT GUY'?

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

I wasn't sure how I felt about year round school. It was different than what I did as a girl, therefore I had my doubts. Tonight marks the end of a 3 week fall break that was truly so much FUN!! Making the most of our time, we set off for some Fall adventures. We kicked off the break with a road trip to Boise (see past post), went to the farm, attended many Halloween parties, took walks almost daily, went to the park, met friends for lunch, discovered the Children's Museum, watched afternoon movies with popcorn (Sound of Music being the favorite), had sleepovers with Nana (on school nights) and just hung out and relished a less hectic schedule. Now, I must admit there were times that I was missing school for Lizzy. But, for the most part I loved the time to be able to enjoy autumn time without the worry of homework and napping around carpool. Now, as a wise friend once said: "All Good Things Must Come to An End", so back to school she goes and I will start dreaming up some new adventures for our next "off track" time together.