Thoughtful Gifts

Last day of school for the 2011-2012 school year; my first year of teaching preschool at the Ritenour School for Early Childhood Education.  It has been a good year and I am looking forward to learning more about Early Childhood Education.  I found a Master's program at Webster University for Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on Inclusion Education.  I'm excited about taking classes in this specialized area.  I now they will make me a better early childhood teacher and I can't wait.  Now I just need to find a way to afford them . . . hmmm . . .


Well my students have spoiled me today, bringing me flowers and candy and jewelry as gifts of appreciation.  I will miss these kiddos moving on to kindergarten.  I like that I get to teach some of my students for two years.  I will especially miss my first four preschoolers: Ciara, Jared, Isaac and Cody.  What memories we have made this year!!

This lovely bracelet has earrings to match.  Thank you, Jared!

This shirt was a sweet and personal gift from one of my students who is moving on to kindergarten. Thank you, Ciara.  She said her favorite day was when I dressed up like Bust 'em Up Bill from the book Library Lil. I must say I felt a bit like a paradox that day walking into preschool in my Harley boots, motorcycle chaps, and cut off tee with my district laptop bag and canvas teachers bag. Lol. Good times....

Daila

Okay... I have just too many cute photos of Daila.  So this post is a modge podge collection of stories all for her.

Story #1  Kylie's Princess Birthday Party Countdown

Someone is VERY ready for the princess birthday party this afternoon.  This is the best way to teach a kindergartener the concept of time. Although she's driving me nuts.... "what time is it now?" ...every minute....literally. We have already cleared up quite a few misconceptions. At 8:59-9:00 we learned that although the number of the hour is greater, when it gets to 12 we start back at 1 for the PMs. And when we count time by 10s, we never get to 60. Let's just say I am also very eager for 2:00, but for a different reason than Princess Daila of Windom. She's a smarty though. Boy was she upset when the clock went from 8 am to 9. She knew 2 was a smaller number. "Why is the number going up?!?" Silly girl. 5/12/12

Story #2 Wacky Hair Day at Wyland Elementary

 Wacky Hair Day for school.  I know she doesn't look wacky, just adorable.  But this is how she insisted she wanted it done.  "Just a side ponytail, Mom."  5/4/12

 Story #3  Daila Passes Time as a Photographer

We are in the truck on the way to Sullivan.  The three girls are having a little trouble sitting together in the back seat, so Ben and I move Daila up between us to keep the peace.  Daila asks to play on my phone and starts to take photos to pass the time.  She just clicks away and giggles. 

 I'm a willing and patient model for a little while.  But after awhile I'm wishing she would just find some other game to play on my phone.

 Fewer giggles now... I'm getting to be a boring model.  So Daila starts asking me to say random words... nice... and... slow... so she can click pics of me mid-word.

Story #4 Daila continues to be a "passing the time" photographer. 

While grocery shopping at Sams. 

My personal favorite.  Haha!  Daila catches photo evidence of Dad scratching his butt.  Heeheehee....

Me pushing the cart. Okay, Daila. That's enough of me... Geez.

Housewife Moment

This is our NEW washer and dryer!

Our old washer froze up; wouldn't agitate anymore.  (Which only agitated me.)  It was about 12 years old.  Our old dryer worked, but left lots of lint and melted batting in blankets and browned the edges of comforters.  (Not cool.)  It was probably 20 years old or more since we bought it used over 10 years ago.  So Ben and I, having never had a brand new washer and dryer set in our lifetime, decided we were willing to spend the cash in savings for these effecient beauties.  And aren't they beautiful?!  They are also extremely efficient and worth every penny.  And when the laundry is done, there isn't just some boring tone or buzzer.  Oh no, my washer and dryer sing to me.  ;-)  At first I thought it was someone's cell phone going off or an ice cream truck . . . but it was my lovely new household appliance.  I'm a happy housewife. :-)

Twin Day

 Happy Birthday, Janae! 

My girls are both 11 today!  Janae and Anna are exactly 11 months apart, so for the month of May they are the same age.   Today is their "Twin Day" and they love it.  They chose to dress like twins yesterday for school and this is how they came to me (with their backs toward me) and asked (in unison) "Which one is Anna and which one is Janae?"  Well they can't fool a mom, but what do you think? Tricky?  :-)

Janae is on the left.  Anna is on the right.

Janae chose Monkey Bread for her birthday dessert. Her Activity Day leaders from church brought her the lovely flowers.

Typical goofball.  :-) 

  Make a wish!  Make it a good one!  We love you, Janae!!