School Is Out

It feels like yesterday I was taking a picture of Eric and the kids heading to breakfast before their first day of school. I can't believe how fast the year flew by. It was a year full of fun, growth and 

tremendous blessings. 

As Eric and the kids left for breakfast and I sat down to write their teachers notes I got all teary. I feel so blessed that each of the kids were truly blessed with amazing teachers this year. They were a perfect fit for each of their personalities. If you remember back to the first day of school post

Alexa was in tears and totally stressed out on her way into school her first day. It usually takes her a month or so to settle in and let her nerves calm down. It is hard on this mom's heart to watch and yet I know God is working on both of us and growing us in the process. This year was amazing. Within a day Alexa's little heart, mind and soul was at a very peaceful place. I didn't seeing an anxiety or stress rise up once in her the whole year which is absolutely amazing. I attribute it to her amazing teacher. She has an amazing gift in how she handles her classroom, how she teaches and her sweet, gentle spirit.

 

Alexa grew in so many areas this year and her confidence soared through the roof in so many subjects. She turned into a complete book worm . Her heart and compassion for others struggling her classroom was an area her teacher said she also stepped up to the plate. She was quick to recognize when others were anxious or needed help and found a way to gently come along side of them. I just can't believe she is going to be a 4th grader. This was the first year she really voiced being sad about school being out because she was going to miss her friends. Alexa has been given the gift of a couple very special friends and it was so fun to see their friendship grow and move to a new level this year.

 It wasn't uncommon for them to make things for each other and give each other notes of encouragement. One of her friends often made little bookmarks with verses on them. I pray their friendship and love for the Lord continues to grow in the years to come. 

 Emma went through her 2nd grade year in true Emma style. She loved everything about school and embraced it head on. She had two teachers this year that job shared. They were a perfect fit for her and each of them brought out something different in her. I saw her heart for the Lord grow this year in a new way. The excitement she had for the Bible and new nuggets of information in stories she heard over and over again. Emma felt like it was a great year as she gained confidence in her Math and Reading. Her very favorite part of 2nd grade was studying the human body.Over and over we heard from her teachers that she had a huge heart and just loves life. Emma has always had a large group of girls she plays with but this year she had a couple that became her best friends. It has been fun to see those relationships blossom this year.

 

Shane had a great year too. It started out a little rocky with a few time outs as he was figuring life out as a kindergartner. He had an amazing teacher that was gentle and loving and yet ran a tight ship so Shane knew exactly where the lines were.

 It was amazing to watch him grow and blossom this year. He matured so much in his self control and ability to focus and finish. He is a true boy who loves to wiggle, talk, poke his neighbor ... so watching him work through all that and come to a place where he knew what was expected and see him handle it was fun to see. 

 I think Kindergarten is the most amazing year as they go from hardly knowing their letter to reading. They go from learning numbers to adding and telling time. They go from just figuring how to write all their letters correctly to writing words and complete sentences. They go from looking so little to losing teeth and looking all grown up! I am so proud of Shane and the way he grew socially, emotionally, academically and spiritually this year. It was a big year for him and he is ready for 1st grade. I am just not sure I am.

 

The kids had their final chapel of the year that I got to go to and then when school was out at noon we said our good byes to friends and teachers for the summer. I love summer and was so looking forward to it but as I hugged teachers goodbye and told them thanks for all they did for my kids I got pretty teary! I feel so blessed that God gave them all such amazing teachers. There were precious memories made this year and each of them had an impact on my kids in a very special way. The big kids and I headed out for a special celebratory lunch. Later we got home and I had a fun little idea pop in my head.

 

If you know me you know I love to throw a party so I thought why not have a "School Is Out" party.

 

We made a quick run to Target and I made some sneaky purchases and while the kids played outside I pulled a quick little party together. Thank goodness for people who make darling printables and post them for free on line ... these printables made things pretty easy.

 

We had a fun evening of celebrating a great year and we are looking forward to a fun summer!

A Fun Day In Kindergarten

Shane had a fun field trip to the Butterfly House for his final field trip of the year. He was very excited for a trip to see butterflies then lunch and playtime at the park. 

 

 The kids started in a room as someone shared about butterflies. The kids also got to pet the taranchula, Lucy.

  

  They also just added an aquarium area at the Butterfly House which was fun for the kids. Shane's favorite fish were the ones that would pick up sand with their mouth and then spit it back out.

 

We then moved to the Butterfly House and saw hundreds of beautiful butterflies.

 

Shane really wanted a butterfly to land on him so found places to sit and wait patiently for them to land.

  

 He waited ...

 

and waited!

 Finally he got one to land on his shoe lace!

 

The kids had so much fun!
    

We then headed to the park for a picnic and time to play. Shane's teacher gathered all the kids and the kids were sad to be heading back to school. Little did they know what was to come. 

Shane's teacher started reading the book "My Teacher Sleeps In School." When she was to the last page she said it was now time for a Mystery Field Trip. There was a big buzz in our car as the kids were trying to figure out where we were going. We ended up at their teacher's house for the afternoon. The kids got a tour of her house and yard, snack time, they did Bible time and center time. It was a very fun surprise for the kids.

Boxes Packed With Love

Alexa's class went to the Union Gospel Mission the week before Easter. We started our visit watching a video about what their mission is and what they do. We then took a tour. The Union Gospel has a heart for those in need. They provide shelter, meals, clothing, medical services, education and support for those in need in our community. They share the need for Christ with the people that walk through their doors. Lives are changed at the Union Gospel Mission.

  

  After our tour we were taken to a large room with boxes and more boxes. Quickly the lady in charge placed each of the kids by boxes that had various food items in them. The parents were instructed to grab a chair with wheels and put a box on them and get ready to roll! 

Alexa was placed by various canned goods and peanut butter. 

As the moms rolled the boxes through by each of the kids they put the various items they were in charge of in the box.  By the end we had one big, very full box of food. 

We were all sweating when we were finally done.  We packed 86 large boxes in less than an hour.  When we were finished packing we all stood around and prayed over the 86 boxes.  These boxes of food with go to families in need in our community so they have food for Easter.  They will also receive a hygiene box and a Bible.  When the boxes are delivered they will ask if they can pray with the family.

There was quite a buzz in the van as we drove back to school.  All the kids were talking about the families that were getting the boxes we just got done packing and how cool it was that people would give them a Bible and pray with them.  They all said that it felt so good in their hearts to do something for others.      

Fizzy Bath Bombs

Emma had a 2nd grade Science Fair that she had to come up with an experiment about Matter or Motion.     Her dad was out of town but she was determined to wait until he was home and could help her come up with the perfect experiment.  I reminded her she wouldn't have a ton of time to pull it all together if she waited but she didn't mind one bit.  

Her daddy and her looked on the Internet and it was worth the wait! They came up with the perfect science experiment.  It fit Emma's personality to a T! 

Emma decided to try to make Fizzy Bath Bombs and then figure out why they fizzed when put in water. She thought it was perfect ... it was girly, she could pick the scent of the bath bomb, she loves baths and thought the fizzing part was cool!

 She gathered all the ingredients.

Mixed them together! 

Stirred them up! 

Put some in molds ....

and made the rest into balls.  She let them set for a day and then gave them a try.

Look at those Bath Bombs fizz!!! Emma was so excited when they worked and couldn't wait for the Science Fair.

Emma put her board together and was ready for the big day! 

It was fun seeing Emma in her element sharing about her Fizzy Bath Bombs as others asked questions. 

Nice work Emma! We are proud of you! 

PS When did you grow up so fast?

Color Me Mine

Shane was very excited to go on his field trip to Color Me Mine.  The kids quietly sat through their instructions and were itching to get painting.  

All the kids got a bowl to paint.  Shane decided he wanted paint the outside blue but after starting he switched and decided to paint it green striped like a watermelon. 

They had all kids of fun things to paint with ... string, straws, q-tips, sponges, lids, pencils and their very own fingers.

It was fun to see the kids creative juices flow.

I loved seeing the buzz of all the kids and moms! 

Shane painted the inside red and started making black dots for the seeds.

Shane and his friends at his table were having so much fun and making quite a mess.  The table next to him was all girls and everything was neat and tidy.... what a difference between boys and girls but each having so much fun in their own way!

I love Shane's expression here ... he was pretty happy with his creation!

Shane's black seeds quickly turned to an almost black inside.  The gal who was helping gave him the idea of scratching his name or things in the black and it would show through when it was baked.  Shane thought it was pretty cool! He can't wait to see how it turns out. 

Egyptian Day

Alexa was so excited about her unit on Egypt. She came home many days during this unit with fun new information she was learning about Egypt and the Egyptian culture. 

The culmination of her unit was Egyptian Day.  There was a buzz in the air and a lot of excitement for the big day for the 3rd graders.  

Alexa was excited to get her Egyptian outfit on for the big day! 

She borrowed these cute shoes from her friend who dressed up as an Egyptian for Halloween! 

There was a group of kids that were responsible for answering questions about different aspects of Egypt.  She was in the "Nile River Group!"

The boys in her group were too funny!

Each of the 3rd graders made their own PowerPoint presentation about Egypt.  Alexa couldn't wait to share her masterpiece with us.  Her dad, the computer buff, was pretty impressed with what Alexa had put together. 

Alexa had fun making different things as they learned about the culture! 

Alexa and her best friend Olivia! 

It was a fun day of sharing for the 3rd graders and learning for the parents and other students in the school!