More school pics because I just can't help myself

I have a few more pics of the kids this morning. I've been making them take before school pics all week. I might make them do it next week too because they just look SO cute in all their new clothes. 

The boy is still not happy with school. I asked him what was going on this morning and he replied "I don't like having to be away from my home and my mama all day." This actually translates to "I don't like being away from my mamas iPhone because I can't play minecraft." He became obsessed this summer. It's a tough habit to break. 

I'm wondering how Macie is going to do today. She has glasses but they are to fix a lazy eye so instead of enhancing her sight it blurs her good eye to make her lazy one stronger. I wrote her teachers a note so they know that when she has them on she can't see good. At all. During tests and important lessons she doesn't have to wear them. Hoping it goes smoothly. 

On my mind and the 2nd day of school

Lately I have been missing the way I used to blog. Years ago I recorded so much of our lives and when I look back I really miss that. I think I'm going to start doing that again and not worry about how many views I'm getting. 

This summer really wasn't easy. Halfway through our beloved pool broke (sliced open at the bottom while the kids were swimming) and then Makayla's surgery and other dentist appts put a kink in the rest of the time. I'm glad to be back to a routine. I've been thinking about so much these days and while I truly believe this stage in my kids lives is WAY harder than when I had 3 in diapers I am also figuring out exactly who my kids are. 

These ages are challenging. They all have such distinct personalities. The girls could not be more different in every way possible. Most of the time we just take it day by day. Because really what else can we do? I'm going to try to blog more about things we have been doing. I don't just want to stop recording our lives simply because the kids aren't really little anymore. It's harder to blog now because while they do love me posting pics here and there, I also have to respect the things they do not want me to post about. It's part of that whole growing up thing you know? 

I'm thinking I'm going to try to blog everyday for a week and see if I can slowly get back into my groove. Thanks to all of my viewers. I know you guys are there (I see the stats) and I also know some of you have been here for years. So thanks so much for sticking around. 

This morning the girls were excited for their second day of school. The boy however was not. He had a massive meltdown yesterday evening due to sheer exhaustion. We weren't successful in getting the kids on a school schedule by the first day. They have gone to sleep between midnight and 2 a.m ALL summer long. Readjusting isn't easy. I grabbed a couple pics this morning before we left.

The boy would not cooperate so the one backpack picture I got he is leaning over the chair whining about standing there. 

Back to School

In less than an hour the kids will be home from their first day at school. They looked so cute this morning and were pretty excited. I walked each of them to class and when I was telling Makayla bye her teacher said "Oh no! You better give your mama a hug and kiss bye because this is the last time she will ever walk you to a class on the first day." This is her last year in elementary. 

I can't believe how quickly they are growing up. We have one in 5th, 4th and 1st this year. I hope it's a great year for all three of them. 

Last day

Today was my last day volunteering in the school clinic. I'm not gonna lie... It was emotionally rough knowing it was the last time I'd ever be in that clinic with this nurse. She's going to be at a different school next year so we will have a brand new nurse again next year.

We got a ton of stuff accomplished today and it was a good day. It's just hard because this year has really been a turning point with the school. I've put a ton of hours into helping the clinic and I'm going to miss it. A lot. 

The kids have their class ice cream parties tomorrow and they really can't wait. One more day. I'm excited about summer but at the same time I'm panicking. 3 months of the kids at home. Eekkk. Praying for strength to get through these summer months with grace. 

This morning as I was leaving I snapped a quick photo of the cupcakes I had to bring to the school for the boys party tomorrow. I have 7 hours to myself tomorrow. I am going to do nothing. I am going to completely veg out and enjoy my last hours of freedom until late August. 

Splash day 2013

Today was the boys' kindergarten splash day. It's all I've heard about for weeks. The school fills up lots of kiddy pools, sprinklers, hoses, water balloons and even sometimes a huge inflatable water slide. 

Every kindergartner was beyond excited. But last night the clouds rolled in. And the rain. I sent the boy to school with his swim shorts, towel, picnic lunch and flip flops anyway and hoped for the best. Thankfully they did get some time in but the 3 hours they normally get for splash day was cut short because a severe storm rolled in. I was out running errands when it came. My mom even got hail. 

I'm happy that he still had fun during the time that he got. 

Erupting the volcano

On Friday the kids in Macie's class did the presentations on their volcanoes and made them erupt using baking soda and vinegar. The parents were allowed to come and Macie insisted that I be there.

I was the ONLY parent that came. The presentations were really cute and all the kids were so proud of the volcanoes they constructed. I only got one photo because I took video of most of it. They all really put a lot of work into their projects.

I'm so glad I went to cheer on my little future scientist.

We made a volcano!

Before the kids got out for spring break Macie brought home an extra credit assignment. Make a volcano. It didn't have to erupt and the only thing that was required was a hollow inside so they could make it erupt in school. This assignment was optional but Macie was beyond excited to participate.

A trip to Michaels and we were ready to get started. I love Michaels 40% off coupons. Life savers for craft projects. This volcano took an entire 5 pound bucket of clay. The lava was painted entirely by Macie on her own. She mixed the colors and everything.

We had so much fun making this and Macie was beaming with pride when we walked into the school Monday morning.

She REALLY wants to be a scientist and this just made her even more sure.

Cubby visits again!

Some of you might remember that a while back Makayla got to bring the class guinea pig home for the weekend. Well her turn rolled around again. Cubby is visiting us for the three day weekend and there is lots of excitement over that around here.

He is a super sweet little guy. He goes to a different student every weekend and has his own little travel case. Such a fun thing for 4th graders. Makayla worked hard all week to make sure she turned in all her work for the class so she didn't lose her turn.

Better

This morning the kids and I all woke up feeling much better finally. I've actually been able to stand long enough to catch up on our disaster of a house. Thankfully before I got sick I was on top of everything and finished my shopping and wrapping in record time. I even finished wrapping the Santa gifts and put them in the attic.

Today I am focusing on last minute errands and getting our home back in order. I'm sure there will be lots of resting and recovering as well. We were all so incredibly sick.

I had planned lots of Christmas posts before I signed off for family time. Now I'm thinking I won't get around to posting much before Christmas eve. We do plan on making our cut out sugar cookies still and I might post about it when we are done. For now I'm just going to take it easy and enjoy the next few days.

All three kids made me a Christmas present at school. I just LOVE these!

School Holiday Parties

The Christmas parties are done. Today was the last day of school and a half day at that. I bounced back and forth between the class parties yesterday. Makayla politely asked that I not attend hers because she is apparently in that stage of life where mom isn't so cool anymore but the other two couldn't wait for me to be at their party.

We brought How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the boys class and all the kids cheered when the teacher told them she was putting it on. There were so many excited kids.

Teacher Gift Bag Ideas

In a few hours I will be attending 3 class Christmas parties. I know a lot of you are doing the same thing this week so I wanted to post what I did for teacher gifts this year.

One of my kids has 2 teachers this year. That makes 4 teachers total plus the school nurse who has become an amazing mentor and friend. I decided to make the nurse a gift basket and the teachers little treat bags.

In each teacher bag they got an individual packet of mint cocoa, a pocketbac hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works and a small glass jar candle. I wrapped it all up in cute cellophane Christmas paper and put a bow on it. Super easy, affordable and very cute.

The nurse got the same stuff but I added a mug and some snack food type stuff in hers as well and put it in a red metal basket. I hope they like their gifts. It really adds up if you buy every teacher a bigger gift. This way they get something they can use and you don't have to lose your sanity in the process.

I got the jar candles for $1 each. Walmart has them but I found these at our grocery store. The pocketbacs from Bath and Body Works were on sale 5 for $5. So you can see that it didn't cost a fortune at all. I might have barely went over $20 between all 5 gifts.

I hope my readers are finding lots of holiday cheer and spending these days with the people you love the most.

Polar Express Pajama Day

Today was the day! Every year my kids look forward to Polar Express pajama day at school. This was the boys first year and they were so excited. They get to watch the Polar Express, drink hot cocoa and eat popcorn. They are also allowed to bring their robes, a small blanket, pillow and/or stuffed animal.

There are only two of my children in these pictures because in true Macie fashion she decided to throw her teenage attitude around and ruin yet another morning. We don't have nice calm mornings anymore. Sigh.

The other two were perfectly happy to pose for me though. It's so fun to see all the kids dropped off in pajamas and the teachers wear them as well. So fun!!

Tomorrow we are headed to my best friends house for a day of baking. We have approx 15 items we are making and we have to make enough to divide each by three families. Oh yes we are that ambitious. But it's gonna be awesome! Have a great weekend dear readers. :-)

A Christmas Performance

Last night Makayla had her 4th grade Christmas performance. It was a short musical but still fun. It would have been better if I hadn't had to drag two other attitude throwing children with me. Hubs got off work too late to go so it was just me and the kids. It didn't go so well. But we recovered and I loved seeing my not so little baby performing.

I took a ton of videos and pics but I'm not going to post them because there were 50 other kids faces and I want to respect their right to privacy. So I just have the one of Makayla before we left. They had to wear a red, green or white shirt. I just stopped in Michaels yesterday and grabbed her a $3 red Tshirt.

Today one of my best friends is coming over for a craft day. It's gonna be good. We have an awesome adult craft planned and then a really neat one for the kiddos.

Exhausted (in a good way)

It's taken me nearly three decades to really find out who I am. These last few weeks have sort of been a turning point for me. I'm now volunteering in the school clinic every chance I get. The 7 hours a day I spend in there fly by and I love it. It's helped me realize that after I do medical claims for a few years I am going to pursue a nursing career.

I wish I could put into words what all I have learned since being in there but I really can't. I am exhausted but in a very good way. All the kids know me now and when I walk down a hallway I am greeted with waves, shouts and even an occasional hug from various students. My kids teachers know I am there if they need to stop by and give me an update. It's a win all the way around.

Right now I'm not feeling too well. It's become very obvious that I need to boost my immune system and get a flu shot in order to survive this season in the school clinic. I'm not limited to paper work and such because there aren't any regulations on basic nursing care. Temp checks, etc. so I get to help students when they come in usually.

Blogging has been harder for me lately for some reason. I have SO much to share but can't find the words so instead I don't post. Hopefully soon I will get my mojo back. For now I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunities given to me.

You all know I hate to post without a pic. I haven't been taking many lately so here is one from the other day when my kids were actually quiet and working on art projects.

Makayla and Cubby

Two weekends ago we were supposed to get the class guinea pig for the weekend. That Friday Makayla called me and had to let me know that since she had forgotten some homework she couldn't take him home.

We knew that her chance was coming up again this weekend so we made sure that she turned everything in. Friday afternoon we picked up Cubby and we loved him. He is so sweet and even came with a little overnight bag and a paper with instructions written like he is the one telling us. It is just too cute. I think it's a great way to get all the kids excited. Every weekend Cubby goes home with another student.

We brought him back to school this morning but we really enjoyed his little visit.

Family fun night 2012

We had a great time at family fun night yesterday evening. I was really surprised how much they had set up. There were tons of games, raffles, silent auctions, activities and food. They also had a moon bounce and a dance floor complete with strobe lighting.

As soon as we got there Makayla and the boy choose to get their faces painted in the art room. Then it was on to games and of course cotton candy. After we had spent all our game tickets I let the kids hit the dance floor. It was so funny to watch them. Macie even got to dance to "Can't touch this". I was cracking up. The boy finally learned how to slide all the way across the floor on his knees while dancing.

I was very surprised at how loud it all was and I loved it. The school really let loose and just let everyone have a great time.

Parade of books

Every year before Halloween the kids get to dress up as a character from a book and then they have a book parade at school.

The boy was Doctor Ted from the book Doctor Ted. My aunt made him his lab coat from an old white shirt. It turned out so cute.

Macie was Clara from The Nutcracker and Makayla was Olivia from one of her "my babysitters a vampire" books. The kids had a blast. For Makaylas costume all we had to do was pull her hair in a side ponytail and put her in a pink shirt. My aunt made a big purple bow for Macie's dress like in the book. She thought it was perfect.

These pictures crack me up because the boy did not want to take pictures at all that morning. Macie was especially excited.

29 and lots of other stuff

Today I turned 29! My last birthday in my 20's and I feel pretty good. My mom and aunt even came over to bring me a cake. It's a Halloween cake which I LOVE because it happens to be one of my favorite holidays.

Today was also the kids Parade of Books day and tonight is family fun night at the school. The kids twisted my arm so it looks like we are going. And in other exciting school news Makayla officially gets to bring home the class guinea pig this weekend. We've got lots of exciting things going on.

My 29th birthday is truly blessed. I'll be back with parade of books pictures and lots more this weekend.

My very lucky little girl

I got a call from the school yesterday that Macie had won a bike! She didn't know yet and they were planning on announcing it this morning as a surprise. They wanted me there so I could take photos and bring the bike home.

I dropped the kids off this morning and then pulled into the parking lot. They had no idea I was there. I waited until announcements and then they let me and the mom of the other child who won a bike as well into the office. Macie was fighting back tears. She had wanted to win so badly and was just thrilled. I took a ton of photos but I won't post someone else's child without permission. So here are a few of Macie. I am so happy for my baby.

All 3 Of my kids have won something this year. Makayla won the stuffed dolphin. The boy won a little stuffed lion keychain coin bag thing and then Macie the bike. I have super lucky kids! :-)