Basketball Banquet

We had the 7th grade basketball banquet last week. As I have said before, I am sad to see it be over.

I love this picture. Coach is talking away and the boy's expressions are priceless!

A handshake from Coach Willard

Valentine's Box

Jacob's class was challenged to make "containers" for their Valentines. His teacher encouraged the class to be creative and make something out of materials they had at home. I contemplated going and buying a pre-made one. But, I am glad I didn't. After much discussion, Jacob decided he wanted to make a robot. He and Brian worked on it and they had fun. I am all about building memories. They made some memories last night. They laughed, growled at each other, and told the rest of us to butt out. If there had been more time, they would have added more and more details because the more they got into the project, the more ideas they got. And they did it together. So, thank you Mrs. Marker for the challenge.

Jacob, Brian and the valentine eating robot.

The Sun Finally Shines

Game Night

Recently, Zach asked if he could have some friends from his youth group over to play games. Of course, we said yes. All I can is that I am glad pop, chips, pillsbury dough and pizza rolls were on sale that week.

They seemed to have a good time and said they want to do it again rotating houses. And now Zach wants to do it again adding other friends from school and his basketball and baseball teams. I don't know if I can afford to feed all of them!

Playing spoons.

Zach is pretty happy he got a spoon. This was right before someone threw a spoon at him because he was bragging!

A little Apples to Apples

We Love Our Sadie

She can be annoying. She barks at everybody who walks by. She chews everything - including Lizzie's sheets and mattress.

She can be loving. She will lay with whomever is feeling ill. Every time I take my shot, she sleeps right beside me. She just knows that I don't feel well.

She can be protective. If we hear something at night, she will growl, search for the sound, and bark while running from bedroom to bedroom checking on everyone!

But no matter what she is being at the time, we love her. Well, Brian doesn't, but the rest of the house does!

Our Sadie!

Lizzie, Jake and our Sadie

Lizzie's valentine!

Tea Party

Lizzie and her doll were invited to a "Tea Party" today. It was really cute. Lizzie had a great time!

Lizzie and her best friend, M.

Kindergarten friends

The tea for the dolls.

Lizzie and M. saying goodbye!

Lizzie said she didn't have a favorite part. It was ALL fun! Now that is what I call a successful and memory making kind of day.

Two of My Favorite Guys

Here are two of my favorite guys. We don't get many pictures of Jacob. He is usually too busy moving. So, when he stopped for a minute, I quickly snapped the picture!

Lizzie's Album Review

Lizzie curled up in the chair and said she wanted to read "Yours and Daddy's book." Translation: "Your wedding album." She dragged the big album up into the chair and looked at it intently. She was asking questions such as: "Where were you walking in this picture?" "How did you have a ponytail?"

You could see the twinkle in her eye. Was she thinking of her special day? Her day of wearing the fancy dress and walking down the aisle to meet someone she loves?

Or so I thought. . .

That twinkle was just her gearing up to laugh hysterically at the pictures. Apparently we looked funny.

I recently attended the National Reading Recovery and K-6 Literacy Conference. Like any conference, some of the sessions were great and others were a bust. I watched as some around me grew into a frenzy of excitement about all they were learning. I realized that I used to be like that. But, something has changed. Literacy and teaching are not all I am about anymore.

Sure, I still enjoy learning and trying new strategies as I work with students who struggle. I enjoy reading the research behind how the brain functions. I love my job working with the kindergarten students. But that does not define me. I am not just "a teacher." I am much more than that.

Some would say that since I do not "live" for teaching anymore that I have lost my passion. That is not true. I am still passionate about the students I work with. It is just that now I am passionate about more than just teaching.

Seriously?!?!?

Last year, the week after basketball season ended, I got a call from the junior high. Zach had fallen in PE and they thought he might have broken his wrist. Off to the doctor we went and sure enough he broke it. Cast and all!!

This year, once again the week after basketball season ended, I get a call from the junior high. Zach was in PE and dove for a ball and ended up cracking his head on someone's knee. He couldn't remember what happened for a few seconds so the kids filled him in. His eyesight was blurry and his head was killing him. Off to the doctor we went. The diagnosis was a mild concussion.

So, next year, I am considering having him excused from PE for the week after basketball ends!

7th Grade Basketball Winds Down

Zach's seventh grade basketball season has come to a close. We enjoyed watching and cheering the team on. They lost in their second game of the regional. Of course, they were disappointed. Here are some pictures from the final few games.

Zach takes one of two. He made it - shew!

I'm not sure what is going on here. I think he was on a break away and watching for a pass.

At the end of the game this is how he looked. Seriously? It was a bbbaaaadddd game all around and the score reflected it.

We had a pasta dinner for the boys the night before regionals started. Carb up, boys!

Playing point at regionals.

Up the court we go.

I have to admit that I was very excited when Zach made the 7th grade school team. But, then I also have to admit, that I was very nervous for him every game. I always thought I could be one of those laid back moms who just take it all in stride. Ummm. . . wrong.

I became one of those moms who would cheer from the stands, "Let's go Bulldogs!" I would occasionally even give some direct orders - "Protect that ball Zach!!!!!" And on the way home, I was known to give some feedback on the game. Gulp - I became one of "those" mothers!

More than anything though, I was proud of him. He saw something he wanted - to make the team. He worked hard to get there and he persevered through a tough season. All in all, it was a good experience for us all. We cheered with him, cried with him, laughed with him, and breathed a deep sigh of relief when it was over. Free time? We were about to again find out what that was like.

And then. . . baseball started a week later!

Lizzie Looses a Tooth

A few weeks ago, Lizzie informed us that she had a "wiggly" tooth. This past week, she wiggled it all the way out. It was an exciting day to say the least.

Lizzie's itty bitty tooth in the "Tooth Fairy" Box.

Lizzie's note to the tooth fairy.

The smile and the box ready to go!