Katy's 15th Birthday Party

Katy's birthday was March 27 - her 15th. It's so hard to believe that she is really 15. It seems like only yesterday that she was running around in her rubber boots singing "The Fireman Song" with Barney. The weekend of her birthday was Makin' Music retreats, and since I was the off-stage manager, it was going to be very difficult to do her party then. She was very pleased to have supper at Spaghetti Store with Wayne, Daniel, and I and then to go to the retreats with me. The following weekend was Makin' Music, so no party that weekend. Then we had Lads to Leaders the next weekend, so party was out for that Saturday. Yesterday April 18th was the first Saturday we could all get together. My sister's father-in-law has had some complications with heart surgery and late Friday evening it was decided to redo the surgery on Saturday, so Stacy left Joseph with our parents and made preparations to be in Nashville. Then on Saturday morning Mother called and said that Joseph had had fever in the night and seemed like he was getting a sinus infection. We decided that it was ok for him to come, so the party was on. Melissa Allen had made Katy a wonderful PKA Makin' Music genies, wizards, and leprechauns cake; the house was clean; and all the food was ready. Wayne's parents, my parents, my aunt Evelyn, and Joseph were the guests for the big party. We had pork and chicken BBQ from Rick's (Mother brought it - Katy's request), chips, baked beans "hot" dip, chips, creme puffs, and cheese ring with no onions (also Katy's request for Nana). Then we enjoyed cake and ice cream. Katy got several nice gifts. We replaced her cell phone for an upgrade. She also got a Lucy watch, some Bama jewelry, a pair of Yellow Box flip-flops, Snoopy pajamas, a beach towel plus some money which she wants to use to get a new camera. Daniel had been to a sleepover the night before and hadn't gone to bed until 3:30 AM, so he was not a very happy camper. Then Joseph wasn't feeling well either, and we found out today that he has the flu!! But, all in all, the party was great, and it was wonderful to get to spend time with our families. (Oh yeah, my daddy brought me a bluebird house. I have to find a place to put it though. When we first moved into this house bluebirds would bang into the picture window in the kitchen, but we haven't seen many since then, so maybe now that I have a house, they'll come back.) I'm so glad that Katy had a wonderful birthday - now we've got to work on getting the driver's permit.

Lauren's Centers

My student teacher Lauren Goodman has been working hard especially with the types of center activities she has the children doing. I was particularly impressed with these centers, so I snapped a picture of each. She had the children working with vocabulary words with the pig activity; they measured with different objects and rulers; they used our spelling tubs for extra spelling practice; Sandy did TCAP practice and PBJ, Mrs. Carol worked with money concepts; and the children worked on the computers. It is very interesting to watch other people's concepts of effective center activities. Watching other people is so helpful to me in making centers stay exciting for the children.

Tornado!

While we were in Nashville for Lads to Leaders, a tornado hit in Murfreesboro. I mentioned to Wayne that I hope that Alicia and her family were ok. Alicia was my roommate at FHU. Anyway, we were so busy that I didn't think about it anymore until I got home and saw these pictures on Alicia's facebook. I've been in touch with her and she and her family are all ok, but they've been having to live in a hotel this week. Please pray for this sweet family. I know God will take care of them, but they're going through a very difficult time.

Katy's Birthday Cake

Katy's 15th birthday was March 27, but it was Makin' Music Retreat Weekend, and she wanted to go to the retreats with me, so we didn't get to have her family party then. The following week was Makin' Music, and the week after that was Lads to Leaders, so we're having her party tomorrow! We worked on the menu, but when it came to her cake, she wanted a Makin' Music cake (did I mention that this girl LOVES Makin' Music?). We found a cake in one of my Family Fun magazines that was called a Wonderland cake - three layers with each being a different color. Katy loved it, and she wanted a pink layer to represent the genies in PKA's MM show; a blue layer to represent the wizards; and a green layer to represent the leprechauns. I told her I would try, but I could not promise a good-looking cake. I took the picture to school to talk to some of the moms that come to help me with centers, and one of my sweet mothers offered to make the cake for me (thanks bunches, Melissa!). Anyway Wayne and I picked it up tonight, and Katy absolutely loved it. Melissa did an outstanding job making it be just what Katy wanted. I am so lucky to have this set of parents - I don't know what I'll do without all their help and support. I'll post more pictures tomorrow of the big event!!

Ryan Reynolds

I've been blessed over the years to work with several student teachers. A few years ago I was blessed to have Selene Reynold student teach with me. After she graduated, she was hired to teach kindergarten at our school. Then she had Maggie (who was born on my birthday, August 25)! Katy loves Maggie and Selene. She really misses them since they've move back to be close to their families. On April 9, the newest member of the Reynolds family was born - Ryan. I can't wait to see him. Aren't his pictures adorable?

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that my sister's father-in-law is doing better today after heart surgery. He's had a rough two weeks, so I'm glad to hear that he's showing improvement today.
2. I am thankful that Lads to Leaders was such a wonderful experience for my kids. I'm so proud of their efforts and their willingness to cheer for their friends, too.
3. I am thankful for the parents of my class. I can hardly believe that we only have six more weeks together. I'm going to miss them so much - they will always be so special to me.
4. I am thankful for my mother - among many other things she is bringing barbeque and cheese ring for Katy's birthday party on Saturday.
5. I am thankful for Snookum's night with my school friends on Thursday nights.
6. I am thankful for my kids' good report cards. They really are good kids (even if they fight more than we like for them to).
7. I am thankful that my FHU roommate and her family are safe after the tornado in Murfreesboro hit their house. Alicia, Hunter, and Hilary were in the house, but they didn't get a scratch. The entire second floor was ripped off of their house. Their church family has stepped up and helped them get through this week. I don't know what people do without a church family.
8. I am thankful to work at a wonderful school. I have so many wonderful people to work with.
9. I am thankful that the Cookie Dough order for Dixie Youth baseball has been sent in.
10. I am thankful that Wayne's parents, my parents, and Stacy and Joseph are coming for Katy's belated birthday party on Saturday. It's so wonderful to spend time with our family.

It's been a great week!

Jordan Schafer

I have really been impressed with Jordan Schafer in this early part of baseball season. Hopefully the Braves will have a better year this year.

Lads to Leaders

This weekend we went to Nashville for the Lads to Leaders Convention. Katy and Daniel both participated in several events. Katy did Good Samaritan, Photography, Scrapbook, Speech, and Puppets. Daniel did Good Samaritan, Speech, Songleading, Oral Bible Reading, and Puppets. We are very proud of them both!

Our group did very well at the convention. Becky and I are trying to think of ways to help make this a more productive activity for our young people. It really provides the kids great opportunities to learn about being leaders in the church.

Gus Gus

Kendyl's mom brought her cat to school on Thursday for us all to enjoy. Gus Gus was very sweet and rode in a cat carseat. The kids loved seeing Kendyl's pet.

Spring Centers

On Thursday before Spring Break, I planned on having spring centers. We had a great time. I had lots of help with the awesome parents my class has! We got to do about 10 activities:
1. We ate yummy treats.
2. We make a bunny and painted our hands for its ears.
3. We played Easter egg Memory.
4. We made an Easter pin.
5. We made an Easter bunny bag.
6. We decorated an Easter egg.
7. We planted violets.
8. We made suncatchers to go in our plants.
9. We graphed Skittles.
10. We looked at Easter books.
It was great fun!!!

Kite Day

An annual event at East Chester is Kite Day. We had it scheduled earlier, but it rained, so we had it on Thursday, April 9. I had scheduled Spring Centers for Thursday morning, so we had to modify our plans. We did a couple of center activities and then went out to fly kites at 9:00. The kids always have a great time trying to get their kites up in the air. Luckily I have lots of parents come out to help, and I'm glad to say that we had no major tangles for the 2009 Kite Day.

Thankful Thursday

I've been so busy lately with Makin' Music that I haven't had time to post Thanksgiving Thursday, but I have many, many things to be thankful for:
1. I am thankful for my wonderful family.
2. I am thankful that my sister's father-in-law had successful heart surgery. It's really hard on John who's in Iraq now, so please pray for their family.
3. I am thankful that Makin' Music is over and was great! I'm a little sad that I'm not getting to see Garrett, Chelsea, and Kathryn, but at least Lauren is student-teaching in my room, so I do still get to see her.
4. I am thankful for Lads to Leaders and the opportunities it opens up for our kids.
5. I am thankful that Katy is participating in L2L.
6. I am thankful that Daniel is participating in L2L.
7. I am thankful that Kite Day is over.
8. I am thankful that my class has awesome spring centers with plenty of parental help. I have a super class!
9. I am thankful that Mallerie's bone marrow transplant is over. Hopefully, she'll feel much better soon.
10. I am thankful that I am so blessed.

Makin' Music 2009

Makin' Music 2009 "Home" was a great success. I enjoyed working with Garrett, Lauren, Kathryn, and Chelsea. The directors were also great to work with. I was very proud of each club. I've heard over and over again how people think the club shows were all good this year and how no one was really sure who would win on Saturday night. I have many good memories I'll always remember from working with these fine students on a great show!!!

Xi Chi: A New Year's Resolution

Xi Chi's show is called "A New Year's Resolution." Wow! From the first time we talked to these directors to now, this show has turned into a great show! It has it all - cool choreography that show's off some Chinese moves; a fireworks show; a dragon; and clever lyrics that tell the story of the Chinese people and the New York councilmen working together to produce the best fireworks show EVER! I've enjoyed working with this group - they've worked so hard to have a show they can be proud of!! Good luck Xi Chi! I know you'll do great this weekend!!

GTO: Cafeteria Catastrophe

GTO's show is called "Cafeteria Catastrophe," and it is hilarious!! This group has worked so hard, and their show has come so far. The cafeteria ladies are not making yummy lunches for the students and besides they look terrible, so in exchange for a makeover, the lunch ladies agree to make better food. Along the way, the show is so funny! I'm very proud of the way GTO has worked together and how they have supported one another and the other clubs! Good luck GTO! I know you'll do great!

PKA: A Notion for a Potion

PKA's show is called "A Notion for a Potion." This group has had some very creative ideas for making their show fantastic. I've been very proud of this group, because even though they want to win the Sweepstakes trophy, they've also been able to display a good attitude when they've had to face some obstacles along the way. The leprechauns, genies, and wizards are all trying to create a potion to help their queen. She's really tricking them though, and at the end of the show, they find out that she's planned this all along. I can't wait to see PKA perform this weekend!!

EP: Once Upon a Rhyme

Sigma Rho's show is called "Once Upon a Rhyme." Since I teach nursery rhymes, I have loved this show since I heard their idea. The nursery rhyme characters are tired of the way Mother Goose has arranged the rhymes so they decide to switch. Georgie Porgie hangs out with the King's Men; Little Bo Peep hangs out with the girls; and Humpty Dumpty hangs out with the sheep. In the end, they find out that "mother knows best," and they go back to their original rhymes. This group has been super to work with. They worked hard from the beginning, and I was so amazed at how organized and motivated each person in this group has been. I know they'll do a great job this weekend! Good Luck, Sigma Rho!!!

XBX: In Living Color

XBX's show is called "In Living Color". They have worked so hard. It was truly remarkable to see the improvement in their show over the retreat weekend. I'm hoping that their problem with their costumes is the only glitch this club has in Makin' Music and that when they get their costumes fixed, it will be smooth sailing for this group. Their show is such a great idea - how black and white TV changed to color. Their vocals have been great, and their choreography is awesome. I think XBX has done a super job with their show!! Good luck Chi Beta! I know you'll do great this weekend!

Hop into Bible Class! bulletin board

Over Spring Break I was able to work in my classroom at church. The new tile and new paint is finished, so I worked on organizing and sprucing up my room. This is my spring bulletin board. The kids love it!!!

Makin' Music Directors

We made pictures of the directors when we delivered their candy bar cards. Jeremy and Hannah are two of Xi Chi's directors. Bradley, Dickey, Blake, Jessica, and Marcia are XBX's directors, Addie and Ray are two of GTO's directors. Craig, Hannah, Katie, Jill, and Tom are Sigma Rho's directors. Josh and Tyler are two of PKA's directors. They have all been such fun to work with this year.

Makin' Music Retreat Weekend

Saturday was a busy day. The clubs at Freed-Hardeman were all on retreat working on their Makin' Music shows. The groups managers, Kathryn, Lauren, and Chelsea and I visited all the retreat places and took the directors some goodies. One of our surprises was these cards. They said:
Makin' Music (M&Ms) is almost here. You will have these memories (Now & Later), but we know your mind is on your (PayDay), when you hit the stage. Of course, you deserve (10,000 Grand), but (Mounds) of stress seems to be the only payment Makin' Music (M&M) can afford.
We have had lots of (Snickers) watching your little (Sweettarts) learning to move their arms and lets together. Sometimes your cast members macy seem like (Airheads), but they will be (Lifesavers) when it's SHOWTIME. We hope your budget is not below (Zero) when (Heath) comes to see you. You are an (Extra) special group of directors so (Skor) big next weekend!! Love Mrs. Kim and Your GMs
We used candy bars to make these special treats for all the directors. They all seemed to like it!

Happy April Fool's Day!!

I thought it would be fun to have a special snack for April Fool's Day today with my first graders. While they were having centers, I made this snack with cool-whip, peach halves, and graham cracker sticks. The kids loved it!! I laughed and laughed at their expressions when I came in with their "eggs" and "bacon." I couldn't believe how real it looked!!!