She's a character and he's got character

If you are my friend on Facebook, then this may be old news.   But if you're not, or you simply don't mind me indulging in a bid of my proud mama glow I will share here, too.

First, it was PIRATE DAY for the kindergartners today.   With an older brother who has dressed as a pirate for Halloween and had a pirate birthday one year, we had a reasonable amount of pirate swag.  But Gracie is Gracie and wants to put her own spin on things. Besides, it was 90 degrees today and the black pleather pirate vest would have been too hot!

I found this rhinestone jolly roger applique at Walmart several weeks ago and picked it up with the idea that a pirate day might be upcoming (as it was with Matthew at the end of kindy).   Of course, I didn't actually getting around to putting it on a t-shirt until 9:00 last night.   Surprised?  I think not.    She paired it with a black sparkling tutu-type skirt (because "That's what pirate girls wear," she told me), which at 7:20 this morning I found myself quickly sewing the waistband tighter because I wasn't sure it would stay up when she was running around on the playground and the size 4/5 elastic waist skirt was still too big.

If she weren't 6, completely adorable and my own kid I might hate her for that. 

Regardless, Matthew's hat, hook and eye patch (no swords allowed!) completed the look and she managed to say the word "Argh!" no less than 36 times before getting on the bus.

I didn't actually count, but I swear it's not an exaggeration.

Meanwhile, Matthew was going to school as if it were just a regular day. What he didn't know was that he had won the character award for his class for "Cooperation."  One student from each class is chosen by the teacher for exemplifying the character trait that they have been focusing on in life skills that month, and for this month is was Matthew.  The parents are told and invited to the awards ceremony, but are asked to keep it a secret.   The kids find out out when their name is called on the announcements and the winners are asked to come down to the cafeteria where the ceremony is held and parents were waiting.  Matthew was the first student down to the cafe.  He was literally beaming.  I leaned over and asked him, "How did you get here so fast?  Did you sprint?"   He looked at me matter-of-factly and said, "No, I galloped."

Of course.

I was so proud of Matthew.  Not just for being recognized for showing good character, but for what a good year it has been.  To say 1st grade was rough would be an understatement.  "Suuuuuuper rough" is probably an understatement.   Not only do we have a better (but still growing) grasp on how his mind works and why he does the things he does, he had a great teacher in 2nd grade who gave him the structure and encouragement he needed.   Plus, Matthew just worked hard, plain and simple.  Not to say there weren't rough patches.  There were.    But on the whole, it was a much better year---and the last couple months were especially good, which last year was when it really felt the wheels had fallen off. 

Not only are the wheels still on, they are racing along at full speed towards third grade!

Love notes . . . .

I opened up Gracie's school folder yesterday and amid all the worksheets and other papers, I found these three pictures from her friend, Evan.  

Ahh, to be 6 and not afraid to show your feelings . . . . I love it!  

100th day of school!

Today is the 100th day of school for Gracie. 

Yes, just Gracie.  Matthew's 100th day must have been a week or so ago.    No festivities surrounding it, so I'm not exactly sure when.   But for Gracie it's today--because if you'll remember, the kindergartners star over  a week later and have these crazy half days mixed in.   

At the end of last week they sent home a note about 100 day and asked parents to send  food items in for the occasion.  Apparently, the kids will be counting out 10 items of 10 different things so they have a special 100 day snack mix.   I was asked to send in Chex cereal.  Easy enough.

Then it went on to mention that kids were encouraged to "dress up" for 100 day.   Not required--but encouraged.   Well, Gracie Lou doesn't like to be left out of anything, so she was very excited about this.   The options--dress up like a centenarian or wear 100 of something, such as a shirt with 100 buttons or stickers on it, a necklace with 100 beads.   You get the idea.  

I cannot have been the only mom who looked at that and said, "Are you serious?"   

I mean, Halloween is over.  So is Spirit Week.   Do we really need to put together another costume?    Scratch that.  Crazy sock day is looking pretty good right now.  

Regardless, Gracie originally suggested that she would dress up like Tata.   Sure, Tata is only 99, but  close enough, right?!      Unfortunately, we just didn't think going to school in a bathrobe, which is what our sweet Tata mostly wears, would be very 100-ish.    We talked about who else I knew who lived to be 100--and all I could come up with was George Burns, Bob Hope and Strom Thurmond.   She stared at me blankly.

 Not to worry, I assured her.  I'll come up with something.

That was Friday.  And until yesterday morning, it was the last time I thought about it. 

After roaming around JoAnns for a bit, last night I was semi-successfully putting iron-on numbers on a long sleeve t-shirt I picked up on the Target clearance rack for $2.48.   I say semi-successfully, because one of the zeroes peeled up partially (and then smeared a bit), despite me actually reading the directions and going back over it with the iron multiple times.   I had to stop myself from asking Bassam to run back out to Target for another $2.48 shirt so I could try again.   He must have known it was coming because he looked at me and said, "She's only going to wear it once. "

Yeah, yeah.

I tried to mask the mistakes with some glittery fabric paint. 

Gracie is actually very pleased with the shirt.   I know that's all that should matter.  

But secretly I was still  wishing I had another shirt on hand to try again.   

50 ways to leave your Mommy . . . .

Hop on the bus, Gus Gracie!

Today's the day . . .

No surprise, Gracie walked into kindergarten this morning and never looked back.   I found myself leaving with a lump in my throat and my heart aching.  Where on earth have the last 5 years gone? 

Luckily, I didn't have much time to think about it.   I had to be back at the school to volunteer at 11 a.m. and then picked her up at 12:30, as today was only a half day.  

I'm happy to report she returned home with a smile on her face and full of stories.   

Gracie goes to kindergarten

 It's hard to believe that when the sun rises tomorrow morning, my baby girl will be off to her first day of kindergarten (albeit not a full day).   It's true what they say about motherhood . . . the days may be long, but the years are short.   I pulled some of my favorite pictures of Gracie and put them to a song I first heard when Gracie was graduating from preschool.  It definitely stuck with me.  Turn up your speakers and enjoy.

Kindergarten is almost here . . .

Last night I went to the parent kindergarten meeting.   You find out your teacher and then go to the classroom where they give you the A-Z's of  kindy.     And dump another pile of paperwork on you.   And hit you up to volunteer in 24 different ways.    And ask you to get something off the classroom wish list.   Sigh.  The joys of the start of the school year.

I was a little disappointed when I saw the class lists, because there were 2 or 3 teachers that I was really hoping G would get, but didn't.  On the other hand, there was one I was hoping to avoid and she didn't get her, so I guess I shouldn't complain.  Bassam reminded me that Gracie loves everyone and will do fine no matter what.   I know that's true, but in terms of "you win some, you lose some," I feel like I've been the latter more than my fair share of the time lately.

Cue the violins.

Not a kindergartner anymore . . . .

I guess Matthew is now a first grader. Today was report card day and officially school was to be dismissed at 12:00. However, anyone who came with their parents could basically get their report card and take off.

Although we had participated in the class gift for Mrs Gunter, Matthew insisted on getting his own gift for his teacher. Given the special bond they have and extra effort she put in with him, I was happy to take him shopping. He insisted on going to "Mrs Gunter's favorite store, Cheekios" (That's Chico's to the rest of you). It was really quite sweet to watch him walk from one accessory display to the next until he found "the perfect necklace in her favorite color --blue!" He had the sales associates eating out of his hand as he picked things up and said, "This one is so pretty," "This looks like Mrs. Gunter," and "How much money is it?"

Safe to say, Kenrose was abuzz with excitement. Parents and teachers wandering around the school, saying goodbyes, and squealing with delight as they walked out the door for summer break. Matthew introduced Gracie to all his friends and then picked up a mass of projects, summer reading, math books, etc. We also got his report card, which was perfect. He scored all "4's" which means the competency has been mastered. He's definitely ready for 1st grade! Matthew got a bit choked up hugging Mrs. Gunter goodbye --and I'll admit it -- I did, too. See, the sensitivity chip is there --just not for some things!

After leaving Kenrose I took the kids to a celebratory breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We enjoyed delicious pancakes (chocolate chip for the kids, buttermilk for me) and Matthew told the greeter, server and cashier that "even though I might look like a kindergartner, I'm actually a 1st grade now!" Love it!

A couple quick errands after breakfast and then a quick excursion to Learning Express. Each got to pick out a special toy to kick off the summer. Matthew chose a 200 piece puzzle with all the presidents. Gracie opted for a craft kit to make your own bedazzled tiaras.

The rest of the day was spent playing outside with friends and talking about all the exciting things we want to do this summer. Gracie's suggested to trip to Disney World is out, but everything else is still on the table. Safe to say, we're going to be really busy!! Stay tuned!

What's so hard about fake red hair?

This is not my best day on record . . .

On the positive front, today is Matthew's last full day of school. He jumped on the bus with a present and homemade card for Mr Mack (the bus driver) and couldn't wait to get to school. He was dressed for "Knights and Princesses Day," excited about what the day would hold. Hello, don't you love the AC/DC shirt with the knight cape?

In the meantime, Gracie and I headed to ballet. Regardless of any possible missing sensitive chip I may have (by the way, thanks for the support of my lack of sniffles, friends!!), I really think ballet is just not our bag. Okay, it's not MY bag. Today we got the last of our recital necessities including a stupid looking poofy mass of curls that you are supposed to pin on top of your daughters head. As if that wasn't dumb enough, Gracie's is not red. Nor is it orange. It is brown with some reddish undertones. Not even close. Her teacher had found the perfect color match in the fake hair company's swatches, but since found out they don't make this particular hairpiece in that color. Why not? Because no one orders it. Well, there is now one very irritated mommy and one unhappy 4 year old who takes exception to that logic. All this comes out this morning---and recital pictures are this afternoon. While I have made my displeasure known --I have a feeling more will be shown at pictures, especially if snotty ballet mom comes up to me one more time and suggests I put a bunch of gel in Gracie's hair when I pull it back so it looks dark and matches the hairpieces. Ummmm . . . I don't think so. And by the way MIND YOUR OWN FREAKIN' BUSINESS! Hopefully the dirty look I shot her conveyed that message, but if not, I may need to use a more direct method of communication this afternoon.

Why does this hair thing have me so upset? I have no idea. And it is making me mad that I'm mad about it.

After ballet, Gracie and I headed over to Kenrose to help serve up snow cones to the kindergartners at recess. It was a surprise for all of them and Matthew was so excited to see us there! We served up all 120 kids and then a huge rainstorm came along. Gracie (not a fan of thunder) started wailing and we made quick departure for home. Of course to do so, I had to run out to the very last parking spot in the lot in the pouring rain, pull the car up, dash up to the front door and get Gracie (who was waiting with the secretary) and then get her in the car. Safe to say, I was soaked, although Gracie managed to stay reasonably dry. She is currently vegging out in front of the TV before we start getting ready for our pictures at 3:30.

.

I'm trying hard not to let my grumpiness get the best of me. So far as I can tell, being grumpy takes twice as much energy as being happy (or at least content). I probably have enough to do without expending energy being grumpy at fake hair, snotty moms and thunderstorms.

Buses, pirates and books . . . OH MY!

Does every day have to be busier than the one before it? Sheesh!!

This morning, Gracie was thrilled to take a "joy ride" on Matthew's school bus. Mr. Mack invited her to get on with Matthew one morning and ride part of the route in to school. I'm fairly certain this is a no-no, hence why she couldn't ride all the way in to Kenrose, but since she didn't have any reason to be there, it was just fine for me to have her ride to the first stop in the next neighborhood over, while I followed in the van. Mr. Mack says encouraging rising kindergartners (or a year off, in our case) to want to ride the bus "job security." I call it making a little girl's day.

As for Matthew, the kindergartners celebrated "pirate day" today. Although we have full pirate garb, Matthew decided on a skull and crossbones t-shirt, headscarf and pirate ring. I was glad he opted to skip the patch and of course, swords and hooks were listed as no-no's on the letter home from the teacher.

Gracie and I joined Matthew for lunch at Kenrose. He was so excited to see us and show off the cafeteria to Gracie (her first lunch there). He opted to have us all sit at the "guest table" instead of with his class, since Bennett's parents and sister were also there and we could all sit together.

After lunch, Beth and I scooted up North of the city for the Scholastic Books warehouse sale with Gracie and Renn. I snagged 11 books for the kids for the low price of $30. I love a good sale!! Then it was back to Kenrose at dismissal to see the finished project of Matthew's ocean life film he made with Mrs. Gunter. I will find a way to post it when I get a copy, but safe to say, he did a great job!

After school we headed to the Y for swim lessons and then a few errands after dinner, including hunting down a nifty hat suitable for tomorrow's kindergarten theme day. You'll see for yourself what it is (assuming I remember to take a picture), but I will tell you we are trading in "Ahoy mateys" for "Howdy partners!"

Partied out

Today was the last of the Christmas parties. Matthew had his school party. Was glad to go and help with that . . . . Gracie had a playdate at Alex's. The kindergartners made several crafts, some trail mix and decorated cookies. They also feasted on donuts, Go-gurt, fruit salad and other treats!

They got to leave after the party, so we picked up Gracie and then prepared for party #2 at Bassam's office. Dr. Neal's wife and I arranged it. They had already had a company party a week or two ago, this was just for the folks in their office, plus any spouses that wanted to join. Everyone had a great time and we brought it all kinds of tasty appetizers and desserts.

Afterwards, Bassam and I took the kids out to Opryland to see ICE! This year it was based on Charlie Brown, so our kids LOVED IT! They went down the ice slides a zillion times and the sculptures were amazing, as always. Then we walked through the hotel -- taking in all the cool decorations. The kids were pretty worn out when all was said and done.

So now vacation is here. Safe to say we're not really "ready" Christmas, but hopefully we can get there without getting all wound up in the rush of the whole thing!

Stuffing x 120

The kindergarten classes celebrated Thanksgiving with their progressive feast today. All 120 kids moved from room to room where they made the various courses, which included stuffing, cornbread, fruit salad, mashed potatoes and pie (they also made their own butter -- although I'm not exactly sure how that happened, not our classroom!). The turkey (lunchmeat variety) and corn on the cob were prepared by some of the moms. It was really a neat event as the kids made their own individual servings of each kind of food. Our classroom was responsible for stuffing (my least favorite holiday dish, as luck would have it!), so we helped the kids measure out the mix, broth, water and butter and stir up their own little cup of stuffing. In the end, all their food was transferred back to their classroom and they enjoyed a feast fit for a king -- or at least a kindergartner.

More pumpkins

Chaperoned Matthew's field trip to Gentry's Farm today. Unlike the sunny, bright and dry day we enjoyed last weekend, it was gray, cool and a bit wet today. No matter, a mass of 5 and 6 year olds can have fun wherever they go! We brought home pumpkins #6 and #7 for the Helou collection!

Tonight was also Open House at Gracie's preschool. She was anxious to show off her art work (Sadly, she inherited the lack-of-artistic-genes that runs rampant in our families) as well as her cubby.

Cubbies---they're more than a place to store your backpack!

Conferences

Today we had our first parent-teacher conference. In true parent-of-a- kindergarten fashion, both Bassam and I attended.

On the whole, he is doing quite well. Good attitude, eager to learn, but needs to work on his minding his own business. Nothing too surprising there. What did take me by surprise was that Mrs. Gunter does not think Matthew is working to his full potential. For example, at the writing station, he has been answering the question with one short sentence. Pretty typical for a kindergartner, I suppose. But earlier this week, he apparently made a birthday card for a classmate that included 3-4 full sentences. All the words were spelled correctly, plus a salutation and signature. Sorry, Matthew, the cat is out of the bag. Mrs. Gunter knows you can do more and will expect it. While I get that much of what they're doing is easy for him right now, I don't want him to get in the habit of rushing through things just to get the job done. There are too many smart but lazy people in the world--and we don't need one more.

The trials and tribulations of kindergarten

As we sat at the kitchen table this afternoon talking about Matthew's day at school, the following unfolded . . .

Matthew: Jennifer hurt my feelings today.
Me: What did she do?
Matthew: She said I smelled.
Me: Smelled like what?
Matthew: Smelled like BAD!
*At this point I take a sniff---doesn't smell like anything*
Me: What did you do?
Matthew: I told her to stop that she was hurting my feelings.
Me: Then what happened?
Matthew: She kept saying it over and over.
Me: That wasn't very nice.
Matthew: No it wasn't . . . so I kept telling her to stop over and over.
Me: Then what happened?
Matthew: She didn't stop. She kept saying it. And then she got in trouble with the librarian who told her to be quiet.

Ha ha, Jennifer!

The LAST first day of kindergarten

It finally came. . . . the first full day of Kindergarten! Hooray!! Bassam and I attended the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" after dropping Matthew off --who of course,took off for his classroom as soon as we walked into school with not so much as a glance back.

Needless to say, he had a GREAT day! He came home full of stories about all the things they did . . . although he hasn't done very well at learning his classmates names, except one. That's a challenge for another day, I guess.

Bassam snapped this picture of us before leaving for school this morning. I'm not sure why he grabbed my face, but it struck me very sweet upon seeing it!!

First day of school -- part I

The start of kindergarten is a long, drawn-out process. At least here in Williamson County.

Today was the first day of school county-wide. Unless you are in kindergarten, of course. At Kenrose, students come in small groups for an hour or so over the first few days and are assessed by the teachers for purposes of class placement. As luck would have it, I signed Matthew up for the first day of testing, which coincided with the date AND time that school started. Needless to say, the place was a zoo. We walked this morning figuring parking would be a nightmare (it was!).

After class placements are made in the middle of next week, teachers bring 1/3 of the class in over the next three days from 9:30 - 1:30. This way, the kids get to know a small group of kids from their class and the teacher can help the students learn the ropes in terms of where things are, navigating the cafeteria, bus lines, etc. in a small group setting.

So when all is said and done, Matthew's first FULL day of kindergarten won't be until August 27th. Yes, two full weeks from now. But in a way, today was our first day of school. And when we go for our partial day that will be the first day, too. And of course the 27th will be the first day because that's the first FULL day, plus the morning of the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" for parents.

As for today, Matthew said the assessment was "super easy and fun." He reported that all the teachers were very nice and he can't wait to go back -- although he wishes it were tomorrow! And here it is, the first-of-three "first day of kindergarten" picture!!

Education Saturday

We started investigating dog training classes for Charlie this weekend (or is it for us?!). Yep, it's back to school for Chuck, too. Gracie, however, decided that instead she could be the teacher and set up a "classroom" for her and Charlie. Love the glasses.

In other education news, we attended the "Back to School Bash" at Kenrose this morning. Other than serving popsicles (a hit with the Helou kids, of course) and a ribbon cutting for the school's 10th birthday, it was otherwise a shakedown for cash. Okay, not really! The older kids got their classroom assignments (Kindy students get tested and start school a week and a half later). As for us, we left with a newly purchased Kenrose t-shirt and sweatshirt for Matthew, a Kenrose magnet (a gift after paying $15 to join the PTO), and a package of these nifty preprinted envelopes for sending in notes, cafeteria payments, etc. Gotta love it!

Finally, I talked Matthew into returning this awful "Clone Wars" lunch box he picked out at Target and we bought a solar system lunchbox at Learning Express this afternoon. Okay, it was space so not a terribly hard sell. But, we trekked over and picked up the last one -- tax free, no less!

Kindergarten,here we come!