Homework Horror

I LOVE the routine of the school year, the simple task of someone putting together a schedule for me and having things run smoothly. With set bedtimes and routines, fall sports and fun!But this HOMEWORK thing is a killer!! Jake is a go with the flow guy with his homework, he doesn't LOVE it, but does it right when he gets home and is on his way. Emmah on the other hand....It's a battle everynight!! So far we are 3 days in and have had nothing but crying, yelling, stomping of feet and pouting. Something that should take 20-25 mins. is taking us over an hour! I don't know if everyone else fights this fight, but it is going to be a LONG year if this continues.What do you do to help with the homework horror??

First & Third

I don't know how this happens, but somehow my kids keep growing up. I've tried to stop this, but it isn't working! Today the kids start First Grade and Third Grade each are equally excited about their new adventures.  Emmah:

Jake:

 I found this idea on Pinterest...shocking I know, but it seemed like such a great idea to keep record of what the kids likes and dislikes!I was not so ready, but I was glad to hear they had such wonderful days!!

Bittersweet

While the kids are SUPER pumped to head to school, I worry.While the kids dream of all their wonderful mom-free adventures, I'm anxious.While the kids anticipate a great year of great fun, even if it includes homework, I'm apprehensive. Deep down I know this year will be GREAT, but why do I worry...I miss my mom and all the great memories, her great teaching style, laughter and smile. After a rough go last year, I wonder what this year will bring, and although we are in a new place I wonder where that place will take us? I will keep a positive outlook, but my heart is just not ready yet.

School Time

Well it is official, school is coming whether we want it to or not. And my wreath obsession is just continuing! Since it is almost the start of a new year I decided that I was in need of a new fall wreath, something that went with back to school!Well if you're crafty then you know where to head for some inspiration...Pinterest! I found a lot of options, but decided a crayon wreath was the way to go. So here is how I got started: Supplies:

• wreath form
• fabric strips
• hot glue gun and glue
• crayons, I used 3 boxes for a 10"
• ribbon

1.  To begin wrap your wreath with the fabric strips. I used some red gingim and used 4 strips about 1 1/2" wide.

 2.  Next I set up my crayons in the order I wanted them glued on. Just to make sure I had the right amount as well as a good mix of the colors. I took out the black, brown, and white just because I wanted it to stay colorful.

 3.  Next I glued the crayons to my wreath form. 4.  Finally I added ribbon to the top to hang it by and then put it on door. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!  

Hopeful

The school year is fastly approaching and we are hopeful that all we have been working on over the past months is going to really make a difference when school starts. She is a very different girl today then she was when she ended school last year. I am hoping that when school starts she looks at it as a fresh start. With that being said there are still things I worry about, she is still chosing to use wrong words, and learning to not make quick judgements or respond without thinking. Learning to take that extra moment to think before she acts will be very important. We are looking into some regular counsuling for her, in addition to what she will recieve at school through the social worker. I feel it is important for her to be able to talk about what she is feeling about things as well as the rest of us. We've had a difficult last few years and I think we all could use a chance to sit back and chat about it. Things with school continue to challenge us and we meet those challenges with our eyes focused on the prize, Emmah being successful and being in a quality learning environment. Although things don't always go our way, which right now they aren't we will remain calm (okay, one us will be calm and the other will freak out. Then the calm one will then try to calm down the other one!)  I think I'm going to have to keep this quote in mind: Sometimes not being in control is the most beautiful thing in the world.

Graduation Take 2!

I can hardly believe that it is time already to have another kid graduate from Kindergarten...I mean where does the time go. Today we celebrated Jake's graduation from Kindergarten and what a year it was! He has come so far in his reading and writing and we couldn't be prouder! He can do so much more and has changed so much since last year and is SUPER excited to be going into First grade (Mom is NOT ready for that!) Here is a quick photo review of our morning:

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A tisket, A tasket

Have you been thinking about an end of the year teacher gift?? Well I have and I am always trying to figure out what to do. Well, when Emmah was in Preschool I found this GREAT idea to make an alphabet basket. What you do it you hand out letters to each child in the class and buy a gift to represent each letter! I did it twice in preschool and then again in Kindergarten. Well Jake had a really small preschool class so I didn't  even attempt, so I was super excited to give it a try this year! It is always so much fun to see what people come up with for each letter.  Here is this years basket:

  I am hoping to get a couple more uses out of this, because at any age it is fun to, you can even do it with gift cards alone!! Happy Summer to all you! I know we will be having a great time this summer!