Monday, May 28, 2012

Retired!

When this school year began nine months ago, I don't any of us, especially my mom, would have thought my mom would take early retirement, and this would be her last year at Washington Elementary. We can plan all we want, but we all know who has the real plans.



We couldn't be happier for her!





I think she felt as if bigger and better things still awaited her.



She has been teaching elementary students for 34 years now....




Hug from her first principal.


Hug from her last principal.

She has blessed the lives of so many children with her caring heart, beautiful mind, and love for teaching.



And now she gets to pass on her knowledge and enrich the lives of aspiring teachers at a local christian college - Central Christian College. Her future at Central holds great things! We are all so very excited and proud of her!



It definitely takes a special person to be a teacher....

Why God Made Teachers
By Kevin William Huff

When God created teachers,
He gave us special friends
To help us understand His world
And truly comprehend
The beauty and the wonder
Of everything we see,
And become a better person
With each discovery.

When God created teachers,
He gave us special guides
To show us ways in which to grow
So we can all decide
How to live and how to do
What's right instead of wrong,
To lead us so that we can lead
And learn how to be strong.

Why God created teachers,
In His wisdom and His grace,
Was to help us learn to make our world
A better, wiser place.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

All School's Day Festivities

How can you live in McPherson and not love May Day?! Carnival, funnel cakes, May Fete, the parade, and Clown Dawg! Haha, just had to throw him in there.

Reese's dance class performed at the park on Wednesday of May Fete....Bear Necessities.





Reese is the oldest in her class and seemed to have taken on the boss leadership role during the performance!



So what if they basically just shuffled their feet in a circle the whole time. I thought they all did great!



Very proud of her!



And very proud of my braiding!




Her buddy, Carter, was McPherson's royalty prince....such a handsome prince :)

Reese spent the remainder of the beautiful evening with her pal, Quinn. They watched and they danced. And danced! And danced!



Reese knew once she performed at May Fete, it was only two more days until the parade! When you're a child, and you finally realize what "going to the parade" entails, you burst with excitement (especially when you get to ride a float!). However, when you are a parent and realize your child is riding her first All School's Day parade float, bursting with excitement hardly describes it. At least in my case!


These mamas probably know what I'm talking about.

This year's theme was "Hearts Filled with Peace". It took some brainstorming, but St. Joe's ran with the Bible verse, "His peace will guard your heart." Philippians 4:7




Our knights and princesses - Carter, Reese, Mallorie, and Ian

The dads worked their butts off building an amazing float, and it did not disappoint....bobble-headed dragon that breathed smoke, had glowing red eyes, and humongous flapping wings!





Meanwhile, the little siblings patiently waited....




Everlee's first parade! She didn't come last year since it was 45 degrees, wind, and rain. She danced never missing a beat during the whole thing.




Carter on the royalty float


Washington School


Aunt Casyn




This is where Miss Proud Mama kicked in, and I just wanted to burst into tears. Thankfully, I know how to keep my emotions in check.



Grand prize, baby!


Only six more consecutive years of float construction and float riding!


The crew....speaking of, where is Cru???


These kiddos rock! Reese, Carter, and Mallorie



Reese will ride her school float again next year as a kindergartener and it will be the 100th year!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Muffins with Mom

I seem to be on somewhat of a mom kick....

The week of Mother's Day, Reese's class had Muffins with Mom. You'd think being a stay-at-home-mom, it would be no problem for me to go to any and all daytime events, however, it's not always that easy when there are other little ones at home. And this particular week was pure madness as far as juggling the kids' events and Chet's schedule. For a brief moment, I thought I had run into a bind and wouldn't be able to go to Muffins with Mom, but it was Sherri to the rescue! I feel so fortunate to be able to call upon her (just as I did with Reese's field trip to the pumpkin patch), and she is always willing to help me out. Plus, I knew Cru would have a blast with his buddy, Hunter!

Reese and her classmates had fun showing us around their classroom when all of us moms arrived. It was no surprise to me that the house center is Reese's favorite.



Next, Ms. Becky read us all a book....cue the tears!



Every mama needs this book! We all need this reminder that it's not always about your baby's firsts, but their lasts.

We enjoyed delicious muffins, then afterwards the kids sang a song for all of us.




"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"

The kids also gave us each a bracelet with their picture on it.



And finally, Ms. Becky wrapped up our time together by reading us a little question and answer she did with each of our kids.....



1. What is your mom's name: Jami
2. What does she do: She works on hair bows
3. How old is she: 3 (What? Reese told me, "I know you're 31, but Ms. Becky told me just to guess.")
4. When is she the prettiest: When she goes out to eat with other people
5. What does your mom like to make: Hair bows for me
6. My mom always says: I love you, Reese
7. When mom shops, she loves to buy: Clothes

She knows me so well!



I always say that being a mom is the most rewarding job....that morning was one of those amazing rewards! At the same time, it was kinda like a slap in the face, yet again, reminding me how fast my little girl is growing up!

Mom

I have been called "Mom" for nearly six years! Although, some days, I think I'd like to change my "name".....



there really is nothing better than hearing your child call you mommy (or ma as Everlee does so well these days)....



And I wouldn't be the mom I am today without the guidance, love, and advice I receive from two beautiful women....





Both better known as Grandma.

I have a feeling, one day (in the very distant future), I'm going to love hearing little voices call me Grandma just as much and probably even more than I love being called Mom.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

After Tax Season Trip to the Zoo 2012

Hard to believe it's been a month since tax season ended! Which means it's been a month since our trip to the zoo. Wow, time flies....except not during tax season.....funny how that works out.

This year's trip was perfect! I can't even describe how much fun Reese had! I can't wait to take her again this summer. Cru was quite confused by the word zoo, but it's understandable since he hadn't been since six weeks old (we missed last year). He enjoyed it, but I also think he was a bit overwhelmed. He kept repeating, "What animal we see next?" And Everlee, well, she was a typical mobile toddler and wanted to do everything the big kids did!




Someone's excited!


Someone's not!


Big girl!






Reese spotted this longhorn and immediately asked if it was a longhorn like what her teacher loves, so this pictures was for Ms. Becky.




Reese's favorite (and probably one of my favorite pictures of the day!).


Miss Evee not sitting still!
















Taking a break from the animals for a little play time.














Look at his legs?!


Yes, he's as ornery as he looks!


Yes, she's as sweet and as happy as she looks!


Yes, I love her more than she will ever, ever understand!


Out before leaving the parking lot.

Couldn't have asked for a better day!