Showtime!

 

 

The kindergarten year in review show at Acacia was awesome. They didn't do it when Lilly was in kinder, and I loved it. They sang a song or recited a poem for every month of the school year, and ended it with a "double I love you" song which, of course,  made me cry!

 

Lilly's life cycle play was hilarious. She was spunky and very dramatic. Her bow at the end, was super silly and exaggerated. I wound up embarrassing myself, calling her a "goof" and telling her to stay still so I could take her picture. I guess we know where she gets it from! Everyone laughed and applauded like crazy. Second grade was a good year, and her class was pretty perfect.

 

 

The girls were both chosen to speak on behalf of their classes at a retirement assembly for their principal last week. I was volunteering in Iris' room for the last time, and had no idea it was going to happen. I got a bit misty behind my sunglasses when I heard their voices over the loud speaker. I miss things at their school sometimes because of work, and I felt so blessed to be able to be there. They were both very serious and super proud. My heart was full!

 

 

Lilly won an award for her writing this year. I will say English is her strength. Her vocabulary and use of language is quite extraordinary. I'm constantly blown away by her stories.

 

Iris was given an award for excellent work habits. It fits her so well. She is a hard worker, and is very responsible. She has made tremendous progress this year, and we are super proud of her!

 

Open House

 

Open House at the girls' school is very exciting for me, not only because I get to see their amazing school work, but I also get great ideas for my own classroom. Lilly was so proud of her writing portfolio, how she illustrated the cover to look like a real diary, and filled up the entire book. Lilly couldn't wait to show us her Warhead writing and self portrait, and her teacher set out sour Warhead candies for everyone to try. Lilly loved our sour faces, and laughed when Henry spit his out on the floor. Technology was evident throughout both rooms. QR codes were everywhere. Lilly's "chatterpix" biography was hilarious.

Kindergarten is bittersweet for me. It's such a magical year. Iris has grown so much; she is not nearly as shy, has tons of sweet friends, and has learned a ton. She was so proud to show us her farm animal projects (all three), her computer projects, her 3D shapes made out of candy, and the life cycle projects. When she handed me my Mother's Day gift, I choked up a bit. I can hardly believe in a few short months a first grader and third grader will be living in our home!

 



Tiny Dancer

 

Iris loves to dance. She is good at it. Her recital was last weekend, and she led her class on stage. Afterwards, her teacher told me she always tells the class to "watch Iris." All of her five grandparents, her Aunt Penny and cousin Sophia, and even Henry came to watch her. I thought Iris' face was going to crack because her smile was so proud. For some reason, I couldn't stop crying. It was just too sweet, and it's her thing. She has no interest in soccer, doesn't want to try rock climbing, but sure loves to dance.

Mama's Day

 

Mother's Day just keeps getting better and better. Dan spoiled me in the morning with coffee, pastries, and many gifts (including the white sweater he picked out for later that day). The kids made me gifts at school and each gave me a gift card to my favorite places: Starbucks, Yogurtland, and Del Taco. They know me so well.  It was so funny to hear them fighting over who gets to give me which one when I was supposed to be sleeping in!
That afternoon, my best friend and I went shopping at South Coast Plaza and had dinner at Habana at the Lab. It was such a nice, relaxing day. I really felt loved and appreciated. Being a mom of young kids is never easy, but it's always worth it!