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| Griffin Adventure Seekers |
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| Jack and Annie.. I mean G and Lu |
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| getting some autographs |
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| Kemna kids, Griffin Kids, Annie, Jack, & Dipper (aka Louis Armstrong) |
Cut! End scene.
Friday, November 8, 2013
A Gittle Magic
Last weekend we went to see a live musical performance of "The Magic Tree House: A Good Night for Ghosts". These books have been favorites in our family for many years now. I started reading them to Garrett when he was about 4 and we instantly fell in love with the adventures of Jack and Annie. When Garrett was in kindergarten he met a friend named Lucy. He introduced Lucy and her family to the books.. and before you knew it our playset in the back yard had transformed in to .. The Magic Tree House. Garrett and Lucy are two peas in a pod to this day..ever the adventure! It was really special that we got to go to the play together with Lucy's family.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Boosterthon Fun
The kids participated in their 2nd Boosterthon Fun Run about two weeks ago. Personally, I think this is a superb fundraiser for schools. There is no catalogs, no guilting family and friends into buying tons of over priced wrapping paper, no tubs of cookie dough that you end up eating right before the expiration date. It IS however, FUN for the kids!! and it IS healthy for the kids, totally focusing on exercise, character, and healthy choices!! My kids really enjoyed the week leading up to the run where Boosterthon People (aka Really energetic and enthusiastic young people) come into the school everyday and Pump up the kids, talk to them about good and healthy choices, being a good friend, and earning pledges for their school... oh and pass out the coveted prizes. ** the prize Addie and G wanted so badly was the invisible pen** of course!!! Luckily, they both raised enough to get that :)
They did a great job.. running their laps! Addison was determined to not get trampled on this year like she did out of the starting gate last year. I'm proud to say she did this .. with a smile on her face!
They did a great job.. running their laps! Addison was determined to not get trampled on this year like she did out of the starting gate last year. I'm proud to say she did this .. with a smile on her face!
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| ready to run!.. she wore her "running shorts" |
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| Addie's Class |
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| G and the Gals |
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| Run Addie Run! |
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| We did it! |
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| how many laps have you done? |
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| we rule the 3rd grade... |
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| Boosterthon.. check! |
Got those laps in! Had fun with friends!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Playing in the rain
What a good reminder to sit back and enjoy the rain.. Moment made possible by Micah's determination to "see da rain"! He told me "sit in chair!" So.. I did! I sat in a lounge chair on the porch and watched him enjoy life to the fullest! ... after a busy weekend.. I'm missing this time.
Take some time and enjoy today!!
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| why not? |
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| what? |
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| A boy's gotta play outside... |
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| Counting: "one, three, five, ten!" ummm.. I thought he was skip counting at first.. should have stopped while ahead! |
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| Now that was fun! |
Take some time and enjoy today!!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Duct tape is Awesome!
Garrett loves Duct Tape.
He has a bag full of different designs.
He makes some really cool things... especially wallets and purses.
He taught himself.
He asks if he can rent out empty stores for his business.
He is so creative and I love it!
He started making these wallets a little over a year ago when we were visiting family in Ohio. Everyone loved them. So what does Garrett do?? He sets off to make everyone one. He takes orders. He charges $3!!! and.... he gets paid! Plus, He takes his grandparents shopping for more Duct Tape so .. uh yeah, He doesn't pay for it. So he's making Pure profit! I didn't take one business class in college... but I'm pretty sure that's a very good business model!
He also likes to make these for his friends for gifts. This is what he made for his teacher of last year. He still stops by her room almost daily to say "Hi!" and check in. She still encourages him and pushes him to do his best. It's great!!
She's a Gator's fan... obviously!
He's open for orders.... :)
He has a bag full of different designs.
He makes some really cool things... especially wallets and purses.
He taught himself.
He asks if he can rent out empty stores for his business.
He is so creative and I love it!
He started making these wallets a little over a year ago when we were visiting family in Ohio. Everyone loved them. So what does Garrett do?? He sets off to make everyone one. He takes orders. He charges $3!!! and.... he gets paid! Plus, He takes his grandparents shopping for more Duct Tape so .. uh yeah, He doesn't pay for it. So he's making Pure profit! I didn't take one business class in college... but I'm pretty sure that's a very good business model!
He also likes to make these for his friends for gifts. This is what he made for his teacher of last year. He still stops by her room almost daily to say "Hi!" and check in. She still encourages him and pushes him to do his best. It's great!!
She's a Gator's fan... obviously!
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| purse and wallet |
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| inside pockets of the wallet... he even makes a "id window" with clear tape! |
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| change pocket |
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| my little business man!... and thoughtful kid!! |
Friday, September 6, 2013
School, Glorious School!
School is in! We have been settling into our new routines and rolling with the beginning of school.
Micah had his official "first day" last Thurs.. and though he gave me a thumbs up in the parking lot.. by the time I had to leave it was clear he wanted to change his report. But, I left and got a text not long later from one of his two loving teachers saying he was just fine!
So what did I do on that first day of .. ahem.... freedom?! ......
I had no trouble taking that morning for me... I went to the gym (quick workout). Then I hit up Fresh Market.. I actually could look around! Got some yummy salmon for dinner to celebrate :) Then I went to Starbucks to fuel up. and I just happened to walk into a new boutique in the plaza.. so ... I bought a new dress perfect for FL in the fall (ie.. sun dress boasting fall colors)!! And THEN I headed to the pool by myself.. with my kindle! It was Glorious!!!
... until later when I realized because I didn't have the kiddos there to lather with sunscreen, I neglected to put it on myself. So, the first time I relaxed by the pool... was also the first time this summer I got a sun burn. hummmm.... the irony.
Since that first day I've been a little less self centered.. and a little more productive during those precious hours. This Thursday I volunteered in Addie's class.. helping her teacher test the kiddos on their sight words. I loved it. I love that age.. my first graders were quite often my favorite groups to work with when I worked as a speech therapist. They are so excited to learn! Addie is all about learning right now! She has gained the confidence she needed to over come the reading hurdles... we worked hard all summer and read a lot! and it showed when her teacher (whom she had last year) moved her up a level in reading. How awesome is that!? Her teacher moved up to first grade with the majority of the class and it is Such a blessing!! The kids know her expectations.. she knows where they were and where they can go.. she knows that I may or may not return everything on time and may forget to sign something.. but she's become a friend of mine and she also knows to expect something crafty at Holiday time!
Garrett seems to be thoroughly enjoying his new class.. where all their little gifted minds can think alike all day long! lol! He has mentioned to me that it's so good to be in a class where there is not a lot of silliness going on and the kids respect the teacher. Oh how he loved his teacher last year.. and it was so unnerving to him that so many of the kids would not listen to her. Though I definitely see "teacher's pet" tendencies here.. I know his heart is in the right place and it makes me happy to see him happy about learning and being challenged.
... so I think we are off to a good start!
Micah had his official "first day" last Thurs.. and though he gave me a thumbs up in the parking lot.. by the time I had to leave it was clear he wanted to change his report. But, I left and got a text not long later from one of his two loving teachers saying he was just fine!
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| Thumbs up! |
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| who's going to let go.. that's the question |
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| "Sharing?" |
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| Micah and Miss Judy.. we'll have to get a better one soon! |
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| relaxing. reading. poolside. |
... until later when I realized because I didn't have the kiddos there to lather with sunscreen, I neglected to put it on myself. So, the first time I relaxed by the pool... was also the first time this summer I got a sun burn. hummmm.... the irony.
Since that first day I've been a little less self centered.. and a little more productive during those precious hours. This Thursday I volunteered in Addie's class.. helping her teacher test the kiddos on their sight words. I loved it. I love that age.. my first graders were quite often my favorite groups to work with when I worked as a speech therapist. They are so excited to learn! Addie is all about learning right now! She has gained the confidence she needed to over come the reading hurdles... we worked hard all summer and read a lot! and it showed when her teacher (whom she had last year) moved her up a level in reading. How awesome is that!? Her teacher moved up to first grade with the majority of the class and it is Such a blessing!! The kids know her expectations.. she knows where they were and where they can go.. she knows that I may or may not return everything on time and may forget to sign something.. but she's become a friend of mine and she also knows to expect something crafty at Holiday time!
Garrett seems to be thoroughly enjoying his new class.. where all their little gifted minds can think alike all day long! lol! He has mentioned to me that it's so good to be in a class where there is not a lot of silliness going on and the kids respect the teacher. Oh how he loved his teacher last year.. and it was so unnerving to him that so many of the kids would not listen to her. Though I definitely see "teacher's pet" tendencies here.. I know his heart is in the right place and it makes me happy to see him happy about learning and being challenged.
... so I think we are off to a good start!
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| handwriting practice |
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Micah's Dolphin School
Micah went to preschool yesterday!!
He was very excited to go to school like the big kids.
He was ready to go first thing in the morning when we were taking the big kids to school. But we didn't have to be at his school quite so early since it was just meet the teacher and parent orientation. Still, he grabbed his back pack, put on Addie's flips, got bubby... and said "Bye Mom". oh man.
When we walked into his room, I think the flurry of excitement and all the people got to the little guy... and he did not want me to leave. (I had to go to a meeting for the mamas). It was different. But he goes in the 2 year old room at church and at the gym... sometimes a little unwillingly as well... so I didn't have concern that he wouldn't calm down or anything like that.
However, having my littlest grip my neck and say "No Mommy go." and cry... was as hard as it could be. So sweet.. big tears.. and I gave him over to two teachers I didn't yet know. They were so sweet and supportive .. and I could tell they genuinely cared. The one teacher asked if she could pick him up and she did. She told me not to worry and that he would be loved. My first thought was "oh, he's my 3rd. I'm not worried. I just want a break!"... and though that IS true... it wasn't at that moment. I just nodded and said "I'll be right in the chapel." (she probably thought duh!)
I sat there thinking how even though yes he is my 3rd, it still is hard to let one of them go and do something for themselves. Yes, I know this will be good for him.. he misses the big kids so much during the day. And I am Positive this will be good for ME. I need a break, especially as deployment nears. I have prayed about it and I really have No guilt.. so that should tell ya... I'm good with this choice!! lol. but..... I don't think I felt the confirmation until I picked him up and he came running to me and said "Micah dolphin school!!!" (yes, he always talks about himself in 3rd person. no, I do not correct it.) "Dolphin school?" I asked, really confused as to why they would have had a lesson on dolphins. "NO! Micah Dolfit School!!" ohhhhh... I got it... different school. "Different school? You go to a different school just for Micah?" I asked. "YES!!!" and his teacher asked if he wanted to come back and again... "YES!!"............. there's that confirmation.
He was very excited to go to school like the big kids.
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| Class Clown |
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| Not "Best Dressed" |
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| Now it was really time! |
However, having my littlest grip my neck and say "No Mommy go." and cry... was as hard as it could be. So sweet.. big tears.. and I gave him over to two teachers I didn't yet know. They were so sweet and supportive .. and I could tell they genuinely cared. The one teacher asked if she could pick him up and she did. She told me not to worry and that he would be loved. My first thought was "oh, he's my 3rd. I'm not worried. I just want a break!"... and though that IS true... it wasn't at that moment. I just nodded and said "I'll be right in the chapel." (she probably thought duh!)
I sat there thinking how even though yes he is my 3rd, it still is hard to let one of them go and do something for themselves. Yes, I know this will be good for him.. he misses the big kids so much during the day. And I am Positive this will be good for ME. I need a break, especially as deployment nears. I have prayed about it and I really have No guilt.. so that should tell ya... I'm good with this choice!! lol. but..... I don't think I felt the confirmation until I picked him up and he came running to me and said "Micah dolphin school!!!" (yes, he always talks about himself in 3rd person. no, I do not correct it.) "Dolphin school?" I asked, really confused as to why they would have had a lesson on dolphins. "NO! Micah Dolfit School!!" ohhhhh... I got it... different school. "Different school? You go to a different school just for Micah?" I asked. "YES!!!" and his teacher asked if he wanted to come back and again... "YES!!"............. there's that confirmation.
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| he's really attached to the back pack |
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| WE DID IT!!!! |
Monday, August 19, 2013
Fist day back
Today is the first day of school! There was excitement, a little bit of nervousness (mostly me), and smiles here this morning. I admit, many times this summer I longed for this day... and don't get me wrong.. i'm Glad it's here! But a little part of me was sad today when they got out of the car and looked back at me.. long blonde hair and big smile waved excitedly! & short messy blonde hair and timid smile whispered "bye mama" to me. And. That. Got. Me. (as well as now typing it).
I cried a little on the way home. Thinking of how proud I am of them. They are good kids. They are excited to start a new year! and It's going to be a good one!! I am so glad Daddy got to see them off on their first day... He won't be home for their last day, and many days in between. But it's not time to think of that now. Push that out and focus on TODAY. What TODAY IS!!
and it's the First Day of a NEW Year!
(I tend to categorize the new year as in the start of school.. and not in January.. anyone else?)
Today when I woke them both, I hugged and kissed many times to get them (ME) through the day. I've grown so used to accepting during the day: Addie's tight hugs around my waist and Garrett's little giggle as I steal a kiss on the top of his getting too tall for me head! I'll have to wait a few hours now. Micah will have to wait too. He is lost without them. "where Addie go? G back soon?" ....
"Yes. They will be home soon", I tell him (myself). And I know before too long it will seem like they are home "soon" and the days will fly. My time will be cut short by the buzzer of my "don't forget your kids" alarm on my phone! .. but today might seem a little longer.
I told them both a few things this morning... and again in their lunches..
1. I love you
2. I am so proud of you
3. I am excited for you
4. I have prayed for you and your day
I hope they can hold one to that if the day seems long to them.
Today is fist day back for me too! Not that anyone is necessarily wondering where I have been.. but I took a break from recording our "Todays" for the second half of the summer. We had a lot of fun.. and I'd like to do some catch up posting to log it for us.
I cried a little on the way home. Thinking of how proud I am of them. They are good kids. They are excited to start a new year! and It's going to be a good one!! I am so glad Daddy got to see them off on their first day... He won't be home for their last day, and many days in between. But it's not time to think of that now. Push that out and focus on TODAY. What TODAY IS!!
and it's the First Day of a NEW Year!
(I tend to categorize the new year as in the start of school.. and not in January.. anyone else?)
Today when I woke them both, I hugged and kissed many times to get them (ME) through the day. I've grown so used to accepting during the day: Addie's tight hugs around my waist and Garrett's little giggle as I steal a kiss on the top of his getting too tall for me head! I'll have to wait a few hours now. Micah will have to wait too. He is lost without them. "where Addie go? G back soon?" ....
"Yes. They will be home soon", I tell him (myself). And I know before too long it will seem like they are home "soon" and the days will fly. My time will be cut short by the buzzer of my "don't forget your kids" alarm on my phone! .. but today might seem a little longer.
I told them both a few things this morning... and again in their lunches..
1. I love you
2. I am so proud of you
3. I am excited for you
4. I have prayed for you and your day
I hope they can hold one to that if the day seems long to them.
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| 3rd Grader |
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| 1st Grader |
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| Ready To Do This! |
Today is fist day back for me too! Not that anyone is necessarily wondering where I have been.. but I took a break from recording our "Todays" for the second half of the summer. We had a lot of fun.. and I'd like to do some catch up posting to log it for us.
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