Did you build that?

This morning we went to "Family Day" at the Home Depot. While we were there we built 2 racecar tracks, watched a puppet show, listened to stories in Spanish and in English, got faces painted, and enjoyed popcorn, cake, and juice. We left the store with aprons too and everything was FREE!

How do you show school spirit?

To show our school spirit during reading month Leah and I wore black and white (West Ottawa colors) to school today. Putting black on a "pink and purple" girl is a stretch, but Leah wanted to look like me even though our shirts are different. On the front of my shirt I have our theme for this year Imagine and the back side has the lyrics to the chorus of our school song. Leah received her shirt over a year ago during kindergarten round-up, however today may have been only the second time she's worn it. Before leaving the house this morning she asked me what the back of her shirt said. I told her that it read Class of 2021 and then added that it was the year she was going to graduate from high school. Suddenly a smile spread across her face and she replied, "Do you mean I can wear this shirt in high school?" Almost immediately she realized the outrageous concept she had suggested, chuckled out loud, and walked away. Oh, the mind of a child!

How busy is too busy?

It's 9:30 PM and I'm physically ready for bed, but mentally my brain is on overdrive. I've been up since 5:30 AM and have been busy all day. With a staff meeting before school, then teaching, gymnastics after school for both girls, dinner on the run for me prior to a PTO meeting, and then back home to help Tim with baths and bedtime for the girls, it is no wonder I'm tired. Unfortunately my energy tank has been drained and exercising just isn't possible. I still have a stack of papers to grade and with a couple loads of laundry to do before the day is over. Is it that there aren't enough hours in the day or am I just too busy?

Is it time for spring cleaning already?

When we arrived home after school today I suggested that the girls play outside until Tim came home. Almost immediately Leah decided to start sweeping out the garage. Elizabeth wanted to join in also so the 2 of them worked like busy little bees removing the winter dirt from the cement floor. While I sat opening up the mail, I couldn't help but feel proud of the work they were doing. Leah commented about how happy Daddy would be when he got home and saw what they had done. Indeed Tim was impressed! It makes me wonder what other spring cleaning they could help out with?

Will you hang the FAMILY saying today?

I've been waiting for Tim to hang this wooden saying I got for Christmas from his parents on our wall. It took us awhile to figure out where we wanted it to be placed. We decided to put it over our doorway in the kitchen even though that wasn't where I had originally thought it would go. It fits perfectly and every time I look at it now I'll be reminded to cherish my family!

Did you know today was Read Across America Day?

March 2nd is always a fun day at school. We celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by reading and writing about many of his books. One of my favorites written by him is the ABC book. I grew up reading it and love reading it to the girls. By the way, did you know that if Dr. Seuss was still alive he would be 105?

Today also marked the beginning of our school's reading month. The theme this year is Reading Rocks and we had a rockin' good time at our music assembly where the Great Lakes Imagine Band performed. By the end of the March my 2nd graders are expected to read 500 minutes while Leah has to read 300 minutes. We all better get reading!

R you up for a challenge?

I was Recently challenged to come up with 10 things starting with the letter R that I like. Here is my list in Random order:

Reading ~ I love to read and Really love teaching others to read.

Respect ~ I Realize the importance of valuing other people and things.

Radio ~ I enjoy getting into the car and listening to music. As of lately I've "Gone Country" and one of my favorite groups is Rascal Flatts.

Raspberries ~ A tart, but tasty treat that I like to put on top of vanilla ice cream. I Remember picking them in Wisconsin when I was younger.

Rainbows ~ A beautiful Reminder of God's promise and grace.

Roses ~They were in my hand when I got married and I frequently Receive them from Tim.

Rocking ~ Not the heavy metal kind, but the action done in Recliners. I've been a rocker my entire life!

Rest ~ I love to Relax in the sun or take a nap on a Sunday afternoon.

Relatives ~ The Relationships I have with my family members are important to me, especially as an adult living far away from many of them. I'm looking forward to our 2nd annual Holwerda Reunion coming up in July.

Resolutions ~ Although they are sometimes hard to Reach, I frequently set goals for myself and strive to achieve them.