How old are you Mommy?

Today is my 35th birthday. Exactly 17 years ago I graduated from high school. It is amazing how fast life happens! This morning before church I opened up some cards and presents from my family. I received a lot of nice things: another rechargeable battery for my camera, a 1/2 hour photography lesson, a portable vacuum cleaner for my car, a gift card to Starbucks, a new lunch bag, and a Michigan t-shirt. The most unique present was a reversible beach blanket that Leah and Elizabeth helped my mom sew. They each picked out the fabric for their side. The thought, hard work, and creativity that went into the gift makes it very special.

Have you heard of Artsonia?

I found out about a site where teachers and parents can share children's artwork via the Internet. The site is called Artsonia and it looks really neat. I'm hoping to get an account started for Leah and Elizabeth so we can share their artwork with family and friends who live far away!

Is today our last day of school?

Today was our last day of school. It was a sad, but happy day. Leah was a bit teary about leaving her teacher and friends. I was ready for a break. Along with other end of the year activities we lowered the flag and wished the 5th graders a happy farewell. At the end of the day I stood with the rest of the staff and waved good-bye to the buses. My students became my "2nd family" and it was hard to watch them leave. I'll look forward to the next group of students who will take their place this upcoming fall!

Leah and I made up a list of school related things for each letter of the alphabet.

A - answers
B - books
C- crayons
D - desks
E - easels
F - friends
G - gym
H - homework
I - instruments
J - juice
K - kindergarten
L - letters
M - messages
N - numbers
O - office
P - pencils
Q - questions
R - recess
S - songs
T - teachers
U - umbrellas
V - vacations
W - writing
X - eXcellence
Y - youth
Z - Zoo Phonics

Did you go in the dunk bucket?

Button Designed By Leah

Every spring Great Lakes has a field day called Anchors Away Day. Although it's a fun time outside with no academic instruction on my part it is always long and sometimes hot. Fortunately we had gorgeous weather and I enjoyed myself more than most years. Leah was able to participate during the first half of the day and Tim's mom came and helped her class. During the grand finale I was one of many staff members chosen to sit under the dunk bucket to be doused with freezing cold hose water. So much fun!

Can you believe you graduated?

Leah graduated from kindergarten today. I am so proud of all of the growth she's made this year. She had a wonderful experience and is looking forward to 1st grade at Great Lakes this fall!

Do you know what GERD is?

Leah had her 6 year check up after school today. She is in the 75th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight. However, her dentist recently suspected that she might have GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) and our family dentist took a look at her teeth and he agreed. So, during Leah's visit I asked her pediatrician to give us his professional opinion. Ironically his 1 year old son has been diagnosed with GERD and is being treated by Prevacid. Our first step in determing whether or not Leah has the condition is to give her medication once a day for the next month. In the meantime we need to keep a journal of any coughing and stomach issues that she might experience like bloating and pain. Before leaving the office Elizabeth grabbed the book A Bunny's Tummy Trouble which amazingly enough has to do with GERD. Our doctor had been looking for a patient to give it to for over a year. I guess Leah is the perfect candidate!

What did you see at the zoo?

I had a personal day today to attend a field trip with Leah. We took a long bus ride to John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. The morning was a bit rainy, but by lunchtime the sun came out and it ended up being nice. Before loading the bus the students had to write about an animal they hoped to see. Leah wanted to see a koala and many others wanted to see a giraffe. Unfortunately neither of those animals were at the zoo. Some of my favorites were the lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my! Seriously, they were my favorites. Leah attempted to feed a sting ray and really liked looking at the snakes. Her favorite animal, however, was the flamingo. Of course she liked a pink animal best! On our way back to school the two of us played the ABC game and named something from the zoo that started with each letter of the alphabet. Then at dinner Leah sang her Zoo Phonics song. Even Elizabeth chimed in at the chorus. It was a nice way to spend the day.