How was your field trip?

Elizabeth went on her first field trip to the apple orchard this morning with her grandma. Although it was cold, the sun was shining and the apples were reported to be tasty. Elizabeth liked being with her classmates and thought it was neat to bring home an apple shaped container with cider inside. What great fall fun!

Would you like to win something?

When it comes to contests I consider myself a pretty lucky person. Even as a child I remember winning a coloring contest at the local McDonald's. My name was also drawn at our dentist's office for a stuffed camel, the animal of the month. Just recently I won a coupon book for the Grand Rapids area at a staff meeting and since starting my blog I've won 3 giveaways. Right now I'm hoping to win another one. A List Maker's Life is hosting a get organized giveaway! Check out All Children's Furniture for your favorite brands like Step2, KidKraft, Little Tikes and more! Giveaway ends 10/2!"

What do you do well or are good at doing?

Three times a year the students in our district are asked to respond in writing to a prompt, or given topic. This fall the students were asked to write about something they do well or are good at doing. I love the piece below. It has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. I'm a bit biased though because Leah wrote it!

Gunastiks

I am good at gunastiks. I am good at the balnstebem and the buar. My sisttr gos up stars and I go donstas in the big gym. I am riley swetey wen I am done. I go on Mondays onley. It is hard wrck dut it is fun. My techrs name is Mrs. Keley She is nise. I like gunastiks.

How do you cope with change?

Throughout this past month our family has gone through many changes. Elizabeth started school for the very first time which was a huge change. Instead of driving with me every day, Tim now drives Elizabeth to his mom's house and then she brings her to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Leah has switched from half days of school to full days. I am adjusting to a new group of students and at the same time changing how I teach to a more transdiciplinary approach. Tim's responsibilities at work have changed and our family is considering a change in where we worship each Sunday morning as well. Change can be a hard process, but so far we are handling all of these changes well.

Are we going to meet our cousin today?

This afternoon we made the trip northeast to meet the newest addition to our family. Logan Donald was born Monday morning at 8:08 to my sister Julie and her husband. Leah and Elizabeth were really excited to hold their baby cousin and it was great for Tim and I to hold another nephew. Logan is a great baby and completely healthy!

Do you like to design jewelry?

Last month Elizabeth received some beads for her birthday and both girls love to play with them. Elizabeth enjoys creating rings (the beads are a bit tricky to stick together) and Leah has been busy designing bracelets and necklaces. When the whole design process was complete they set up a store and took turns purchasing the jewelry pieces for themselves and their dolls. I love their imaginations and I think Leah has a good sense of design!

Shall we meet in the office?

Leah and Elizabeth love playing house and school, but their latest fad is to play office. They moved all of their supplies (kid keyboard, table, crayons, paper, etc.) near our front door and set up their desks. Just call if you have any work for them to do because their office is usually open!