Quack

You know how we feel about the DUCKS!

Jackson is really excited for the game today.

At the home opener with the big kids.

Reiley was so happy to hang with the cheerleaders

The kids at Fan Day

Meeting Chip

Bucket Update

So, according to Reiley's teacher it is a "happy bucket" not a "passion bucket". That makes a little more sense and her teacher got a good laugh out of Reiley's version. And, I am happy to report that Bob changed seats today, and Reiley couldn't be more thrilled.

My Bucket

Reiley came home from first grade yesterday quite exhausted and I will spare you the details of the tantrum that ensued. But, in the aftermath when we were talking about her day, she told me that a boy named "Bob", who sits next to her, is "emptying her passion bucket."

EXCUSE ME???? YOUR WHAT???? I think I just died! I fell on the floor and actually died... I was quickly informed that your "passion bucket" is actually your heart and things like hugs and kind words fill your bucket and mean words and actions empty your bucket. OKAY, can you hear me exhale? PHEW. And also - AWWWE that is so sweet.

So, how is Bob emptying your bucket? Well, apparently Bob hates school, is not happy with his mom and doesn't like the teacher. And, I am just guessing here, but probably the glue doesn't taste just right either. In fact, according to Bob, school SUCKS. That's right, SUCKS, this is a first grader with a ton of grievances and a creative vocabulary. And, to my school loving, mom loving, teacher loving, non-swearing first grader, Bob is a real downer... a bucket emptier. Reiley has had it with Bob. How can Bob not love school and his mom and the teacher? And to directly quote her, "what is wrong with Bob?" So, we talked about how to not let Bob, or anyone else for that matter, empty your bucket. Maybe Bob was just having a bad day... Be kind to Bob fill up his bucket, but let's not play with Bob at recess.

So, I gave her some love and a big hug and filled up her bucket! I am incredibly impressed at the creativity of her teacher in teaching lessons of kindness and helping these 6 year olds learn how to build up other people. And, as for Bob, let's hope that he has a better day today or that they change the seating arrangement soon. Watch out Bob, Reiley, who is incredibly positive and generally a 'miss merry sunshine' has it in for you.... you will LOVE everyone and everything by the time she is done with you.

And a lesson for this mommy - make sure those little buckets are full to overflowing every day.

Books

I LOVE children's books. Every year when the kids start school, I buy them a new children's book. When they are grown and have kids of their own, they will have a collection of books that are representative of things they liked at that time in their lives. Here is our collection so far...

We're Back!

Back to School and Back to Blogging

After a long hiatus, I am back in the blogging world. I know it has been awhile... Let's just say this, we've been busy and everything is great. We had a fantastic summer, everybody is happy and healthy and God is so very good to us!

Today was the first day of school for Isaac (3rd grade) and Reiley (1st grade). I thought Reiley might be nervous, as it is her first day at the "big school" and she doesn't know a single kid in her class. But, being a girl of surprises, she wasn't a bit nervous and after hanging her backpack, finding her seat and taking a picture with her teacher, she looked at me and said, "I'm good mom, you can go now." She is going to take this world by storm - starting with first grade! Isaac, now in the third grade, is a veteran of first days and was ready for us to hit the road about 30 seconds after arriving at his classroom.

I love looking into the excited faces of my kids on the first day of school and knowing that they are going to have so much fun and learn so many new things in the coming year. And, as I left the school this morning, I hope that I have helped to arm them with the good judgement, faith in God and self confidence to tackle this world with grace and good humor.

So, back to the busy fall days of packing lunches, laying out clothes, helping with homework, driving carpool, taking Reiley to dance classes, watching Isaac play flag football and getting to love on Jackson, my last little baby at home - all things that I love and am blessed to be able to call my full-time job!

Check out our first day pics...

Excited kids!

I love that they are holding hands...

Reiley and her teacher.

Isaac and his teacher!

And, here is what Jackson thinks of the first day of school...

Where did everybody go?