School house rocks

Today was the first day of school! The girls were anxious, and wanted me to walk them to their classrooms. Molly is in a first/second grade split class, so it will challenge her a lot this year. Just what she needs! Only one friend from kindergarten is with her, but we told her it was a chance to make new friends. We think it will be good for her.

Hayley got a super popular teacher, and I think she is really going to have a lot of fun this year. Plus her class is the test class for some new fangled invention called the Smartboard. I will be able to tell you a little more about it after "open house".

School's out for the summer...well almost

Can you feel it in the air? The sun was out today, in fact it got blazin' hot out while I was helping out with field day at the girls school. I have a heck of a sunburned face and neck, but it was worth it! First half of the day was spent with the 1st-3rd graders. Then it was off to a taco feed in Hayley's class, put on by another mom. It was great! I was about to leave to come home to do some scrapbooking, when I got asked to fill in a spot at the 4th-6th grade portion of field day. Let me just mention here that the older kids have a lot less "politeness" about them, than the younger kids, but it was still fun. Ever had a kid try to trick you just for another Otter Pop? Ok, that may say something about how hot it got today. Anyways the highlight of my day was the Teacher vs. 6th grade kickball game. I love that the teachers and principal do this. Then to top the day off, there was a pie eating contest. I took a few pictures to show you how awesome it turned out. I was a bit worried at first that it would be a little "Stand by me" (for those of you who have not seen that movie, well, you are missing out). All in all, I would volunteer again in a heart beat. When the kids come up and say thanks it makes it all worth while.

so much to do, so little time

This past week we have just been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest (to quote my dad). Mark came to school to have lunch with the kids. I volunteered a full day in Hayley's class. Then Thursday night was Portfolio night for Kindergarten. After the Portfolio night the rest of the parents who pitched in to help with the end of the year party stayed to set up for the next day.
What a great group of parents, I expected to do a ton of work myself, but it was wonderful to have these awesome Moms pitch in! We had fun gabbing too.
So today was the big end of the year party
for the kids. We had a big feast and
tons of activities for the kids (including fish painting, fishing for letters, ring toss, visor decorating...to name a few). We ended up having over 50 people including the students so I was thrilled at the turnout. It is hard to believe that Molly will be starting 1st grade already and Hayley is off to 3rd grade next year.
It was a busy day for Hayley too, she had the running eagles party to attend, and just received another Hazelwood way award, this time for quality work. She gets to go to a special ice skating party next week to celebrate her achievement! Way to go Hayley!
Mark and I are super proud of our girls.

Here is where I do my public service announcement

For those of you who don't know I am now in charge of the box tops for education program
at my kids Elementary school. If you do not know about this program, then you should check it out online. I would love for you to save your box top coupons, as this program helps provide a ton of stuff for the kids (field trips, new instruments -to name a few). If you go online and register you can also get grocery coupons and hey-who doesn't like to save a buck here or there? I would be more than happy to receive your coupons if you are willing to save them for us! Thanks!

Words of Wisdom from a 6 year old

Today Molly brought me a card from the other child I was in charge of on the field trip. Marco is his name and he made me the cutest thank you card with fish and starfish and seaweed drawn on the front. Marco struggles a little with his writing skills so when I opened up the card it was a little hard to read. Molly told me what it said and then in her little smarty voice she said "Mom everyone tries their best!" It was so stinkin' cute and I had to smile.

Little things to enjoy

This has been a long, strange week and I think we all could use some cheer. Here are a few of my latest loves:
1. Some super cool stuff here by that woman we all love to hate! I especially love the number stamps, glitter, and the albums. Reasonably priced for all you scrapbookers.

2. Blake, Blake, Blake...and Simon said that Seattle sucked for Idol contestants. Who's laughing now baby! Way to go Bothell boy.

3. Low tide at the Edmonds beach. Weds. was Molly's field trip to the beach, we saw a ton of Starfish and Sea Anemones. It was cold and wet, but the kids had a great time.

4. Old episodes of Arrested Development. We only own season 1, but I would love to have the other seasons. This is the strangest, funniest show.

5. My friend Rose whom you can visit at www.ribbonsandbuttons.blogspot.com. She has searched out some of the best SNL skits.

6. Friendly neighbors-we have some of the nicest neighbors...even the one's with that nasty smoking habit. I am willing to overlook it, if they continue to be friendly ha ha.

7. The perfect lemon drop made with Meyers lemon mix from www.williams-sonoma.com.
This is the best place on earth...my next purchase will be the cupcake pan that makes your cupcakes look like ice cream cones. That will be a little ways off...but it is one of my favorite things they sell. Makes me feel fancy in the kitchen!

8. Last, and certainly not least, a husband who totally shares my sense of humor. Mark and I have totally been on the same page lately as far as things that make us laugh. Dorky cliche, but laughter is the best medicine.