Teachers...

Boy do we love love love our teachers! We have really lucked out. We all had tears leaving each one of them and I cannot thank them enough... Thank you Mrs. Balmer and Miss Betsy for coaxing Isabelle in from out in the hallway as she is crying because I am leaving her EVERY MORNING... Thank you Mrs. Balmer for allowing me to be in your class WHENEVER I need to just "pop" in and hang out with Belle... Thank you Mrs. Kelly for the incredible experiences you have giving Amelia once again. She comes home and teaches US things... Thank you Mrs. Flynn and Miss Rebecca for guiding Oliver in learning his independence and the skills that he blows us away with at home... Thank you Mrs. Summers (and Bruce :)) for the hands on projects, cooking, hiking, fishing, art, charity projects, field trips, christian basis, books preston has written himself, etc. etc. Each of our children have been blessed to have been with all of these wonderful people who have NOT just done the bare minimum. They truly LOVE their job and it SHOWS!!! YES, the 66 miles that I drive JUST between schools EACH day is well worth it!!!!!

Pool Party...

Amelia's friend, Ethan, had the entire first grade (and their families) to his house for a pool party and dinner. It was a great time! We are so fortunate to be surrounded by all of these wonderful families. The cohesiveness between these families is truly unique. The support that they show toward the school and activities is amazing. ALL of the parents know each other in the two classes and do many things outside of school. It is so much fun!! I wish I had this kind of parent involvement when I was teaching! So here you will see the fun that the kids had at the party! That is until SOMEONE had an accident in the pool...Dr. Vanderroist was not so thrilled about this.

Bridging to Primary...

Our little guy had his Montessori bridging ceremony last week. This is a special event where students who have successfully completed a three year section of Montessori schooling. Oliver has completed his Toddler year and he will now move into his Primary years. Primary consists of 3, 4 and 5 year olds. He will then move into Lower Elementary where it will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd year. Isabelle will bridge to Upper Elementary next year after her third year. Oliver was not feeling so hot at his as he had a terrible cough and the beginnings of a fever. He would not do any of his songs or dances when in reality, he is usually the first to do them! Not shy. Hmmm...wonder where he got that???? Mrs. Flynn presented each student with a medal and certificate and shook their hand. She described each child in just a few words. Her description of Ollie is "free spirit." Perfect description. Oliver asks EVERY day if he gets to go see Mrs. Flynn. He lives and breaths Montessori and has learned to be an independent, self motivated little boy. The things he comes home and demonstrates is amazing to us. We look forward to another amazing three years. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Mrs. Flynn and Miss Rebecca!!!!

End of the Year...

WOW! Has it been a busy year. People always ask me how much I drive in a day and I had never really knew the mileage or wanted to know I guess. But I decided to actually calculate it for the thrills of it. Here goes: Home to Montessori to drop off Belle and Ollie: 7 miles Montessori to Old Mission to drop off Moosie: 13 miles Old Mission to Mrs. Summers to drop off Preston: 4.5 miles Mrs. Summers to home: 1.5 miles Home to Montessori to pick up Ollie: 7 miles Montessori to home: 7 miles Home to Montessori to pick up Belle: 7 miles Montessori to Old Mission for Moosie: 13 Miles Old Mission to Mrs Summers: 4.5 miles Mrs. Summers to home: 1.5 miles So, there you have it. JUST to get the kids to all their schools is 66 miles per day. NOT including the ice rink 3 times per week, hockey twice per week, piano lessons and all other random things. Oh, and my weekly (or twice weekly) trips to Sam's club and Meijer. A LOT of miles. No wonder my NEW car already has 12,000 miles on it.

Princess...

Had I mentioned that Amelia was chosen to be the Cherry Festival princess for Old Mission School? Yes, she FINALLY gets to be in the spotlight. Couldn't think of anyone better for the role. As Amelia always tells people, "My mom is getting me an agent." She is headed for Disney Channel, I'm quite sure of it!

Thankful...

I do not much talk about my siblings because I am a mom of 5 crazy, amazing kids. But am I ever thankful for my sisters. (of course I am thankful for ALL of my family but there's a special bond between sisters) My sister Sarah is expecting her first baby and my FIRST niece or nephew on my side. She is due July 12 and this was taken at her Blessingway.

Grandma and Grandpa J...

We were so happy our grandma and grandpa J were able to come see us!!! They drove a long way and we were so excited!

More...

Belle did AWESOME!!! It was actually her best performance yet, even though she got fourth place. We try to emphasize that it is not about what the judges think but about whether she was happy with how she did. Everything is subjective. She is not quite liking that idea but she's getting better. Why is it so hard to watch your child be so disappointed? Even though you want them to learn that it is not all about winning. It is amazing to me that these little girls even go out there on this rink in front of hundreds of people and perform by themselves. I could never have done this, not even now! I am so glad they are able to have this opportunity.

Cherry Classic...

Here is Amelia with a FIRST place ribbon!!!! Yeah Amelia!! We are so proud of you and we love you more than you know!!

Aunt Kate...

I just changed some settings on my blog and I am trying to figure out how to get my pictures to be larger on here. This is a test. Here is Ollie with Aunt Kate at the rink. Cubby and rink rat...