And now the madness begins...

Oh the day finally arrived . . . School started. Ho hum.
My second grader took off without me giving her a proper hug and kiss.
My kindergartner was nervous, excited, and didn't stray far.

And of course, packing lunches had me back into creative mommy mode:

And now the obligatory first day of school family photo:

You would think I was going back to school with all the "stuff" in my hand. 

Back-to-school paperwork was no joke! 

So the madness of a crazy schedule begins. The duties? Here are just a few: Wife, mommy, chef, chauffeur (different pick-up times and different swim practice times), PTA Board member, school room parent coordinator, classroom volunteer, homework & Kumon sergeant. Is it June yet?! Oh and that other job of being a nurse. Huh? Didn't know I had a paying job? Well I do. My kids are always shocked when I tell them I have to work. Luckily it's from home because there is no other way it would work out. I know, a nurse from home sounds odd. In a very brief nutshell, I chart audit for the hospital. I have been doing this particular job for over 7 years now. Tidbit: I have been a nurse for 20 years of which 13 were spent in the operating room. But being a nurse is no longer a priority. The laundry list of duties listed above is why my heart beats. I will take the crazy busy of family life over a "career" any day.

Sophia's First Jogathon

Sophia had her first of many Jogathons last Friday. The collecting of sponsors prior to Jogathon was a little confusing at first (Sophia thought she was going to keep the money), but when we explained the money she raised would help her school keep extra classes, like art, she was ready to run her little heart out!

Day before the Jogathon, sporting her tee shirt.
An upper grade student won the contest for the honors
of having his work on our tee shirts.
How cool!

A BIG THANK YOU to Dr.'s Hall & Bienstock 

for being a sponsor!

A little jumping jack warm-up

 Oh my . . .

She looks so mature!

 And they're off!

 Much needed water break

 Perfect form :)

 So determined. I think she looks like

David in this picture.

30 minutes of running = 36 laps!

First place in her class, first place out of all the kindergarten girls, 

and second overall kindergartener (there was a boy who beat her by 3 laps).

Sophia, we are so PROUD of you! Think you might have found your sport!

Snowman Craft Ornament

My fellow room mom and friend, Dani, and I are hoping to make some kindergarteners excited at their Winter Holiday party.

Isn't he cute?!

Dani found this project online and it is so easy to assemble for the kids. Well it would have been easier if I didn't have to spray paint the popsicle sticks white. Well, okay, it is a little time consuming with having to cut out the felt hats (thank you Darling Hubby for cutting these out!). Thank goodness the scarves were a breeze to cut and fringe. That was my job. ; ) Hey, but I also made the sample guy pictured above! And assembled 20 plus baggies with the necessities! Oh wait! Poking the little hole in the felt hats and threading the gold string was very tedious too! That was my job too. Alright, let's face it the felt hats were definitely the hardest. lol

The picture is pretty self-explanatory with the items you will need:

White popsicle sticks

Googly eyes

Assorted black buttons (we used different sizes but you don't have to and you can easily use colored ones too)

Orange, black, and red felt

Glue

Black Sharpie (for the mouth)

String or ribbon

Class of 2026

At some point we blinked and Sophia started kindergarten. How did this happen?!

Dearest Sophia,

What an incredible journey you have just started. We know it might be a little scary in the beginning, but we also know you will do great.

The journey will be long and winding. There will be times you will feel defeated. But there will be a multitude of times you will feel success. Just remember, it is all a part of living and learning. 

Daddy and I will always be here for you. We promise to help you grow into a strong, confident, and intelligent young lady. In return, all we ask is for you to always try your best. Mommy had that same deal with Grandpa. As long as she tried her best, nothing else mattered. So remember, your best will ALWAYS be good enough for us. 

We are so proud of you and we can't wait to see you through the next chapters of your life. 

Love,
Mommy and Daddy