We're Special and Wonderfully Made!

Last week I completed my first full week of teaching preschool. I didn't realize how much I missed teaching until I was back in the classroom. Our unit last week was entitled "All About Me & My Friends". We learned a lot about one another. The activity below taught us that the world would not be an exciting place if all of us looked the same. Thankfully, God made us all different. We're each special and wonderfully made by Him!

Having a "ball"!!

So perhaps I 'say' this every sports post, but I truly LOVE watching our boys play their respective sports!! The weather this past week was absolutely gorgeous and I think sitting in the sun watching the boys play football and soccer--well, it doesn't get much better! We had 2 soccer games and a football game to enjoy--loving it!

The cheerleaders chant this catchy cheer, "Let me hear your Jaguar Rumble, Let me hear your Jaguar Rumble", so the banner was appropriately titled this week! The anticipation of the kids running through the banner indicating the start of the game--well, you know this Mom is ready!

Alexander proved himself in practice this week and spent some time on the field! He did an amazing job tackling and blocking--he's the Genoa player in the center of the below picture (you can only see 1/2 of him).

Moving down the field for a possible catch--it went to the player on the far right side of the field, but Alexander was in position and ready if the ball had been thrown his way!

The Jaguars defeated their opponent and congratulated them below on a great game! Great game boys--especially #85--we can't wait to see you play this Thursday night!

As if the excitement of the football game wasn't enough, Noah had an outstanding series of games this week! He played his best game Saturday--EVER! Noah's been playing soccer for YEARS and absolutely loves the sport. Typically, he finds himself on defense and has become frustrated over the years because defensive positions don't permit the opportunity to score. Well, Noah played offense Saturday morning and scored his first goal--EVER! I was so engrossed in his fancy footwork that I missed taking a picture. Of course, he was surrounded by his team and the other team, so I doubt we would have found him in the picture anyway. So, I'll just have to savor the sweet memory!! Needless to say, the smile on Noah's face was one of the biggest ones I've seen in a LONG time!! Noah--AWESOME JOB!

The boys are growing up so quickly, so I cherish all of these games. I may grumble a little trying to juggle the schedule, but it's well worth watching them on their respective fields. I'm very proud of both of them and can't wait to watch more soccer and football this week! Way to go Alexander and Noah!!

Hard Work Pays Off

Last year's 6th and 7th graders were honored Monday night at the "Evening of Excellence". Their academic achievements were recognized as students were honored for attaining Honor Roll (3.5-3.99) and the 4.0 Honor Roll. Alexander was recognized for Honor Roll and for being a Scholar Athlete--playing two middle school sports (football & track) while maintaining a 3.5+ GPA. We're VERY proud of his academic achievements! Congratulations Alexander on a job well done!!

Alexander shaking hands with the principal and vice principal before receiving his awards.

Kicking Off Another Season

Noah kicked off another soccer season this past week--they won their first two games (Thursday and his Birthday game, Saturday). Noah floats between offense and defense, but prefers defense because he doesn't run as much...hmmm... I love the look of determination on his face for the final picture in the series. He LOVES to play soccer and has been anxiously awaiting the start since his season ended last spring. It was priceless during Noah's first soccer practice when he and Zack simultaneously realized they were on the same team once again. Zack and Noah played last season together too--and now, have become best soccer buds. We look forward to an enjoyable soccer season Noah!

Double Digits Have Arrived!

The celebrating for the BIG 1-0 began Friday afternoon in the school cafeteria. Like last year, Noah asked if I would make cupcake cones for his friends in honor of his BDay.

Noah was SO busy making sure all of his classmates and 4th grade teachers had cupcake cones, that both he and I forgot to make sure Noah enjoyed a cupcake cone!

Noah's friends rode the bus home with him Friday after school--let the festivities begin!! The boys enjoyed pizza followed closely by cupcake cones--no one had enjoyed one earlier in the day, so it was the perfect treat! Happy Birthday to you Noah!

Enjoyng his cupcake cone treat--yummy!

The theme for Noah's Birthday party was "Noah's goodbye to summer campout". Having never set up a tent before, I called in reinforcements and the tent was "up" within 15 minutes! Thank heavens for friends!!

After squirting one another with water guns and hanging out in the tent, the boys changed and we headed over to the Rec Center for "open" swim. The boys had a blast splashing in the water, floating down the lazy river and sliding down the slides.

Once home again, Papa already had the fire going and the boys were ready for s'mores! Who knew that a bag of marshmellows would have to be rationed for everyone to enjoy?!

Hanging out by the campfire toasting marshmellows! And, seeing what happens when leaves, wrappers, marshmellows, chocolate and a variety of other items do in a fire!

Papa and Grammy came down to enjoy Noah's party too.

Alexander and a couple friends decided that making s'mores and

hanging out by the campfire wasn't so bad.

All bundled up, snug and cozy within the tent--ready for the camp out. We let the boys sleep outside by themselves ONLY because our bedroom window overlooks where the tent was pitched. We could hear the boys talking long into the night. Needless to say, no one enjoyed a lot of sleep Friday night, but everyone had a GREAT time!

Noah's friends left by 9am Saturday morning so, we could ready ourselves for Noah's 10am soccer game. Of course, Noah insisted on opening "family" gifts before heading to the field.

I can't believe we celebrated your 10th BDay this weekend, Noah. Time passes so quickly and I can't believe our "baby" is now 10 years old! We had a GREAT time celebrating with you and your friends. I'm thankful for the Mommy/Noah time we enjoyed on Saturday while Alexander and Dad were at the OSU/USC game--we need to schedule more "Mommy/Noah" dates! Happy Birthday kiddo!!

We Will Never Forget

Always remember, never forget!

'Going Bananas 4 Preschool'

My friend, Stacey, and her two youngest joined me at preschool on Monday and helped me complete my portion of the two bulletin boards. Each class has a portion of the bulletin board in the outside hallway as well as a bulletin board inside the classroom. The outside board announces the preschool happenings--monthly calendar & newsletter & snack list. In addition, I'll add class pictures and field trip pix as the year progresses.

The board below welcomes my new friends to our classroom. I found the monkeys and knew I had to include them--they're adorable and fun!

Stacey and little ones--a million thanks for spending the morning helping me tackle the bulletin boards. I'm SO happy with the final result!