Angels

Parker's 3rd grade class as well as the other 2 3rd grade classes at his school just finished a huge fundraiser. This fundraiser was by far the best, most meaningful fundraiser that we have ever been a part of. And none of the proceeds went back to the school. This fundraiser was all about teaching the children about a sense of community, helping those in need and realizing that there are families/people who are less fortunate than yourself. The 3rd graders sold 50/50 tickets to raise money (or you could just make a donation) to use to purchase gifts at Walmart for those in need from the Giving Tree's. This Thursday, all of the 3rd grade classes will be going to Walmart to choose Angels from the tree and spend their money to make Christmas a little brighter for many families. Our 3rd graders raised $4000. Half of that went back to the 50/50 winner so that leaves $2000 for the kids to spend! (plus at they last minute they received a business donation of $900) AMAZING!! I happened to be subbing in the classroom the day of the drawing and the kids were super excited to have raised as much money as they did. Not only are they choosing Angels off of the trees but they themselves are the true Angels for supporting such a wonderful cause! I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the kids cheer as they realized how much money they had raised. I am so proud of them! And of course, I am heading to Walmart with them....I would not miss it for the world. On an added side note....Parker received some money this week in a birthday card....he turned to me and said, "Mom, I think I might donate my birthday money so we can buy more for the Angels on the Giving Tree." Wow....my heart just melted!!!

Caught Being Nice

At Manor Heights....the school the boys attend....they have a program called Caught Being Nice. If you are caught by a peer using good manners, listening well, being respectful etc....you are given a bookmark and your name is placed in a drawing that is held every quarter. If you are the winner (each grade level has one winner) then you get your picture taken with the school Jaguar and at the end of the year you can win some pretty cool prizes! So.....Parker was the 4th quarter winner at the end of the year last year and he just brought home his neat picture with the Jaguar. And....Cooper has started this year off with a bang as he has received 3 Caught Being Nice bookmarks so far this quarter! Yippee for both boys! I am so proud of them!

Kissing Hand

Yesterday Cooper brought home an art project that his class had done on the 1st day of school. I LOVE it! It is his hand print with a heart in the center. He reminded me that they made this project after his teacher read the story, The Kissing Hand. Cooper was so excited because we have this story at home and we have read it many times. It is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it if you have not read it to your children yet. What a wonderful keepsake!!!

Balloons

Since it was the 1st day of school for this year everyone received a balloon and released them into the air at the end of the day. Such a neat sight!!!

1st Day of School

Today was the 1st day of school for both boys! Cooper started Kindergarten. He was so excited this morning. He jumped out of bed in a flash and gave a thumbs up. Parker was just as excited to go to school this morning and start 3rd grade!!! My gosh, I just can't believe how quickly time goes by. As usual I cried this morning as the boys were getting ready...then I cried again in the car on the way there....and I cried again when we walked Cooper to his classroom. I know I am a softie and I really cannot help it! hahaha Parker was such a wonderful big brother this morning. Helping Cooper find his way around and sticking by him on the playground before the bell rang. As the Kindergartners gathered, Cooper waved and gave the thumbs up sign again and off he went with his teacher! Such a big boy!! As Cooper was gathering with his class I noticed Parker was off with a small group of his friends. He looked like such a big boy....looking cool with his group of friends. Then they called all 3rd graders and he walked with his friends and found his teacher. He didn't turn to look at Rob and I and we had no waves good-bye. I had tears in my eyes but at the same time for the 1st time I realized that it was OK. He is getting older. He doesn't always need mom and dad right by his side. I was then happy to see him so happy and content. I am excited to see the boys after school and head to Dairy Queen. Ice cream on the 1st and last day of school is a ritual for us!!!!

Summer Reading Program

Today Parker and Cooper finished their Summer Reading requirements! This program is facilitated by the library and then we also keep track of reading minutes during the summer for school. There are various prize levels to reach throughout the summer so we have accumulated a few trinkets already....restaurant coupons, bookmarks, small toys etc....So off to the library we went this morning. We returned our sheets and today they both received 2 tickets to a Casper Ghosts (a farm team for the Colorado Rockies), a McDonald's coupon and a new book!! I am super proud of both of them for making the commitment and dedicating their time to reading this summer! Very important to all of us!!!

Mt. Rushmore

As most of you know, we visited Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse a few weeks ago! Here are just a couple of pictures from that trip. I might post more later but here is the deal! This trip Rob and I did not take our own camera. Some of you may be thinking...why would we not take a camera on a family vacation? Well, we let the boys take their own digital cameras and decided our memories from this trip would be made with a child's perspective! I was/am thrilled about this idea! The kicker is....the boys won't let me download any pictures off their cameras yet. So as soon as they feel they can part with them (or school starts...hahahaha), I will pull their pictures off and post a few.