Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

First Day. Last Day

My how the time has flown.
First Day of Kindergarten - August 20, 2009
Last Day of Senior Year - May 24, 2022
Max is ready for his next chapter. I'm going to embrace it with some tears! Love this kid so much!!

  • Montessori Children's Garden (pre-K)
  • Van Allen Elementary (K)
  • Buford Garner Elementary (1-6)
  • North Central Junior High School (7-8)
  • Liberty High School (9-12)

(Plus a little mom fun decorating our senior boys' cars today!)

#classof2022 #senior2022

August 20, 2009
First Day of Kindergarten
Van Allen Elementary

May 24, 2022
Last Day of High School
Liberty High School

Mom's doing a little decorating




Tuesday, May 17, 2022

One week of school

One more week of K-12 school for Max. Five school days. one more Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I used to tell him that in anticipation of the summer fun and eventually the fall school year starting. An entirely new meaning this year. My heart continues to go between swelling out of excitement and pride to sadness. Presume that's going to continue for a few weeks. Maybe months! Thinking of all you parents going through the same during this season. So many ups and downs for kids and parents as we reach this milestone and new chapters soon begin. May we all find patience and grace as we love, grow, struggle, soar and find our way. 

July 13, 2008
November 3, 2021


Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Good night

 The boys all had good, albeit boring they tell me, first days back at school. All were happy and ready to return today. It felt good to all of us to have a normal start. There may be lots of masks and some things that are very different but friends and learning can still be the same.

One of my highlights if not my highlight of the return is that last night while I was working with Traci and Jana on some items for football season, Max came up to me, told me he was going to bed, let me hug him, kiss his check and say I love you. He returned the I love you. That is a start of senior year happy moment. Thanks, kid.  This year is going to be hard, those moments will make it harder and happier. 

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Back to school....

My Facebook post from this morning.....

"Boys are back in school 100% in person today! First day since spring break 2020. (Yesterday Mother Nature took her turn impacting school. ) I know some prefer hybrid so 100% online or in person is tough. Praying for everyone changing to have a smooth transition, for teachers / staff and families to practice patience and grace, for kids to embrace (not with a hug!) their classes and friends and for all to do their best to mitigate COVID cases - Keep wearing your mask!"

Pierce was especially excited to go back this morning. his disappointment yesterday was real. He misses his friends so much. Plus he loves the days he is in school because Ms. Amy Roberts is wonderful.
Graham was very happy to go back to school. He's missed the social aspect of school, starting high school like he expected and learning in person. He likes school for these things - friends, learning and activities. That said, he loves basketball and is LOVING the opportunity to play sophomore basketball. he's a little concerned about COVID exposure and not getting to finish the basketball season. Fair concern however going back is winning for him and me.

Max is ready to be in school with his friends and out of the house. Period. We've managed okay but he needs his friends and structure.

I anticipate all three boys happy tonight with their first day back.

I am thrilled they are back in school. I believe it's the right place to be and that we can do this safely. I don't agree with all the ICCSD policies or those of Johnson County as I think our quarantine rules are too strict. I'll keep pushing back on those and pushing for safety.

I do though miss the boys already. So many positives to having more time together. While I won't miss the extra dirty dishes, too much no school time and video games/phone time or simply wandering, I'd rather have that and the extra hug, the noise in the house, the chatter and unexpected chats, lunches, card games and someone else to help to Ryah any day. Of course, those things came with the challenges and changes of COVID - many of which still remain. I'm going to treasure this extra time we've had, continue to remain committed to helping mitigate COVID spread and cheer the boys on in being back in school.

Such a mix of emotions for almost a year....

Monday, December 14, 2020

Monday morning.....

The boys went back to school today in the hybrid part of the Iowa City Community School District's Continuous Learning Model. Today the boys are in school Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and home Thursday and Friday. So, today, they mask-up and head to school.

Pierce and his heavy backpack (still have to take everything to and from school everyday) are VERY excited to be back in school. Plus he's going to Emerson's and the old neighborhood to play in the snow after school. Now, it was a tough start. Even though we were masks everywhere, he forgot his. No fear, reusable and disposable ones always stocked in the car. He also forgot his water bottle so I made a return trip (part of what instigated this post). 

Graham is ready to go back. Happy to be social. See his friends. Play basketball.

Max. Well, (funny, that is Maxwell and maybe not coincidental), he's happy being at home. Freedom, more things options, access to food, easier. So he would have been happy at home. EXCEPT this way he can play basketball, see more friends and we give more freedoms. 

Hayden. See Max. Except until soccer starts, he doesn't have an "except."

I wanted to post a status update on school but really what drove me here was the crazy morning I had <insert eye rolling, laughing and sighing>. Mom life, cold weather life, tight schedule life, multiple kids life, not living next to school life.

I was up at 5:45 and yet by 9:00, I hardly felt productive. I was though, just not in a work, exercise, get my things done way. It was all momming and those things above.

  • 5:45     Wake
  • 6:00     Graham to 6:15 basketball practice
  • 6:15     Tell Max hi as he heads out the door for 6:30 lifting (Wednesday I'm sending him early to take Graham and he can sit in his car until he gets the go for lifting)
  • 6:30     Wake-up Pierce, plus get a little snuggle with him
  • 6:45     Quick do two work things so they are on others desks before 8:00; chat with Pierce, find Connor's boots
  • 7:35     Pierce to school - realize he doesn't have a mask and forgot his water bottle (time to add to what already felt like true taxi morning!!) and why do I not have a single water bottle in the van today????
  • 7:55     Drop Connor's boots off
  • 8:00     Call from Graham - done with practice now instead of 8:15
  • 8:07     Pick-up Graham
  • 8:15     Yep, I'll help both Max and Graham with lunches
  • 8:35     Out again to take Graham to school and drop Pierce's water bottle
  • 8:50     Home
I also got a short socially distanced, mask visit with my parents. It's been WAY too long since I saw them. Dad had a doctor appointment at UIHC this morning so they stopped to drop-off ornaments, see decorations and say hi. Filled my heart. Even Max and Andy got to see them for a couple of minutes. 

Did I write how grateful I am that I am a mom and get to do these things? Yes, it's work and I absolutely do not want every morning like this but I do find the treasure in it. This is a plus of Work From Home (WFH) COVID life as I have the flexibility most mornings to really be present.

Back to work now.....

Monday, December 7, 2020

Conference Day!!

Garner Fall conference via Zoom for Pierce this morning. A change in how we've done things but seems normal given how we are living our life via Zoom.

Not a surprising conference. Pierce is having a good fall. In addition to his report card, here a few things we discussed. 

  • Overall comments and things Pierce is doing well
    • strong student; respectful, engaged
    • keep doing what your doing
    • smiles and is happy in class
    • completes assignments
    • asks good questions related to math
    • attends all his Zooms
    • clearly being held accountable and working hard
    • testing well in math so grasping concepts
  • To do 
    • push himself (spend more time) in Dreambox (math) and Lexia (language arts)
    • read more
    • use a graphic organizer when preparing to write or present on a topic; organize his thoughts in a more meaningful way
    • edit, edit, edit. punctuation, spelling
    • reminder that sometimes writing less is more
I'm so incredibly proud of Pierce. He's learning, a good student and person, is resilient through COVID and is meeting all the benchmarks. Yes, I want him to read more and push himself in math so we'll keep working on those. Ms. Roberts did remind me that while he does not like to read often or for very much time, he is reading fluently and his math benchmark is above grade level. Keep at it Meister!!! Love you.

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Wrapping up the year....

Friday was the last official day of 5th (Pierce), 8th (Graham) and 10th (Max) grades. Proud of the boys for handling the last 2+ months of home school with mom leading the charge and without friends and teachers in-person for support/perspective/fun/encouragement. COVID-19 changed everything for most of us - congratulations to families and teachers for arriving at the end with success and smiles; we all know it wasn't always easy.
It's on to high school for Graham. A huge shout out to him for the honor of receiving the Fight With Flash Award. Love him for his hard work, attitude and effort and letting those shine at school. And the bonus - Max received the same award in 2018! My heart might be a bit enlarged by these boys!

While the ending is not what we expected and the school year learning less than desirable (at least from mom's perspective!), the boys adjusted, did their work, and finished well. 




 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Bike and smile

“First bike day this year,” he says with a huge smile as he rides off to school. We all know sometimes it’s the simple things that bring the best smiles for kids and adults. We just need a little reminder! ❤️😃 🌞 (no photo because that may have taken the moment!)

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Thanksgiving Sign-A-Long

I joined Pierce for his Thanksgiving Sing-A-Long today. Felt a little odd only watching for Pierce in the crowd. Garner switches between a Thanksgiving sign-a-long and a Winter sing-a-long each year. This year we were on for Thanksgiving and it happened today. A gym FULL of kids, parents, grandparents, siblings and friends. Yes, it's a bit chaotic but it does make one smile and feel in the holiday spirit! I'm pretty sure we're repeated ALL of these songs each year. I'm okay with it because I know them, the kids love them and they are well... tradition. Happy Thanksgiving!

And only one more year of each kind of sing-a-long.......

Garner Thanksgiving Sing-Along
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Grades 3-6; 2:00 p.m.



  1. Welcome Here
  2. On Thanksgiving
  3. A Turkey Knocked at My Back Door
  4. Over the River and Through the Wood
  5. Turkey Tango
  6. My Friend Tom
  7. Super Turkey


Welcome Here

Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.
Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.

  1. We’ve got a pie all baked complete,
A pudding too that’s very sweet.

2.  We’ve got a turkey nice and brown,
With chestnut dressing all around.

Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.
Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.

3.  We’ve got some mashed potatoes too,
And candied yams for me and you.

4.  We’ve got songs to sing and play
To celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.
Welcome here, welcome here,
All be alive and be of good cheer.





On ThanksgivingPie, Turkey, Eating, Fork, ...

On Thanksgiving, on Thanksgiving                          
Come to dine, be on time.
First we have a greeting
Then we start the eating.
Eat all day, that's the way.



On Thanksgiving, on ThanksgivingFootball, Brown, Pigskin, Lace ...
Football game, glad we came.
After turkey dinner,
We will know the winner.
If we lose, take a snooze.







A Turkey Knocked at My Back Door

Oh a turkey knocked at my back door and I invited him in.
'Twas a chill November Thursday, so I invited him.
Won't you come into my kitchen, my friend.  I'll boil some water for tea.
Come and sit here in my kitchen; we'll chat!  Have a cookie, maybe two or three.
He answered:  "NO! NO! NO!  NO! I won't come into your kitchen.
I said NO!  NO! NO! NO!  I'll see you another day!"


Over the River and Through the Wood

Verse 1: Over the river and through the wood
To Grandfather's house we go
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow
Over the river and through the wood
Oh, how the wind does blow.
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Verse 2: Over the river and through the wood,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river and through the wood.
Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun, is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Sleigh, Carriage, Couple ...






Turkey Tango

I taught my turkey how to tango.
His name is Fred.  He's from Durango
In a tux, he looks so chic, with a rose held in his beak
And he does a nice fandango.

Now Freddie teaches how to tango to all his buddies from Durango.
Peter Panda, Betty Bear-
they all think he's Fred Astaire, even Al Orangutango.

He's suave and graceful.  He would never trip or hobble.
He's got that polish like a diamond or a bauble.
He's fine and clever and his feathers never wobble.
Though it is true that, when he dances, he will gobble!   Dance!

He'll teach the tango and he'll always be so perky.
But he won't teach to anyone who's being quirky.
From San Francisco to New York and Albuquerque,
he'll teach the tango.
Just remember he's a turkey!
Cha! Cha! Cha!Turkey, Bird, Thanksgiving ...









My Friend Tom

I have a friend whose name is Tom
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom
Never really knew where he was from
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom

CHORUS: My friend Tom likes to gobble when he wobbles.
My friend Tom likes to wander to and fro.
My friend Tom likes to giggle when he wiggles
My friend Tom is a turkey don't you know?
My friend Tom is a turkey don't you know?File:Happy Thanksgiving Odd ...
Old Tom was lost one autumn day.
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom
He just up and wobbled away
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom - CHORUS

When I sat down to read Tom's will;
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom
Here came Tom wobbling over the hill
Gobble gobble giggle giggle didily bom bom - CHORUS


Super Turkey

Verse 1: I'll tell you a story 'bout a little bird,
Strangest story you've ever heard,
Super Turkey is his name, gettin' away is how he earned his fame.

CHORUS: Su---per turkey, he always gets away!
Su---per turkey, you won’t eat him on Thanksgiving Day!

Verse 2: Mama Turkey was so glad, about the little chick she had,
She made sure he did no wrong, and grew up to be big and strong.  CHORUS

Verse 3: Papa Turkey was so proud,
He strutted around and he gobbled out loud.
"My son is so big and wise, he'll never be eaten with pumpkin pies."  CHORUS

Verse 4: Sure enough, that little chick, grew up to be smart and quick.
He outsmarted and out ran every animal and every man.  CHORUS

Verse 5: When Thanksgiving comes around, Farmer Jones can be found
Sneakin' around with his big shotgun tryin' to get that Turkey on the run.  CHORUS

Verse 6: Farmer Jones is gettin' mad!
He wants to catch that bird so bad!Turkey With Sign
He gets tired of eating fish, instead of his favorite turkey dish!   CHORUS



Just for Giggles…
Q: Why was the turkey the drummer in the band?   
A: Because he had the drumsticks!Pie, Turkey, Eating, Fork, ...

Q: What key has legs and can’t open doors?
A: A turkey!

Q:  What are unhappy cranberries called?
A:  Blueberries!

Q:  Why didn’t the turkey eat dessert?
A:  He was stuffed!

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Everyone in their place

Sometimes it’s simply nice to see a photo of where we each are and know we are each were we belong in a given moment.


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Ready?

As I near my own bedtime, here's what I'm thinking....

Freshmen registration and orientation ✅
Junior high registration and orientation ✅
4th grade and only one in elementary ✅
New school shoes bought ✅
Backpacks, school supplies and lunchboxes ✅
All boys sleeping ✅
We’re ready for tomorrow.
Wait.... freshmen, another junior high and only one left in elementary school? I may have to rethink this “ready” part!

As Max went to bed tonight he told me he was ready for high school. I know he is and overall, I am too. I know it's the next step under this parenting/child relationship. I am ready to watch him soar in new ways. That said, I'm still not ready... for the end of summer, for the boys ages, for one to be four years from moving out of the house and well, I just want to snuggle a little longer! 

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Summer ending???? Nooooooo!








Straps broke on the swim bag today. Maybe summer really is coming to an end. 😔 
And yes, this is post Max registering for high school and Graham for junior high so I suppose I knew it already....

Friday, April 27, 2018

Loves photos

He never likes to have his photo taken. Tonight was no exception. He sometimes tolerates it. Not tonight.

Last junior high dance / party for Max. I insisted on a photo as I don't think I took one at his first and this is the last. Yes, I know, there are likely more important and bigger ones to come in high school. Really, though, just let me take one photo. Attempted before AND after the dance. At least by after the dance he knew it was easier to smile.