~Cloud Nine~

Can it get any better than cloud nine? I might just cry while typing this.

I just got back from parent/teacher conferences, and WOW is all I can think right now. I only wish I had a tape recorder so Jake could listen to the rave reviews my boys got.

I'll start with Riley: Mr. K. immediately told me what a blessing to his classroom, Riley was. The class wrote stories about the first day of school, and Riley's name was brought up multiple times. He made such a great impression, and they were naming him as new friends. He is always known as the nice boy in class.
Reading was his highest mark, a perfect 5! This is funny, because reading seems like his least favorite subject to me. He came in with a very high math percentage... Mr. K knows this is his favorite, and if Riley keeps his grade up, we will discuss enrichment programs.
The McPherson school district has "8 Keys of Excellence" and each month they learn, and practice one. Not all grade levels are actually graded on each key... maturity is a huge key for each key. The one key that Riley received a grade on was "This Is It." He got a perfect 5 again. Mr. K says this is almost unheard of.... It means, the student has a firm grasp that their focus on the present directly effects their success. They listen to instructions, follow all directions, and complete all tasks.
The only area he wants Riley to work on is penmanship. Riley is a boy, and it gets pretty sloppy. If this is his weak spot, I'll be ok. But I will need to hold Riley to a higher level, because when he slows down, his handwriting is pretty nice. It's kind of funny.... in previous years, Riley was the one with amazing handwriting, compared to most of the class. Guess it's time to step it up in McPherson!

Reece..... Reece, Reece, Reece, Reece. What can I say?? I've never had a bad conference. And, I've NEVER had a PERFECT conference..... until today! Granted, kindergarten is so much different than 3rd, but WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There aren't specifics in why he is doing so great in class. He follows directions and know his ABC's! What more does a kindergartner need to know? Kidding... Really, he is just a great student. Teacher knows all.... Mom and Dad know nothing! That pretty much sums up this kid.
The only negative, that I brought up myself, is Reece's tattling issue. (Remember from Preschool?) Only, Mrs. O. doesn't find it an issue at all! She doesn't have a problem with it, and just sees Reece as being very concerned about school rules, and isn't trying to get kids in trouble! Funny how house rules mean nothing, but SCHOOL rules mean life or death. =/
When all was said, and I was so proud of my Reecey Poo, I asked what we can do for Reece at home. Her answer was, "Send more perfect kids her way!"
Say What?!?!
She truly feels that Reece is the perfect student. I got the feeling she doesn't say this often.
Mr. K. and Mrs. O. briefly talked, and actually were wondering if we were a perfect family, to have sent two amazing boys to school. That's obviously the only explanation....Aww.... "tear" By the way... the truth is... It's pure LUCK!

I must apologize... this post probably seems arrogant, but I just couldn't be more impressed with my boys! This was the most rewarding hour of my life!!!

3rd Grade Picture

Oh, wait!! I don't have one!!
I sent Riley to school on retake day, dressed nice, hair done, and picture money, only to not have them taken.
I'm so aggravated! I did everything right, and this is what I got!
Remember, Riley had a black eye....
I decided I wasn't going to send any money for original picture day, because I didn't want the picture company to waste money on prints, I wasn't going to want.
That backfired. If I would've had prints to return, he probably wouldn't have missed the retakes.
I'm frustrated. I know there are spring pictures, but I had plans for the pictures.... before spring. The office blamed PTO, because they are the ones responsible for pictures. They also wanted to blame Riley. They told me that someone walks into EACH room , and asks all kids who need retakes to come. I'm sorry. But Riley absolutely knew he needed retakes, and he would've responded if given the option. There is a high chance, Riley was in a different room. Why would they not use the intercom?? Seems more efficient to me!
Lastly, Riley gave his teacher the money first thing in the morning. Seems that his teacher should have caught this as well. How did this black eye backfire???
One. Unhappy. Mom.

A Positive Note

This year I accidentally took on the role of being a room parent. I was so scared when I got volunteered for this position... I like to help provide, but I don't feel creative enough to be in charge. Here we are, one week before our first party, and I've been emailing Reece's teacher, back and forth, to finalize Fall Party plans.... this is a nice email she sent.

That sounds great. Thank you. Reece is an exceptional kindergarten student. He always tries his best and is very conscious of classroom rules and procedures. You would be very proud of Reece if you could watch his kindergarten day. You are to be complimented as a parent. Riley's teacher told me he is a great kid too!

This all came about, when I was discussing how much I really wish I could be a fly on the wall, to see how Reece interacts in his class. You see, the first 2 hours of my day are spent with a very "special" kindergarten class. There are 19 very BOLD personalities all under one classroom. I would be lying if I told you my blood pressure has not been elevated once or twice by the time I've left the room. Seeing this class and teacher in action, has given me a entire new perspective and admiration for ALL teachers!!

This email just gets me more excited for parent/teacher conferences!

F.A.L.L.

Another awesome thing about our house, are the FALL leaves!! Gorgeous!!

I thought the boys would have fun taking pictures of them for me....

THIS IS WHAT I GOT!

Reece's art project....
Our neighbor, Savannah....
This isn't too bad...

Riley....

Reece needs to watch his shadows ;)...

Not those leaves, Reece....

Pumpkin??....

Dead leaves....

THIS IS WHAT I WANTED!!

Riley showing off his pile of leaves.

I'll enjoy them, until they all fall off...

Pumpkin Patch

Sunny Side Pumpkin Patch

Silly Sunflowers

Corn Maze Entrance

Once we figured out the map, we found all 4 hidden paper hole punches.

We did it!!

Hayride fun!!

Time to find our pumpkins...

What's Up??

I feel as though I've been neglecting the blog, lately....


Let's start with the new job. The boys are both in school all day, so what would be the most ideal job to have? A job with the school district, so I can be on the boys school schedule. I am a special education para. I have a love/hate relationship with it. It is so over the top rewarding, and it is so physically and mentally draining each day. Growing up, I really felt as though I was a patient person. I got overwhelmed easily, but I was pretty patient. (To all my family reading this.... this probably doesn't apply to any family situations. I'm just thinking of my world outside of the house.) Then I had kids, and I always felt that all patience I ever had, went out the window, quickly. I am amazed each, and every day, I survive with the children I have to deal with at work. It feels as though I have 1 awesome day, to every 4-5 dreadful day. The quality of my day is always directly correlated with my students behavior. And yet, I always go back. My days never feel like the 7 hours I put in. On the other hand, I have to wake up at 6am, and I HaTe that! If the sun isn't up, I truly dislike being up as well.... (see what I mean about a love/hate relationship?) Just like having kids, when the good totally outshines the bad, my 1 good day with a student is so worth all the other bad days..... most the time.
***
The boys are still enjoying school. Riley doesn't talk too much about it, but Reece just LOVES it!! Parent teacher conferences are coming up in a couple of weeks, so we'll see where they are there.
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My October is crazy busy. I work full time at the school, Monday through Friday.... then when I get off on Friday, I rush to Wichita, to sell tickets (Field of Screams) on Friday and Saturday night, until midnight. After things get cleaned and closed up, I crawl in bed around 1 or 2 in the morning. Needless to say, I'm exhausted! However, I really am having fun with this, and every night I work, I become a little more proud of what my sister and her husband have accomplished in the last 7 years. I make it a point to brag about them, whenever possible!
***
Jake will be going back up to KC on the 21st. He will have his MRI and appointment with the other surgeon, about the tumor in his leg. This, I believe, wraps things up. Nothing exciting, this is just what's happening around here!

Rushed Tooth

Reece lost his first top tooth during "Boys Weekend."

I do know that this tooth wasn't really ready to come out.

I don't know exactly how it did come out.

I know there was some wrestling and rough housing, and suddenly his tooth that was barely loose before, was out! I just wonder how long this huge gap will be in his mouth?

Goofy Glasses

While I was away in Wichita, working all weekend, the boys had a "Boys Weekend."

Apparently, Sonic was on the menu, and in the kids meals were these glasses. At first the boys were a little disappointed that this counted as a toy.... it didn't take too long for them to enjoy them.

Aunt Jaime!!!!

We NEED you!!!

It takes a lot of work getting this tamed in the mornings... I think the only thing that can help is a fabulous haircut from his favorite Aunt!

(I love the flipped up collar too!)

Kindergarten Picture

Gotta love the awkward smile!

At least, I do!!