3rd Grade Writings

Reece has been working on a writing a lot in 3rd grade. Here is his practice story he wrote to get ready for state assessments. He was given this prompt... "What is your favorite pair of shoes?"

Step, step, step. When I walk in my favorite pair of shoes they aren't too loud. They aren't too quiet. They are just right! I really like my shoes because of the colors. Silver, black, and white. Every day, I look at my shoes in the morning thinking they're the best shoes ever. My shoes are very comfortable and if I fall on my feet it won't hurt too much. I think it's because I bought them less than a year ago and they're in great shape. I try to do my best to keep them in great shape because of the colors. I really like my favorite pair of shoes because of all those things and I hope you like you shoes.

It's just so cute watching kids grow in the writing department...I can tell he gives his best.

Here is another one with the prompt, "What do you do at recess?"

Scream, you're it, come on! The sounds of recess, getting a break from learning and getting fresh air. I like recess. One reason is that I like to run and play because it's nice to get active after learning and run. Another reason is to get fresh air to your brain because it pumps more blood to your brain and fresh air is better. I also like it because it's good to exercise because more blood to your brain and you get stronger. I hope you do all of these things to help you stay focused.

So he like the word "because" and he definitely repeats his main points often... haha! Either way it's cute coming from a 9 year old.

Hiatus

We've been a bit boring lately...but this will catch you up on the few things that have happened in the last month...

We didn't get to travel for spring break, but we broke down and bought annual passes to the adventure park. We've already gotten our money's worth. They opened the giant swing up just for spring break, and we can't get enough of it!

Here is a picture of our canyon we live in...I took it while standing in line for the giant swing.

Reece in the black, making contact with the camera.

Riley on the right... he loves it, but hangs on for dear life the entire time.

I cut my hair for the first time in 2.5 years (other than trimming it up.)
BEFORE

AFTER
She took 4 inches off... and then she styled it herself. Not anything like I style it, so this is a bit crazy, but my curls are happy to have the extra weight off. I'm pleased with it on most days. It was hard going to a stranger because my sister has been the only one to touch my hair in years.

Reece warming up for his first game... the weather was near perfect for 830 in the morning. He played an older Basalt team and they lost by several points...I lost track... but Reece's team had 2 goals, and they just happened to be made by Reece! Woohoo! Things are really starting to click and he's showing so much improvement. He had one goal followed by a made Penalty Kick. I was one proud mama! Hope this keeps him going and keeps him excited about this sport!

Reece has a new coach this season and she's pretty enthusiastic and creative. Looking forward to more amazing weather and more growing for Reece.

That about sums it up... I've moved on to full time now at my job and we are still house shopping. It's been very stressful and mentally exhausting, but we will find the right house for us. It probably wouldn't be so hard if we weren't up against investors with cash who are getting into bidding wars and also driving up the prices of the homes around here. But the right one has got to be out there for us. Trying to stay positive. Wish us luck!

House Hunting

We have officially started shopping for a home... it's been a roller coaster of a ride, just in the few weeks we've been searching. Unfortunately, homes are flying off the market extremely fast. Usually under contract within a day, fast. This has my anxieties up. I just don't want to jump into something for the reason that someone else will take it if I don't. Not a fun way to make such a huge purchase. So wish us luck...I keep telling myself "it's only march." It really is so early into the high selling season, so something just right will come up!

Progress Reports

Glenwood does their spring conferences a bit different... unless there is an issue or concern at school, you have the choice to schedule conferences with teachers. I thought this was strange, and I had an internal struggle with deciding to whether be that parent that wanted to hear directly from the teachers or wondering if would I be judged if I didn't want to take the time to meet with them. Well, I ended up not going to either. Actually, with Riley I got a letter and declined the conference and with Reece I never got the choice. I assumed if there was an issue I would have been contacted. Both boys are having a great year. I couldn't be more proud of how they have adjusted to a new school.

Reece is doing well in all of his subjects. He seems to be right on target for 3rd grade. He even had his first state testing experience and that first day was a little nervous, but once he took the first test and didn't struggle, he breezed through all of the others. They celebrated testing with pajama days.

"Reece continues to work hard and puts his best efforts into every assignment. His hard work is paying off and he is excelling across the subjects. Keep up the good work, Reece!" ~Ms. Foster (his teacher)

"Reece has been an integral part of our learning community this year by becoming a trusted teammate, supportive listener, developing grammar user, and an interactive reader. Additionally, your child takes the time to read carefully, develop opinions, share feelings, and offers thoughtful input to those wanting to become involved with him. I continue to encourage you to share in your child's reading each night by listening, asking questions, and helping to develop solid reading strategies before such activities as watching television, playing video games, and playing with friends." ~Mr. Hardcastle, Literacy

Riley is also doing a great job in all of his subjects. I'd say Humanities is his weakest subject. It's a combination of Literacy and Social Studies. They work on oral expression, reading, writing, research, history, geography, economics and civics. He does best in his math, science and computer classes.

"Riley is a joy to have in class!" ~Mrs. Chaney, Humanities

"Great job. Awesome student!" ~Mr. Smith, Math (Mr. Smith enjoys Riley and even got Riley a piece of pie for Pi Day...not sure how I feel about him being singled out, but I'm happy for Riley, and Riley was very happy too!)

"Riley, you are such a great science student. Continue to work for excellence and challenge yourself and your group members." ~Mrs. Hassell, Science

Mrs. Hassell even nominated Riley to attend a National Youth Leadership Forum, based on his academic potential and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. It would be a 6 day program over summer, in Pennsylvania, California or Illinois. It sure makes a parent proud, but being able to work something like this out is complicated. Hopefully someday we can take advantage, but until then we can just be proud parents that his teachers really see potential in our child.

The Siffrings Came to Town

Our former "Outback" friends that live in Fort Collins ventured to the western slope for the first time. The funny thing is they forgot that we lived in Glenwood Springs and when she posted a picture of them at the adventure park I got excited and called her immediately. We were able to meet up for dinner then they let the boys head to the hotel with them to swim for the rest of the evening. They loved Glenwood and couldn't blame us for loving it too!

This is Ryann, we hadn't seen her since she was just weeks old. This picture was just too cute to not post.

The kiddos really hit it off, especially Reece and Ellyott who are a year apart. Good times by all! Hope they come back to our fun town!!

March Stuff

Riley finished the second "Hunger Games" book!! Thankfully, Netflix got us the "Catching Fire" movie quickly. He enjoyed it and is nearly done with the last book...too bad we must wait a while for those movies to come out. He watched the movie 3-4 times over the weekend, and liked it, but we all know the books are always better! 

 This was a funny way to wake up on St. Patrick's Day...apparently Reece is a little upset his trap didn't work last year. He left this note on our front door. Watch out, Mr. Leprechaun!

 Lastly, this is Reece's first clay project from art. I miss the art that came home from his McPherson school, but he keeps telling me it will come home at the end of the year. I hope so! Until then I have this lovely detailed clay face to admire! ;)

Impatient

Before I get started... how about that view! Most of Glenwood is slowly turning green, but we have gorgeous Mt. Sopris to gaze at from a distance. It's a huge water source for us, so the longer it stays white, the better.

Jake and I attempted a couple hikes...it turned out you could only go so far. Darn trails that get no to little sun are just too icy right now. We will impatiently wait for another month or so before we really get back into the hiking routine, but until then we will enjoy the gorgeous spring weather!