Another first day...

Whew...I.am.exhausted...teaching 24 cute 5 and 6 year olds can be draining...so glad it's Friday, though not looking forward to the hours I'll be putting in this weekend. Not sure how I can be so far behind in only 2 weeks. Hmmm....
Well, this little miss had her first day of pre-school

....cannot believe my baby is going to pre-school. She loved it, of course. She is the typical baby of the family social butterfly. Of course she loves anything with other kids and not at home. This was the same little one who would wake up for her naps with her purse on her arm, saying, "Ready to go. Let's go!"
We're are enjoying Florida weather here...hot and humid. Lovely combination. Good thing I'm in an air conditioned classroom all day. I crank it to 72...my poor kiddos have begun bringing sweaters! They are cold! But hey, if the teacher isn't happy, then no one is happy! Sorry, kiddos. I think Cooper is the only one who hasn't asked me to "turn up the heater". Love their little sayings. Like the hand sanitizer lotion is just called "hanitizer". I think it's perfect! I almost want to make my own and sell it with that name. :-)

Anyway, my blog surfing has been limited to only first grade blogs for ideas, ideas, and more ideas, but here are a few other things I've found in the last few weeks to share:

Photo Walls ideas

An art project I want to do with my kiddos

Need ideas about planning a photo session? Cuteness!

Kids and Chores....something I am struggling with...the best way to set up chores. the boys have certain daily and weekly things, but I want them to do "more"...not for me, but so they can be independent and take care of themselves someday. Spencer asked if he could be excused from cleaning out the dishwasher on his birthday...he's NOT a big fan of that chore! Who is?
Have a good weekend!

First Day!!!!!

The boys on their first day of school:

*Spencer, Grade 3. Loves his teacher, Mrs. Peterson (I love her, too!)....She reminds me of MY favorite teacher ever, Mrs. Bruno (who I was *lucky* to work next door to for 3 years)...he was nervous, but excited

*Cooper, Grade 1...he loves his teacher and he better...it's ME! He was a little nervous, but happy. Sadly, he didn't get any of his friends in our class (I was super bummed), but he can make new ones (and still plays with his other ones...on the same soccer team with one of his best friends, Jack)

Here's a good year, my sweet boys!

Kendall starts pre-school next Tuesday....yikes! She's still in "summer mode"-enjoying lazy days, pool days with daddy, dates with both Grandmas...

Summer Reading-How'd I do?

So, I read a lot this summer...loved every minute of it! The kids did the Summer Reading Program at the library and got their free books from the summer program at Barnes & Noble. So, we all read! Here was my list from the beginning of the summer:
(From June)
I am excited to plan my reading...here are some of the books I plan to read this summer:

1. Some classics: reread Jane Eyre and read Middlemarch ***Read Jane Eyre, but did not read Middlemarch...yet!
2. some other more contemporary classics I missed: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ***Didn't get to this one yet
3. Parenting books: I am currently rereading 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know and I'd like to read Growing Grateful Kids. I plan to read 50 Things Every Gentleman Should Know to my boys and have the journal about it ***Not sounding so good, but didn't finish 12 Simple Secrets, neve bought the Grateful Kids book, and didn't have the boys journal the 50 Things, but want to do that this year
4. Some interesting reads: Tolstoy and the Purple Chair, The Paris Wife, Summer Rental ***Still on library wait list for the first 2, but read Summer Rental-total beach read
5. Bossypants-heard so many friends loved it! ***Still on library wait list
6. Finally read Water for Elephants...finally ***Someone borrowed, need to get it back!
7. and whatever else comes up on my on hold list at the library...make sure you friend me on goodreads.com to see what I end up reading this summer
8. I am currently reading The Unexpected Circumnavigation right now for my new reading group: From Left to Write. ***Read, it was OK...needs a major editing job

But I did read: About 28 books and some of my favs were:
In Stitches-very funny read about a young Korean boy growing up in Michigan and going to Med School (true story!)
I, Mona Lisa (historical fiction about who was the Mona Lisa....soooo good!)
Cate of the Lost Colony (ever wonder what happened to lost people of Roanoke Island??)
Sarah's Key-heartbreaking, but excellent
No More I'm Done- Great teaching resource for writer's workshop-LOVE it!
360 Degrees Longitude-one family's trip around the world in a year, so interesting to read their descriptions of other cultures!
The Wilder Life-story of a woman searching for more information on her fav series: Little House on the Prairie (learned a lot from this one!)

What about you??? What did you read? I am a bit sad...now comes the reading drought...my focus is on my kids when I'm at home and doing lesson plans after they go to bed, in place of my reading time...but hopefully will be back to reading soon!

Photography and Music

OK, a few things to share...
First, Joe and I (and Monica and Allen) went up to Sacramento and saw the most amazing performance by AWOLNATION! The concert rocked, Aaron, the singer and guitar during the show, was a great performer, and the fans went crazy! We had so much fun singing along and getting our dance on! Whoo-hoo! If they come near you, go check them out for a fun time. Here's a link to his Youtube video of my fav song: Burn It Down.

Second, I wanted to share about a photography resource that I really have found useful...Kristen Duke's book: Say No To Auto. I love it! I bought the download version and printed it out in 4 x 6 size, stuck it on a ring, and now it goes with me in my camera bag wherever I go. Easy to understand (even for me, who is still learning what the technical terms mean: f-stop, aperture, etc.). Worth it! And now she has revised it, making it even more helpful. Go check it out!

More coming...the end of summer wrap up...yes, come Monday, I will be spending my days with 24 precious first graders (including my own-Cooper!). I hope I have made my room cozy and comfy for them. Those first grade blogs I have been perusing have been so helpful! Happy Weekend!

In Stitches: Culture Shock

Anthony Youn's memoir In Stitches gives readers a look into the training of a medical doctor who discovers his passion is plastic surgery. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members postsinspired by In Stitches by Anthony Youn, M.D. on book club day, August 9 at From Left to Write.

First off, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun read! I couldn't help but think of myself in junior high when I read about his experiences growing as a Korean boy in white Michigan...I moved to diverse California in the 6th grade, coming from an all white, southern Illinois town of about 9,000. Can you say culture shock? My friends all told me that California was about to fall off North America (Most Californians have never heard this rumor!), so I was terrified about that. My Dad even told me they only ate fish in CA-and I hated fish! Once I started school, I was definitely out of place. What was cool in my small town wasn't so cool here. So many languages, so many nationalities! My new CA friends would tease me about my "accent"-I guess I said "pool" and "cool" with two syllables! When I think back to those days, I realize I was a very naive, sheltered child. Luckily, I think my own children are a lot more savvy!

But I did adapt, and now I wouldn't live in any other state. I think the diversity adds a lot to our state-traditions, cultures, food! I love reading about other cultures, and here I am right in the middle of it all. I read somewhere that America is not a "melting pot", but instead a "salad"-all different traditions and ways of life mixed in together. I like that imagery. As a parent, I've had fun incorporating new traditions for my kids that I have learned about, as well as following traditions from my own family (we are a mix of Hungarians and German, and my husband's family is mostly Italian).
What about you?

Where did summer go???

I remember in June, the whole summer stretched out ahead of me. I had lists of things I wanted to do, make, play, read...and now...in 2 days I am back to work. I admit, I really love my job, BUT I love my kids more, and I'm sad that it's back to work. The last 2 weeks have been busy busy busy! We headed to the beach house for some family time with Joe's family. Aquarium

, The Mystery Spot,

beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (tip: go on Mon or Tues after 3 for $1 rides!).

Then it was home and my family time!

My sisters both were in town...and LILY...and we had a little get together/shower for Jenny & Lily. It was fun!

If you live in the same town as your siblings, enjoy it. I really wish my sisters lived closer to me here...

The Costume Trunk book post

My 2nd post for my new book club: From Left to Write.

In The Costume Trunk, Courtney and her friends discovers the magical world of Paddywhack Lane where all they need is their imagination to have fun. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Costume Trunk by Bob Fuller on book club day, July 28 at From Left to Write.

As I read this book about children dressing up in costumes and exploring a magical land, I kept thinking about the power of imagination. It's such a critical experience for small children-they learn about navigating our big world and make sense of the fears they may have by acting it out. However, in our current days, it seems like the world of make believe is being pushed along the wayside. Play kitchens and dress up toys are disappearing from kindergarten classrooms, replaced with desks and more and more work. Video games occupy many kids all day long-playing in someone else's imaginary world. Why not let kids be kids a little longer (especially when being an adult today is pretty scary!)???
This summer, I did not plan much at all for my kids. Yes, there were days when they were bored and whining, yes, there were days I wanted to ship them off to some camp or class...but they did a lot of playing! Lego worlds, car races, lots of rescue games-especially when you have a little 3-year-old girl who loves dressing up like a princess! I loved seeing the interaction between my kids, the push and pull, the conversations I eavesdropped on. Did the TV get turned on? Yes...but once it was turned off, they quickly found something else to do. I really saw the PLAY that happened this summer, and I really think it's for the better. It seems like there is a large group of parents out there (at least with many of the friends I know and some of the blogs I read) who are trying to go "back to basics" with our kids: resisting the blatant consumerism, the push to sign up kids for every activity out there, overcommitting their families... It is a hard balance sometimes. I just know my kids would love doing some of the classes out there. But hey, they have their whole lives ahead of them. They are only young once. So, my kids will be the ones eating dinner at home, playing on their bikes out front, doodling on paper, and saying,"Mom, I'm bored!" And that's OK with me.

New blog obsession...

Uh-oh, if you are a teacher...you may want to skip this post. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending many hours blog perusing...
I found the new world of teacher blogs! I have been firing up the printer and getting excited for school! I've been excited for school since Cooper will be in my class this year, but to be honest, I was nervous about 1st grade. I generally like teaching kids a little older. But now, I am super excited! Here are some to get you started...if *first grade* is not your thing, check the links on the sides for other grade levels. Have fun!

The First Grade Parade

The Inspired Apple

Mrs. Kincaid's First Grade

Mrs. Bainbridge's 1/2 Combo (TONS of things here!)
Oh, and here's one offering a pretty cool freebie (just found this site today!):
First Grade Pandamonium Go and check her out! :-)

Photo Fun

So...my friend Michelle and I were talking about photography and we decided to do a little photo shoot together with our kids. We both took pics of all our kids. It was fun! Here are some of my favs. Her kids are adorable...Nick is super photogenic and her girls are darling! First up is my Kendall...sweet as ever in her pillowcase dress (love it, Donovan!)

Lily Love!

Last weekend my mom was heading down to see Lily (oh and Jenny and Justin, too! Ha!) .

She was also going to see my cousin Paolo and his family, so Kendall and I decided at the last minute to tag along.

It was so much fun! I got my Lily fix-I even did the night duties one night so Jenny and Justin could sleep. She is the sweetest baby!

We also got to visit with Paolo and his wife Julia and daughter Lia at a park in Coronado. Jenny and I haven't seen him since 1984!

I can't believe it has been that long. He grew up in the Virgin Islands, and then joined the navy, serving in several places, including Italy. They are currently stationed in Texas, but sent to San Diego for a few weeks this summer.

We had a great visit! I was a little sad, thinking of all the years we didn't see each other or even communicate. Family is so important to me! I hope we can stay in better contact now. I was also sad that his Mom wasn't there-my Aunt Emese. I have stayed in contact with her and even seen her a few times in the past 10 years. (Hi Auntie Emese-I know you read my blog! I will be sending you pictures this week!!)

The trip was too short, but a nice treat. Of course, we had to go to the beach-my kids are all beach lovers! Kendall had a blast!

I love love this picture of her!

She looks so happy!
Now, getting ready for the 4th and planning what we are doing for the rest of the summer. We've been checking things off our summer list!

What about you???

From Left To Write Post #1: The Travel Bug

OK, so here's my first post for my new reading and writing group, From Left to Write. Hope you like it! As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Unexpected Circumnavigation: Unusual Boat, Unusual People Part I on book club day, June 28 at From Left to Write.

Travel...is something that interests me, but I don't think much about it. I'm happily raising my kids in CA, 2 hours to the beach and the mountains and San Francisco and of course, spending several weekends in San Diego (a.k.a my children's fav place) during the year. I haven't much thought about leaving the country on a vacation. Though, to be honest, I do sometimes think about visiting Hungary, where my Dad was born and lived until he was a teenager, but it's not something I'm actively planning (or saving for!).

However, after reading this month's selection this book, The Unexpected Circumnavigation and also
360 Degrees Longitude: One Family's Journey Around the World (checked out of the library-not part of my group's monthly reading) right afterwards, I am anxious to travel! I have been bitten by the travel bug-and for several reasons. Of course, I want to see the tropical waters and the islands that Christi and her husband sailed around (I am a beach girl at heart). But I also want to show my kids other cultures, other ways of life. I totally buy into the idea that Americans are spoiled, we have too much, too much comes easily...I don't want my kids growing up ungrateful for what they have. Being grateful and thankful myself, as well as raising children who are, is important to me. That's why our family started sponsoring Kalab from Africa. But I really feel now that it would be eye opening for my kids to see the world for themselves, to experience it, instead of Mommy just telling them to finish their dinner-don't you know kids are starving!

I admit, too, I've secretly wanted my hubby to find a job in another country (for a year) so we can experience a new way of living together. As the kids are getting older, I see that hope slipping away, but who knows...I've been eating up all these blogs lately about families making a big change, moving overseas, quitting work for a year to enjoy a new life somewhere...sounds so appealing, even to me, a "responsible-lucky I have a teaching job in CA-feet on the ground type of girl". All I know is that I am starting my travel fund today...it's just pennies right now, but hoping it will grow!

SuMmEr Schedule....

So this year I am not making big plans to have a set schedule.

To be honest, we are so scheduled and rushing around during the school year, that I like to be able to relax and I love having my kids decide how to fill the moments of our days. Play, play and more play. And some fighting here and there...they are brothers after all! But having them work it out and teaching them strategies to deal with each other is helpful. But, being the elementary school teacher I am, I do need a bit of a plan! (I remember making "lesson plans" for my mom and mother-in-law when I would first leave Spencer with them....anyone else do that too???)
So, I read this post: Summer Sanity Schedule and was inspired to have theme days...
Monday will be Library Day. We are in the summer reading program, so we'll go get new books and turn in our reading logs. We spent an hour there today after vacation Bible school looking for books and yes, playing on the library computers! Spencer, who is a big bookworm, just started getting picky with his reading. No more Boxcar Children, no more A to Z Mysteries...he wants more grown up books. We are finishing James and the Giant Peach together, and he and Daddy just started some Dragon series.
Tuesday will be Writing Day. I want the boys to keep a little journal and write letters...we have been sponsoring a boy from Africa, Kalab. We talk about him a lot, have his photo in our kitchen, but we have not been good about writing to him. I want to work on that.
Wednesday will be Cooking Day. This Wednesday I think we will make pickles! I found a recipe in Family Fun magazine that looks easy!
Thursday will be Playdate Day. I will set up playdates for the kids so they can keep in touch with kids from school, as well as our friends and cousins. Though we can have playdates any day, too.
Friday will be Art Day. Unfortunately, with all the pressure to teach standards, art is becoming a forgotten subject in school. So sad...so I want to make sure I do art projects with my kiddos.
Of course, we'll still be doing chores and working on our summer workbooks in the morning, as well as daily exercise, but having a theme will also give the kids something to look forward to (I hope!).
We made our summer list of activities-will post a pic later, but you should see what the mom where I got the idea from did this year: Summer List. I so want a BIG chalkboard. Where can I find one???