George

George had a fun field trip today. If I haven't updated in a while, he is having a great year. Second grade has gone so smoothly. 

Also, he and I ran an important errand to the post office after school, and he was so pleased to be included in the job. 

Homework

So every now and then middle school throws us a curve ball in the form of several assignments hitting at the same time. For example, a math project is due, a social studies project is due, and there is a test in social studies, along with a test in science. Also, maybe there is a warm-up quiz in social studies as well, although that doesn't sound right.  

Since none of the projects can be worked on at home, the girls squeeze in extra time before school each morning. They had a several deadlines looming when their science teacher gave them some extra homework, necessitating a compass - an item that was not listed as a needed school supply, but that their teacher had in class... if they came by in the morning or during study hall. We were working on assigning priorities to what is due, when Skip said, "Hey, I think I have a compass in my office." So he got out his uncle's compass kit from school, and he showed them how to use it. A family heirloom saved the day! 

And I have added compass/protractor to my shopping list.  

Read Across America Week

I speak for the books.

We have spent the last several years celebrating Read Across America and Dr. Seuss's birthday by reading books, dressing up and just generally having fun while also celebrating the gift of books and encouraging reading.

This year at George's school we have a new principal. She's great, and she has brought a lot of new fun things with her (50th day of school, dressing up for spirit week and Global Play Day -- all AWESOME things), but Read Across America did not make it on the calendar. We have missed this terribly. For big readers like us, it has felt like skipping Christmas.

In honor of Read Across America and to motivate me to bring the celebration in house, at the family level, here's a look at Read Across America Past:

Hat Day

Hat Day + Pic day for George

Dressing up as his favorite character

Dr. Seuss colors

Cat in the Hat

Winning an award for most Dr. Seuss books read

Hat Day

Crazy sock day

Hooray for Diffendoofer - school spirit

Wacky Wednesday + Pic Day

The Lorax

We are celebrating by reading, and I may or may not be creating a Dr. Seuss-themed Pinterest board for snacks.  

Enjoy a good book this week, and remember... you're never too old for Dr. Seuss.

Updated on 03-01-19: Read Across America week is back (albeit late) by popular demand. Stay tuned!

Scouts Weekend

Y'all... I try to make a vow to never complain about the weather, but as locals know, it has been raining for 13 days. Torrential rains. Rains that lead to flooding. We have been wearing rain boots and rain coats on the daily, and our umbrellas are starting to feel like appendages. 

Saturday afternoon, when there was enough of a break in the rain for the street to dry a little, the trio asked if they could ride bikes. I got them down as quickly as I could and rushed them out the door because I knew they were going to have maybe 30-40 minutes to ride. After that, there was more rain of Biblical proportions, but they were able to get a little riding in. 

The next day, the clouds parted, and it was a glorious day, just in time for Scouts Sunday. Grammie had come over and attended church with his, and George's pack helped with the service. 

The troop passed out bulletins, held doors open, presented the flags and helped with the offering. 

There were nothing if not enthusiastic. 

Such a great group of guys -- and girls! -- their pack added three or four girls this year. 

Nice work, Troop!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! 

This week has been a really busy week, school-wise and work-wise for Skip, with a paper and project due for the girls and some travel for Skip. While we normally would go "all in" for Valentine's, work was a real distraction to our festivities. 

The trio were festive for today, although the duo had track try outs (distance running, no less) so their outfits are planned with a quick change for a big run in PE. Who says Valentines can't be sweaty? 

George had some relative calm, what with second grade teachers understanding the importance of holidays. Although the school is not allowed to have parties, we sent a special snack consisting of chips, cupcakes and Capri Suns. Also, he passed out some Valentines, and his sweet friends showered him with Valentines as well. He has such a great group of friends. 

The girls were surprised that middle schoolers still exchange a little candy here and there, and they were glad we had thought to stock some extra Valentines just in case they needed them. They have some sweet friends at their school, too. 

After school, the duo had dance. Although they were tired from running in PE, they went to dance because it is recital season, and it's important to learn the routines. George also had an after school commitment with Discovery Club. 

After getting all of that work out of the way, we were able to have a nice dinner (their favorite lasagna) and open a couple of Valentine treats. The girls received a cross necklace, representing the greatest love of all, and a cute new purse. George received a truck and a new Snoopy for his collection. 

Although the day was busy, we enjoyed taking a moment to share the love and express how thankful we are to have each other. 

Sending much love to you and yours. 

Valentine's Party

We had a busy weekend. The girls and I volunteered at a pageant at George's school (a fundraiser). The girls loved getting to see a lot of their old friends and see some of their favorite teachers.

Later in the afternoon, we had five friends over for a Valentine's Party. I would say that it was a Galentine's celebration, but there were two guys in the group (siblings who were good sports). We kept it guy friendly by incorporating a few rounds of laser tag, and there may have been a Nerf war. The duo loved catching up with their friends and are looking forward to Valentine's Day.

Cozy Weather

We are taking advantage of what may be the last cozy weather we will have for a while. We say this every year, and I know the sentiment isn't popular, but we are going to miss winter.

Global Play Day

George's school participated Global Play Day this year. George took a Lego car, and we took some cookies for his class. When we got out of the car, we knew it was going to be a good day because George's principal had music going for the morning drop off. Obviously, this turned in to an impromptu dance party, and George reported that the fun had only just begin. They played games, shared the toys they all had brought, and there were inflatables in the gym.

Overall, George reports it was pretty awesome, and he cannot wait for next year's Play Day.

The Snow Ball

The girls' middle school had a winter dance Friday, and they had been pretty excited about socializing with their friends at their first dance. The dance was from 4-6pm, and Skip and I volunteered on the Snow Ball Committee to help with prep/execution. 

As an aside, the girls had some rules for Skip. "Mom, you're ok. You won't do anything embarrassing, but dad...? He will!" They had some impersonations about what they anticipated Skip would do in a dance situation. 

"He'll play Steely Dan, for sure." 

"He will come in and start talking to all the guys. 'Hey man, how's it going?' 'What's your name, man?'"

And they were afraid he would dance. To be completely fair, these were valid concerns, and they made him swear he wouldn't talk to any of their friends or any students. I was charged with keeping him away from the music and to make sure he didn't dance, and he almost got away from me a few times. 

Although the dress for the dance was all over the place, from jeans to formals, Grace and Lauren decided on a more "after five" look, complete with sequins and ruffles. They had fun visiting with their friends and dancing once their favorite songs made it into the rotation.  

And we tried hard not to embarrass them.  

Wishing Well

Our cozy winter was briefly interrupted by an unseasonable warm Sunday. George took the opportunity to wear shorts and a spring Polo, and he felt the occasion called for a visit to the wishing well at church. 

Granted, this is a decorative fountain, but all the boys refer to it as the wishing well. 

I think George wished for spring.