Another Week

  I have enjoyed another week at school with my sweet 7 and 8 year olds.  There is nothing like it. They love to please and for the most part want to learn.  In their eyes I am the smartest, prettiest, funniest, and sweetest person alive (next to their Mommy).  You have to love the adoration.
   I know we start school too early, but I am so glad that the first 4 weeks are behind us.  The hardest part about starting a new school year is the establishing routines and building a sense of independence.  I have already finished bench marking the kids for their reading levels and have begun guided reading groups.  We are using Jan Richardson's, The Next Steps in Guided Reading.  Jan worked with several schools in our district while working on her book.  The schools that had more government or grant funding have been using this plan for quite a few years.  This is my second year using it and have found it to be very helpful.  There is a strict time frame which gives me problems, but I am much more comfortable this year.  I find it is helpful to see it in action as well as to read the book.  We are so fortunate to have had our Literacy Coaches taught by Jan.

The Kids Are Back in Town

Fun at Coolidge Park and the Market at the River Walk.  The kids are in the empty pavilion yelling so they can hear the echo.  Even Joshua got in on the noise.  The painted face lasted until Isaac fell asleep in the car.  Ella's was gone after 2 jumps in the pool at Pop's house.
I sure have missed these kids.  I hadn't seen them since the beginning of June.  Joshua was just barely sitting up then.  He is now crawling.
They are TOO far away.  I love them so much.
It was a great weekend.  Both Courtney and her family and Shelly and Will came this time.  Stan even got to spend some time with us.  It is wonderful to have the family together all at once.
Notice the new shoes.  Everyone except Joshua got new shoes.  His cute, chubby, little feet don't need shoes yet!!!