- Simple Gifts
- 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free
- 'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
- And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
- 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
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I so strongly desire simplicity to become an ingrained part of my life. And I wonder, where does simplicity come from? Is it simply contentment given by the Holy Spirit? Is it a daily discipline that we must struggle toward? What does a simple life really include? Can it be physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, spiritual? Is it even possible to be truly simple and be a part of this over-committed, complicated world?
Especially in light of all the "stuff" that inevitably comes with a baby (and not just physical stuff, but a whole new set of struggles to give up to the Lord), I am desiring more and more to become a truly content and simple person....to find True Freedom in all areas...to 'come down where I ought to be'...to find myself in the 'place just right'...and to find myself filled with love and delight at how good life is.
On this topic, a friend shared this post on facebook. I think it's a great challenge!
What are ways that you keep your life simple?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
"Simple Gifts"
Unexpected Day
Today was an interesting day.
A little back story: yesterday I went to the doctor, and found out that I am 2 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. While I know people can stay at those numbers for quite a while, he seemed really positive about it, and thought I would have this baby fairly soon. Which of course, got my mind WHIRLING! I've been having tons and tons of braxton-hicks contractions (consistently anywhere from 3-6 an hour!), and last night had 3 "in the back" contractions. Those events combined with the doctor's news made this event feel impending!
Naturally, I became very aware of what needed to be communicated in order for me to be leave school and have things be organized. Now, I've taken care of absolutely everything that's "regular" - grades are entered, sub plans written, room cleaned, concert DVD's made and distributed, all supply orders made, portfolio done and turned in, etc. etc. etc. If I was a regular classroom teacher, I would feel like I could walk out the door at any time and things would be great! HOWEVER...
I'm a music teacher, and there are still three performances left this school year. (side note: I've already had seven performances in the last 3 weeks...ahh!). For anyone that's never put together a performance, let me assure you that there are a MILLION details that need to be figured out before a group can have a successful performance. Add in the possibility that I would need to randomly leave and someone else would take over, and there are some serious things to think through and communicate!
And so - with yesterday's news/contractions, I just wanted things to be set in stone. The only way that could happen is if we decide that Mrs. Farley WILL NOT be here. And if that's set in stone, then these are the things that need to happen.
I had originally been led to believe that I couldn't leave school before I actually went into labor. After yesterday's events though, I decided to check with the district and found out that I could. Within a matter of 30 minutes, I called Chris, talked with the superintendent, and requested that today be my last day at school.
Let me just tell you - this was really difficult for me. I'm realizing how much of an EXTREME people-pleaser I am, and as I hit the send button on my e-mail I was absolutely FILLED with dread that my administrators would think less of me for requesting to leave early, especially as there's no way they can really understand the performance-driven reasons behind my request. Even now my heart is just a mess: I'm emotional, fearful, blah blah blah, on and on and on. Lord, free my heart from this fear-of-man prison!
I think, though, that it's been approved and I am officially done at school. Seriously a whirlwind. In a matter of minutes, the "teacher" part of my identity ended and I became a stay-at-home mom indefinitely. And while I'll still be communicating back and forth with subs for the next month about all these details, I am largely done with my physical responsibilities as a teacher. Oh my!
I also think that this is going to be really good for me to have some time before this transition. The last few weeks have been physically draining, and since I've been running on adrenaline for most of it, I haven't realize how tired I am. I have a feeling that it's going to be really important for both Chris and I to let down a little bit and catch up on rest/sleep before we have to be "on" to such a mental/physical/emotional extreme during labor.
With that said, off to bed I go!
A little back story: yesterday I went to the doctor, and found out that I am 2 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. While I know people can stay at those numbers for quite a while, he seemed really positive about it, and thought I would have this baby fairly soon. Which of course, got my mind WHIRLING! I've been having tons and tons of braxton-hicks contractions (consistently anywhere from 3-6 an hour!), and last night had 3 "in the back" contractions. Those events combined with the doctor's news made this event feel impending!
Naturally, I became very aware of what needed to be communicated in order for me to be leave school and have things be organized. Now, I've taken care of absolutely everything that's "regular" - grades are entered, sub plans written, room cleaned, concert DVD's made and distributed, all supply orders made, portfolio done and turned in, etc. etc. etc. If I was a regular classroom teacher, I would feel like I could walk out the door at any time and things would be great! HOWEVER...
I'm a music teacher, and there are still three performances left this school year. (side note: I've already had seven performances in the last 3 weeks...ahh!). For anyone that's never put together a performance, let me assure you that there are a MILLION details that need to be figured out before a group can have a successful performance. Add in the possibility that I would need to randomly leave and someone else would take over, and there are some serious things to think through and communicate!
And so - with yesterday's news/contractions, I just wanted things to be set in stone. The only way that could happen is if we decide that Mrs. Farley WILL NOT be here. And if that's set in stone, then these are the things that need to happen.
I had originally been led to believe that I couldn't leave school before I actually went into labor. After yesterday's events though, I decided to check with the district and found out that I could. Within a matter of 30 minutes, I called Chris, talked with the superintendent, and requested that today be my last day at school.
Let me just tell you - this was really difficult for me. I'm realizing how much of an EXTREME people-pleaser I am, and as I hit the send button on my e-mail I was absolutely FILLED with dread that my administrators would think less of me for requesting to leave early, especially as there's no way they can really understand the performance-driven reasons behind my request. Even now my heart is just a mess: I'm emotional, fearful, blah blah blah, on and on and on. Lord, free my heart from this fear-of-man prison!
I think, though, that it's been approved and I am officially done at school. Seriously a whirlwind. In a matter of minutes, the "teacher" part of my identity ended and I became a stay-at-home mom indefinitely. And while I'll still be communicating back and forth with subs for the next month about all these details, I am largely done with my physical responsibilities as a teacher. Oh my!
I also think that this is going to be really good for me to have some time before this transition. The last few weeks have been physically draining, and since I've been running on adrenaline for most of it, I haven't realize how tired I am. I have a feeling that it's going to be really important for both Chris and I to let down a little bit and catch up on rest/sleep before we have to be "on" to such a mental/physical/emotional extreme during labor.
With that said, off to bed I go!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
A Big Decision Made...
So, the decision is made - I'm OFFICIALLY staying home after this year!
This has been a much more difficult decision than I thought. Before I taught I always thought I'd stay home. THEN, I started teaching and loved it so much, I thought I'd for sure teach until kid #2 or 3. THEN, I got pregnant and learned about the logistics of having a kid (breastfeeding, schedules, what time he'd go to sleep) and started feeling really overwhelmed about doing both. THEN, I started learning how much I love my baby and would get totally emotional every time I thought about going to school and leaving him with someone else all day.
When the primary reason I wanted to keep teaching was so we could rock it out on money for another year, I realized that my priorities were TOTALLY messed up. So, Chris and I took a good long look at the budget, got a little creative, and decided that we could financially manage it if I stayed home next year. Decision made....right?!
I then started thinking about how sweet it would be if the school would be willing to let me work part-time. The job would split up really easily, and it would really be the best of both worlds! So, I asked...and they said no.
And SO - I am staying home! I've turned in my letter of resignation, sent out an e-mail to the teachers, told most of my classes. I'm currently finishing up my professional portfolio and working to get my final grades done and printed...then it's just end-of-the-year activities and I'm out of the working world for a while!
At first I felt really nervous (and sometimes still do). Having a kid has felt SO permanent (oh wait...because IT IS!!!), and I tend to gravitate toward change. However, as soon as we made the decision to have me stay home, I started dreaming about this next stage in life, and have gotten SO excited. While I know taking care of kids is basically a full-time job, I know I'll also be able to take care of our family better. Cooking, food planning, helping Chris and I maintain life (working out, quiet times), being intentional with relationships, getting more involved at church, deciding how we want to live life and then have the capacity/time/resources to make it happen. I'm also so excited to have a slower pace of life. While I thrive on the excitement and "push", I know there are some serious lessons I need to learn that CAN'T be learned as I'm rushing from one activity to another. I need to learn contentment in all things - the art of being still - the ability to see beauty in the ordinary - how to persevere through the mundane.
I was also really nervous to tell people at school - but it has been AMAZING. I'm quite a bit younger than most of the other teachers, and so hadn't realized that almost all of the female teachers stayed home with their kids at some point or another. And every one that I've talked to has affirmed our decision and said they wouldn't trade that time for anything. I even had a mom who didn't stay at home tell me that if she could, she would go back and stay home in a heartbeat.
The other thing that has affirmed this decision has been the kid's responses. They've been sad and said that they'll miss me - but it has largely lasted about 3 minutes until they start asking about their next teacher. And I realized - elementary is SO different than high school! When I left Webster City I cried for weeks and weeks....and so did the kids! It was fairly traumatic, and I still have really strong relationships with some of those kids that I "left". But it won't be like that with this job - they'll love the next teacher and give me the same big hugs when they see me around town! That has made it clear that this is the right decision for us.
So there you go! I'm sure I'll have lots more to process as I make the transition, but for now I'm just pumped. :)
This has been a much more difficult decision than I thought. Before I taught I always thought I'd stay home. THEN, I started teaching and loved it so much, I thought I'd for sure teach until kid #2 or 3. THEN, I got pregnant and learned about the logistics of having a kid (breastfeeding, schedules, what time he'd go to sleep) and started feeling really overwhelmed about doing both. THEN, I started learning how much I love my baby and would get totally emotional every time I thought about going to school and leaving him with someone else all day.
When the primary reason I wanted to keep teaching was so we could rock it out on money for another year, I realized that my priorities were TOTALLY messed up. So, Chris and I took a good long look at the budget, got a little creative, and decided that we could financially manage it if I stayed home next year. Decision made....right?!
I then started thinking about how sweet it would be if the school would be willing to let me work part-time. The job would split up really easily, and it would really be the best of both worlds! So, I asked...and they said no.
And SO - I am staying home! I've turned in my letter of resignation, sent out an e-mail to the teachers, told most of my classes. I'm currently finishing up my professional portfolio and working to get my final grades done and printed...then it's just end-of-the-year activities and I'm out of the working world for a while!
At first I felt really nervous (and sometimes still do). Having a kid has felt SO permanent (oh wait...because IT IS!!!), and I tend to gravitate toward change. However, as soon as we made the decision to have me stay home, I started dreaming about this next stage in life, and have gotten SO excited. While I know taking care of kids is basically a full-time job, I know I'll also be able to take care of our family better. Cooking, food planning, helping Chris and I maintain life (working out, quiet times), being intentional with relationships, getting more involved at church, deciding how we want to live life and then have the capacity/time/resources to make it happen. I'm also so excited to have a slower pace of life. While I thrive on the excitement and "push", I know there are some serious lessons I need to learn that CAN'T be learned as I'm rushing from one activity to another. I need to learn contentment in all things - the art of being still - the ability to see beauty in the ordinary - how to persevere through the mundane.
I was also really nervous to tell people at school - but it has been AMAZING. I'm quite a bit younger than most of the other teachers, and so hadn't realized that almost all of the female teachers stayed home with their kids at some point or another. And every one that I've talked to has affirmed our decision and said they wouldn't trade that time for anything. I even had a mom who didn't stay at home tell me that if she could, she would go back and stay home in a heartbeat.
The other thing that has affirmed this decision has been the kid's responses. They've been sad and said that they'll miss me - but it has largely lasted about 3 minutes until they start asking about their next teacher. And I realized - elementary is SO different than high school! When I left Webster City I cried for weeks and weeks....and so did the kids! It was fairly traumatic, and I still have really strong relationships with some of those kids that I "left". But it won't be like that with this job - they'll love the next teacher and give me the same big hugs when they see me around town! That has made it clear that this is the right decision for us.
So there you go! I'm sure I'll have lots more to process as I make the transition, but for now I'm just pumped. :)
Friday, April 20, 2012
4th Grade Informance
I was so glad that we changed to one informance and one performance each year for the elementary grades. The 4th grade informance this spring was so much fun! We had worked really hard on recorders, so we played a pretty hard song and then showed off the kid's improvising skills. They also showed how they can read do-re-mi-so-la melodies and some pretty hard rhythms. I was so proud of them!
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| Composing and reading melodies from the board |
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| Playing "Leapin' Lemurs" on recorders |
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| Playing "The Slaves of Job" as we keep the steady beat by passing egg shakers |
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| Having a good time after we mess up passing the eggs! |
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| Improvising on recorders - so cool! |
Way to go 4th Graders!!!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Baby Blanket Bonanza!
There's a part of me that thinks I could really get into sewing (although I realize it's probably the wishful, delusional part!). Maybe when I have fewer urgent things in my life? Anyway, a couple of months ago I learned that sewing with your mom and sister is definitely a blast....especially when you're making adorable baby bedding for your first baby boy!
This was SUCH a process. Amy found this pattern on pinterest, and I immediately fell in love with it. Amy decided to be a studly sister and met me in Des Moines to help pick out the fabric...and 6 fabric stores later, we had what we needed! I actually had a moment of panic as I looked at all the crazy fabrics right next to each other - "Will this look ridiculous?!" I shouldn't have worried, 'cause it turned out AWESOME!
While there are still a few finishing touches that need to be put on the nursery, this was definitely the first step to getting it all decorated and feeling baby-ready! And I personally like ours way better than the original. :) Thanks mom and Amy, you guys are the best!
This was SUCH a process. Amy found this pattern on pinterest, and I immediately fell in love with it. Amy decided to be a studly sister and met me in Des Moines to help pick out the fabric...and 6 fabric stores later, we had what we needed! I actually had a moment of panic as I looked at all the crazy fabrics right next to each other - "Will this look ridiculous?!" I shouldn't have worried, 'cause it turned out AWESOME!
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| Start with a pattern... |
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| And add some fun fabrics... |
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| Start piecing together! |
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| Starting to see what it will look like.... |
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| Pretty mama sewing the strips... |
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| Pretty sister making a fitted sheet! |
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| "Elasticizing" the fitted sheet... |
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| And bring on the backing! |
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| I can't tell if she's happy or exhausted?! |
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| Fitted sheet looks good to me! |
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| Chris trying out the new camera lense... |
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| The finished product! |
Foster Care
I realize that I never really shared or processed about our foster care experience...oh boy!
There were so many contributing factors that made that time pretty stressful. First, I was in the "extreme exhaustion" phase of early pregnancy. You know, the stage where no one knows yet and you have to pretend like everything's great, but really you could sleep all day every day and still be too tired to carry on a coherent conversation?! Yep, that one. I was also in the beginning stages of my short and sweet nausea weeks, which just made for a less tolerant Nicole in general.
Second, I had just found out that I had a large ovarian cyst as a result of my pregnancy. At that point it was pretty painful and they were talking about the possibility of doing a surgery, which did NOT put my overloaded new-mama mind at ease! It's all turned out to be a big nothing, but at the time it was a definite addition to this stress mess.
Then, add in the fact that it was the beginning of the school year and both Chris and I were working full-time. It shouldn't have been a surprise to me (seeing as I KNEW we were both going to be working full-time!), but it was definitely not easy adding 3 girls to our lives and starting off a school year well.
Throw in 3 emotionally charged girls who had just been ripped away from everything they knew, and you wind up with a crazy situation for a while. It was much more difficult than I expected!
Don't get me wrong - we both LOVED the girls. Oh my word, they were so sweet...totally stole our hearts. However, there were 3 of them, and we had never been parents before! We were suddenly having 3 hungry, picky bellies to feed 3x a day...suddenly changing diapers and sheets from bed wettings...suddenly learning what 2T and 3T sizes mean...it was a dive in the deep end my friends!
I distinctly remember one Saturday where Chris had gone to an Iowa football game with his dad and I had been alone with the girls all day. He walked in the door, and I walked into the bedroom...and didn't come out the rest of the night because I couldn't stop crying. The next morning at church I promptly broke down to two of my good friends...poor girls didn't know what was coming!
And then...just like that...after stealing our hearts and our sleep and our sanity...they were gone.
We decided not to take any potentially long-term cases until after the pregnancy/debt payoff, so have just been doing respite care on weekends since then. But wow...it really threw me! I really struggled with lies from Satan about being weak and inadequate (which is also, the absolute Truth! Without the power of the Holy Spirit, I AM weak and inadequate! But, I didn't rest in His power the way I know he has purposed us to). It also showed me (yet again!) how idealistic I can be. We will be much more ready for "the crazy" next time it comes, and are praying that God will make it very clear to us when that should be. :)
There were so many contributing factors that made that time pretty stressful. First, I was in the "extreme exhaustion" phase of early pregnancy. You know, the stage where no one knows yet and you have to pretend like everything's great, but really you could sleep all day every day and still be too tired to carry on a coherent conversation?! Yep, that one. I was also in the beginning stages of my short and sweet nausea weeks, which just made for a less tolerant Nicole in general.
Second, I had just found out that I had a large ovarian cyst as a result of my pregnancy. At that point it was pretty painful and they were talking about the possibility of doing a surgery, which did NOT put my overloaded new-mama mind at ease! It's all turned out to be a big nothing, but at the time it was a definite addition to this stress mess.
Then, add in the fact that it was the beginning of the school year and both Chris and I were working full-time. It shouldn't have been a surprise to me (seeing as I KNEW we were both going to be working full-time!), but it was definitely not easy adding 3 girls to our lives and starting off a school year well.
Throw in 3 emotionally charged girls who had just been ripped away from everything they knew, and you wind up with a crazy situation for a while. It was much more difficult than I expected!
Don't get me wrong - we both LOVED the girls. Oh my word, they were so sweet...totally stole our hearts. However, there were 3 of them, and we had never been parents before! We were suddenly having 3 hungry, picky bellies to feed 3x a day...suddenly changing diapers and sheets from bed wettings...suddenly learning what 2T and 3T sizes mean...it was a dive in the deep end my friends!
I distinctly remember one Saturday where Chris had gone to an Iowa football game with his dad and I had been alone with the girls all day. He walked in the door, and I walked into the bedroom...and didn't come out the rest of the night because I couldn't stop crying. The next morning at church I promptly broke down to two of my good friends...poor girls didn't know what was coming!
And then...just like that...after stealing our hearts and our sleep and our sanity...they were gone.
We decided not to take any potentially long-term cases until after the pregnancy/debt payoff, so have just been doing respite care on weekends since then. But wow...it really threw me! I really struggled with lies from Satan about being weak and inadequate (which is also, the absolute Truth! Without the power of the Holy Spirit, I AM weak and inadequate! But, I didn't rest in His power the way I know he has purposed us to). It also showed me (yet again!) how idealistic I can be. We will be much more ready for "the crazy" next time it comes, and are praying that God will make it very clear to us when that should be. :)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
3rd Grade Concert - "It's a Small, Small World"
April 17th, 2012
We had a BLAST with the 3rd Grade Concert! The theme was "It's a Small, Small World", and we took the audience on a trip around the world with a bunch of cultural songs. The songs included...
We had a BLAST with the 3rd Grade Concert! The theme was "It's a Small, Small World", and we took the audience on a trip around the world with a bunch of cultural songs. The songs included...
"Tideo" - America
"Sarasponda" - Holland
"Ach Ja!" - Germany
"Stodola Pumpa" - Czechoslovakia
"Cuckoo" - Austria
"A Ram Sam Sam" - Morocco
"Pandoga" - Ghana
"Kookaburra" - Australia
"Zum Gali Gali Gali" - Israel
"Hazrat Bibi Mariam" - Arab
"Tikki Tikki Tembo" - China
(this last one was a mini musical with xylophone ensemble...I was so impressed with them!)
I especially loved this concert because Story City is an extremely (and beautifully!) sheltered community. I felt like these songs helped us get out of our little Iowan town a little bit, and we were able to learn and talk about different places, people groups, and music styles from around the world.
WAY TO GO 3rd GRADERS!!
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| Looking pretty happy! |
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| Kids dressed up for "Cuckoo" special parts |
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| Dancing the African dance - they were AWESOME at this! |
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| Soloist dancing "Hazrat Bibi Mariam" |
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| Pretty together, eh?! |
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| The "guest performers" from the 4th grade - these were black belt recorder players! |
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| Ajay with his luggage. :) |
Friday, April 13, 2012
2nd Grade Concert - "The Land of the Free"
April 12th, 2012
Oh my word - this was SUCH an ambitious program! Roland-Story has had a tradition of putting on a patriotic show in 2nd grade. Matthew, Amy and I all got to do it, and it was one of our favorite memories! Over the last 10 or so years, though, the show didn't happen for a variety of reasons...so this year we thought we should bring it back! WHOA.
There were many contributing factors to this being an ambitious undertaking. First, they had usually done the show with only half of the grade, which makes management much easier. Second, it used to be put on by only the classroom teachers - but this year I organized it and the teachers supported the practice by working on the songs and speaking parts in their home rooms. Third, EVERY student had a speaking part! I was so glad this worked out, but it definitely made logistics more difficult. And fourth, this grade is generally crazy. :) Enough said!
The last practice in the music room was REALLY rough. The run-through in the high school auditorium took twice as long as it should have. And the performance was AWESOME!! They totally pulled it together and were absolute angels during the performance. I was so impressed, and kind of on cloud nine after the show!
Here's the show...
Oh my word - this was SUCH an ambitious program! Roland-Story has had a tradition of putting on a patriotic show in 2nd grade. Matthew, Amy and I all got to do it, and it was one of our favorite memories! Over the last 10 or so years, though, the show didn't happen for a variety of reasons...so this year we thought we should bring it back! WHOA.
There were many contributing factors to this being an ambitious undertaking. First, they had usually done the show with only half of the grade, which makes management much easier. Second, it used to be put on by only the classroom teachers - but this year I organized it and the teachers supported the practice by working on the songs and speaking parts in their home rooms. Third, EVERY student had a speaking part! I was so glad this worked out, but it definitely made logistics more difficult. And fourth, this grade is generally crazy. :) Enough said!
The last practice in the music room was REALLY rough. The run-through in the high school auditorium took twice as long as it should have. And the performance was AWESOME!! They totally pulled it together and were absolute angels during the performance. I was so impressed, and kind of on cloud nine after the show!
Here's the show...
"Christopher Columbus Song"
"Canoe Song"
"Yankee Doodle Dandy"
"The Star Spangled Banner"
"I've Been Workin' On the Railroad"
"Get on Board"
"I Have a Dream" Speech
"Statue of Liberty" Poem
"My Country 'Tis of Thee"
"Stars and Stripes Forever"
"You're a Grand Old Flag"
"What Did Delaware?"
"Alabama Gal"
"Hukilau"
"This Land is Your Land"
"America the Beautiful"
"Pledge of Allegiance"
"God Bless America"
SO MANY SONGS!!!
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| Playing xylophones on "Christopher Columbus Song" |
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| Some narrators... |
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| Aren't they cute in their red white and blue?! |
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| A pilgrim! |
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| Betsy Ross right there in the middle... |
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| The 2nd grade pledging allegiance. :) |
WAY TO GO 2nd GRADERS!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Kdg Concert - "Let's Learn, Let's Play!"
April 10th, 2012
Kindergarten concerts are always a hoot because...well...they're kindergarteners! Since we did informances for the first "special music event", this was this group's first time on the big stage...and they were SO EXCITED!!!
There's been a lot of frustration among the kindergarten teachers about the new academic requirements getting put on kindergarten students, particularly in reading and math. Their frustration is that the kids hardly have any time to play anymore, which actually cuts out a huge learning tool, since kids learn a lot through play. SO, we titled the kindergarten program "Let's Learn, Let's Play", and talked about things that kindergarteners LOVE to do, that also promote learning. Their concert included...
Kindergarten concerts are always a hoot because...well...they're kindergarteners! Since we did informances for the first "special music event", this was this group's first time on the big stage...and they were SO EXCITED!!!
There's been a lot of frustration among the kindergarten teachers about the new academic requirements getting put on kindergarten students, particularly in reading and math. Their frustration is that the kids hardly have any time to play anymore, which actually cuts out a huge learning tool, since kids learn a lot through play. SO, we titled the kindergarten program "Let's Learn, Let's Play", and talked about things that kindergarteners LOVE to do, that also promote learning. Their concert included...
We Love Fingerplays - "Two Little Blackbirds", "Five Little Ducks"
We Love to Draw - "Mary Had a Little Lamb", Baa Baa Black Sheep",
"Little Boy Blue", "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
We Love to Dress-Up - "I Can't Pay the Rent", "5 Little Monkeys", "5 Little Soldiers"
We Love to Play with Toys - "Cobbler, Cobbler", "Here Comes Mrs. Macaroni"
We Love to Tell Stories - "Little Bunny Foo Foo"
We Love to Play Outside - "What Do You Do When We All Go Out?"
We Love to Play Games - "Old Black Fly", Here Comes a Bunny Rabbit",
"Bluebird, Bluebird"
We Love to Make-Believe - "Aiken Drum"
We Love to Dance - "Bow Wow Wow"
We Love to Move - "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"
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| Looking very pregnant! |
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| So little and adorable! |
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| The whole crew... |
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| Cobblers tapping their shoes in the front. |
They began and ended the concert with this little poem.
We love to play, we love to play.
Any time of any day.
But playing isn't all we do,
While we play we learn stuff too!
WAY TO GO KINDERGARTENERS!!!
1st Grade Concert - "Down on the Farm"
April 10th, 2012
This was a really fun concert. :) I do my best to put together concerts that are related to what the kids are learning and are somehow relevant to their life experiences, and for this year's 1st grade concert we did "Down on the Farm." I found a bunch of animal songs and organized them around what Old MacDonald found on his farm. Each kid had a "special job", and either got to play instruments, dance, or play a game. We had a good time!
On his farm, Old MacDonald had a...
This was a really fun concert. :) I do my best to put together concerts that are related to what the kids are learning and are somehow relevant to their life experiences, and for this year's 1st grade concert we did "Down on the Farm." I found a bunch of animal songs and organized them around what Old MacDonald found on his farm. Each kid had a "special job", and either got to play instruments, dance, or play a game. We had a good time!
On his farm, Old MacDonald had a...
Frog - "On a Log, Mr. Frog"
Mouse - "The Little Mice"
Bunny - "Here Comes a Bunny Rabbit"
Horse - "Here Comes Mrs. Macaroni"
Bird - "Bluebird, Bluebird"
Dog - "BINGO"
Sheep - "Marry Had a Little Lamb"
Hen - "Chook, Chook"
Goat - "Bill Grogan's Goat"
Pig - "Our Old Sow"
Fly - "Old Black Fly"
Barn Dance! - "Circle Right"
WAY TO GO 1st GRADERS!!
Monday, April 02, 2012
Beautiful Baby Shower
WOW, how can one person be so blessed?! My sisters/friends threw me the most AMAZING baby shower ever thrown this last weekend - and it was especially fun, because it was on my birthday (March 31st)! Amy was the main organizer, Rachel and Lianne were close behind, and then Natalie, Dani, Samantha, and Jen all contributed food/decorations. It was a beautiful time of getting together with new and old friends, and I felt unbelievably blessed by each person there. WOW!
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| Dani made a sweet sign to welcome everyone. :) |
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| The welcome table... |
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| Super cool glasses |
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| My glass! |
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| WHOA presents! |
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| Lianne put together a "Mommy Care Package" that had all her favorite things in it - pretty sweet! |
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| The lovely ladies getting ready |
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| Ridiculously awesome food display #1... |
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| #2... |
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| and #3! |
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| Eat up ladies! |
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| All new Ames friends except Jet (one of my ex-students!) |
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| After everyone signed in on the sign-in tree - for you faithful followers, do you notice that Amy took the characters from Will's baby blanket and put them on this picture? SO impressive! |
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| All old friends except for Patty (music buddy!) |
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| Sweet sister Rachel :) |
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| Frantically trying to get signatures for one of the games |
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| Everyone had to draw on a onesie...pretty impressive! |
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| Looks good on him, don't you think? |
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| The "crew" |
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