2nd Art Exhibit

Audrey's art teacher chose a piece of her artwork for the Candace Carmichael Elementary Art Exhibit! It's being displayed on the university's campus in the engineering building from January 3-13! This is actually the second time her artwork has been selected for an exhibit; the first was at the school district's administration building.

This blue section is artwork from our school. The five drawings made from the number 1 are all first graders. 

Here is Audrey's blue bird made from the number 1!

The title of the first grade project is "Which 1 Are You" and is a crayon resist transformation. Here is the description from her teacher: First Graders transformed the number one into fantastic crayon resist watercolor paintings.

From Audrey - Mrs. S drew a one and we traced it with Sharpie and I drew the wings, feet, beak, and eyes and then painted it. Then the next time we had art we could color over the paint with crayon.

So that is what a crayon resist watercolor painting is. :-) We are attending a reception on Sunday for the artists and their friends and families and we're very excited about it!

Final Phase of Playground Installation!!

This Friday, September 30th we will build and install the final phase of the Garner playground project. On Saturday, October 1st we will spread the rock and mulch around the equipment. I am looking for volunteers to help any amount of time both of these days. We will start at 8:00 both days and work until dusk on Friday and work as long as we need to on Saturday but it will hopefully not be the entire day! 

Helpful tools: 3/8" rachets, shovels, and rakes (for rock/mulch), wheelbarrows (heavy duty for cement, rock, and mulch)

Please wear construction appropriate clothing - closed toe shoes, gloves are useful during the rock/mulch spreading

We have two bobcats to use for the rock and mulch on Saturday; I currently have one operator and need another. If you can help out or know of someone who would like to help, please let me know!

Happy Bear

In case you have been wondering how Happy Bear is coping with being left at home, you'll be happy to know Audrey is still taking care of him and he is doing just fine.

First Day

This morning was full of all kinds of emotions! Luke was totally ready for school when he woke up (showered last night and was dressed for today), I don't think he was nervous at all. Audrey took a nap last night from 6-9 on the living room floor and we thought she would stay asleep when Ben put her in bed, but no. She woke up and stayed up with me watching House Hunters and House Hunters International (two of her favorite shows) until 10:15. Luckily she woke up this morning in a good mood. A co-worker of Ben's offered to work for him a few hours this morning so that he could take the kids to school with me, so he made us breakfast and we all ate together. Audrey commented how it was just like dinner. She then took a bath and got dressed, I even put a braid in her hair. Most mornings we don't have time for hair, but hopefully we can start a new routine. Only once, while she was in the tub, did she say she didn't want to go to school, but she didn't protest when it was time to leave.

We got to school right before 8:00 (school starts at 8:25) and it was already getting hectic. She clung to us right away and did not want us to leave. Luke tried to sooth her and get her to color a picture with him, but no dice. The BASP (before and after school program) counselor, Tenee, was so very helpful and was hugging Audrey as we left, while Audrey was crying. But on to the good stuff, the pictures before the sadness started!

Remember, you can click on the photos for a full-size version. Will post again later to let you know how their day went!

Back to School Night

This was the start of our back to school night - bouncy houses and a caterpillar. Audrey crawled in through the chest and exited, well, where you exit. :-) The inflatables were the kids' reward from their fundraiser last year and man were they huge! We then went in to find out who Audrey's teacher and classmates would be and we are so excited because her great friend and next-door neighbor, Finn, is in her class!! We're really surprised he is the only one that she knows, because there are quite a few kids from her PreK class going to our school plus another friend who lives across the street. Here are some pictures from her classroom.

Her area at the table.

She will sit at the "red" table.

Did not want her picture taken.

Her teacher had some things that she still needs for the class so I volunteered to make valances for the windows and dress-up clothes, like vests. I'm sure I will be asking for help (Mom) with the dress-ups; the curtains I can handle.

We then headed to the other side of the school for Luke's 3/4 combined classroom. He is so excited he gets a locker! And Audrey is excited she fits it in. :-)

Overall, they are excited to go to school. I am thrilled to have one stop in the morning instead of two before I head to work. Audrey is very eager to learn but Luke is not eager for nightly math homework. I can't believe Audrey is old enough for school but so excited for her at the same time. My hope is that Luke is a supportive big brother while they are in the before and after school program until Audrey gets comfortable. We are so lucky to have two kids who love to learn and I hope that continues!

Last Day!

Luke is now a 3rd grader! He passed 2nd grade with flying colors.  :-D