Hollywild Zoo 2008

Last Tuesday, November 25th, I took Drew and Mikayla to Hollywild Zoo to see the Christmas lights. This is an annual event for us, and many times we go more than once a year (we may be doing that this year, as both Drew and Mikayla have already asked to go back). We could not have picked a better night to go...this was the least crowded I have ever seen this place and we were able to ride through, take our time, and enjoy. It was cold, but we were bundled up tight!This emu was about to get Drew (or so he thought) in the Deer Enchanted Forest. He was saying, with urgency, "mom close my door". He was out of his seat and up in the front with me faster than I've ever seen him move before. I couldn't stop laughing - my normally fearless child did not take too kindly to an emu that "has a sharp beak" poking his head in our van. One thing Drew was certain of was that this emu was not getting him. Even as we tried to pull away from the emu, he followed our van.

Mikayla loved feeding this black deer. It apparently took a likin' to Mikayla too, because it stayed close by our van the whole time. It wouldn't let the deer with antlers get close.

Drew had several gathered around him at a time, and he loved letting them eat right from his hands...don't worry, we sanitized, their hands I mean.

Then, this big animal (we aren't exactly sure what it is, maybe someone out there can help us), just kind of hung around our van. It never ate any of the food we offered, but it stood guard like this for several minutes. We know that the animal behind this one is a zebra, but this one looked a little like a donkey to us, but he had some faint lines on his body as well. Any ideas??

Drew and Mikayla got to see and talk to Santa in Santa's village. We also got to see (and hear the clicking ankles) of some real, live reindeer this year. As far as I know, these are the first real, live reindeer I've ever seen in my life. It was neat to hear their ankles click when they walked (for those that don't know that is why the song says "up on the housetop, click, click, click") since I teach my kindergartners about them every year! We enjoyed some hot chocolate, and then we loaded back into the van to finish looking at the lights. Drew and Mikayla kept talking about how much fun they had, and as I said, they have already asked to go back. This may be installment one - stay tuned!

Such Wonderful Friends!!

I have the best friends a girl could ask for!! 13 of my friends and I got together at Copper River Grill, one of my favorite restaurants, after school on Monday "just because". I have never really been one to take the time to do things like this, and apparently neither have my friends. I am in my eighth year of teaching and the kindergarten teachers have never gotten together outside of school. Don't get me wrong, I have gotten together with friends from school before - a group of us usually go out in August to celebrate our birthdays, just never with ALL my kindergarten friends. We had the best time talking, laughing, and eating. We have decided that we need to do this once every month. I had been looking forward to this get together all weekend, and it was funny hearing many of my friends saying the same thing at school on Monday. Then on Tuesday, our grade rep said everyone she saw just looked "peppier" so I think a tradition has been started for sure. I can't wait!! Thank you to my sweet, wonderful, thoughtful friends for all you do for me each and every day!! I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with!!

Soccer Banquet

Drew's soccer banquet was held on Monday, November 17th at Chick-fil-a. Coach Chris and Miss Deanne had planned this wonderful banquet to congratulate our boys on a fantastic season! The team enjoyed chicken nugget kids meals, cupcakes, ice cream, and of course, playing on the playground. The families enjoyed dinner, and watching their special players receive their medallions and trophies.

Drew and his friends enjoy their chicken nuggets. Please notice the hats on their heads - I thought Drew's was an envelope and was looking for something inside! Only me...

Drew receives his medallion and trophy from Coach Chris and his son, Coleman.

Congratulations boys on a terrific season! We are so proud of each of you!!

A Butterfly...

When we got home from the PTA meeting/chorus performance, Drew was excited to find that we had a butterfly. Both he and Mikayla had been watching the caterpillar that I received at Region Teacher Forum eat and grow, eat and grow. They saw the caterpillar build a chrysalis and finally got to see the beautiful butterfly that emerged! I told Drew and Mikayla that we would need to let the butterfly go. They didn't get upset (as I thought they would), and instead couldn't wait to let "her" go. Drew loved the fact that she wouldn't fly off of him! When I saw "she" was in no hurry to fly off, I grabbed the camera. Mikayla stood in amazement taking it all in. She will get to watch this metamorphosis again in the spring when our kindergarten classes study insects! She will be excited!

Drew's First Chorus Performance!!

On Monday, November 11 (I'm wayyyy behind!), Drew and the other second graders at our school performed a special Veteran's Day Program for all to enjoy at our monthly PTA meeting! Drew was very nervous about this and I thought I was even going to have to hand in his form and money (for his shirt) so that he could participate. He kept saying "I'm gonna get stage fright". I reminded him that there would be lots of other children around him singing, and that I would be there so he could look at me the whole time (which Mrs. Curry loved, I'm sure, since they are supposed to watch her).

Drew was passionate about me sitting on the front row, and he had already told me which side he would be on so I could be sure to grab seats on the right. Mimi, Poppi, Jennie, and BJ were all planning to join Mikayla and I to see our boy in his first school chorus performance, so I knew I would need to get there early to get that many seats. Since Mondays are so busy for us, my assistant said she would get me some seats (she doesn't leave school every day until 6 because she works in our after school program) until I could get there. Drew was worried when we arrived, saying "you won't be on the front row". He even started crying, saying "I'm going to freeze up". I calmed him down and told him that I would still be close and that he could look at me the whole time. When we got in the cafeteria, I (and Drew) was delighted to see that Mrs. Brooks was on the second row, and that Mrs. Curry had even reserved seats with my name on them. I was so appreciative to these two wonderful ladies, and I think their act of kindness calmed Drew down greatly!! He kissed me bye and headed down to his classroom to meet his friends.

Drew walks in with the other second graders. You can see how nervous he really was!

Once the performance started, he didn't look so nervous anymore and sang right along with the rest of them!

I was beaming with pride as my precious angel sang these songs to our veterans!

He did look at me some throughout the performance, but not near as often as I thought he would!

All of these fantastic students (27 of which were mine in kindergarten) did a wonderful job in this performance. I couldn't have been more proud, especially of my little singer. At the end of the performance, Drew was adamant about shaking the hands of the veterans that were there and thanking them for their sacrifice. What a sweetie!!

Happy Birthday Brooke, Goodbye Soccer...

Saturday, November 8, it was freezing cold here, and I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Drew had 2 soccer games (end of the season tournament) and between the two of those Mikayla was excited about going to her friend Brooke's birthday party! What does a mama do? Be the tough one that she is, of course, and take care of it all!

Drew's first game was at 10:15, but the coach wanted him there at 9:15 so they could get some practice time in before the game. So Mikayla, Drew, and I headed out the door about 9 and sat in the cold for an hour while our boys kicked the ball around some. Drew also began complaining of a tummy ache about the time we arrived. We began moving over to the field where the game would be played about 10:00. We were playing one of the best (if not the best) teams in the league so when we scored first I went bananas! That was the only time we scored in the game (I believe) though, and the other team walked away with a big victory. The game ended at 11:15 which gave us just enough time to grab some lunch before Mikayla and I were to meet Amy and Jadyn at 12:15 so we could get to Brooke's party by 1:00.

We ended up not meeting Amy, Jadyn, and Trevyr until 12:30 and then headed to Shenandoah Farms where the party was being held. It was a neat horse farm that I had never been to. We arrived about five minutes after 1 and they had just begun the horse rides. I was able to watch as Mikayla rode a horse for the first time in her life - she has ridden many ponies, but this was a huge horse that the handler was walking around a HUGE pasture. I wish I had taken my camera, but my friends Nanda and Tracie had theirs and they got some pictures of Mikayla for me. I will try and add those when they email them. I needed to leave about 1:20 in order to make it back to the soccer fields in time for Drew's second game of the day (and last for the season) that started at 2. Amy, Nanda, Tracie, and Carol insisted that I leave Mikayla if she wanted to stay and that they would take care of her and bring her home. All of these ladies are wonderful friends of mine and I trust them completely, so when Mikayla said she wanted to stay, I hugged and kissed her goodbye and told her I would see her after the party.

I arrived back at the soccer fields just before the game started. This second game was an awesome game between two pretty evenly matched teams. We, again scored the first goal, and when they scored their first we answered with a second one. They ended up tying the game and then scoring two more goals on us to win the game 4 - 2. It was a fun, exciting game - a terrific end to a great season!!

Drew and I came home after his game to wait for Mikayla. He wasn't real happy when he found out she got to go to a horse farm and ride horses. I told him we would go back one day so he could have a chance to ride! Amy called not long after we got home to say that they were on the way. When they arrived, Jadyn and Mikayla and Drew and Trevyr played for awhile while Amy and I talked. It was so much fun having our friends over at our house. Neither Trevyr nor Jadyn wanted to leave, so I assured them that they could come over any time they would like!

A fun, busy Saturday for all. Now, that soccer is over, it is on to basketball!

Happy Halloween!

Okay, so this will be my last post about Halloween for this year. We have been so busy, it took me awhile to get them all completed.

My friends Nanda, Tracie, Roxanne, and Barbara invited Drew, Mikayla, and I to their church for their annual Fall Festival on Friday night. The kids and I went last year after they asked us to, and Drew and Mikayla couldn't wait to go back this year! We always have the most fun when we all get together. Of course, Mikayla had a ball with Bre and Emily and Miss Katelyn, not to mention Jacob and Austin. Drew also had a lot of fun with Bryson and Dawson, and Jacob, and Austin, and Philip! There is always so much to do, and I enjoyed talking to my friends over our dinner of hot dogs, slaw, baked beans, chips, and dessert.

Drew and Bryson ride the "hayride" after "trunk-or-treating" a little bit.

Mikayla and Breanna "truck-or-treat". Mikayla wasn't real sure about this skeleton.

Drew comes down the slide on one of the inflatables. This is the same inflatable that Drew scared me to death in right before we left...story to come later.
Emily, Mikayla, and Breanna ride the "hayride" with my friend Loretta. We all love "Retta" - she is a mess!

Mikayla and Breanna participate in the cake walk...

so does Drew. He won when it was supposed to be the adults' turn. Imagine that! Of course Barbara kept saying "Alison, don't you say anything to that boy".

After we left the church, we went trick-or-treating at Mimi and Poppi's house, where Drew and Mikayla scared their Poppi.

Then we headed across the street to Grandma's house so Drew and Mikayla could trick-or-treat there. This is actually their Great-Grandma (my dad's mom) and they love going over to Grandma's house anytime!

Boy, we sure have been busy, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! Did I mention I love this time of year, and all of the fun things I get to do with my angels??

Another Fall Festival

On Wednesday, October 29, Drew Mikayla and I were invited to the Fall Festival held at my Grandmother's church. Her church is a lot like ours - small with an older population. My friend Carol and her daughter Brooke had planned to join us, but ended up not being able to. Poppi and Jennie decided to join us instead. Drew and Mikayla had fun playing games, "trunk-or-treating", and playing on the inflatables. All of us enjoyed some hot dogs and the music provided by different gospel groups. We had so much fun - thank you Grandma Nell for inviting us!!

Drew and Mikayla pose with my Grandma Nell - their Great Grandma Nell. This is my mom's mom - I'm not sure how happy she will be with this picture...

Drew and Mikayla enjoyed playing all of the games. They even went through and played them again, but just for the fun of it, not for the prize/candy.

Decision 2008

I stood in line today for 2 hours to cast my vote (I'm not complaining, it could have been much worse! My sister waited for more than 4 hours at the same voting place.)! 1 of those hours I had my two precious angels with me. I was thinking "oh, it will be great for them to witness a part of history". By the end of the first hour, and about the time the batteries in Drew's GameBoy died, I was thinking differently! Thankfully I had previously talked to my mom and she had planned for them to stay with her. She came up to the school where we were in line to pick them up. I'm sure they had much more fun playing at Mimi and Poppi's house while mommy stood in line another hour!

I was supporting McCain and Palin, and I am a little sad to hear (just a moment ago) that they will not be leading our country over the next four years. I am not sure what these next four years hold for any of us. I am sure of one thing, though. My God is in control! He knows exactly what is in store for us over the next four years, just as He knows everything. This is all part of His plan! I am thankful that I have that assurance, and I lean only on Him!

Conferences, Report Cards, Awards, Oh My!

Last Monday and Tuesday we held our Parent-Teacher conferences at our school. I was able to meet with both Drew and Mikayla's teachers on Monday and get their report cards. These were both great conferences, where both teachers bragged and bragged on my angels! I can't get over the changes I have seen in Drew this year - he has always been a smart boy, but he has never really had a "love" of school. He has said repeatedly before this year "I hate school, I hate to read, I hate to write". Every time he would say these things, this "teacher mama" would cringe. He has not said those things this year, and I am thrilled. His teacher, Mrs. Turner, has been fantastic and she had such nice things to say during our conference. I was thrilled to see that he got straight A's on his report card! Way to go Drew!! Mikayla has also surprised me this year. She has always been a good student - one who loves to please! I was worried a little about her bossiness though. She is definitely her mother's daughter. Her teacher had such great things to share about Mikayla and I was thrilled to see that she got straight S's on her report card. Her teacher, Mrs. Batson, also let me know that she is quite the dancer. She said that Mikayla is always the one you can count on to get the dances to their "wiggle songs". After 4 years of dance she ought to be!

Our school had our Award's Day on Wednesday, October 29th. We did things a little differently at our school this year. One of the differences is that kindergarten has never participated in Award's Day and this year we did. Another difference is that all of the Award's Ceremonies were held in each teachers' individual classrooms. Drew's ceremony was at 9:30 and then Mikayla's was at 12:00. My classroom's ceremony was also held at 12:00, but Mikayla's teacher, my assistant, and I worked it out so that I could be there to see Mikayla get her awards! I am soooo proud of both of my angels and all of their hard work!! I hope that they both always do this well in school - they are very capable, that's for sure!!

Drew accepts his Perfect Attendance Award from his teacher!
All smiles back at his seat!!

Drew receives his dog tag for Principal's Honor Roll! He also got to go to the Principal's Pals tailgate party last Friday afternoon to honor this fantastic accomplishment!

Drew's shows off all of his awards!! Keep up the great work, my sweet boy!!

Mikayla accepts her award for "Miss Manners" from her teacher! That's my girl - manners are very important to mommy!!

Mikayla walks back to her seat after accepting her award for Perfect Attendance!

Mikayla and her friends recite a poem that they had been learning in class for the parents! I love the look she is giving me here! She couldn't stop smiling - from the time I walked into the class until the time I left to go back to mine!Mikayla shows off the awards that she earned! Keep up the great work, my sweet girl!!

"Socctoberfest"

On Sunday, October 26, Drew, Mikayla, and I headed to our local park to participate in AYSO's "Socctoberfest". Even though this is Drew's second year playing soccer, this is the first time we have participated in "Socctoberfest". It was a very well organized event, and I'm glad we participated! The children could wear their soccer uniforms or they could wear their costumes. Drew wanted to wear his costume, and because of this, of course Mikayla wanted to wear hers. All I can say is I'm glad they have gotten so much use out of their costumes this year!!

Mikayla waits for the "Parade of Teams" to start!

Drew walks in the "Parade of Teams" with his coach Christ, and teammates Zachary, Micah, Connor, and Harrison! When the parade was over, Drew told me he was embarrassed while walking- I reminded him that with his mask on most people didn't even know who he was!

Drew participating in the "scariest costume" contest.
My dad surprised us by showing up after we had been there about an hour. Drew and Mikayla sure were happy to see their Poppi! Mikayla even wore Poppi's hat for awhile so she did the only natural thing - she let him wear hers!

AYSO had vendors there and also inflatables. A local martial arts school came to put on a demonstration for the players and families. There was even a soccer game between the coaches and the referees from this season! Drew and Mikayla wanted to play on the equipment at the park more than anything. They especially loved Poppi pushing them on the swings!! Drew played in the last regular game of the season this past Saturday, and the game ended in a tie. He does, however, have the chance to play in a soccer tournament this coming weekend. We can't wait to watch the outcome of that!!

Happy Halloween x2

Drew, Mikayla, and I had been invited to attend a fall festival on Saturday night that was being held at the church where they play Upward. So we went home after Jadyn's party, and got ready to head out the door again! They had "trunk-or-treat", games to play, hot dogs, balloons, and more! We had so much fun, and we were able to see many friends!

My "Raggedy Ann", and Black Knight "Ninja" wait to play a "spin the wheel" game!Mikayla and Brooke pose with their "flowers"!

Happy Birthday Jadyn!

Last Saturday, after Drew's soccer game, we headed to Jadyn's house to get ready for her birthday party. She was having her party at the apple orchard (the same one that Mikayla and I had visited the week before). It was great to see the difference in my friend, Amy's house since the last time I was there. Her brother is remodeling it and he has worked very hard!

We looked like a caravan as we all followed Amy and Jadyn to the orchard. I thought having a party at an apple orchard was a fantastic idea - one that I never even thought of! One of the guys that was working even recognized me. He said "weren't you here on a field trip?" When I told him I was, he said "now you are back for a birthday party", and he asked what school I had been with. When I told him, he said "oh yea ya'll were here last Friday in the rain". Now that's a pretty good memory!! Drew and Mikayla were so excited, and we all had so much fun. We hope you had a wonderful party Jadyn!! Thanks for letting us be a part of it!

Drew and Mikayla smile as they ride the "hayride" - a trailer pulled by a tractor through the orchard. Drew

Drew has fun petting the bunnies. He wanted to buy one of these - I was just glad he didn't see the "for sale for 10 dollars" sign! There was a very cute brown and white one, but I thought what will we do with a rabbit?

Mikayla and Brooke feed the goats. They were so fun to watch because they would get so tickled when the goats would eat from their hands!

We also had a chance to go through a maze, pick apples, and take more pictures!After picking their apples, Mikayla and Drew even posed for a picture just to satisfy mommy!

Jadyn, Mikayla, Brooke, and Drew wanted their picture taken together before we left.

Happy Halloween!!

The kids and I have been going, going, going since last week all in anticipation of Halloween. Last Thursday, we met my friends Nanda, and Wendy and their kids at McDonald's for supper. The kids (all 9 of them, when all was said and done) had a ball playing together on the playground while the mommies talked! After they played for awhile, Nanda, and I (along with Tracy and Carol who had joined us at McDonald's) took our little ones to The Enchanted Trail in a neighboring community (Wendy was not planning to take her three). Carol is the one who heard about this, and invited the rest of us to come along. We couldn't wait to see what this would be like, and the best thing was we didn't have school on Friday so it didn't matter how late we were out!

The Enchanted Trail was a neat fall festival held at The Pavilion in Taylors - one that I recommend visiting if you live near here. We got to pet animals, play games for candy, play on some inflatables, go through a trail in a "forest" where Disney characters gave the children candy, and ride on a train. There was also a costume contest, balloon animals, and much more. This was the best 10 dollars I have spent in awhile. Drew and Mikayla had so much fun - they have already asked to go back. This may become a yearly tradition for us!

Mikayla and Drew finally pose for a picture, just before we rode the train. Please notice my daughter's "bunny bucket". I didn't think to take their Halloween bags, so Nanda let us use two they had. Mikayla didn't think a thing about it!

Mikayla and Bre pose for a picture. Can you tell they are dancers?

All the girls...Mikayla, Emily, Breanna, and Brooke

The boys...Drew and Bryson (just a little out-numbered).

My 2 precious angels riding the train. Mikayla sat with me and Drew and Bryson were in the car in front of us. Nanda and Bre were in front of them, Tracy and Emily were behind us and then Carol and Brooke!

All of our children were very well behaved (that says a lot when there are six of them), and everyone had a great time!

Another Soccer Game

Drew gets ready to play goalie in the first quarter. Drew kicks the ball off the line - this has gotten to be one of his favorite parts of the game!

Two weeks ago, I did not have my camera with me at the soccer game, but it was probably best. We played the hardest team in the league (in my opinion), and we lost. Our guys still played incredible well together, though and we are so proud. Last week, we played a team that is similar to ours. In fact, the last time we played this team the game ended in a tie. Last week, however, they beat us by one point. Drew was goalie for 2 quarters, and I was nervous the whole time. But he loves it so who am I to keep him from doing something he loves. Especially right now, while it is only "playing goalie". This was a GREAT soccer game, played by two pretty equal teams. We had several opportunities to score and tie the game, but goals were missed by what must have been centimeters (from where I was it looked like we scored twice). Those are fun games to watch, I just wished the score had been different at the end. Again, though, we were proud by how well our guys played. It was funny to hear the assistant coach of the other team yell "YES" when the ref blew the whistle to signal the end of the game. Everyone there was holding their breaths. We have another game tomorrow, and Drew (and mama) can't wait!

Thinkin' like a Butterfly!

The past three weeks have been a wild ride. Many, many things going on, both at school and at home.

October is always a busy time at school as we are getting ready for the end of the first nine weeks with report cards and parent conferences. We have also had a Puppy Party, our first ever PTA Movie Night, Fundraiser orders have been delivered, etc. Drew and the other second graders went on their first field trip this month to see The Jungle Book on stage, then they had lunch from Chick-fil-a. Mikayla and I and the other kindergartners went on our first field trip of the year on Friday, October 17. We went to the apple orchard where we got to get some apples and a small pumpkin.

Two weeks ago, I had Spartanburg Writing Project's Fall Renewal Conference, and a Junior League of Spartanburg meeting where I was presented my grant check. I wrote a mini-grant this summer (the beginning of July) to help fund Literacy Centers in my classroom. I have always had centers in my kindergarten classroom, but now I have begun two separate center times, math centers and literacy centers. I wrote the grant (the first I've ever written) thinking that I didn't stand a chance of getting it funded. I was shocked when I received the congratulatory email in September saying my grant had been selected for funding! They were able to fund 24 grants out of the 120 that were submitted. I am grateful that mine was one of the ones selected!

This past week, I went to Anderson on Thursday for the Region 1 Teacher Forum workshop. Teacher Forum members are teachers that have been selected as Teachers of the Year all across the state. Region Forum and State Forum is made up of District Teachers of the Year across the state. I had so much fun at this workshop (it is always great fun when I'm with these incredible people), and I learned a lot as well! That's where my title comes from - "thinkin' like a butterfly"! This year's theme is centered around the book Wings of Change by Dr. Franklin Hill and a classic line from the story says "Thinking like a caterpillar does not work for butterflies." I love this line, and from now on, I strive to "think like a butterfly"!

In addition to all of these "school things", we have had a lot going on at home as well. Drew has soccer practice every Monday, and Mikayla has dance. Monday is also the day of my Weight Watchers meetings. Nothing like the first day of the week being so hectic. Mikayla also dances on Fridays, so we try to leave school earlier during the middle of the week so that we can play at the park for a little while. Drew has also had soccer games every Saturday, and one Saturday we were at Harvest Fest and the next we were at Fall in the Park. The fair has also been in town this month, so we went there too. I have pictures coming from our trip to the fair and also some of Drew's past soccer games. He is supposed to have another on in the morning, but we will see how the weather holds up...

Things should be slowing down soon so that I can get back to my daily (or at least weekly) blogging! We will see...

Fall in the Park!

Saturday afternoon, the kids and I went went to our local walking park for our annual Fall in the Park. There was not as much there as I remember in past years, but Drew and Mikayla had fun in the "kiddie area". The first thing they rode were ponies/horses. I couldn't get any pictures of them riding because I was walking with them! They loved riding them though - as usual!

Mikayla's favorite was the train - this is the only thing she went on!
Drew rode this spinning ride for the first time ever. One of the workers was on the opposite side and as they pumped that handle the faster the ride would go. Drew loved it, but looked a little sick at the end when the worker started making it go extremely fast. There was another worker "manning" the break so he stopped it at that point. Drew got off the ride smiling - I don't think he was scared, just dizzy!

We also walked around and Mikayla picked up ducks and Drew threw darts. We had so much fun - I love fall!