Choir Party

This past Friday night the choir/orchestra had a Hawaiian Luau at church. Mom and I had a blast working in the kitchen with Millie and Tom Brock. They are such a hoot and I think I can learn a lot about cooking from sweet Millie. Mom and I made Pineapple Kabob skewer things....which I could care less if I EVER see a grape, pinapple, strawberry, etc. as I snacked all day on that fruit and it made me SO sick!!! Here are some pictures from the fun evening!

The First Day of School

I had the honor of teaching the 2 1/2-3 year old class on their first day of school. Actually, it was 2 first days of school considering I had one class on Tuesday and a different class on Wednesday. I have decided I take for granted that the other children I have been with in the preschool know what centers are, what the potty is and how the paper towels work, and how many children are supposed to be in a center at one time.

It was so neat to see how excited the parents were and how scared the little kids were on the first day of school. I felt honored that I was able to help make the transition easier for them....well sorta I guess.

The first day went fantastic. I think I only said, "Wash your hands, you MUST use soap, and pull on the paper towels," a hundred times. I didn't have any potty accidents the first day either which is definetly a plus in my book. The children loved to pull out their new schoolboxes with that fresh crayon smell (that I LOVE) and show me all their goodies.

One little boy wanted me to read a story to him about the first day of school. When I turned the first page what was on it but a guinea pig. I got all teary-eyed and skipped that page. "You skipped a page Mrs. Elissa (they forget that I have an "M" in my name). "I know I preceeded to tell him, I don't want to read that page...ok?" "But please!!! Ok, why not?" "Well Mrs. Melissa had a guinea pig named Ginger that went to heaven not too long ago, and reading that makes her sad." (I used to laugh at our preschool teachers talking in third person and here I am doing it!!!). Then here's the tear jerker...the little boy said, "I'm so sorry we don't have to read that on ok?" Isn't that sweet???

Well the second day did not go too smoothly. I was ready to scream by the time the parents came!!! I had a poopy pants with no clothes to change into, a center counting problem, and repeating myself over and over!!!

Oh well all in all it was a great experience, and I was able to introduce the permanent teacher to all the children today. Well, I'm off to get us packed for Paula this weekend and get ready for the choir party we're helping with tomorrow night at church! Bye Blog!

Cropping 4 Kids

Some of my scrapbook ladies and I went to a local crop this weekend. It was our second time to go to this particular Crop and we had a blast as usual. All the proceeds of this Crop went to Easter Seals. I think we all got a lot done....I know we talked a lot! The food was good (well excep the lasagna....but I'm not a lasagna fan!!!), and the fellowship even better.

I was able to see people from the Scrapbook Corner days that I hadn't seen in a while. I was especially glad to see Ms. Helen. She's now 81 years old and still scrapping! Her Mother is 102 this year and just this year was put into a nursing home and loves it. Ms. Helen is an inspiration to me and she reminds me a lot of my sweet Grandma.

Well enjoy the pics! The monkey/bear is Bubba. Whenever you finished a page you could yell, "Where's Bubba??" and whoever had him had to give him up. If a timer went off and you had Bubba you were able to get a prize. I never had him for a long time because I didn't want to yell Bubba, but Selena got him several times and won all three prizes! Way to Go!!!

Holy Scrap!!!

I have a blast anytime there is a Crop at the church. Nikki and Brook do an awesome job putting this on! I was thrilled when Nikki asked me to come and help setup this Friday. It felt great to be actually asked to do something...I know...I'm crazy! Anyway. Mom couldn't make it this time....the traveling fool her and Dad have now become....so Margaret and Jaime came along. It was quiet and COLD and wonderful. We talked and got some pages done. I think Jaime won the prize for getting the most done! I am so thankful to have friends that love to scrapbook! Poor Margaret, I never can get a picture of her with her eyes open! Oh well.

Fall is in the air!

Well, not really with it being 107 degrees today, but I wanted to share some fall pics Luke took last year that I just got on my computer. He's such a talented photographer! These pics just make me long for the cool fall days....which is another reason why I'm about to put up fall in the living room today!!! My fall stuff outside I will save for September, don't want the neighbors to think I'm too nuts!

Our Inside Fall Decor

I have never really decorated for fall inside before. Usually I'll just add a fall wreath and scarecrow to our front porch and maybe some Mums....but that's about it. Well, Mom inspired me to decorate the inside this year. I bought a few things from Hobby Lobby, but the rest is Mom's! Thanks Mom!!! Sorry some of the pics are blurry....I'm not too good using the "no" flash!

George the Yogurt Eating Cat

I have never known a cat to absolutely love yogurt. Everytime I get a thing of it out of the fridge I feel like I have to eat it in secret. George will follow me all over the house wanting to eat some of it. Well the other day I successfully ate the whole container and here he comes for the leftovers. He's a mess! Madison and George are best friends though. She has basically raised him as one of her own...so he acts more like a dog than a cat!