5th Grade In The Books!

Noah's 5th grade promotion happened a week before school ended and we were lucky enough to attend an in person ceremony to celebrate these hardworking kids for putting up with zoom school all year long! I know there were many times when Noah would get frustrated or even bored with his classes particularly coding class because he literally would say that the assignments were too easy and not challenging enough. I wasn't crazy about some of his teachers and how they taught but at the end of the day I realized that we are all in this together and would give them the benefit of the doubt over and over again. But let's be real...I loathed zoom school at the end of the last six weeks of school and wasn't fond of two of his teachers because they didn't seem to give the remote students equal attention but enough of my whining because it is over!!!! I only hope that next year will be different and that somewhat it will be back to normal and that they will all be in person full time! I am thankful that Noah has 5th grade in the books and that he will begin 6th grade in three months! I can't believe my baby is growing up and that our elementary school days are over! It was fun being a room mom, and volunteering at school events for all my kids while they were in elementary but unfortunately things come to an end. And in spite of a final stressful, zoom school year we all managed to survive it and I am grateful that I was able to be at home with my kids while it happened! Congratulations Noah for surviving such a weird, and different school year!

 Now for some photos!

Spring Art Show '16.

Growing up I don't recall ever being as artistic as my girls are when it came to drawing. I know that the encouragement that the kids receive not only comes from their teacher, but their grandma as well. Art it is a way of expressing themselves, and the more effort, and work they put into it helps them to develop such a talent. I think that is one of the major reasons why my mother-in-law gifts them art supplies, sketchbooks, and the best drafting, and drawing pencils there are out there, and why I expose my kids to art museums. We live in a perfect spot where there are so many museums to get inspired. So many, and especially grateful for teachers who have a love for it enough to go out of their way to display over 1000 pieces on the walls of their school, but most of all for teaching the kids to understand that art is important. That without it there would be no way to express our emotions. That without it there would be no color, thought, or imagination. It's amazing how well these kids did on their pieces this year. 

Last years art show was very impressive, and I think it's because they did the work of Picasso which is a personal favorite. This year Chelsea's fifth grade class concentrated on discovering the world of optical illusions, and they also studied the artwork of Victor Vasarely. The students used curved lines and contrasting colors in a repeating pattern to create these three dimensional examples of Optical art, and I think Chelsea did a pretty good job! 

They also became familiar with Andy Warhol's style of art. He was famous for his style known as "pop art" in which Chelsea drew a mr. pibb soda bottle. Pretty cool! 

As I was walking through the hallways seeing all these walls covered with colored pictures brightened up my day. I really appreciate any kind of art. Whether it's Picasso, Chelsea's, or any other child. 

Total daddy's girl! Jon was impressed with the way she created her very own landscape with watercolors. You can see the whole picture at the top of this post! 

 // Saw this in the hallway, and it's the truth baby! //

 I'm sure going to miss Ms. Czbas. She has been such an inspiration to all my children. Especially when she taught  the drama class at Lewis middle school where my oldest daughter first met her. She has taught all of my kids a love for art, and I hope that the next school we go to that Noah will be lucky to have a teacher like her.  

Thank you Ms. Czbas for being such a great example to my children when it came to the arts. Your talent, and knowledge in teaching our children has a been a blessing. I think we ended Chelsea's final year at Blackwood with a fabulous art show! 

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend! 

fun day.

At the end of each school year the kids at their elementary school have what you call "fun day". They have these bouncy houses and slides, and even though this event wasn't like your average carnival, you know... the ones with the fancy rides, cotton candy, and caramel corn. These kids had a blast! Just check Chelsea out here on vine trucking her way through this slide.

It was hotter than blazes yesterday, and the weather in Jersey already feels like summer! It was so hot that Chelsea kept drinking water every ten minutes! That was good because after all the bouncing she was doing I'd say she worked up a thirst! It's a good thing she kept hydrated, because I saw a few kids who seemed worn out from too much activity. I hope they were drinking lots of water! 

I don't know where these kids get their energy. They stop and rest sweating like little pigs, and then they stand in line again to recharge their batteries so they can release more energy! How exhausting that would be for me! I'd have to train myself to have the stamina like them as I once did when I was their age. 

As the hour was drawing to a close I have to admit I was a bit relieved. I blame myself because I didn't bring any hats for us, and Noah was getting hot & tired. Even though it was only for an hour I still should have remembered to bring a hat! 

Luckily there was a little shade underneath some trees where I managed to get some last minute pics of some of my favorite people. 

Chelsea's teacher this year has been a dream, and she is truly amazing.

Ms. Matz

Sometimes I wish the same teacher could teach my child every year throughout elementary school, but I think that would be extra work & education on the teacher not to mention boring for the little kids. Having different teachers each year is exciting to have, and our girls have been so blessed with great elementary teachers here in Jersey.

neighborhood friends-Mikey

two sweaty little girls-Isabella

with little brother underneath the hot sun 

Although Noah didn't get to play inside the bouncy slides with his sister (which is probably a good thing because those kids could easily squash him) he managed to go down the slide with papa, and boy did he LOVE it! It's official..we are going to have a bouncy slide for Noah's fourth b'day (that is if isn't too cold!)

Jon and I had a really nice time volunteering and helping out with the kids. I didn't care how hot it was going to be on this day. I always want to be a good sport in participating & volunteering at Chelsea's school.

And we had a blast! 

Stay cool, and happy weekend to you and yours! 

A Farewell to Elementary School

Just to let y'all know I don't have any favorites among my kids. I try really hard not to have a favorite. I told myself that when I grew up, got married, and had kids that I wouldn't favor any of my children. I told myself that I would treat them all the same, and I do. If I write highly of Alex it's merely because she truly is magnificent. She is VERY INTELLIGENT. This year she accomplished so much for her age. A few of my friends believe she is older because she shows maturity for being 11. I remember a friend who had Alex in her class at church during Sunday school back when we lived in Utah, and she told me she acted like she was six...she was three at the time! It almost seems as if she was born obedient.

Alex had her awards ceremony earlier this week, and has accomplished so much since September. She is now Jr. High bound and is very excited. She plans to be super involved with her studies just as she was in elementary school.  She is not afraid to put herself out there, and help others in her class as well as her teachers. Her teachers both past and present have told me that they recognize her as a special student who demonstrates exceptional maturity, scholastic merit, and leadership ability at her age.

When we lived in North Carolina, her 2nd grade teacher nominated her to attend the National Young Scholars Program in Wake Forest University. Not everyone had this opportunity. They only nominate those who have a high level of maturity...so if you think Alex is mature now, imagine how she behaved when she was seven!! Not a lot of seven year olds exemplify a high level of maturity!

This year she was in the top three of her class, and excelled in making the A honor roll throughout the whole year. Next year she will be in the EXCEL program which is a program for high achieving students.

Age has never been a barrier to leadership. I believe that if children apply themselves...with the help of their parents being heavily involved in their academics, have the potential to serve as future leaders in our country.

I have faith in all my daughters, (and Noah) that they will have the natural ability to lead, achieve and to excel in everything that they do.  They all have the strength of character and leadership ability that will enable them to get the most out of their education, and out of this life.

Way to go Alexandra!

 Keep up the excellent work!