Happy New Year!

I always consider each new school year sort of a "New Year".  A time for us to set new goals, try new things, learn and grow.  But it wouldn't be a good new year without a couple of new stories from school. 


I will start with my sweet students.  I teach in a Leader in Me School.  This means that we follow a program the teaches the 7 habits of highly effective people- but for kids.  I love the program and for the first little bit of school, we focus a lot on the 7 habits and identifying good leadership.  As my students and I were discussing being good leaders, they noted who were good leaders in their life- "Mom!" one shouted. "Yes." I replied, "what are some things that your mom may think about as a good leader in your house?"  One said, "going to work, taking care of the car, getting gas..." I encouraged him, "Great Job!"  Another student got a great big smile on his face- "my mom thinks about lip gloss and make up!  Should I write that down??" Ha!  What a funny kid! There is never a dull moment in my room.


And never a dull moment in our house...or at my children's school.  On my second day of school, I got a phone call from our kids' counselor.  My first thought was that my son told the teacher he didn't have enough lunch money (which he is always telling me because he likes to get extra ice cream and treats which requires extra money in his general account as opposed to the meal account that he has) and they are concerned...maybe we need money??  Although money is great...the counselor was calling to discuss my daughter.  What?  My daughter who is a very smart, imaginative and creative 4th grader- why would they need to talk to me about my daughter?  I sent a message to Nathan as I have very little time to talk on the phone during my school day.  Nathan called the school and the counselor let him know that she had spoken to McKenna about a picture she had drawn in class.  When McKenna was asked to write about if she were a super hero and what power would she want, she called herself Super Cheer Girl and stated that her power would be to "kill people in a single kick".  Sigh...the behavior teacher's daughter just mentioned, "kill" in her work.  Although as a teacher, I greatly understand why there was some concern about the content of her paper (perhaps she was being bullied, etc.), it was determined that McKenna has a very active imagination and is very creative- there is no reason for worry. As a matter of fact, her creativity was confirmed when we were asked to give permission for her to be evaluated for the talented and gifted program in drama.  Why was I not surprised?  That is certainly her element. Poor McKenna came home upset and we simply discussed that there are some times when she should write some of her thoughts and ideas in her journal at home and show Nathan and I.  Below you will find the culprit:

 

Again, rest assured that McKenna and I spoke after she spoke with the counselor and there are no ill intentions--and no bullying or anything negative going on with her.  She simply wanted super cheer girl to defeat the evil villains.  I wish the world were as innocent as she is, but unfortunately in reality, our world is far from innocent.

 

I can't close out a post with just Super Cheer Girl- I must leave you with a few first day of school pictures!  Asher is in the 3rd grade this year, McKenna is in the 4th grade and Ian started preschool!  Gosh, I love that they are getting older and growing- I love each stage of their childhood.  But at the same time, I hate that they are growing up so quickly.  Where does time go?  Sawyer isn't in school, but here is the most recent picture of him- at my brother in law's birthday party- loving birthday cake!

 

 

 

 

Chitter Chatter

Today as our family crashed into a local paint your own pottery shop, a lady stopped us and asked, "Aren't you the Harringtons?" Hmmmmm...I thought to myself, How should I answer this?  Turns out, it was a lady that attended family camp one year that our family also attended before Ian was born...and how could you forget spending an entire weekend with us-even before the littles had arrived?  Ha! 

We had a great time painting pottery with family and friends for McKenna's 9th birthday.  Nathan and I still can't believe our girl is one year closer to double digits!  It was so funny to hear she and her friends chatter and talk... "Wow McKenna!  How many brothers do you have?  All I can see are brothers!"......"We can't WAIT to have a sleepover...."FOR SURE!" they exclaimed. Such funny girls :)  I was certain that we would break something or possibly get reprimanded for our rowdy behavior but the shop owner was so nice and good with the kids.  McKenna is pretty certain it was one of her favorite birthdays.  How do I know?  I must confess that I read her journal from time to time.  SHHHH!  I simply can't help myself- she leaves it on the couch in the living room and if it were truly a secret, she would write it in her password, voice activated journal.  Serious business.

Just a night or so ago, I read some important facts. Some of which included that I was the strict and mean parent- I am not surprised nor am I hurt---she will someday appreciate me for that :)  Nathan however, is the cute Dad.  I also agree with that- in my opinion he is a cute dad!  She also wrote that I am most likely to be late for everything. I also do not contest this as I like to meander sometimes and I often feel like my meandering is productive, apparently I should rethink that because no one else agrees with me on that one. But one of my favorite parts was under a section titled "My Social Life" .  In this section, she had stick figures drawn with dialogue bubbles.  One was me saying "Stop Asher!"  The next figure was saying "What? It wasn't me!"  and the third figure, which was her said, "Yes it was, Asher!"  Poor Asher- that guy can't get away with anything. 

Our family also attended the fall carnival this weekend at the kids' school.  This was a lot of fun and we came away with crazy hair, drinks from the ring toss, cupcakes from the cake walk and Ian' s favorite- candy!  I believe we have had a full weekend and just as I wrap it up for the night, Ian made it a lot easier.  He peed on me!  YUCK!  I keep thinking I am getting closer to a potty trained boy & as he was wearing big boy undies did not get to the potty in time.  So off we go to change and move toward a new day tomorrow.  Here's hoping for a day full of dry undies. 

Well, hello!  I was looking at my blog and wow!  I need some updating so I will do my best to freshen up this little piece of cyberspace.  Look at those sweet babies, that picture was taken almost exactly a year ago!

You may or may not know that I am now at a new school. I love my job and it is very similar to my previous position- but I am in a new district at a new school a tad closer to home.  McKenna and Asher now go to school in our district- just up the street from our house.  They have both weathered the change like pros- I was a little skepical at first, but of course they proved me wrong.

As many teachers know, when you are in a new position, a new district and a new school there are many hours of planning and after school work that goes into this change.  That is something that Nathan and I had to truly adjust to this year.  Instead of me doing most of the morning and afternoon jobs such as getting kids on the bus or picking kids up- he has been in charge of this!  He is doing a great job.  I am so blessed to have such a good husband as he steps up and takes charge of wrangling the kids. 

In other news...Ian is STILL NOT POTTY TRAINED.  But I think we are getting close.  Sawyer loves to draw on anything he can find with anything he can find.  Just walk into our house and you will instantly spot the evidence- green marker on the couch and wall.  McKenna is enjoying gymnastics and is working on a back hand spring- apparently this is one of the hardest things to learn, but it's coming along.  Asher is starting boy scouts but also wrapping up fall baseball and he is quite a ball player- Ian follows in his footsteps as he plays pee wee t-ball.  You can see just a couple of pictures I had to upload-I'll have to find some more of McKenna and Sawyer too!  I couldn't be prouder of my kiddos :)  I'm excited for them as they get older and start to try new things. However, I find myself missing little things like watching Disney Jr. or Nick Jr. and listening to Laurie Berkner from time to time.  My sister and I were just talking about how one of the best things about having kids, is getting to do the things that we loved as kids ourselves all over again- but enjoying it with babies of our own!  I hope you enjoy the weekend with your family :)