I still don't have a functioning desktop computer, but found time this evening to sit with a laptop and catch up on the zoo's happenings for the past few days/weeks. So here it is in a nutshell before something happens and I don't get this finished.....
Highlights at the Zoo
Emily received the Hilltopper Award for her class in October. I have pictures, but they are on my dead computer. Not gonna be showing them anytime soon. Hilltopper Awards are given to a student in each room once a month. The award is for students showing leadership and qualities of discipline, leadership, helpfulness, etc. She fits this bill pretty well and was pleased to get the recognition. She and John both received the award last year. I'm not sure John will this year seeing as how his homeroom class is an honors class and the teacher draws a name from a hat each month. She claims all her kids are exceptional and none deserve the recognition more than others. Sounds like a teacher not wanting to make a decision, but to each his own. Congratulations Emily.
On a sad note, John did not make All County Band this year. He has auditioned four years in a row now and this is the first time he has not made it. He was disappointed to say the least, but I think like me, he was also a bit relieved. That meant not having to make all of the after school practices and meant he did not have to work on the extra musical pieces for the concert in addition to regular school work and band. I think he'll give it a shot next year. He enjoys playing too much to give up that easily I'm guessing.
The kids have finished two grading periods so far this year. John and Emily are both pulling all A's with the exception of maybe one B I saw on someone's grade card the first grading period. That's not too shabby in my humble opinion. Grace doesn't get letter grades yet. She did receive all S's and O's. That is about typical for a primary report card at her age. It drives me crazy because to me it isn't an indicator of how she is really doing. I think by third grade they switch to letter grades. Overall, she's happy and well adusted to public school now. She handles it like a pro. Her favorite parts of the week are library and music. She's not overly fond of PE or science.....just like her mom!
The week of Thanksgiving Grace's class put on a little performance in their classroom for the parents to watch. It was the ABC's of Thanksgiving. She had a piece to memorize that was several sentences long. Never one to be shy, she stepped right up and said her lines like she'd done it a hundred times before. The program was very cute and very brief....perfect.
Grant has been a busy guy in preschool too. He had a Halloween party in October and got to dress up as Batman for that. In November they had a Thanksgiving feast. All of the four year old classes sit down to a full meal dressed as indians and pilgrims. The indians outnumbered the pilgrims about ten to one. Mrs. C said kids don't like to be pilgrims because the costumes aren't as much fun to make and wear as the indian costumes. Grant informed me they are not 'indians'. They are 'native americans'. So much for keeping my son away from political correctness!! He's already been indoctrinated!!
Last weekend John and Emily arose bright and early. I took them to a local high school where they participated in a Duke University testing program that allows seventh graders to take the SAT test. It can have some adacemic and financial benefits and recognition if they do well on it. They were not thrilled to sit in a room with high schoolers for four hours testing, but I think once it was over they realized it wasn't so bad after all. I'll be curious what their test results are.
Last Saturday was also the company Christmas party. It was a good time sharing food and stories with everyone from work. As always there were pool and dart tournaments for those interested. A new twist this year was that we let John and Emily babysit while we were at the party. This was the first time we left them in charge of dinner and bedtime. Things seemed to go well and they were very appreciative of the babysitting pay. We were thrilled because we saved a bundle paying our own kids at 'novice babysitter' rates instead of 'experienced college girl' babysitter rates. Yipee!
We spent Thanksgiving visiting with family in Carrollton and West Salem. It was great to sit down and enjoy good company and good food with those we love. As always, the kids had fun playing with cousins and dogs. I look forward to seeing everyone again for Christmas.
Tonight we had a little party to celebrate Grants upcoming fifth birthday. Since his big day is so close to Christmas, it gets tough to find time for a party. This is the first time we have had a party for him. He chose to invite two neighbor boys over for the festivities. We had a dinosaur cake and a few games and treats. Everyone had a good time and we suffered no major damage from energetic boys on a sugar buzz and a pre-christmas high. Whew!
Presents are bought. Presents are wrapped. The tree is decorated. Cookies are baked. Lights are strung. We are ready for Christmas!! Of course there will be no Christmas cards because I can't get to my contacts which are saved on my computer. Well, okay. Those addresses that I have memorized might still get a card, but hey, I'm not promising anything at this point.
Next Friday is the last day of school for the kids. They are getting excited. The few flurries of snow this week haven't helped calm things down at all either.
Here's hoping you're enjoying the season and not too overwhelmed by the to do lists and activities that come with this time of year.
And now folks, I will end this essay before it stretches into a novel. I'll hopefully be up and running on a computer in a week or so.
Take care!!
Love you all.
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