surprise!!

with a 4-day holiday weekend from school, we girls decided to take a road trip to SA to surprise my mom at her retirement party.  yes, after 26 years working for the school district, my mom only has 4 1/2 days left to work...ever.  gosh, what would that feel like??

then we spent the rest of the weekend playing, swimming and having crazy cousin time.

communion photos

field day 2012

we're ready for field day!!!  kindergarten dresses in blue and 2nd grade wears purple.  each class gets a parent volunteer to tie dye the class shirts - i happened to be the lucky volunteer for both girls' classes :-)

after lunch - each grade battles it out for tug-o-war champion.

little sister's class was out in the first round...

 ...but big sister's class battled two classes and came out as as the 2nd grade champs!

mrs. m was very proud! 

 it was a long day, but everyone had fun.  we got a cool treat afterwards - a hot fudge ice cream shake, with whipped cream and cherry on top.  then we went home to cool off and take a nap - the perfect ending to any day. :-)

mom's day

the girls brought home cute cards and gifts for me for mother's day.  little sister filled out a questionnaire about me, and big sister decorated a jar and stuffed notes in it all about me and why i am a special mom.  little do they know - that i am also thankful every day to be their mommy. 

5 in a row!

amid all the worrying i do about big sister and doing well in school, she has managed to bring home FIVE perfect spelling tests in a row.  and we thought the 2nd semester was supposed to be tougher!  :-)

i have actually been told by a few sources, other that her school, that big sister is at a beginning 3rd grade spelling level.  we think that is great and are so very proud!  she also just completed her end of year reading assessment and is one level above where she should be at the end of 2nd grade (level N) - considering she was 3 levels below when she started 2nd grade, i'd say she has a ton to be proud of!!

ocho de mayo

facepainting...bounce houses & slides...cotton candy...sno cones...and mexican food!  must be the cinco de mayo festival hosted by the pta at the elementary school!

o holy day

this morning, we went to mass in celebration of big sister's first holy communion.  she was just 1 of the 120 kids there, which was just a fraction of the 500 kids total receiving first communion this month in our parish.  big sister felt like a princess, i'm sure, in her dress and veil.  because i was a co-teacher for her class, i was able to sit in church with the students and spend lots of time with them on their special day.  big sister participated in the ceremony by being a gift bearer & taking gifts to the altar.  i am grateful she was able to have such a special day and is growing up to respect the faith and traditions i grew up with.  daddy and i are both so proud!

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blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.  psalm 2:12