Personal Yearbook...

I've  been working in the "K" and "R's" classes this year to create a "Personal Yearbook" with each child.  The idea came from Becky Higgens, she offers a free download on her blog for the yearbook that she has done with her children's classes.  I've changed it a little and added some pages, but the end result is the same--a month by month journal of their special memories for the school year. 

I go into their classrooms every month and help them complete a page about something special they have done in school that month that they want to document in their yearbook.  I took a picture of each student at the beginning of the year, again in January, and I will take one more picture at the end of the school year to put in their books.  It's been so much fun, getting to know the children has been the big bonus for me.  And, when I compare the pages they are doing this spring to the ones that they did in the fall, it is amazing to see the growth they are making!

In the end, my hope is that the yearbook will be a special keepsake for both the children and their parents (this isn't the type of project that will end up in the garbage!)  As Becky says, " I believe in teaching children that recording their personal history is important and fun and valuable. Highlighting their own handwriting and art and pictures in a format like this can really boost a child's self-esteem!"

Making memories....

Getting to spend time with our children and grandchildren is one of my very favorite things to do!  So, spending the first two weeks of March in Michigan, doing just that, was great!  I left the "Tax Man" home buried in tax returns, and flew off to spend time with the two youngest boys in the family...and their Daddy and Mommy.  I returned two days ago with a heart full of memories and a camera full of new pictures! 

When so many miles separate us, the times spent together become even more special.  We had such a good time. We read books, played Wii, took walks, went out to lunch at Panera ("L's" favorite place), played with Matchbox cars, watched "Wipeout" (over and over..."L" loves that show!), and so much more.  Baby "G" was just 3 months old the last time we were together, so it was fun to see the big changes that have happened in the last 5 months...he's cruising around in a walker, rolling around on the floor, smiling, laughing...all those fun things that goes along with being 8 months old!

I have lots of great, new pictures (adorable scrapbooking subjects!)  A few of my favorites....

Feeling grateful...

"Our true wealth is the good we do in the world. None of us has faith unless we desire for our neighbors what we desire for ourselves."