Super FUN movie....

"K", "R" and I went to see "HOP" today...we loved it!! :0)

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."

7 Months...

Baby "G" is 7 months!!  Just a few more days and I will be able to kiss those sweet "baby cheeks!!"

Fun times...

I'm leaving on Monday to head east for some "fun times" with these two!!  Baby "G" is out of the hospital (for the second time), and I'm so excited to be able to spend some time with Baby "G", his big brother, and his Mommy and Daddy! I'm leaving Jim home---it's "Tax Season" you know, but we will be going back after April 15th!

Isn't it "almost" March???

This is what I am watching today as I sit inside our nice, warm house and scrapbook!  It's no big surprise that I'm not a huge fan of snow.  But, I love the snow in December...it's perfect to get me in the "holiday spirit!"  I even kind of like it in January...it's still winter and a beautiful snowy day is nice!  However, it will be March in a few days, and this is NOT acceptable! 

After all, we planted primroses two weeks ago...it was 55 degrees, sunny, and we knew that winter was over for 2011.  Oh boy, was I wrong...these past two weeks it has snowed "almost" every single day!  I guess Mother Nature is the "boss" of when winter will end...I just hope it's soon!

O Happy Day....

Baby "G" is finally out the the hospital!  H1N1 is a nasty virus, especially in a 6 month old!  But, with lots of TLC from the nurses, doctors and his Mommy he is out of the hospital and doing great!  I hadn't heard anything about H1N1 for over a year, I thought the scare was over, but in the past 2 weeks Baby "G" and his daddy, and a little girl here in our hometown were all diagnosed with the virus! It's time for spring and lots of fresh air!!

My Valentine....

If there were no words, no way to speak

I would still hear you.

If there were no tears, no way to feel inside

I'd still feel for you.

And even if the sun refused to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart until the end of time

You're all I need, my love, My Valentine.

All of my life

I have been waiting for

All you give to me

You've opened my eyes

And showed me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before

But in my dreams I couldn't love you more

I will give you my heart

Until the end of time

                                                              You're all I need, my love,

My Valentine.

And even if the sun refused to shine

Even if romance ran out of rhyme

You would still have my heart until the end of time

You're all I need, my love, My Valentine.

 (The lyrics above are from a Jim Brickman album, sung by Martina McBride.)  I love the song and the lyrics.  Our daughter, Jamie, had this song as part of her wedding...a beautiful song.

Jim, my very own Valentine, for 40+years...wow, how time does fly when you're having fun! He brought me a little bit of spring today with this beautiful bouquet of tulips!  (He always knows how to make me smile.)

I do so LOVE My Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day...

Miss "K" was busy today helping her Mommy making Valentine treats for her class party tomorrow!