Farewell Coronado

As she readied for the school day, it occurred to me this was TJei's last day in third grade - last day at Coronado Elementary. She was so excited for school this morning. She is excited that her mom is going to pick her up after school, too. Jodie, Mia and TJei are going to Round Valley later this morning. I'm glad she is up to spending some time with them. I should have gotten a picture of Mia this morning. She wouldn't let me do her hair, she decided to do it herself. It is interesting, I'll say that. :)

There was a bit of melancholy this morning, too, when I saw a pic of Diane, Billie, and Ryan on FB. All three have grown up ...we have missed so very much being part of their lives. Billie graduated last night. I'm not sure what her plans for the future are but I know she'll be amazing at whatever she undertakes.

Flat Stanley Sendoff

It has been fun having Flat Stanley here for a visit but it is time to send him back to Derrin's school so the class can learn about his travels.

I made Dr. Seuss themed bookmarks for all the kids in Derrin's class.

I used a brown paper lunch bag to make an album sleeve for scenic pictures around Arizona.

March is Dr. Seuss birthday so I included a copy of Cat in the Hat and stuffed animal to accompany the book.

I included some food items; cactus candy and jellies, and a bit of salsa.

This was the part Derrin liked most (NOT). He called and asked me to never send him a scorpion again. hahaha

This little gem was the most fun part...a little album with pictures of Flat Stanley at different locales and also pictures of Flat Stanley with each of Derrin's little cousins here in Arizona. What a fun way to bring these cousins together! I am so glad Derrin included us on Flat Stanley's travel itinerary.

Creativity

I've been going into TJei's class and helping the youngsters put together a scrapbook of their year in 1st grade. Mrs. Hancock asked if I would take a picture with the class on this particular visit and, of course, the kids wanted to do a "goofy" picture. Ugh. Well, okay.

Then, some of us smiled for a picture. TJei, where's the smile?

On the way out from the classroom, I couldn't help but notice these amazing pictures and stories. These were done by 1st graders! They're terrific! TJei wasn't at school when they did the nature walk and drew the pictures so she doesn't have one displayed.

A few more glances along the hallways and these adorable Mary Engelbright inspired images come into view. These are on the wall just outside Sharon Raban's classroom.

Creativity is all around at Coronado Elementary!

First Day of School

TJei is all smiles on her first day of school. Mia has a bit of apprehension although she is terribly curious about this thing called school. She still has a wait though. :)

Three Musketeers

Each of our boys have been doing especially well with their different study programs. John has progressed exceedingly well in his apprenticeship program. He has just one year for completing the required hours in the program and he is looking forward to having all this part behind him. I know Kelly is looking forward to having a bit of the stress relieved, too. She is so, so sweet and so supportive of her husband.

3.86 GPA Congrats Quentin. I'm really proud of you that you've been able to keep your GPA up over this past year even with bouncing around on jobs and housing. It isn't easy to keep a good grade point average and Dad and I both appreciate your efforts to do well in your classes.

Jacob is doing well, too, although he hasn't shared a GPA lately. He seems to enjoy his classes and I know him and Maria both will be pleased when he completes his degree. Speaking of degrees, kudos to Maria, too, on the degree she is completing this August.

Calls Home

I know traffic in the valley is a total nightmare these days. I am so fortunate that Mike enjoys driving and typically we are together when in the valley so he does the driving. :-)

There is a hidden blessing in the long commutes some of our kids have down there though ... calls home to Mom. When John is making the long journey from Queen Creek to the West Valley for his job, he oftentimes calls and chats. When Jacob makes the journey out to Williams Gateway for classes, he oftentimes calls. I am really blessed to be able to talk to Jacob frequently - he calls during the day when traveling between school and work and home to work or school, even if the trek isn't so long.

I know it's selfish ... I'm already dreading Winter Break from school, when he won't be commuting quite so often, and won't be calling so often either. :(