Friday, May 29, 2009

First Grade Here WE Come...

These were the words my little Kindergarteners sang today as they performed their Graduation Program. The last lines of the song we've been practicing for weeks now in preparation,

"the best is yet to come."

It's so uplifting to see the excitement in the little faces as they think about all they've accomplished this year, learning to read, meeting new friends and all they have to look forward to in the future.

To them at this point looking on to the future, it's a new desk, a new school, and a new teacher and let's not forget "I hope we have recess." But really it's so much more they will continue to grow, change and learn to become the "grown up" person that they will be some day.

It's fun to think I had a little snap shot, a little piece in the many pages that make up the life story of these little ones.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Who even reads Vogue???


Can you believe what Anne Wintor of Vogue said about Minnesota?

Well according to her and her extensive knowledge of Minnesota we are all very obese... to be exact "little houses."

Excuse me fashion goddess, but last time I checked we were listed 30th in the fattest states, maybe she should look down south before she starts naming "houses."


City Pages Blog Reports:
"In a 60 Minutes interview last night, Wintour had this to say about the people she encountered in the Land of 10,000 Lakes:
"I'd just been on a trip to Minnesota, where I can only kindly describe most of the people I saw as little houses."She even gestures to show us how big these "little houses" really were. Well, listen: If we're "little houses", Vogue's wicked bitch of the east better watch the F out then, shouldn't she? We wouldn't want to, you know, fall on her. "---


I like City Pages take on the situation.


Good thing I prefer People magazine...

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Veggies



Peter and I planted a veggie garden this year.


We already have two gardens of raspberry bushes, (that we do pick neighbor lady!)


We dug up the old soil that had a ton of grass growing in it to get all the roots out.


We put in new soil, planted beans seeds ( a veggie Peter does eat), cucumber plant (my favorite) and green pepper plant.


We also have 3 strawberry plants on on end.


It will be fun to see if it all grows.


We are trying our best to keep out the little bunnies that now live in our backyard.


We will test this green fence to see if it keeps out the little critters.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Thank you Craigslist...

It is so great to have craigslist...
What a perfect way to exchange goods, money and ideas in your neighborhood.
A great way to keep items that other people may need out of the garbage.
Peter and I found 2 excellent deals in 1 week.
We found a stainless steel stove to replace our ancient one.
We found a patio set as well.
The best part is the great deals, for the quality.
Thanks craigslist...


















Thursday, May 14, 2009

Blossoms








Our crab apple tree is so beautiful to the eyes and the nose with it's great smell.

When I walk outside, I'm reminded it's there, first by the scent and then by the sight of the snow white petals.
The sad part is they don't last long...
And then when they fall it looks like it snowed...
in our back yard...
in the middle of May.




Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What to expect...

The school year is almost to a close so we have been talking about First Grade and what to expect. Even at the age of 5 the kids love to be prepared and spread around stories of what might happen.
Here are some of their concerns:

The only bad thing about First Grade is you get head lice.

I like recess, do you have it in First Grade? Yea but in college I bet you don't get recess!

Recess should be reinstated as a required time for all students and all adults,
wouldn't you like a little time to run around outside at least once a day!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Do you know...

that this is primarily a Mexican American holiday and is not celebrated as much in Mexico. In the 70's some Mexican American college students wanted a Mexican Holiday in the United States so they decided to celebrate an important event in Mexican history.

It of course means the 5th of May and celebrates the Mexican win at the Battle of the Puebla in 1862. Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day but that came later, the Battle of the Puebla was one step in their goal for Independence.

In Kindergarten today we made our own pinatas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Yes, they have candy in them and newspaper too.

It's great teaching kids about different cultures, it opens a deeper understanding and acceptance a variety of people.



Spring Gardens

My new hobby is gardening.

Now that I have a house that is already landscaped with lots of gardens I have to keep up. I've had to learn what the world of gardening entails. To learn how to keep from killing plants. This used to be my main achievement when gardening or simply watering potted plants.

I used to watch my moms garden and think, "what's the point of pulling weeds, they just grow back again"...or "no one even sees the garden but the us so what's all the fuss." I always appreciated her colorful arrangements growing up but never saw myself finding the same enjoyment.

Suprisingly, I've enjoyed it so far and am a little embarassed that I get all excited when I get to go plant shopping. The rush of walking up and down the green house rows of colorful flowers with the beautiful variety of petals and choices of sun and shade.

I guess this proves that our interests and hobbies change as we get older...if I start knitting or playing shuffle board then I'll start to worry!