Hooping it UP!

It's a fundraiser and exercise all wrapped up in one! This week, Kyle took it to the hoop in the Staff vs. Students basketball game. The principal along with seven other teachers took on eight 3rd-5th graders and the results were a great mix of fun. Lots of laughter, some skills, some team work and a cheering crowd with mixed emotions. Students loyal to their teachers, but throwing in a hoot for their siblings and pals as well. No telling who really won, but I can assure you-it was a winning event for all.

As for Kyle's ankle, if you are wondering.....he favored it a little as he tread up and down the court, but he said that it didn't bother him at all. Typical male. He also said, "I'd play that everyday if we could".

Ah, the science fair....

The very words "science fair project" quicken the heart rate of any parent. Why? They are never as easy as we wish they would be and they seem to carry on and on and on. Nonetheless, Karly worked quite independently on her project until the last week or so when mom and dad had to step in with a little helps. Karly studied the accuracy of eye witness accounts and how the are effected by gender, location to subject and time of report. She learned a great deal about what works and what doesn't work when interviewing witnesses and as always she smiled her way through.

As for Mama, she's glad to see this story board walked out the door today! COMPLETED it is!

Drafted

Well I've tried to avoid it all year. I'm not a fundraiser. I am pressed for time. I am too passionate about volunteerism in our schools and the lack there of by many to see the needs--I'll put my foot in my mouth, it's a given. I've never managed a budget this large. You name it, I've thought, murmured or spoken it. Nonetheless, I've been drafted.

Drafted where? PTC president. UGH!!! A month ago, I said don't even ask, I'll say NO, NO, NO. I can still think of a dozen reasons to say no like: the economy stinks (who wants to raise $$), I cannot put in the time presidents before have, I don't know anything about business licenses and contracts, I am too sensitive to handle the mean complaining parents who expect and give nothing.....etc. What I'm hearing? Things are changing. LIfe and families are changing. Moms are going back to work, the economy is likely going to trump past funding goals. Things are changing --we need a balanced person who can d help seek a new rhythm. Shoot, it's taken me near 35 years to find some balance. Feeling a bit inadequate here!

Leading people is one thing. Organizing event another. And, this is a whole new creature with many arms left for potential entanglement. So many dynamics that are not my favorite to navigate. But a good team of gals are likely to return if I take the lead.....hmm......UGH!

Lots of thinking to do here!

Gold Country

California State history is in 4th grade full swing and could not be completed without a trip to Coloma. With a perfect 80 degree day, students were able to pan for gold, thanks to lessons from Rattlesnake Randy, and self-guide themselves through the area. The state museum, a hike to the John Marshall monument, Sutter's Mill, replica housing and so much more took these kids back to the glory days of "Eureka". Karly also loved the fact that gold was discovered on Kent's birthday, January 24th. She made up a song to tell the story. Karly found a few tiny pieces of gold and lots of garnet as she was panning. She also enjoyed the hike, which was challenging to say the least and the ice cream promised on the other side! We had a great group of girls who moved throughout the day together!

We both decided this was the best field trip yet! Even with the crazy twist and turns of the drive there--it was worth it!

Spring Break 09

Sorry this is a little late to get on here! Another fabulous job by Kent!

No Strings Attached

Karly at her best after six months of practices and joined by another 129 kids! What a production it was, lots of hard work--all worth it! Enjoy!

Slowing Down to Gear Up!

Knowing a full week was ahead of us, we headed out Sunday for some family time. We took the kids and Gilligan (made his day to go with us) to the Sacramento River for a picnic lunch. It was a little windy, but we made the best of it. Hunting for shells, playing with sticks and just time together doing a bunch of nothing! Felt good to just be us!