Graduation and Retirement

Playschool Graduation 

Congrats Kerri and Rebekah!

Teaching children has been such a wonderful part of my life and I will continue to teach and learn forever. However,  I am biding farewell to my school teaching days.  I have experienced all grade school grades substituting, a quarter teaching Jr. High Spanish and Teen Living, and two wonderful years teaching my favorite Kindergarten classes.  1o years ago I retired from the public school and began teaching preschool in my home - Playschool.  I taught 6  years as my children reached  preschool level and loved it.  Last week ended my path as I watched my two little Ladybugs graduate with my most favorite preschool group yet (10 amazing children). 

  

Closing the door to this part of my life is bittersweet.  I don't have plans to teach in the public school again and I don't want too.  I love staying home with my children.   I look forward to see what doors/windows of opportunity come my way.  

Pirate Day - Arg!

Rebekah and Kerri

Cute little ol' lions.

Kerri and Rebekah

Pajama Day

Your guess is as good as mine :)

I'm thinking Rebekah is on the right.

Friendship Day

Kerri and Rebekah

Lunch? Don't ask!

Tasks that make my heart grumble...

1.  Making and creating 3 home lunches for school each morning - ugh!

2.  Opening lunch boxes after school to see the contents only half eaten.

Tasks that make my heart sing.....

1.  Pizza day at school every Wednesday!

2.  Saying goodbye to 3 lunch boxes for 3 whole months - yippee!

Soccer Season

Soccer season has come and gone - tomorrow we sign up for another 5 months of Autumn and Spring Saturdays consisting of rain, wind, snow and shine.  We seriously debated on signing the twins up this Fall.  Imagine 5 kids getting ready for 4 different games at 4 different locations at 4 different times and Cameron gone to school for half those Saturdays - no thank you!  

Maybe next next year.  

    The Knights    

Go Makayla!

The Dragons 

Go 'Happy Feet' - aka Jarin!

7-Up  

GoTrevor!

Healed! Hallelujah!

A week ago, the kids participated in their annual piano recital (post below).  The morning of the recital, Jarin was goofing off with the soccer ball in the house.  I was downstairs when I heard the house tremble above and Jarin moan in pain.  Since it was not his usual pain tone vocalized throughout the house, I knew that he was hurt; and being the horrible mom that I am, I just rolled my eyes and lumbered up the stairs.  Hey, anyone that continues to play ball in the house after being told not too, does not get my immediate service.  The little stinker fell on his right pinkie finger and smooshed it.  I did feel bad after I realized that he would not be playing in his recital later that day.  

We couldn't tell if he broke it or sprained it and being seasoned parents of small injuries, we decided to let time take its course.  

On Monday, much to Jarin's distress, I made him go to school with two popsicle sticks taped to his fingers.  I later learned that he took them off and stashed them in his pocket to play ball at recess.  

A week has come and gone and his pinkie finger has healed.

Below is Jarin's performance on a not so grand or tuned piano, but a well loved piano.

Piano Pianists

"It's time to tickle the ivory!"

This is the daily phrase used to remind my children to practice and become fabulous pianists.

Through the years, we have been blessed with some amazing piano teachers. 

Here, we have Anne who is so fun and loves the kids - it shows in her contagious smile.  

These little piano recital moments are highlights in a mommy's career.  

It makes me forget all the micro-managing piano practices and monthly checks.

I just sit back and enjoy and then anticipate the chocolate cake for refreshments afterwards.

Way to go my little Jensenites!

Trevor - he so knows he's on camera.

Jarin and his substitute player.

Lala - short and sweet and beautiful.