Bittersweetness

I know I'm SOOOO far behind on blogging.  The good news is school's almost out and our regular baseball season is over so I can hopefully catch up soon!

Most school years around this time I begin counting the days until I get to spend lots of quality with my lovebugs.  This year is different however.  I find myself wishing and wishing that time would stop for a few days or even weeks!  Everyday as the kids and I count the days we have left on the calendar, I choke up and some days even cry a little.  I'm sad that soon they will be 2nd graders and I won't see these same, sweet faces looking back at me August, I'm sad that Jackson will soon be a 2nd grader and Kendall will be in the big girl 3-yr old room, I'm sad that I won't see my teaching friends everyday during the summer but I'm saddest of all because...my sweet friend Cheryl is retiring!

I'm so happy for her and NO ONE is more deserving than she, but I'm still sad.  It truly is bittersweet!  All year I've been cramming my emotions into hidden little places in my heart.  I've had to will myself not to linger too long on the subject.  That was probably not the best idea because now I can't control when all those hidden emotions might rear their ugly heads.  We've already dubbed Friday "Blubberfest 2011".  Our students are going to think we've finally lost it! 



It's the Cheryl Sandwich - Michel, Cheryl, Kelli. 
Also known as the best teaching friends this girl could ever ask for!

There aren't enough words to describe what Cheryl means to me and our school!  She is a friend, a mentor, a leader, an encourager, a prayer warrior, a soundboard, an advisor, a cheerleader, a faith builder, a spirit lifter, a confidant, a relief provider, and a source of laughter and joy not to mention an AMAZING teacher!

Cheryl took me under her wing my first year teaching.  I'm not sure I could have made it through that year without her!  I wouldn't be the teacher I am today without her help and guidance.  The first graders she's taught over the last 30 years are better for having her as their teacher.  Think about the best teacher you've ever had and multiply that by a hundred - she's seriously that good!

We've become very close over the past 10 years.  We've prayed through many joys and sadnesses together.  I now consider her family like my own now.  I'm selfish like that - Plus, she's got a pretty amazing family!  And my family considers her one of their own (she might not want to claim that one).  Zach and I were so blessed that she was Jackson's teacher this year (no, he's not the reason she's retiring).  I cannot tell you how much he has learned from her.  His brain and his heart have tripled in size!!!

I could go on and on and on and on....My mother-in-law used to describe people's professions by saying, "He made a lawyer" or "She made a teacher".  God never made a better teacher or friend than Cheryl!

Zach keeps telling me things to make me feel better. (It makes him really uncomfortable when I sob uncontrollably.)  He says, "You guys will always be great friends.", "You'll see her at church every Sunday.", "You guys will have lunch together over the summer." and my most favorite "You can still text her all the time."  I know all of these things are true.  It will just be hard to not see her everyday and hear of her adventures!  Did I mention she's a good story teller - add that to the list?

Congratulations, Cheryl!  I'm so excited for you! And as Jackson would say, I love you "too" much!!!!

Verse of the day - "A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Blessings,
Kelli

P.S. Please say a healing prayer for Cheryl's back!  She's not a complainer and you would never know, but she is in a LOT of pain which is adding to the stresses of finishing up a school year!

Easter at School

Both Jackson and Kendall got to hunt Easter eggs at school this year.  Our school was raising money for the March of Dimes.  We had several activities to encourage kids to donate and the Easter Egg Hunt was a big hit!



Hunting in the courtyard

  

Fun!


Kendall's class hunted in the morning and then had an Easter party at lunch.  My sweet, sweet friends volunteered to watch my students for a little bit while I went to her party.  (Thanks, again!!!)



Mmm...Pizza!



Kendall and friends enjoying lunch



Mrs. Sherry gives the best party favors!

 It was really good to see the kids having a good time at school after a rough week!

Verse of the day - "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16

Blessings,
Kelli

M.O.M.

• My mom is my sounding board on EVERYTHING.
• My mom is my biggest cheerleader.
• My mom doesn't care that I might have already called her 15 times that day and I'm calling again.
• My mom doesn't say "how have you gone 33 years without knowing that" when I ask her a question about cooking.
• My mom doesn't say "how have you gone nearly 7 years as a mother without knowing that" when I ask her a question about parenting.
• My mom loves my children even when they are not so well behaved.
• My mom loves my husband like her own son.
• My mom does more than anyone I know (in all areas of her life)...seriously.
• My mom has a deep love for the Lord that she shows each day by her actions and words.
• My mom is the greatest example of motherhood...I only hope that I give my children everything she has given me!

 

I remember calling my mom on the way to school after I finished bawling in Zach's arms in the middle of the street composed myself from dropping off Jackson at daycare for the first time.  I asked her, "When will I stop worrying so much about him?".  She calmly answered through her tears, "You won't.  Baby, I'm still worried about you!"  I love you, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Verse of the day - "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you" Philippians 1:3

Blessings,
Kelli

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...

Since Earth Day fell on Good Friday this year, we celebrated a day early at school.  I "stole" our project from Kendall's teacher at her school.  I drove up one day to see her class outside flying "kites".  They had plastic bags with yarn attached to them.  You would have thought each of them had been given a million dollars.  They were having such a great time!  I thought it would make a great Earth day project since our kids have such a hard time understanding the concept of reusing something.



Our supplies



Headed to the blacktop

  

Of course the West Texas wind that had been blowing 75 mph this whole spring wasn't blowing for the 20 minutes we were outside!



We got a little bit of wind which made these girls happy!


 

Jackson tries to stand and let it blow...



And as we lined up to head in  - the wind starts blowing again!

The kids had a great time "reusing" the plastic bags as kites.  They are still talking about it.  I love it when I can "steal" great ideas!

Verse of the day - "They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." Isaiah 11:9

Blessings,
Kelli

Playing Catch Up Part 3

After Kendall and I finished up at Sesame Street Live we headed over to the Birthday Party with Jackson and Yommy.  It was sweet Makayla's (my friend Cheryl's niece,  my friend Sarah's daughter) 8th Birthday Party!  The kids had a great time playing in the gym with scooters and eating cotton candy!  It was such a fun party!!! 



Blake (Makayla's brother) and Kendall getting a ride on a scooter.  The kids attached the scooters together and pulled them around with jump ropes.  Smart kids!



  

Taylor pulling around Jackson, Kendall and Blake - strong girl!

 

 

Jackson takes a turn pulling Lu (Makayla's brother), another friend and Kendall



Sarah brought a cotton candy machine - what a cool idea!  Jackson loved it!!!



The beautiful Birthday girl - growing up too fast!



Kendall was SO tired after the Elmo show - but not too tired to have some cotton candy!



Precious Taylor with her cotton candy!

After the party, Zach was off work - so we sent Kendall home with him for some much needed rest.  Jackson, Yommy, Debbie and I headed to the Arts Festival.  The Arts Festival theme this year was "Color Your World".  The featured artist this year was Herb Williams.  Williams creates amazing sculptures using crayolas as his medium.  They were the neatest things I've seen in a while!



Jackson and Yommy catch a Raider Ride to the front door - pedal power! 

 

Blackfish Tuna




Jackson liked the crayon guitars the best!



Have you filled someone's bucket today?



I believe this crayola heart ampersand was my favorite!

  

Love this child - pure joy!



Jackson had fun at the craft tables!

 

It's the Cat in the Hat!




The bouncers were fun too!



Took me a while to figure out the balloon displays were big crayons!  It was not until you were far back that is became clear - hey, it had been a long day!



I love looking at all the different art pieces from the local and surrounding schools.  Can you believe an elementary student did this?  Wow - it took my breath away!



One last "cat, sphinx, snake-like" sculpture before we left.  How long must this have taken?



Debbie, Jackson (King of Crayons) and Yommy - he's a lucky little boy!  We had a great time!

Verse of the day - "Yet you, LORD, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Blessings,
Kelli

Playing Catch Up Part 2

After a short detour for Kendall's birthday...we're back to playing catch up! 

I took Kendall to see Sesame Street Live when it came to town.  She loves Elmo, so I thought she might like to see him on stage.  Zach had to work this particular weekend, so Yommy took Jackson to a birthday party (see catch up part 3) and Kendall and I went on a little date.



In front of the cast of characters - she may or may not have had to twist my arm for this stuffed Zoe doll.




The stage




Ready for the show to begin!




I'm going to go ahead and admit that I got a little teary eyed when the Sesame Street music started to play!  I thought I'm such a big dork - then I looked at the couple next to us.  They had brought their 9-month old daughter to see the show.  I felt a little less dorky then!





Abby Cadabby - another one of Kendall's favorites




Big Bird!




Ohm, nom, nom, nom...




Finally - ELMO!



The letter of the day was K - just for Kendall ;)  This character's name was Kay - there was a little mix-up in the letter-order department.



Aunt Jessica and Jackson's favorite - Super Grover





The premise of the show was that Super Grover had lost his powers.  Someone needed to take his place, but who?  Why these four monsters of course - Telly, Abby, Zoe and Elmo!




Luckily, we ran into some good friends who took our picture.  Thanks, Laura and Family!!!




Kendall and Boden checking each other out...




And deciding that they like each other well enough for a hug and Kendall went in for the kiss!  Laura's family was so cute - Laura, Boden and her mom and dad all had on Sesame Street shirts.  Again - I kick myself for not having a picture! 




My favorite - Oscar the Grouch




Good news - Super Elmo and Company saved the day by using Healthy Habits!  Who would have guessed it?

 I had so much fun with my girl.  She LOVED the show and sat so still and listened the whole time!  If you've ever seen or heard us in church or at sporting events (really in any public place for that matter), I know that might be hard to believe!  I love that she is old enough now for us to go on mommy/daughter dates!  Can't wait for more to come...

Verse of the day - "What is important is faith expressing itself in love." Galatians 5:6

Blessings,
Kelli

It's Kendall's "Happy Bertday!"

Our baby girl turned three years old yesterday!  Three.Years.Old. Our tiny, tiny baby is now *sigh* no longer even considered a toddler.  It's bittersweet watching them grow.  You really want them to grow, but once it happens...you want them to stop and maybe press rewind. 

Anyways, she's three or as she says "tree".  And for the past few weeks everything has been for her "Happy Bertday".  The Easter Bunny came to see her, not for Easter mind you but for her "Happy Bertday".  My birthday was on Tuesday, she told me "it's not your Happy Bertday, it's my Happy Bertday!".  Watching the royal wedding she said, "the princess is for my Happy Bertday!"  Finally it was here - her real, actual "Happy Bertday"!

Before I show you the pictures, here is her three-year old interview...

Question #1 - What is your name?
Answer - Kendall Grace McCammond (pronounced Kendall Gace McCammed)

Question #2 - What is your favorite color?
Answer - Pink and "Puhple"

Question #3 - Who is best friend?
Answer - Courtney and Campbell (precious twin girls in her class)

Question #4 - What is your favorite food?
Answer - Pizza

Question #5 - What is your favorite thing to do?
Answer - Play "stickuhs", Read, Play with Courtney and Campbell

Question #6 - What is your favorite song?
Answer - Jesus Loves Me

I had a few more questions, but she said "I'm done" and walked away.  That's our girl - bossy with a side of WAY too cute for her own good.  I've said this before, but God filled her with a little extra "spirit"!  She is free-spirited, funny and stubborn all in a pretty little package.  She fills our lives with such joy and happiness!

I took cookies to her school on Friday at snack time so she could celebrate with her friends.  Her class has been studying different types of insects.  They had "raised" butterflies and ladybugs in class.  They released the butterflies on Thursday and were letting the ladybugs go on Friday.  I thought ladybug cookies would be appropriate. 


Mrs. Sherry gave her a birthday crown - I know Kate would have wanted this one if only she could have seen it.  Her friends are singing "Happy Birthday" to her.




She refused to look at me to take a picture - did I mention she's stubborn?




Sort of a smile...




Most of her friends smiling at the camera...she still wouldn't cooperate!



Her class was headed outside to release the ladybugs when I had to leave. 



Running to be line leader for her "Happy Bertday".  I wish you could see her whole outfit.  She looked really precious!




The cookies were tasty and cute!

 On her actual birthday we had a small party at our house.  She was so excited all day and couldn't wait for Yommy, Papa, Danny and Debbie to come over!  I am so sad I didn't get any pictures of the birthday girl with my mom or Debbie!  What was I thinking?!?!?
 

Her Birthday throne - she also had a monkey balloon, but insisted on taking it outside to greet Papa and it blew away!

  

Wearing her "Birthday Princess" dress from Yommy


 

Yay for "Happy Bertdays"!




With two of her favorite men - Papa and Danny!



She didn't really want to pose with us - so we forced her!

She still loves monkeys - Mom and I found these plates (and matching napkins) a few months ago and bought them for her party. 



So happy with the cookie cake - they did a great job matching the paper goods!




I bought her this Princess Party Hat not knowing she would look so much like a little garden gnome!  Oh well, it didn't last long anyway!



We had her favorite food - Pizza!



She didn't want to get chocolate on her dress - so she had cake in her undies!  Hey - it's her birthday, she'll undress if she wants to!




Blowing out the candles!





Pretty tasty!




Holding court as she opens presents



Yommy made her a precious cupcake blanket



Who knew Jack-in-the-boxes would be so hard to find?




Showing Bubba her new Barbie princess fairy - she's been asking for it for a long time!  I must say I got a little teary-eyed purchasing her first Barbie. 




Dancing with the musical monkey from Yommy and Papa




Posing with all her Birthday goodies - Papa asked her if she had been that good and she said "No"!




One outfit change and up do later - she's playing with her Twilight Turtle.  I found out about these by blogstalking researching toys.  They are so cool!  They project the night sky onto the ceiling and walls in three different colors.  It also has a self-timer and goes off after 45 minutes.  Love it!




This is the best picture I could get - it really is so neat!




This is my favorite gift she received.  My brother and sister-in-law knitted this blanket using yarn from my grandma!  They put in so much love and time - it is absolutely beautiful! 




After they finished knitting, Jessica crocheted the edges.  Love, love, love!




My Aunt Carol and cousin Jen found this super-cute towel wrap with a monkey on it.  It's just perfect for our little monkey!!!


Sweet Sissy Sue - you keep us on our toes and in stitches!  You are truly a gift from God - we are so blessed to be a part of your life!  We love you more and more each day!

Verse of the day - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,
Kelli