Guilty as Charged!

Okay, so I haven't blogged in just about a year. Seems that the school year took off on me and I spent the entire time chasing instead of observing and reflecting. New year, new start. Perhaps this year it'll be different....

Well, I can honestly say that this year will definitely be different! The biggest happening of all is that I will be on maternity leave in October and hope (do I really?) to return when school resumes in January. My husband, son, daughter and I are eager anticipating the arrival of girl #2 in mid-October.

As I enter this last trimester during what could very well be the hottest months of the year, I have the added bonuses of planning a new school year, watching my son blossom into a kindergartner, and guide my very head-strong daughter through the beginning stages of the terrible twos - although she won't be officially two until January!

Life has thrown me a curve ball. Let's just see if I can anticipate it's movements and knock this one out of the park!

School starts in 2 more days. Let's hope I'm ready by then. =)

-jt-

D 5 in ACTION!!

Sorry I've been away, and there's so much to share! I've got more to post at the end of the day, but right now my kids are doing it! I introduced word work today so now they are more excited and not as tempted to talk to each other while reading. I have a few taht are talking quietly during their word work which shouldn't be happening, but I think as long as the Read to Self-ers are reading independently it should be all right. Yes? I wish I brought my camera today. Will post pics tomorrow!

Oh! Photobooth!

Big Day Tomorrow!

So tomorrow is the big day. I've prepared. I've studied. I've worked.

I'm not quite finished as I will make my final push tomorrow morning before the kids enter the door. Library organization will have to be done in increments and I'm okay with my library being in somewhat disarray. As long as books are in a basket and put in some sort of general order: Picture books by author's last name, non-fiction by topic, readers in various baskets, collections (ie Berenstain Bears, Clifford, etc.) together. It'll be fine.... I just remembered I never opened my 12 boxes of crayons to put in the desk group baskets. Yet another thing to be added to the morning chore list.

Daily 5 will be put on hold for a day or two as we have to get prepared for it: decorating book bags, putting books in their bags, prepping the assessment sheets, etc. I will be starting the Daily 3/4 in math at that time as well.

In news a little closer to home, my daughter also started her first day at the sitter today. She had a great day. A little crying, but a lot of playing. Mommy was nervous for her, but knew she was in good hands, so she could focus a little more on her work today meeting new parents and staying awake during staff meetings.

Tomorrow, this mother of two will gain 24 new kids (thankfully out of diapers!) and is excited to guide them along the path of learning. Yes, I will be thinking about whether or not the food I packed for my daughter will be enough, or if my husband and son are enjoying his second to the last day of summer vacation looking at a giant bug exhibit. But meeting my new kids, learning from them, hanging with my colleagues and having "adult" conversations again, is exciting and well worth the summer wait.

Wish me luck as I get my lunch packed, my clothes pressed and an early rest!