My poet (?)

Cortlan has really been coming into his own this year at school and I have been impressed with all he has learned this year.  But, the same is true for Everly.

We get daily reports e-mailed to us about Everly's day, and this was part of yesterday's:

I have to admit, I was a little impressed by the poem she wrote:

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Love you lots!! :)

Everly's Evening Joke #1

Superheros

It was a beautiful morning for a Superhero Run and my family was proud to be among the 1500 or so people who raised money and came out to support the victims of child abuse through The Superhero Foundation and CASA (court appointed special advocates) for children.  This year, the four of us ran the 1K, with John and Cortlan out front and Everly and me not too far behind them.

P.S. A huge shout-out and thanks to my Aunt Jozia and Uncle Bob, who came out to the race to cheer us on and take photos.  Thanks so much for your support!  It was awesome to see you!! :)

Pinning on bibs

Some warm up jumping jacks

starting line selfie

Cortlan was quick!  Next year, we are thinking 5K...

Everly got a little dramatic near the end, but she never stopped running.

We made it!

Feeling strong!

Superhero Strong!

Take Your Child to Work Day

I was hesitant about having both of my kids at work with my husband and I today, but we did bring them.  Since we work in a high school, there are plenty of learning opportunities and since my husband has a little more flexibility than I do with his schedule, he was able to take them to observe some pretty cool things - during period 4, they went to a foods class and made energy bites.  Later, they got to throw pots in a pottery class.  They got to "help" some teenagers dissect a frog.  I am sure they will have some great stories to tell their teachers on their return to their own schools tomorrow.

They started off their day with me, though, and they sat through a double period physics class.  We were learning about sound and I showed some cool demos and video clips, the students (and my kids) did an activity with tuning forks, and we talked about a lot of neat things that I thought they could catch onto since it was an intro lesson on the topic.  At lunch I asked Everly (who is now 5) if she learned anything in my class. Her response? "I learned that you are smarter than I thought!" 

I am not quite sure how to take that, but I think I will go with taking it as a compliment.

Not negative...

After the ideas were pitched, I said, "I'm sorry.  I hate to seem negative or that I don't like the idea..."
He said, "No!  You aren't being negative!  You are a thinker.  You see the holes.  That's why I am talking to you about it.  I need that."

And I needed to hear that.

Back at it

A few of my family members have been involved in a "100 Days of Happiness" project and I have enjoyed reading their facebook posts and keeping up with what makes them happy.  There have been a few signs lately that have indicated to me that it is time to get back to paying attention to the little things and looking at the good in my life and I think that doing something similar might be a good start.  I was initially considering doing so in May, but why not start now?

(Disclaimers:  1.  I am going to try to post something little every day for a while...something that happened, something that makes me happy, something I appreciate, something I heard or read, something positive.  It may or may not happen that way.  I have no intention to create lengthy posts with deep thoughts or grandiose stories.  Every now and then, that may happen, but not as the norm.  2.  Some of you may find this to be something you don't care to read.  Some posts will no doubt be trite.  I am ok with that.  This is something I am doing more for myself than anyone else.  I encourage you to do something for yourself, too!)

I hope to enjoy what's to come.  I hope you enjoy what's to come in your life, too.  Maybe I will get to be part of it.  That would make me happy.  :)

What I am loving right now...

• That the sun is finally shining and the weather is warming up, which means windows rolled down, fresh air, and not needing five layers to run outside.  (It has seriously been the longest winter...it was snowing on my run two days ago.)
• That my little girl is coming home with words like onomatopoeia and equinox and entomologist and that she knows what they mean and is excited to tell us.
• That my little boy picked up Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Sunday and read out loud for a solid hour on Sunday just because he wanted to.  He needed help with words here and there, but I was happy to oblige as I worked in the kitchen, listening.
• That Everly is ready to ride her bike the minute we get home.
• That Cortlan was so proud of himself after completing his first gymnastics meet - he did a fantastic job!
• That even after 12+ years of teaching, I am still finding ways to improve every day. 
• The "I love you's" I hear from my kids.
• April Fool's jokes.
• And this: 
  
• And this: