PD Day, Interviews, Advent pockets, sewing, kids . . .

Today was a PD Day and also Parent Teacher Interviews.  Kaleb's teacher, Ms. Leguard, had a ton of good things to say about him - his listening skills have gotten really good (thank goodness!!!), he shared and participates, he seems to love learning new skills and his writing and reading have really improved.  I didn't even know they did readying in Kindergarten - and now he has a take home journal that he'll be writing in - wow - I'm impressed!  Emma's teacher, Mrs Morisette-Ly, also had only good things to say about her.  She has been reading at a grade 3 level and seems to really enjoy science and math (is she my daughter???).  Her report card was full of A+, A- and some B+'s - so that was really cool to see.

Today we opened Advent Calendar pocket number 5 and found ourselves making present for the kids' teachers.  They had a blast doing it and even Navia got into it - in her own, almost 3 year old, type way.

An apple for Kaleb's teacher

Emma can't wait to give Mrs, Morisette-Ly her pomander

Navia just loves posing - lol!

Later on Emma decided to make Aaliyah a sock monkey, but I had never done it before so I thought I'd make a quick one (ya - right) first to figure out how to do it.  Well, I soon discovered that although the socks that we choose were soft and cuddly, they were horrible to work with.  So, I finished up this one and then we're going to find another type for Emma to make for her cousin (and don't tell her!!!)

He is sooooo soft and cuddly - the kids just love to give him hugs!!!

A purse that I made for Emma for Christmas - she loved puppies and so I thought I'd make her one that she could carry her webkinz in - especially her puppy ones!!!

Report Cards!!!

That time of year has come - the kids both came running from the bus today holding sealed brown envelopes anxiously waiting for me to open them and tell them that they could go to the next grade!!! And of course . . . THEY DID!!! Kaleb is now in Senior Kindergarten and Emma is in Grade Two! I thought that I'd let you know what the teachers said about the kids ('cuz otherwise I'll be reading these on the phone to the grandparents...) . . . so here it goes....

Kaleb - Junior Kindergarten - Teacher Mrs. Whiteford
Kaleb is an enthusiastic student who always takes an active role in classroom activities and follows the rules and routines of the class. He adapts well to new situations, is self-reliant and can focus on a task until it is completed. Kaleb listens attentively , contributes responses, and has learned to take turns when speaking. Music and creative movement are areas that Kaleb approaches with enthusiasm. Kaleb has been a pleasure to teacher. Kaleb doesn't get grades right now, but his teacher has been saying how well he's doing! Way to go bud!

Emma - Grade One - Mrs. Browne
Emma has been a delight to teach! She consistently demonstrate self-direction in learning. Emma always shows motivation and consistently seeks new learning challenges. She effectively organizes her time to meet long-term deadlines. Emma always works and play cooperatively with others. She readily establishes positive relationships with peers and adults. Emma consistently listens attentively to understand conflict before acting or offering a solution. She goes out of her way to ensure her peers and others are treated in a respectful manner. Emma always participates in class and group activities. All the best to you in the second grade Emma! Emma's report card was full of A, A- and B's! Good job girl!

Only 2 more days of school and they will be off for the summer - and they are already saying that they are in the next grade. They called Daddy today at work and in the saddest voices told him that they didn't pass their grade. When Dad asked if Emma was pulling his leg she whimpered "how can I, I'm not even close to your leg?" and then almost started crying. Brade was so concerned that he got me on the phone and was asking what was going on - was Emma really failing because of her French? It was hilarious!!! (although I'm sure he didn't think so!) Oh, and then Navia had to do it too and got on the phone and suddenly her smile was gone as she said "Daddy I didn't pass" and when I looked at her there were even tears in her eyes!!! That girl will be one to watch!!!