Lawnmower Man

John has decided that he loves to "mow" the grass! Mark has been cutting the grass with the push mower as a way to get some extra exercise. Every time that Mark goes out to mow, John goes along, too. Mark always makes sure that he is well out of the danger zone. John works just as hard and as long as Mark. He will even take notice of when the grass is getting high and ask, "We gonna mow tonight, Dad?" So cute! We just hope that he enthusiasm for the job doesn't wane as he grows older!

Movin' on Up!

We finished our school year last week. On the last day of school for students, my principal met with me in her office and asked if I would like to teach first grade! I have taught kindergarten for 15 years and have never taught another grade. I was ready for a change and because of some other reasons as well, I decided to take on the challenge! Mrs. Piercey, a veteran teacher of 40 years is retiring and I will be taking her place. I plan to move into her room, which is just down the hall. It is a bigger room and has more windows. It is also right across the hall from the other first grade teacher, Sandi Smith (who is awesome!). So...this summer I will be moving classrooms, going through all of the stuff that Mrs. Piercey is leaving for me, and trying to figure out how to teach first grade! (If anyone wants to help, feel free to join in the fun--including babysitting my two cherubs while I go up to school!)

Advantages to teaching first grade...

Kids are more settled (hopefully!) and know more about the school routine
Kids have started learning to read, so I can take them to a new level than in K
This year I will already know most of the kids from K!
More structure--I operate well in a structured environment
Fewer field trips--I like field trips, but it seemed like we went on too many in K
Don't have to do an orientation at the beginning of the school year.
Don't have to do Kindergarten Graduation program at the end of the school year!
(This list will expand later, I'm sure!)