Pasta Patterns

Tonight we watched a friend while her parents had a night out. I planned some activities for the kids to do. We broke out the Wacky Mac and some string for a fun and simple project. The gals made colorful necklaces. But Avery decided to turn his into a math lesson about patterns. He loves all things MATH.

And, of course, it was NOT a necklace. Its a pattern hanger, which fits nicely over the doorknob.

The gals ran off wearing their new necklaces. Avery played a little Super Mario. But he returned to the kids table where the bowl of pasta shapes was sitting, apparently abandoned and lonely. So, Avery seized the moment to create a "Gear Machine" out of the penne and piccolini shapes.

However, he cleaned it all up before I got a picture of the final project. I never really considered that the little wheel shapes could make a great gear machine, but I suppose that's something you learn from a son? Maybe an engineer?

Avery Runs to School

My son RUNS to school every day. He loves it and can't wait to get there. He can hardly wait for me to stop the car so he can get out. It really makes me smile. May it always be so!

Avery Runs to School from Emily Hughes on Vimeo.

Beating The First Day Blues

Sometimes moms have a tough day when a child starts Kindergarten.  I call it "The First Day Blues." Well, I've got some ideas to make mom's day MUCH BETTER and it, surprisingly, does not involve a pedicure... although now that I think of it, is not a bad idea....
I digress...
Turn your frown upside down by planning your very own First Day of School Party. Spend the day planning the festivities instead of drowning the My-Baby-Is-All-Grown-Up sorrows in Death By Chocolate. Before you know it, it will be time to pick 'em up from school and your house will look like a ton of fun. You may remember this post from Avery's first day of Preschool last year.

After leaving the parking lot, put the tissues down and get to it! You'll make 3 stops. Party Store, Bakery/Grocery Store, Library.

First stop: Library/Bookstore:
Depending on the budget, you may want to check out several school themed books for your child, or you can visit your local bookstore to buy one as a special Back To School gift.

At the Party Store, grab the following:

Balloon Bouquet

Plates, napkins, tablecloth

Hanging Garland

Banner Kit to create "First Day Of School"

Table Centerpiece

Next stop: bakery/grocery store

Cupcakes!

Ask the baker if they have any school themed toppers. My bakery had red apples. PERFECT!

Drop off your goodies at home. Decorating is a snap. Set up your decor around your kitchen table. Hang the garland, set up the banner. Place the balloons so they are easily seen but not in the way. Display your library books. When you are all set, head to Starbucks drive-thru then off to get a pedicure before joining the long line of moms just like you who are excited to welcome home their Kindergarteners!

Avery's Teacher

So another praise ... Avery's teacher. I met her tonight at the Elementary School and then I knew ...
God answered my prayers in an over abundance.

When it came to Kindergarten, I was a nervous mother, first time with her own child in school. I talked to God about my concerns as if he didn't already know them. I asked him for just the right teacher, maybe even a "Cuddly Grandma" you know, someone you could just hug forever.  Well, that is EXACTLY what I got! She is tender, caring, and has been teaching for 21 years. And she just so happens to be a new grandmother!

Avery was actually originally placed in another class, but the Principal hand-wrote Avery's name on Mrs. S's roster after meeting me at New Family Night. (Which, by the way, isn't it cool that they have a new family night? I digress ...) And I didn't even talk with the principal about what kind of class I hoped for!  It was just a "Hello, my name is Emily. I used to be a teacher. This is Avery" .... then Avery interjects "Yes, I am going to go to this school and it's gonna be awesome!" Apparently that made an impression. There were no smooth connections,  no slipping the $20 bill with a sly "Gimme your best one, Chief!" Not even a question about his class!  It just worked out God just worked it out like that.

She said Mrs. S. was just the right teacher for Avery. I was so impressed. The teacher looked at Chris and said "You look familiar to me." Wouldn't you know she has been to our church, and her kids attend regularly!?!?!  Upon leaving the school, the Principal said to me "Isn't it neat how God works it all out?"

Yes, Mrs Principal. It is!

First Impressions (School)

Today marks my first event as a parent of an elementary student. Avery's school had an ice cream social for new families. Most impressively, after the ice cream, the teachers took ALL the kids to play while the parents met with the principal to review school information. How clever! Even the preschool children were entertained!
Avery enjoyed playing in the gym with other primary grade students. Mary Hannah went to the music room with the other PreK kids where they listened to a story and colored.
Avery is going to do very well. He is happy and extra social. He loves to learn. He went straight up to the principal and exclaimed "I'm going to go to this school. Its gonna be awesome!"

I love my little guy!

K4 Jumpstart

K4 was fantastic!!! It was just what he needed when we moved to a new place. Instant friends, instant structure, and independence. We were so grateful for the experience during the preschool year ...

Avery's class performed a couple songs and nursery rhymes before the graduation ceremony

Pretty sure seeing him in cap and gown made me a little emotional!

But we find ourselves even more grateful for the headstart that it gave Avery. Because of such a positive school experience, starting Kindergarten isn't so scary. In fact, Avery is really looking forward to it! I am grateful that he has already learned important lessons like sitting in his chair and listening to his teacher. Now he'll just have to navigate the new curriculum and make new friends.

Even though I am a former teacher, it is a whole new deal being on this side of the student! This week I am praying for his teacher and classmates. I am asking God for just the right match. Avery loves school, and I hope that his Kindergarten experience is fantastic, too.

Fall on the Farm

Avery and Mary Hannah have been enjoying preschool. Chris and I like it, too. This week they had a farm field trip visit the school for "Fall on the Farm" (which was actually "Farm in the Parking Lot" due to the rain soaked field). The field was too wet for a tractor to pull the hayride, but the kids didn't mind the improv. 

Both kids enjoyed the pony ride. They loved the petting zoo. Avery wasn't so sure about the pot belly pig, but they both liked the little goat. All kids went home with a pumpkin. After being dropped about a dozen times, ours are showing signs of "decay" (thanks to Sid the Science Kid for a lesson on decay, that is the word of the week at our house!)

Getting Ready for Her First Day

Avery's First Day of School

The morning started with a fantastically exciting breakfast of "Alien Pancakes." Chris made these by Avery's request, and they were a hit. It was the perfect beginning to a great day. 

Something about this day makes brushing teeth all the more enjoyable. 

Of course, we took some pics before heading out the door.

When we got to school, Avery was all smiles.

 Mary Hannah, on the other hand, was thoroughly disappointed that she was not going to school, too.

At home, we were busy getting ready for our First Day of School Party. Its a new tradition in our household. We want to make going to school an extra special event, so we will celebrate with special books from the library, balloons, decorations, and of course, cupcakes! 

Avery is looking forward to returning to school tomorrow. It will be a special day for Mary Hannah. She is starting "school" too. More on that later...

They're Coming!!!

Flip Flop tan lines are on their way! (Can you see them?) South FL sun is blazing hot!
Its almost beach time!
9 days of school left!!!

Tornado Drill

This is the weather we are used to here in South FL. Lots of sun, some rain, warm temps. Today we had all that and more. There was one of these in the sky:

A funnel cloud threatened our school and nearby neighborhoods. It was the first time I had ever taken part in a REAL Tornado Drill. Yikes! The students and I did well. We were calm, cool, and collected, and fully tucked into the Tornado Drill position. Thankfully the cloud stayed away and we were able to return to "normal" activities. Just one question... how does one return to "normal" after crouching in the corner in fear of a tornado?

Inspirational School Chorus

Teacher Appreciation Week

Its teacher appreciation week. Today one sweet student brought me a treat that made me smile: a fantastic stainless steel & ceramic mug, orange cranberry scones, and a Starbucks gift card! Needless to say I had to show my appreciation by using the gift right away. So I fired up some chamomile tea for the mug to keep warm, and tasted one (ahem...or two) of those scones. About that gift card... I fully plan on using it VERY soon!
Thanks, little guy, for expressing your appreciation. I appreciate you!

School Days are Coming to a Close

School is almost over. Summer is around the corner. We have a count down on our calendar. Avery and Mary Hannah ask me every morning if today is my last day at work. They want their mommy at home ... and Mommy wants to be home, too!
I am going to be a stay at home mom again, and I can't be more excited! Its my desire, my calling. I love my family.
I am looking forward to starting The Hughes Academy (haha). It will be wonderful to continue practicing reading with Avery and Mary Hannah. I can't wait to take day trips to the library or the zoo. Or even just have a picnic at the park. Maybe we could even pop in for a surprise lunch with Daddy at the office. Whatever we do, I'll be home with my babies. And that makes me happy!

20 days and counting!!!

My Classroom

I have never shared the teacher part of my life... until now. I teach 2nd grade at a local elementary school. I have a class of 17 students. We have a lot of fun using technology to enhance the curriculum.
Check out the link to my class website.

Update: Fo Da Mamas

Some people wondered what I loved about these blogs. Ok, I'll tell you. I loved the same things that my friend, Rachel shared with me. Not only will I try them at home, but I might just give 'em a go in my classroom, too.

From "No Time for Flashcards" the Thankful Hands Wreath

From "The Entertaining Kitchen" the Pilgrim Hat Cookies

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Original post:
I have recently been introduced to two great blogs. They are especially "fo da mamas!"



I love this blog for my kids at home and in school! Check it out!

The second blog is called the Entertaining Kitchen. Check it out in the sidebar ---->

Do you like them, too?

Thanks to my great friend Rachel for sending them to me!

Ready, Set, NO!

As it turns out we will have at least one extra day to anticipate the opening of the 2008-2009 school year. Hurricane Fay is headed our way. Well, maybe. We are currently included in the "Cone of Confusion," as I like to call it. That means that there is a chance to experience tropical storm or hurricane conditions. Which, of course, always leads to mild panic and long lines at the grocery store. It also includes an insane amount of news coverage!
So, the class is ready for the kids, but it will have to wait at least one more day.