Schools out for Summer!!!

Well, technically not until tomorrow but I thought I better post before life gets cRazY!! Brae graduates from 5th grade tomorrow! When did graduating from elementary school become such a big to-do? It wasn't a big deal when I moved from 6th grade to junior high but both Jay and Brae have had big programs! It's a lot of fun but seriously, it's elementary!!!

The kids are stoked (is that word even cool anymore?) about summer! I'm sure they have visions of zoning out and playing on electronic devices all day long everyday, not even using their brains. At all. I sure hope they aren't completely devastated when I inform them of my visions. Chores, math facts, reading, writing, OUTDOOR activities.

Here's a question... When did being a kid change so drastically? I remember leaving my house each morning of my summer vacation and only coming home to feed my face. Now, I watch my kids spend their summers on the couch in front of the TV or computer screen. I feel like my kids are missing out on life! That's why this summer is going to be different! Even if I have to force them to enjoy sunshine and nature!!

I'm ready for the lazy days of summer... sleeping in, nowhere to go, vacations, popsicles, swimming, sunshine, camping. But the best part is just a change in the scenery of Life!

(And come August, I'll be ready for the scenery to change back!)

Introducing..... Elizabeth Arden!

OK, it's really Braedy dressed up as Elizabeth Arden! Brae had a 5th grade biography showcase today. She got assigned Elizabeth Arden which she was super excited about.... she's all about make-up!! She has been working on it for the past 6 weeks or so. She did all the work by herself. She had to research, write a report, decorate the board, write a speech, make a prop, and dress like Elizabeth. Then she spent the whole day today (except for a short lunch break) presenting it to all the parents and other classes. She did a great job and I'm kind of proud! I think Braedy is just glad it's over! Maybe. She did get to wear make-up (mascara and lip stick) so she might have been OK if it lasted the rest of forever.

Family Dinner

by: Jayden Stoddard

It's Sunday; It's time for
Family Dinner again.
We start to pour
The punch and laughter begins.

The little cousins run around
To stall time until dinner is done.
How funny it is to watch the young jump around.
Night is coming and the moon replaces the sun.

The smell of roasted chicken fills my nose
And everyone gathers and sits down.
We pray and bless the food
And dig in until no one can take another bite.

The young get sleepy;
The family starts to leave
Until the house is empty.
Oh, how I love family dinner!



(I have to admit, I cried a little bit!)