Mrs. Worrell's comment today said "I am so impressed. Lily is not attention-seeking for her good behavior, and she seems so humble." Lily may be humble, but as her mommy, I am not. We have such an awesome, sweet girl in Lily! I am so proud of her!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Gymnastics and School
1. Lily started gymnastics last week. Little Gym asked her to join their advanced 5 and 6 year old class. Ryan was able to watch a lot of her class last week, and he said they were really doing gymnastics; in her class last Spring, it was very casual while they learned to do somersaults, walk on the beam, etc. Now they are really focusing on the technical side of it while still keeping it fun. They are also throwing a little bit of kid-friendly strength building and cardio workout in. Last week after class, Lily told me "I'm not sure I like this gymnastics class." When I asked why, she replied "Because I don't know how to do it all; it's hard." I explained that this was a great chance for her to learn new skills and that with practice, she would get better; in a year, she will be able to look back and think "that's all easy stuff now." She seemed content to hear that and was very excited to go back today. The first thing she said to me afterwards today was "I learned to do a cartwheel!" She is so very proud of herself right now, and I have to say, she's doing a good job. I tried reinforcing that she was learning something new and with practice she will continue to get better. Well, she is having a great time practicing all around our house (and trying to teach Mia too). She has decided that now, she loves gymnastics!
2. Mia also started gymnastics last week. She is in the 3 and 4 year old class. It's true that she won't be 3 until November, but she has been watching Lily for over a year now, and the teachers agreed she could handle it. Well, in their first class they were working on somersaults. Mia can already do a really good somersault after practicing so much with Lily last year; some of the big kids in the class can't even do them yet. Ryan also said that she was practically running across the balance beam (she doesn't walk anywhere) while bigger kids were timidly scooting across. I am by no means trying to put the other kids down because they are just learning, but I am saying that I'm really glad Mia is in this class; she's loving it and doing a great job.
3. Lily is still thoroughly enjoying school. Her conduct grade (commenting on behavior, conduct and obedience) each day so far has been either Satisfactory (which the teacher said means it was a good, normal day and is to be expected most days) or Excellent (meaning the child did something extra great that day). Today, in addition to receiving a Satisfactory grade, there was a note saying she needs to work a little on her self-control of her hands during chapel and story time. I talked to Lily about that before bed time tonight, and she said "But Mommy, I get so excited and can't help it." I explained that moving her hands around a lot can be distracting, so we practiced sitting with her hands still in her lap while I read a book. Hopefully we will see this improve. Her work ethic grade (commenting on diligence, neatness and effort) has been Excellent every day. I can't say I'm surprised by that. If you ever watch Lily while she is doing any kind of art project, you will see this work ethic come through; she will concentrate so hard to make sure she is following the directions to make everything just right. This is one of the many qualities I love about her. I have asked Lily a few times what is her favorite part of school; each time she has replied "carpool line." I'm not really sure what to think of that! She has also commented that she has fun on the playground, and she is convinced it is her new shoes that make her fun fast. On the way in this morning, she put her shoe up in front of me and asked "Mommy, what's on the bottom of these that make me run so fast?" When I told her I thought maybe it was her feet that made her run so fast, she said "Maybe, but what if there's a little machine inside the shoe? What if it's a little mouse that runs on the machine to make little wheels turn to make me run fast?" She's thinking about a hamster's wheel because at Chuck E Cheese they have a huge hamster's wheel for kids to run in. Whatever it is, she loves to run! We are so pleased at how well these first few days of school have gone.
4. We went to Mia's new school for Sneak-A-Peak today. She starts the Wednesday after Labor Day, and she'll go 3 half-days a week. We met her two teachers, Mrs. Mara and Mrs. Parker; we also got to see her room and meet a few of the other kids in her class. I believe Mrs. Mara said there will be 9 kids in the class, so that is a good number. Her room is very cute. They have a nice size library and reading corner in it which Mia loved. We probably looked at two dozen books before leaving; that was about half of the ones on the shelf. They also had lots of good chunky puzzles and building blocks. I liked that their room is right next to the playground, and she commented that they will go outside to play for awhile every day. The room was decorated to show all the fun things they will learn. They will spend the first few weeks working on basics like learning everyone's names, the weather, days of the week, etc. Then they start with a different letter of the alphabet each week and all the projects will focus on that letter. They will also spend some time on Spanish each day; I think Mia will like that because she loves to count to ten in Spanish (thank you Lily for teaching her that!). They also have a little music class each day which I know she will love. I think this will be a great experience for Mia, and she cannot wait to go to school!
2. Mia also started gymnastics last week. She is in the 3 and 4 year old class. It's true that she won't be 3 until November, but she has been watching Lily for over a year now, and the teachers agreed she could handle it. Well, in their first class they were working on somersaults. Mia can already do a really good somersault after practicing so much with Lily last year; some of the big kids in the class can't even do them yet. Ryan also said that she was practically running across the balance beam (she doesn't walk anywhere) while bigger kids were timidly scooting across. I am by no means trying to put the other kids down because they are just learning, but I am saying that I'm really glad Mia is in this class; she's loving it and doing a great job.
3. Lily is still thoroughly enjoying school. Her conduct grade (commenting on behavior, conduct and obedience) each day so far has been either Satisfactory (which the teacher said means it was a good, normal day and is to be expected most days) or Excellent (meaning the child did something extra great that day). Today, in addition to receiving a Satisfactory grade, there was a note saying she needs to work a little on her self-control of her hands during chapel and story time. I talked to Lily about that before bed time tonight, and she said "But Mommy, I get so excited and can't help it." I explained that moving her hands around a lot can be distracting, so we practiced sitting with her hands still in her lap while I read a book. Hopefully we will see this improve. Her work ethic grade (commenting on diligence, neatness and effort) has been Excellent every day. I can't say I'm surprised by that. If you ever watch Lily while she is doing any kind of art project, you will see this work ethic come through; she will concentrate so hard to make sure she is following the directions to make everything just right. This is one of the many qualities I love about her. I have asked Lily a few times what is her favorite part of school; each time she has replied "carpool line." I'm not really sure what to think of that! She has also commented that she has fun on the playground, and she is convinced it is her new shoes that make her fun fast. On the way in this morning, she put her shoe up in front of me and asked "Mommy, what's on the bottom of these that make me run so fast?" When I told her I thought maybe it was her feet that made her run so fast, she said "Maybe, but what if there's a little machine inside the shoe? What if it's a little mouse that runs on the machine to make little wheels turn to make me run fast?" She's thinking about a hamster's wheel because at Chuck E Cheese they have a huge hamster's wheel for kids to run in. Whatever it is, she loves to run! We are so pleased at how well these first few days of school have gone.
4. We went to Mia's new school for Sneak-A-Peak today. She starts the Wednesday after Labor Day, and she'll go 3 half-days a week. We met her two teachers, Mrs. Mara and Mrs. Parker; we also got to see her room and meet a few of the other kids in her class. I believe Mrs. Mara said there will be 9 kids in the class, so that is a good number. Her room is very cute. They have a nice size library and reading corner in it which Mia loved. We probably looked at two dozen books before leaving; that was about half of the ones on the shelf. They also had lots of good chunky puzzles and building blocks. I liked that their room is right next to the playground, and she commented that they will go outside to play for awhile every day. The room was decorated to show all the fun things they will learn. They will spend the first few weeks working on basics like learning everyone's names, the weather, days of the week, etc. Then they start with a different letter of the alphabet each week and all the projects will focus on that letter. They will also spend some time on Spanish each day; I think Mia will like that because she loves to count to ten in Spanish (thank you Lily for teaching her that!). They also have a little music class each day which I know she will love. I think this will be a great experience for Mia, and she cannot wait to go to school!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A Great First Week
Just a quick update to mark the end of Lily's first week of school before we get started again tomorrow. She loved it! She has told me about two new friends that she has made, Jill and Avery. There are only 11 kids in the class, so I have a feeling I will hear about all of them at some point. This week they worked on the short sound for the letter "i." They made an igloo by turning a styrofoam cup upside down, cutting a little door on it and then gluing mini-marshmallows on to it. It was really cute! I have a picture, I just haven't uploaded it yet. They also studied indians to get that "i" sound. Next week they will work on the short sound of "u." Mrs. Worrell sends a little note home each day letting us know how our child's behavior and work ethic work for the day; Lily did awesome each day. Mrs. Worrell commented that she is "kind, patient and considerate." She also noted that "she is a great listener which is why her igloo turned out so well." On Wednesday, Lily told me about using sidewalk chalk to make giraffes; ever since then she has been teaching everyone how to draw giraffes. She really enjoys playing teacher, and I have to say, she's pretty good at it! We are absolutely thrilled with how well Lily's first week went, and we're looking forward to all the fun ahead!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Lily Starts to School!
I cannot believe that today was Lily's first day of Pre-K! Where has the time gone?
We are absolutely thrilled that she will attend Atlanta Classical Christian Academy five half-days a week. We discovered this school a couple of years ago, and we have been nothing but impressed with them. We love the classical method of teaching, and we are very pleased that this is also a Christian-based learning system. Lily has been so excited for a couple of weeks, ever since we bought her school supplies. Lily loves to learn, so she couldn't wait for school to start.
Last Thursday, we attended the Pre-K Open House where we had the chance to meet Lily's teacher, Mrs. Worrell, see her classroom, meet other kids in her class (and their parents) and drop off her supplies. There were two rows of small tables which have up to three children at each at them; there are 11 total kids in her class. Everyone found their seat, and they looked around the room to find their name elsewhere: on their cubbies, coat hook and on the wall. Lily was so excited when she looked around her room. They have tons of great books, stuffed animals (Lily said the giraffes were her favorite part), craft supplies and a pretend kitchen. She and Mia had fun making a railroad track out of connectable blocks. There was a lot of space for everyone to move around in, and there's a little bathroom connected to their classroom. Of course, the room is decorated so cute too with lots of bright pictures showing the ABCs, months, days, left versus right; all the fun stuff you work on in Pre-K!
Lily standing in front of the growth chart holding her table name tag.
The hallway outside of her room is decorated so cute too!
Lily with Mrs. Worrell. The headmaster told Ryan that she is "the girl you want your girl to grow up to be." We have heard great things about her from other parents too, so we are thrilled that Lily is in her class.
Today was the big day, so I made Lily a special Happy Face breakfast which consisted of strawberry eyes, scrambled egg nose, granola cheeks and a bacon mouth.
Ready to go in her adorable uniform! This is her "standard" uniform that is worn most days though she has a couple of color and style options on the shirt. On Wednesdays, which is chapel day, all the girls wear a plaid jumper over a white blouse. They are so precious!
Showing off her new book bag.
Ryan and I walked her in this morning. In a couple of days, we'll let her go through the carpool line, but I'm not ready for that yet! Here she is about to walk into her class. Though she gave us each a big hug and a kiss, she was very brave and didn't cling to us. Yet another sign that my little girl is growing up!
In her seat and ready to go!
We decided to head to Chick-fil-a for lunch and a special milkshake treat. Ryan and I had fun sitting with Lily, and just listening to her talk about her day. At one point, I asked if she wanted to wear her blue shirt with her uniform tomorrow. She said she liked this shirt better because it was more pink than the blue. She likes her uniforms though (and I can't help but say she is adorable in them).
We are so proud of this little girl! Overall, she had a fantastic first day, and she is excited about returning tomorrow!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Two Funnies
Two quick stories:
While driving down the road the other day, here is the conversation between Lily, Mia and myself:
L: Mommy, what are you going to be when you grow up? I'm going to be a chef.
A: A chef is a great choice.
L: What are you going to be?
A: Um, well...
M: I know what I am going to be!
A: Oh really? What are you going to be when you grow up Mia?
M: A pirate! Arrrr!
My mom took Lily on a Granna-Lily date while Mia was at camp on Wednesday. They went to The Swan House for lunch. Absolutely one of my favorite places, so I was quite jealous! Lily loved it too. She told me later she had four pieces of bread (granted the girl loves bread, but please know these are bite size muffins being served), some chicken fingers and french fries. She was also thrilled to have "rainbow ice cream" (aka rainbow sherbet) for dessert. After lunch, they visited the gift shop which is just wonderful, and they found a cute book for Mia and a neat princess mirror decorating kit for Lily which they came home and put together. She had a blast! I'm so glad she and Mom were able to have a fun date together!
While driving down the road the other day, here is the conversation between Lily, Mia and myself:
L: Mommy, what are you going to be when you grow up? I'm going to be a chef.
A: A chef is a great choice.
L: What are you going to be?
A: Um, well...
M: I know what I am going to be!
A: Oh really? What are you going to be when you grow up Mia?
M: A pirate! Arrrr!
My mom took Lily on a Granna-Lily date while Mia was at camp on Wednesday. They went to The Swan House for lunch. Absolutely one of my favorite places, so I was quite jealous! Lily loved it too. She told me later she had four pieces of bread (granted the girl loves bread, but please know these are bite size muffins being served), some chicken fingers and french fries. She was also thrilled to have "rainbow ice cream" (aka rainbow sherbet) for dessert. After lunch, they visited the gift shop which is just wonderful, and they found a cute book for Mia and a neat princess mirror decorating kit for Lily which they came home and put together. She had a blast! I'm so glad she and Mom were able to have a fun date together!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Another Fun Date
Lily and I had another fun Mommy-Daughter date earlier this week. I treated her to lunch at The Sundial which sits on top of the Westin Downtown. The coolest thing about this restaurant is it turns a full 360 degrees in an hour. When you are 72 floors up on top of a hotel, that gives you a pretty great view! Lily is always happy to have a date with me, but she was very excited when I told her how the restaurant spins around. She couldn't wait to see this for herself!
Here she is on the elevator ride up. Both going up and coming down, she stood right against the glass to watch where she was going.
They sat us right by the window which I really appreciated. We started right above the Georgia Aquarium, so Lily recognized where we were. Her face would light up when we would come up on a place she knew such as Turner Field, 1-20 (the way to Birmingham) or Phillips Arena where we saw Disney on Ice.
After a delicious (though slightly overpriced) lunch, we walked up one more floor to the observation decks. Here's Lily looking up 75 trying to find our home. She was certain she saw it!
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