Out of the mouths of third graders.....

I'm finally getting around to blogging again. 

November has been a really busy month. The kids have a couple more weeks of swimming lessons and they both are taking tumbling classes now. Kenzie moved up to an intermediate class and Mason just started a boys class, which means we go from 9am-11:15 on Saturdays. They are both really enjoying it though. 

School has been busy with different projects that we've been doing--a canned food drive in which the Kindergarten class won an ice cream party; Operation Christmas Child, and making letters to send to the soldiers for Christmas. 

Speaking of, I was reading the cards my third graders made and they were so cute and sweet. "Thank you for protecting our country", "I'm praying for you." A funny one though was one that said, "Dodge the bullets-pretend that it's a big game of dodgeball and you'll win!" It's that cute? I debated whether it was ok because a Christmas card really isn't a good way of reminding someone that they are in danger, but I have a feeling some soldier is going to get a kick out of that! :) 

Also, the other day our library teacher was reading a story to my class about a girl who wrote a letter to President Lincoln to make Thanksgiving Day a national holiday. Afterwards, their assignment was to write a letter to President-elect Obama addressing their concerns. Well, she had trouble getting them started. I was at my desk working and heard these responses. Tre said, "I would like him to make healthy pizza." Then, Mason said, "Oh, I would like him to invent a way to make ice-cream without milk." So, the librarian tried getting them back on track explaining that those things weren't really a part of the presidents job and asking, "What concerns you?" Brandon raised his hand and said, "I'm concerned!" The librarian said, "What concerns you, Brandon?" He said very matter-of-factly, "Obama being the  president IS what concerns me!!" I tried so hard not to laugh! 

You hear the funniest things when you are around kids all day. I really should write it down because I don't remember half of what I have heard from them. 

Kindergarten Asia Day

I noticed today that just about everyone had updated their blogs, so I figured I had better keep up! 

Kenzie's class has been studying Asia and had a special day on Friday to celebrate all things Asian. Kenzie's teacher is from Thailand so she has learned a lot about that particular country. She also has learned a song about all the continents. I'm pretty impressed because she can also recognize and name each one on a map. 

All the kids got to dress in Asian attire. Kenzie wore the cute pink dress that James and Kelly had sent her last year for her birthday. Thanks, guys! 

One of the parents was kind enough to take several pictures and emailed them to me since I couldn't be there. I did get to stop in and have the yummy Asian potluck though. 

All that Asian food and she ate fried rice, a bun, and an almond cookie. She did have some noodles later and believe it or not Kenzie will eat sushi. (Unlike her dad or brother who won't even get near it!) 

Paper lantern craft

No, she doesn't look Asian, but she sure is cute! :) 

They also made these masks and did origami. After lunch and recess they watched Mulan. 

Our school does a lot of these "special days" after studying a particular unit. My third graders will have "Narnia Day" and last year I did a "Bach tea day" after we had read a biography about Johann Sebastian Bach. Towards the end of the year Kindergarten will have "Pioneer day". It's really fun and a great way for kids to remember what they have learned. 

By the way, Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have fought for our country and are currently serving. Thank You!  

Hallelujah Night!

We went to our church Halloween alternative last night. They call it Hallelujah Night. Thousands of people from the community come and there are games, food, candy, shaved ice, and bouncy houses. Bob worked crowd control for the "Mad Scientist Show" and the kids and I alternated between working at my booth and walking around playing games. We had a fun time. Here are a few pictures:

The clone troopers 

Kenzie playing "feed the lion". She took off her cheerleading costume within minutes of arriving. Oh well. 

Mason fishing 

This is one of the students in my class. His costume was by far the most creative. He could actually transform by just bending down on the ground. (see picture below) It was very cool. He was probably asked to transform dozens of times throughout the night. :) 

Another student in my class. Elvis is alive and in third grade! 

The annual sorting of the candy. Every year the kids get home and put all their candy together. Then they take turns picking. It works out well since Mason can't eat any of the chocolate or peanut butter. (Luckily they gave some to Mom and Dad!)