December Fun - School Days!

The way the calendar fell this year, there were only three full weeks of school between Thanksgiving Break and Christmas Break. Maybe that's how it always is, but it felt like the days flew by this year. I think I was at the school for something every one of those 15 days! 

One thing we love about our elementary school is the opportunities our kids have to perform or speak in front of a crowd. We feel they are building valuable life skills, and we are so grateful for that! In December, Rise and Shine (the every day morning assembly at school) is extra busy because different groups perform almost every day. This year, Mr J asked Brianna to be the accompanist for the Kindergarten performance. 

She did a wonderful job and didn't seem nervous at all!

I love to see her smile in front of everyone!

During the first week after Thanksgiving break, the PTO hosted a Holiday Shoppe where students could come shop for friends or family. I've been trying to be a little more involved in PTO this year, so I volunteered to work the Holiday Shoppe. I signed up to work the few hours the twins were in class, but several days were very busy and I ended up working longer. That meant that Brooke and Brecklyn had to sit and wait on me until I could get to a stopping place before we could go home. I thought it was really strange that Brooke was waiting so calmly, but it turned out she was running a fever :-(.

The day after I discovered Brooke had a fever, the fourth grade performed at Rise and Shine. I was so sad to miss Brianna's performance, but Chris went and recorded it for me. 

Always smiling :-).

Another day, I volunteered to help the second graders make cinnamon salt dough ornaments. Brooke still wasn't feeling well, so Chris worked from home that morning so he could stay with her. 

I love helping my boy.

We weren't quite done by the time Brecklyn was finished with her school day, so I walked down to her classroom and brought her back to the second grade area with me. She loved making a few ornaments!

Brenson also had a great opportunity to perform with his guitar during Rise and Shine one morning. While most of the second grade sang, he and a few other students played instruments. I'm not sure if he was nervous, but he was certainly serious!

He also did a fantastic job!

Always my serious boy.

Yet another day, the twins made gingerbread houses at school. I had already committed to volunteering with the second grade, but I was able to get away for just a minute to peek in on Brooke and Brecklyn.

Brooke

Brecklyn

Although I wasn't able to help with the gingerbread houses, I did help out at the twins' class party. 

Momma and Brecklyn

Momma and Brooke

Cuties :-)

Pre-K parties are always a little crazy, but they sure are fun! I used to dread class parties, but they are so much easier when you can just focus on your students without other children in tow.

Sweet Brooke

Sweet Brecklyn (and look at that plate of food!)

I like this photo of me talking to the kids 💗.

The same day that the girls had their class party, Brenson also had a class party. Thankfully, his was in the afternoon so it didn't conflict with the girls'. I volunteered to help with his party, as well. 

He didn't always show it, but I think he was happy to have me there. I think, haha.

Bren, Dedrick, and Ryder

The second grade class party was pretty crazy, as well. The kids just get SO keyed up at that age!

The day after the other kids' class parties was Brianna's class party. I was very grateful that all the parties were at different times so that I could be at all of them. G-Jo went with me to help the fourth graders with a snowman craft. 

Of course, Brooke and Brecklyn wanted to make the craft, as well!

The fourth graders were so calm compared to the younger classes. I didn't mind, lol . . . it was just different. Brianna was thrilled to have both G-Jo and me there with her. 

One of my goals for this year was to spend more time volunteering at the school since I had a block of time each morning without kids. I definitely feel like I'm accomplishing that, and honestly I'm loving it more than I thought I would. I consider it a privilege to be in my kids' classrooms with them, getting to know their classmates and teachers on a different level. I'm already looking forward to next year when I can spend even more time with my kids in their classrooms!