2016 School Year

Scott finished 4th grade which is CRAZY to me.  I can't believe I have a 5th grader.  It seems like he just started kindergarten and in 1 more year he is in middle school.  It really goes faster each year. He had a great 4th grade year.  He had a teacher, Mrs. Sutherland, who he LOVED!  He would randonly tell me how nice she was.  She said it was an amazing class. He is confident in who he is, his likes and dislikes which is nice to see.  In the fall he did swimming and and running club which was fun. We didn't make it to swim that much, but he enjoyed it when he was there.  He did a gate class after school which he didn't like.  We decided not to enroll him in a 4th/5th grade district class next year that would have been at a different school.  Catering to academic needs would be nice, however, not worth it to be at a school across town, without his friends for just 5th grade.  It is nice that he is at the age that he can weigh pros and cons and help decide what is best.  He loves to be a leader, is very responsible and chooses to do what is right most of the time.  He also can be rather impatient, especially at home or when he feels his way is better.  He enjoyed being in student council and taking pictures.  It was fun for him.  I am proud of him that he tried out.  He also tried out for the school play (which is about as low key as you can get) and got a solo for that.  Everything he does it because he wants to do it.  He did Odyssey of the Mind which was alright.  I realized he likes to do outdoor/athletic stuff after school, not academic.  He made it through and it was good for him to learn not to be bossy and work in groups better.  Don't think we will do it again next year.  He is so smart, athletic, kind, a hard worker and disciplined.  He has a good group of friends.  It is the first year that he would just hang out with a larger group.  Before he needed his one best friend and this year he would mingle with a bunch of kids.  He had a crush this year and we told him he only has 6 more years to date....he was excited when he found out his crush liked him.  Of course they don't talk to each other.  5th grade crushes.  The things I remember.  We are so proud of the young man he is becoming and know 5th grade will be a great year.  I know next year is going to be a great year.

Tyler finished 3rd grade with Mrs. Wheeler.  She has been such a loving, great teacher for him this year and last.  He really liked school and had a great year.  Anything extra after school for Tyler this year was like pulling teeth.  Whether it was practicing the piano, reading or playing baseball.  He really doesn't have a love for anything.  He is a really talented pianist but fights, screams and gets angry to play.  He continues to be a quiet, sweet boy at school and is somewhat of a pain at home.  Better than he used to be but he has a hard time doing this that make his siblings happy.  He likes to do things that make them angry.  Little things like not moving over on a couch when one wants to sit down.  He loved baseball last year and this year had a coach that was great but a lot stricter so didn't love it.  He also didn't like being in the heat. When I asked him if he was going to play next year, he said it was just too hot outside.  I don't know how he feels.  I imagine at the end of the school day his little body is spent and we get the worn out, exhausted Tyler.  I have learned to allow him to listen to his body.  If he wants to just relax and hang out that might just be what is best for him.  On the other hand, I want him to foster his talents and think things like practicing the piano aren't too much to ask.  Still trying to figure him out and find something he enjoys.  He is a great friend and liked by everyone at school.  He really is a sweet kid at school and can be a sweet kid at home when he wants to be.

Kira finished Kindergarten.  It was a great year for her.  We love Mrs. Folgelstrom.  When my dad died, she started gymnastics which was the first activity we did that was just for her.  Before that, with my mom and dad's illness, it was just too much to add to the plate.  She loves it and it is fun to see her work hard and enjoy.  She is a really hard worker.  Whether it be coloring, running or listening, she wants to do her best.  She went through a weird stage that she was afraid of men.  Legitimate fear of men.  Men substitutes were the worst.  Men helpers at church or the gym.  No, No, No!  Once she got over that, I went to work and she was afraid to be away from me.  She didn't want to go to gymnastics (even with Danny).  Just wanted mom, which is understandable.  That is a big adjustment.  So we have been patient and after about 6 weeks she has been doing better.  Well, then we started swimming with her and she just wants me to coach her.  I know consistency will help her, but there comes a point, that I just want her to stop being so emotional and fearful or needy.  But I patiently wait and help through each stage and eventually she gets over it.  Sometimes I think if I used tough love, she would just get over it quickly, but we patiently deal with all her emotional needs.  Thank goodness I only have 1 girl...it is touch stuff!  She is a great friend and very well liked at school.  She loves a boy in her class named Peter who is the sweetest, funniest, nicest boy.  He has 3 brothers so they make a good pair.  She enjoys everything about school (except male subs).  Her favorite day was when her dad got to come in and help with learning tubs.  Danny took the 1 morning off to sub in her class which was such a great thing!  So lucky!

Blake did joy school this year with Zack, Liam, Bosom, Charlotte and Rissa.  I enjoy teaching joy school.  It is a lot of fun for me and he really liked it when his friends came and played.  It is amazing how easy things are after doing them for 8 years.  I remember my first year of teaching and I would prep and plan the night before and now I usually am able to throw it together that day.  It is fun, we play games, learn and do a fun craft.  The kids were all very sweet.  Such different personalities.  Blake loves being with friends.  Next year we are going to do 2x a week.  I always debate doing preschool with my kids and then I just can't let go of them.  We have them at home for such a short period of time, that I just don't want to give them up.  Sometimes I LOVE the idea of homeschooling or even doing it for a year so we can be more adventurous, travel around the country and learn through experiences, not just being stuck at home or in a classroom.  Right now with little kids that isn't going to be the reality, but someday maybe we will just go.  Probably by then, Scott will be in Calculus and I couldn't teach him.  One of my bucket list items.  Blake loves to please.  Is so proud of himself when he accomplishes something.  He is my most serious child and always has a serious, concerned look on his face.  This year he has also been really angry.  I think it all started when the baby was born and then when my dad died.  We called him the hulk for a while but he is getting better.

Onto 5th, 4th and 1st grade next year.  I am so proud of the year my kids had, the friend that they are the growth that took place.  Feel so lucky to be at such a great school with great teachers and families.  Bonus that we can ride bikes and run as a family.  So excited for summer!  It will go too fast, but we will enjoy quality time with the family of not having to be at school at 8am.  I might have to leave for swim at 6am, but at least my kids can sleep in.