Special Person's Day ~ May 9, 2013

Papa and I got to spend time with Alex and his classmates once more on Special Person's Day. It felt strange not having to share our time between Alex and Emily. But Emily was off to New York City with her family at the Kelly and Michael Show (how lucky is she!).

This year the hour was spent differently and I enjoyed it so much better. We got to spend the entire time in Alex's classroom viewing the various stations displayed. There was no running off to the gymnasium or computer room. We got to see all Alex is doing right now in first grade with Mrs. Huneck.

Alex shared his journal with Papa and me. We viewed how much his handwriting and story telling improved as his school year progressed. We read the book he wrote with Bob Munch. We met his buddy, Samantha. I could go on and on.

Alex, we loved every moment shared with you. You are such a fantastic kid. We are so proud of you!!
Hugs and kisses,

Spring Concert ~ Emily and Alex

Once again I have to say Tamarac's Music Department is wonderful. The teachers spend countless hours working with our children. And it shows. This year's Kindergarten through Second Grade concert was so enjoyable. When the second grade sang Rockin' Robin, I found myself swaying to the music and singing in a whisper of a voice. I especially enjoyed the First Grade singing "Here Comes the Sun." After our long winter, we are ready for sunshine. The Kindergarten sing "Little Bunny FOO FOO." I could not contain myself. I sang this song to my kids and grandkids hundreds of times. And I LOVE it. So I had to join in.

Emily and Alex had a great time performing with the chorus. All the chosen songs were fun for the kids to sing. Christopher Siegenthaler, the Director, gets our kids to enjoy singing. He is such an asset to Tamarac's Music Department. I am looking forward to the Middle School's performance.
Hugs and kisses,

Easter at The Baldwin's ~ 2013

I'm finally getting back to doing some scrapbooking. We had a great Easter as a family at Shelley's and Don's. Brunch was delicious. We had far too much food again this year.

I'm glad I thought of doing the steps and stairs picture. It shows off the way to get to the boys' loft.

And as always, Nana stayed inside while everyone went outside to hunt for Easter eggs. I sat and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee loving the quiet:~)

I love our Easter celebrations. Even though we eat at home, it is always somewhat formal. The table setting was very festive. Aunt Shell always thinks of a new way to make the place cards. This years was a marshmallow chick holding the place card.; a very neat idea.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Lost and Found Letter

A couple of  weeks ago The Film's and The Baldwin's decided to stay overnight at the Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Lake George. They got out an overnight bag and, to everyone's surprise, found the above letter from Kara to Nana and Papa inside.

In fifth grade Kara attended Nature's Classroom, an extension of the classroom where students participate in exciting hands on activities which are both academic and enjoyable. The following quote made by a teacher was taken from Nature's Classroom web site and sums up what it hopes to accomplish:

 "I expected students to grow in trust, caring and sense

of place in the world and how each person touches

and affects others around them. I expected their knowledge

 of the environment to grow.... You all have more than met

my expectations. In 13 years of outdoor education,

this is the strongest  program I have experienced."

After reading Kara's letter, I think every child should experience this camp. Every child should feel she(he) can be herself. Kara's letter tells us a lot about education in schools today. Just take the time to read between the lines.

Now, please peruse my layout and find the following: an owl, a deer, three birds and a squirrel.

PS - Alex is the first to let me know he found all the animals. He is the winner of a crisp new one dollar bill!

Hugs and kisses,

The Power of Positive Thinking

 I have known for a very long time that both our daughters are strong. I just didn't know how strong. The day Kristen and Corey told Papa and I that Kristen had breast cancer, she stressed the importance of  her being surrounded by positive people. There could be no crying, no sadness. And, by gosh, her family and friends pulled it off. Then we all rejoiced with her. Her cancer was gone.Was it influenced by the power of positive thinking? No one will ever convince we otherwise. You go, Kristen. Back to living your normal life. God bless you.
Hugs and kisses,

Celebrating Chinese New Year ~ February 10, 2013

Emily, I must apologize for not adding our family celebration of Chinese New Year this February 10th to our blog. This year is the year of the snake; not my favorite reptile. But then, I don't have a favorite reptile. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about your Dad's and Grandma's trip to WuWie, China, Gansu Province to bring you home to your forever family. You came to us so happy making all of us fall in love with you with no effort. It just happened.
Hugs and kisses,

Zack Receives January's Trustworthiness Character Award

Congratulations to Zack for being recognized as one of the Students of the Month on Feb. 1. The awards, which were read over the morning announcements, are part of the Middle School’s Character Education Program to recognize students in front of their peers. Trustworthiness was the Character Education Theme for January and the faculty selected Zack as one of the students to receive the award because they feel he embodies this quality and serves as a great role model for other students, as said by Assistant Principal Chris Rockwell.

Zack, you are a great young man with a fantastic personality. You are a High Honor Roll student. You can dream big and shine as bright as you set your mind to. I have always been very proud of you.

Oh, I would like to mention that Kara also achieved High Honor Roll status:~)
Hugs and kisses,