Multicultural Fair

My kids go to the International Magnet School in a school district. This past week they had their huge Multicultural Fair.

For two days the school was transformed into the continents of Africa, North and South America, Australia, Europe, Asia, and Antarctica. The kids saw performers and presenters representing all areas of the world. And were able to sample food from different countries as well.

The PTA was the main sponsor of the event, which translated into some long hours as well as a little stress. But I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

Each child received a passport that was stamped as they learned about the different countries. They also were sent home with a cut out kid which they were to decorate from a country of their choosing. (It looked like a gingerbread man with nothing on it.) They were to come back with three facts about the country to share with thier class as well. The girls wanted to do Germany. So we did our best to create our "culture kids" in the traditional lederhosen. (One of their facts was that lederhousen means leather pants.......bet you didn't know that?!).They had a good time being creative.

Teacher Appreciation Week

I am room mom to both of my girls classes. So I had a crazy, busy, fun, but very exhausting teacher appreciation week a couple of weeks ago.

We cooked breakfast one day and decorated the door for the week. (Or should I say weeks as they are still up)

The kids traced their hands and then they decorated them and wrote a nice note.

The next day was bring a flower day. So I made cookie flower bouquets for both teachers. (an idea I have to give my mom full credit for......THANKS MOM!) They turned out so cute but took a lot of time. But both teachers loved them!

(A little closer shot)

The principal even came up to me the next day at the PTA luncheon for the teachers and commented on how cute they were!

The next day I had the kids bring something chocolate for a bag I created as a "Sanity Stash" for the last few weeks of school. We also bought a class gift, one of the days.

On the last day I served my teachers a nice Italian lunch and gave them the love note tins from their class. I went to the school and die cut 2 hearts for each child. One for the child to fill out with a note of thanks, and one for the parents as well. (I was pleasantly surprised how many parent ones I received back.) They turned out really cute, and I think it was the biggest hit of the week.

It was a fun but tiring week. But I think my teachers felt appreciated, and that is what was important. Teachers have one of the hardest job on earth! My hat goes off to them!

No I Haven't Fallen Off the Face of the Earth.....

I have felt a little guilty that I haven't been keeping up with my blog like I would like. (My sister-in-law says I have enough guilt for all the people on earth which is probably true) Life has just been really busy as you will soon see by the posts to follow......hopefully soon?!

But today I received an e-mail that made me feel just a little bit better about myself. It brought a smile to my face, and I hope it will yours as well. I feel like she is singing about my life. Which, by the way, I would not trade for ANYTHING. I am incredibly blessed!

So smile and enjoy. But most of all keep on keeping on! I know I will!

(Pause the music player on the side be able to hear the fun)

Going to Work with Dad

This past week was bring-your-child-to-work-day. The girls look forward to this every year. And this was Emily's first time to go. You have to be at least 5. They enjoy visiting Dave at work and leaving some artwork on his white board.

Dave has such a nice boss named Miss Nanette. She enjoys having the girls come to visit, and gave them a little "job" to make them feel at home. As you can see her desk is piled with papers and the girls were in charge of stacking them according to size to help Miss Nanette "organize" them.

Girls in the middle of their job. Notice to doughnut on the table? Miss Nanette is also cool because she buys the doughnuts. =) She knows how to treat her employees right!

The job well done! Check out that clean desk!

The girls also got to learn about Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle from the Character "Re Duce"

They topped off the morning by having Mom meet them and Dad for lunch. It was a great day, they asked if they could go again tomorrow.

(I think they just enjoyed playing hookie from school for the day)

Dave and Lori's "Wicked" Adventure

As most of you know, who follow my bog, I have been waiting ever so patiently to see one of the greatest musicals ever........"Wicked"

Well the wait is now over and it was FANTASTIC!!!!

It started by hiring a babysitter and having a date night with my fabulous husband. We went to one of my favorite restaurants for some great food. The Cheesecake factory. I am a total creature of habit when I go out to eat, and I always tend to order the same thing. My favorite to order is the burrito (it is huge and yummy), with a slice of Chocolate Tuxedo cheesecake to top it off. For a chocolate lover like myself it is HEAVEN! (I drool even as I post the picture!)

After dinner we went to the show. We scored some close FREE parking, which is always a bonus. We had fantastic seats on the floor. It also was opening night, so that was fun too. The show was AMAZING! I have been listening to the soundtrack for months and the show totally lived up to my expectations. (if you want to hear the music too, some of my favorites are in my sidebar music player tracks: 2,7,12,13,and 16)

It gave me a new perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West. Was she really not all that wicked after all? You should never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.

Now if that has peeked your interest, and you have the chance, your really ought to see "Wicked"

I know I will again!

The ABC's of Kindergarten

This past week was the Kindergarten's PTA program. It was called the ABC's of Kindergarten. It was so cute, and Emily did such a good job. We wanted to share the evening with you. (You will need to pause the music on the right to hear the video) Enjoy!