Father's day and Grad Party

Our Father's Day celebration started out with brunch at the Marriott hotel in Long Beach followed by party time in LA with Rolando's side of the family. I brought along my paints for my niece but, ended up painting the whole party LOL! I think next time I'll double check to see who's coming first. Naw, I love what I do so it was all good fun to me.

Last day of school

My little Christian had a great school year with an amazing teacher. Mr. Sakely really was an awesome teacher. He was a substitute for Christian's teacher who was pregnant and went out on maternity leave. This year was a big change from last year with Ms. Woo. yikes! That was not so good.
I'm looking forward to next year and so is Christian.

Kinder graduation

This year has flown bye so quickly. Seems like just yesterday Gracie was on her way to starting Kindergarten. Now she'll be starting school as a first grader in the fall. Oh I don't like this getting older bit!

Here she is the first month of school winning the student of the month award for citizenship.

These are the pics from her graduation ceremony and party. She has grown so much in a year.

I just love this sweet little monkey so much!

Gracies first Birthday

We are such bad parents. When it comes to throwing birthday bashes that is. My poor little princess has never had a big birthday party. I guess that's what happens when you are the third child. Josh had 5 big parties, Christian only had 1 and finally at age 6 Grace has had hers. Here are some picsa from the day in May even though her birthday is in the fall.

 

This was the best day ever is what she said to me after it was all done! I'm so happy she'll actually be able to remember it all.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Happy Birthday to daddy. He had to work on his special day so we made him a super awesome breakfast instead of taking him to dinner. The kids had so much fun helping!

School is almost here

 This summer was a busy one. I barely had a minute to blog..boooo. As you may or may not know I've been face painting up a storm this summer so, my weekends have been jam packed. We also moved at the begining of the summer which sucked and by the way I still have 6 unpacked boxes and no more room for anything!!!
 The kids will now be in better schools and my little princess will be starting Transitional Kindergarten!!! AHHHH!! When did she get to be so big.....booooo times two. I have begun the process of getting them ready, shopping for supplies, clothes, shoes and here comes the fun part.....accessories!! WHOO HOO!! You all know how much I love to make fun, girlie stuff. I started making my princess a few hair clips and a fancy new bracelet, which I think she may need a few more. I mean a girls gotta have options especially considering she'll be wearing a uniform(I think)...bleh. That's no fun! So we have to jaz it up a bit with cute accessories...Here is some of what I've been working on....

 I made a princess bracelet too but haven't had a chance to take a pic yet. I will when the sun is out. She has bows to match each of these OMG!! so cute!

Retro felt project for kids

Do you remember the smell of your kindergarten classroom? How about the feeling of nap time on a cot with fifteen other tired kids or being grossed out by the kid who ate paste so, you tried it too and to your surprise it was almost sweet.

 I seem to be able to remember these random wonderful things about being a kid but, when someone says oh do you remember so and so..I have no clue as to who they are talking about. I think I remember smells, tastes and sounds better than I do names and faces but, I digress...I came across this super awesome felt face tutorial by "Not JUST a housewife" via Random thoughts of a supermom and it brought back all of those warm fuzzy memories.

  

  This is definitely going on my project to do list for the kids. I even think my twelve year old will like it. He's more of the creative type anyway so, hopefully he won't think it's too lame. I think I may do this and pull it for on one of those times when the kids are going insane with boredom. I'm going to try to make mine look like people they know ie: Nana & Papa. hee hee

A writing celebration

Instead of a traditional holiday party at school my son's first grade teacher decided to have a writing celebration. Each child wrote and illustrated their own story then, parents were invited to come in and each child took their story around and read to all of the adults.
 They were all so proud and excited to read their stories. They didn't even realize that they were missing out on a day of no school work and eating tons of junk...we'll save that for next year ; )
Here's a little video of my son reading me his story...
Writting celebration 2010 from Shawna D. on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving Gracie style

The Princess was full of laughs and giggles while playing with her baby cousin Owen. I would've taken pics of the boys but they're too cool for pics...whatever!

Artist in training

Well, Mommy paints faces and colors nails so why can't I?

 Look mommy, My fingers and toes match!

  

Important school dates for Long Beach Unified School District.

Does your child attend Long Beach Unified school district? Well if so, here are a few important school dates to mark on your calendar.......

School starts..... Wed 9/8/2010
 
Student free days... Nov 11, Nov.22-26, Dec 20-31, Jan 17, Feb. 14, Feb 21, March. 28, April. 25- 29, & May 30

Last day of school..... June 16 

 The school calendar has been reduced by 5 days this year due to budget cuts which means adjusting your personal calendar early. The budget cuts have also affected the classroom size as well so, many of the kindergarten classrooms will be increased by 5 students which means added stress on your teacher so, if you can volunteer your time in the classroom a few times a month I'm sure it would be MUCH welcomed! If you can't work in the classroom you can always do some stapling and cutting from home.

 You will need to fill out a volunteer application and have a TB test done before you can help in the classroom so stop by your schools office either before school starts or within the first week since it takes a while to process your application.

If you'd like more information you can visit the LBUSD website at www.lbschools.net or call 562-997-8000

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Back to school checklists

 Back to school is quickly approaching and for many of us overworked and under payed WAHM's that means more to add to the daily check list but, not to worry as a result of my love of making lists I've decided to share mine with you.

 These lists are in a word document so you can edit and add to my list, print and take along with you as you begin to shop for everything under the moon for school. You still have time to order a few things on line like the lunch items from my previous post , which actually might cut down your shopping trip a bit as well.

 I've still got about a month to go....er..I mean I ONLY HAVE A MONTH TO GO! YIKES!!! Better go print my own list and get my butt moving!
 
 Back to school - Clothing Checklist
 Back to school - Supplies Checklist