The Kassel Family Project Life 365

After the last two years at IML, I had forgotten what it was really like to *work* at work.  We did virtually nothing because the office was on the decline and eventual closing.  Today reminded me of why I originally loved my job at IML.  I had the type of day where my phone rang constantly and there were many, many things on my “to do” list.  I may have run around like a crazy person yesterday, but I knocked several things off my list and accomplished a lot.  That’s a great thing for me because being busy is way more fun than being bored!  My hope was that I could slow down when I got home…  Unfortunately, that did NOT play out the way I had hoped.  It was a race to the finish just to get the kids in bed.  I need them to go to bed because I am both mentally and physically wiped out.  The glass of wine and season finale of Criminal Minds was exactly what I needed for the last two hours of my day.

I got the honor today of dropping off a group appreciation gift to Laura’s Unit A teacher, Mrs. Katie Hanney.  The first grade families from her class each put in some money and we got her three gift cards to enjoy a night out on us.  It’s the *least* we could do after all the days that she has been there to teach and guide our kids!  It hit Laura as we were out buying the gift cards that it was her last week in Mrs. Hanney’s class and Laura (and I) got teary eyed at the thought.  I was asked to write something heartfelt on the card and I made sure to take a picture so that all the families could see what I wrote.

After opening the envelope and pulling out the card, she began to cry as she read it (She made me cry just watching her reaction!).  She saw the $30 gift card to Orange Leaf and said, “Thank you so much!”  several times and gave me a big hug.  Then, I said, “There is more in the envelope.”  She pulled out the $75 gift card to Flat Branch and the $25 gift card to Hollywood Theatres and she began to cry more.  She was truly and completely stunned at the gift and kept saying, “I’m so touched!  I just can’t believe you all did this.”  She really deserves it as we could not have asked for a better first teacher for our kiddos!  Thank you Mrs. Hanney for loving our kids and being such a fantastic influence.  For those of us with kiddos who will eventually have you as their teacher, we look forward to those two years because we know how great their Unit A experience will be!  For those of us whose journey with you is ending, thank you for everything.  What an amazing two years!

I found this in John’s folder at preschool today.  His writing is doing so amazingly well!

Today was John’s turn at FlipzUSA for a birthday party.  One of his preschool classmates, Elaina, had her party there.  He was very excited!  According to John, he jumped (on the trampoline), ran (everywhere!), and swung (on the rope).  He declared, “It was super fun Mommy!”  He also told me that he was sad when the hour of playtime on the floor was up and he had to go upstairs for cupcakes (NOT cake).  However, judging from the photo, I *think* that he *maybe* enjoyed his chocolate cupcake with purple frosting…

The first of two visits to FlipzUSA this weekend was for Gretchen’s 7th Birthday Party.  Gretchen is Laura’s classmate and Laura was so excited to get to go.  John was disappointed that he could not go, but he has his visit tomorrow!

As always, Laura had a blast running, jumping, and playing in the foam pit.  She commented after the party that one hour of play time on the gymnastics floor is just *NEVER* enough!  I did manage to get her to stop long enough to take a picture of her in the foam pit, which happens to be one of her favorite places at FlipzUSA.

After tasty pizza and cupcakes, we headed for home.  Laura was sad to leave, but she was one tired girl.  She stared out the window the whole way home and said, “Mommy, I think I need to go to bed.”  Yep, she was done.

This evening was just fun!  It was complete with bike riding, basketball, friends, great food, good drinks, and a fire.  We started the evening by spending a little bit of time outside enjoying the beautiful weather.  Laura is riding her bike like an old pro now!  In fact, we can’t get her off her bike now.  I’ll take it!  (By the way, I managed to snap this beauty of a photo in between her riding.  I’m getting better with that Digital Rebel!)

John’s latest obsession is basketball.  The neighbors have a hoop that they let John use, so we got him a basketball.  John spent about an hour shooting and dribbling.  He is developing a pretty good jump shot for a four-year old.

After an hour or so of hanging out, we headed out to Clark, MO, to spend some time with great friends.  The kids were so excited to see Kyler and Kathryn and they played the night away.  It occurred to me about midway through the evening that I hadn’t even seen our kids except as they ran by to go inside or outside.  Such a change when they don’t need you all the time!  The adults spent the evening chatting and enjoying the fire.  It was a great way to spend a beautiful Friday night.

Laura finished her first year of the Extended Educational Experience (EEE) program today.  She wrapped up the year with a Medieval “Feast” in Medieval Times class.  She got to wear a crown and eat all kinds of finger foods.  She declared it “awesome!”  She was very excited to receive a certificate signed by her EEE Homeroom teacher, Ms. Richardson.  It is so hard to believe that next Friday is the last day of school.  She will officially be a Second Grader moving on up to Unit B!  Where has the time gone?