story fam

story fam

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Finale



The play is now over....and exhale...Peris had such a fantastic time doing this again. I think she is learning how much hard work and dedication go into being a part of something like a play. It's so much more than memorizing lines and performing for the audience.
How fortunate we are to have kids in a school where this is an opportunity!!!
Peris is eagerly awaiting next years announcement of what the show will be......

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Alice in Wonderland

Logan, Peris, and Owen
WOW~check out the make up!!!


The crab and I


From "The Jury" scene
What does a Mom do when she is running a 101.2 fever, coughing, and sneezing?? Go to see Alice in Wonderland of course-as ANY Mom would do!!
Last night was my night to attend Peris' performance in Alice in Wonderland. She plays a crab in the Caucus Race and then again in the Jury. She did a fantastic job and had a line this year: "don't step on the fish".
So for those parents who had to endure my sniffling I do apologize-but a promise is a promise and nothing could have kept me away:)
Peris, you are awesome!!!!!



Michael's Spring Music Concert

Michael's Fan Club!!!

We are so proud!!
Uncle Tim, Aunt Christine, and Michael


Uncle Tom, Aunt Anita, and Michael



PaPa and Michael


Grandpa and Grandma Story and Michael





I remember many years ago performing for school events and feeling such a sense of pride because I knew that people who loved me were in the audience. It gave me a sense of self and a sense of importance. Tonight I KNOW that Michael felt that way!! He had a big cheering section as he performed in his 2nd grade elementary school music program. The smile on his face was priceless!! He lit up from the inside as he sang every single song!! Derek and I were so proud. But my favorite part was seeing him interact with his friends after the concert. Nothing is better than seeing your child interact with their friends. And by the way, several of those friends were girls who were vying to get their pictures taken with him........I think we may be in trouble!!



The Adelie Penguin

Ella and her Adelie penguin + the infamous penguin hat

The penguin hat made by Tripper's REALLY cool grandma!!

The Adelie penguin model
"Mom, this is a water bottle filled with water to make it stationary-that means so it won't tip over."~direct quote from Ella Claire


Second grade is all about the penguin. This year Ella chose the Adelie penguin and spent weeks doing research-she did ALL of the work!! Ella is uber intelligent (I'm still not sure where she got the genius genes) and really enjoyed this unit!! On Friday she wore her penguin hat out to the van with pride-as a matter of fact she is still wearing it this morning (it's now Sunday) and held up her penguin model as if it were an Olympic trophy!!
Nothing is better than seeing her with that proud smile.

Valentine's dinner

My hero!!! For the past few years I have made homemade heart shaped pizza for dinner, but this year Derek gave me a wonderful gift.....take out heart shaped pizza!!!! We enjoyed PaPa Murphy's for dinner and then just hung out!! It was a wonderful gift!!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Metcalf Montage

Our table decoration
Jenni, me, Julie, and Beni


The King and Queen of Hearts
(Mr. and Mrs. Shook)

I love Ms. Wilder!!

We had so much fun!!!

Members of the Gamma Phi Circus performing
What a lovely evening! Metcalf's Montage, "An Affair of the Heart", was a huge success!! The BCPA was absolutely transformed into the most elegant space. The tables were beautifully decorated (see our top photo) and the room was lit up in red and soft white lights (see the back of the photo with the girls). On each side were the silent auction items and across the front were the live auction items-small canvasses that were mounted together by class. I am proud to say that Mrs. Gordon's class (whose artwork I held during the auction) brought in just over $600!! We were entertained with performances by the Gamma Phi Circus, a comedienne/magician, and an Impromptu group from ISU. There was also beautiful music and a delicious meal from Biaggi's.
We had an awesome time with our table mates-the Blum's, Mendez's, and the Kawakita's. We were later joined by the Giganti's during the live auction. It was fun to mingle with other Metcalf families and staff.
My favorite part of the night was winning the silent auction for the "Crazy Cooking Class" provided by two cool chicks..i.e Ms. Hatch and Mrs. Nevius. We can't wait to redeem this prize!! We also went in with two other families and won a live auction item-a pizza and pool party for 25 kids with the Administration.
I will say that there is something so special about the Metcalf community. It is unlike any other place that I have ever been.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that next year we will be able to say that all of our children are blessed to be a part of this community.
It is such a great place and we love it.
Rebecca you did a phenomenal job-thank you for a wonderful evening.






Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Big Night...

Tonight Derek and I are going to the Metcalf Montage. It is the fundraiser for school and is being held at the BCPA downtown. We've never been before, but I've heard it is a really festive event. I did get a new dress, new shoes, and some jewelry-all for under $40!!! Our main goal is to win the auction item being offered by the 1st grade teachers: a movie night out. Our kids would LOVE it-and quite frankly, so would we!!! I'm sure it will be a lovely evening out with friends!!
Pictures to follow soon.

Donut Date with PaPa and Grandma Pat

The crew (from left) Peris, Avery, Addison, Fiona, Ella, Emmy, Berlyn, and Michael (the lone ranger amongst all these girls!)






*photos courtesy of Aunt Jessica*
We had a Valentine's party this morning with Grandma Pat and PaPa at Dunkin Donuts. They treated for donuts, drinks, and most importantly for the adults...coffee (and p.s. the coffee is REALLY good!!)!!!
What a fun way to start off the weekend.
THANK YOU!!





Friday, February 12, 2010

First Grade Family Reading Night

Fiona greeting other families at the Family Reading Night

YES we are all in our "jammies"

Michael found Mrs. Schumacher's Frog and Toad

Peris and a friend hanging out at the snack area


Derek listening to Fiona read




Last night was one of our favorite school events-the first grade Family Reading Night. The evening was kicked off by hearing the class (and siblings) do choral poetry reading. I think the highlight was singing with Mrs. Schumacher's special singing dog Frank-does this sound familiar.... L is for the way you..look at me...O is for the only one I see...V is very very extraordinary..can you get the gist of the song????
Next came a reading of one of our very favorite books: A Fine, Fine School. Fiona was SO excited because it is one of her personal favorites!! As a side note, we highly recommend it for your reading list!! Mrs. Schumacher did an excellent job of reading about Mr. Fine and his bent towards adding MORE and MORE school days. Gosh, he made the kids go to school on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays-can you imagine?? If you want to find out what happens...check out the book for the exciting ending!!
After our story, we were dismissed to make special posters using the word READ, enjoy a snack, and listen to our first graders read from their browsing box.
It was a lovely evening, and we are so fortunate!! We have one more first grade Family reading night to look forward to next year with Emmy!!
HOORAY FOR READING!!!!
Thank you Mrs. Schumacher for such a fantastic night!!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Happy Birthday Gramma Choo Choo

Pat threw a great party at Kicks!!
Aunt Christine and Emmy


Great-Uncle John and Ella say cheese


The baby of our family (he's on the left)


Gramma and Fiona chatting about the violin


Gramma and Avery share some snuggles
H A P P Y
B I R T H D A Y
M O M





Gym and Swim

















A super fun night for the kids at gym and swim!! Free food, swimming, open gym-what more could we ask for on a dreary, winters evening?
PK, PTO and Mrs. Marshall you guys ROCK!!!!!




Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The Hunger Games

On the recommendation of a good friend, I picked up this young adult book that I have heard a lot about. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but hey....why not? Let me put it this way, if I had to choose between this book and the Twilight series, The Hunger Games would get my vote. The book is set in the future-the main character Katniss lives in the country of Panem (good bye North America). After the rebellion, the Capitol has divded Panem into different Districts, and each year to remind the people of their naughty behavior each District must provide 2 children to participate in the annual Hunger Games. Now obviously there is some fantasty to this story but if you can get past vampires and werewolves you'll be fine! The story reminds me of Stephen King's The Running Man-a story about survival and the lengths that a person (in this case a little girl) will go to in order to survive. I really did enjoy the book-while it pales in comparison to Harry Potter, I would give it a thumbs up for young adults and adults alike!