First Day of School 2018

 

After an incredibly busy Summer, we welcomed the new school year with open arms. I was ready for some quiet and time to get things done, while the the boys were ready for more structure and learning (according to me).
Finn started kindergarten. Wait, what? How did that happen so fast? When I visited the school for a parents meeting, I found myself teary eyed, not only because Finn would be going to school for a full day 5 days a week but because I felt love and safety there at Redland Oaks Elementary School and my overall impression was that he would be cared for here.  Finn loves socializing and likes to keep busy with arts, crafts and exploring, so I knew that kindergarten would be good for him.  However, when I saw that he only had one 15 minute recess in his 7 hour day, I had a panic attack. I thought, NO WAY, he won't survive! I wanted to call the school right then, at 11pm at night and tell them they are crazy and that little ones need free imaginative play time. Surely there was a mistake in the schedule!? Luckily they weren't open at the time and didn't end up getting an earful from me. While I still feel like a 15 minute recess is ridiculous, I realize there is gym, music time and possibly other free play in the day, so I decided to see how things go before complaining to the school. I'm happy to say, so far, so good! Finn behaved really well for the first week of school; at parent/teacher orientation we noticed that he could write his name, color in the lines and be a helper better than a majority of his class! However, he began to misbehave and was even sent to the principals office one day for running out of the cafeteria and hiding in his classroom. As the parent, I was devastated and Ben and I set up reward systems at home for good behavior. At first the reward didn't seem to be working because he kept getting into trouble, but after experiencing some consequences and giving him positive reinforcement (telling him he is a good kid and it's a new day) he has begun behaving well again. Hallelujah! Finn doesn't complain about going to school and likes his teacher, Mrs. Gallardo. I love hearing about his day and seeing how is learning so much and excited to learn more. We are only a few weeks into the school year but I have a feeling this will be a great year!

As for, Fox, he is attending the same mother's day out program as last year, two days a week. His teacher is Ms. Michelle. She taught Finn and would tell me all the crazy/bad things he did each day. So far, she has not commented about Fox. He seems to enjoy going and I think he behaves better for others than he does for me at home.

As for, Sweden, she is home with me and I get as much done as I can while she naps for a couple hours. I enjoy having some one on one time with her and will occasionally drop her off at mothers day out when she turns 18 months old.


 

  

 

Age: 5 years old

School: Redland Oaks Elementary School

Teacher: Mrs. Gallardo

Favorite Foods: spaghetti, chili, salad, carrots with ketchup, popcorn, root beer

Favorite Toys: legos, Nintendo, hatchimals, kinder eggs, bike

Favorite Things to Do: swim without his swimmies, ride his bike without training wheels, draw/paint/craft, swing

Favorite Color: Blue and orange
Favorite Places: Zoo, Chuck E Cheese, Thin Air Trampoline Park

Talents: Finn is a really good artist and he can can glue, cut, paint etc. really well. His drawings of people continue to get better.  Finn is so loving and giving- he enjoys crafting and making things to give to others.  Finn is helpful around the house so that he can make money and buy things that he likes. He is learning well how to earn, spend and save his money. Finn is friendly and can be really silly and goofy- we love it when he makes us laugh.

Loves: cuddling with mommy before bed, singing primary songs, saying the prayer, watching movies, playing games on his i-pad or Nintendo with his dad, arts and crafts, animals (especially frogs, lizards and bugs), and playing with friends.

 
Age: 3 years old

School: Thousand Oaks Bible Church (two days a week)

Teachers: Michelle

Favorite Foods: spaghetti, bananas with pb, popsicles, pretzels

Favorite Toys: legos, dinosaurs, farm 

Favorite Things to Do: swing, sand box, watch movies (especially Rock Dog)

Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Places: Library, Zoo, Chuck E Cheese

Talents: Fox builds really cool castles with his legos and is really creative and imaginative, he is sweet and affectionate, shares (giving in to his sister's squeals if she wants something).

Loves: dinosaurs, animals, bugs, movies, the song "Glorious" from the movie "Rock Dog" (he asks me to play it ALL the time), going to the library and playing in the house there, playing in the sand box, playing "i-spy".