A New Teacher

For the better part of August I've been waiting for a letter or a phone call from Zoe's speech teacher letting us know what days and times she will be attending speech class this year. I waited and waited until finally last Friday I called the Early child Learning Center where she goes to find out the information. They told me something about how the teachers don't come in until Monday and that they will be contacting me sometime next week (now this week). So Tuesday I still hadn't heard anything and decided to call again to see what was going on. This time I was told the speech teachers didn't come in until Wednesday, and that they would be calling me by the end of the week.

So today when the phone rang and my caller ID showed it was the ECLC I was relieved and a little excited to find out what Zoe's days and times would be. However, I was not prepared for what I heard. The woman on the other end of the line said politely, "Hello my name is Miss Anna _________, I'll be your child's speech teacher this year."

WHAT? That's the first thing that went through my mind. What did this woman just say? She would be my child's speech teacher. But this can't be right. Miss Jan is Zoe's teacher. She wasn't supposed to have a new teacher. So without saying all of this, I quickly stammer and say, "What was that? I thought Miss Jan was Zoe's teacher."

To which I get the polite reply, "Miss Jan took a job closer to home."

Oh. I am in shock at this point and try to compose myself. "Umm, what did you say your name was?"

"Miss Anna _________________"

But because Zoe is talking I have to ask her a third time what her name is. And, I'm not only using a line for her last name because I don't want to reveal her name on my blog, but because I still don't know what it is.

I say something completely stupid, like, "Umm, oh my daughter adored Miss Jan, but I'm sure she'll do great with you."

But I don't believe it completely. I'm sure Miss Anna is great, but Miss Jan was AMAZING. Not only did Zoe love her and improve dramatically in her speech, but I loved her. It's like a punch in the gut knowing Zoe won't have her this year. All summer Zoe talked about how she couldn't wait to see Miss Jan again, and as the date approached, I know she was getting more and more excited. And honestly, so was I. Miss Jan has a great energy and knew how to get the best out of my little girl.

Then I thought, I have to break the news to Zoe. I did and she had about three or four weepy minutes where she muttered, "I don't know about this." And I let her have them. But then, she brightened and I reminded her how she had liked the other speech teacher (a different one from Miss Anna) she had to go with on the few days when Miss Jan had conferences. And she thought maybe her new teacher would do fun stuff, too. And maybe even some new things. And I joined in her new found hope and happiness about her new teacher because I want her to have a great experience with Miss Anna.

But inside I didn't believe what I was selling. It will be hard to measure up to Miss Jan. But I'm going to give Miss Anna a chance. It's the only thing I can do.

First Day of School

Yesterday a new school year started. My son is a fourth grader and my daughter a first grader. Along with all the excitement of the first day we managed to snap a few pictures before we set off to school. (My youngest will be starting pre-school next week - pictures to follow!)

Dad stayed home for the big morning, which made it even more special.

I had to get in a picture, too!

And for dessert I made a brownie pencil cake. The girls helped me mix the colors into the frosting. The kids think this should become an annual tradition. I agree.

Shoe Shopping

I have a six year old daughter. She is starting first grade tomorrow and we bought her a very cute pair of white and pink slip on shoes for her to wear everyday to school. What we have not bought yet is her tennis shoes for gym days. Now, my daughter is extremely picky, and sensitive to how her shoes feel. So last night I took her out by herself to shop for a pair of tennis shoes. She wanted laceless shoes, so she doesn't have to worry about them coming untied.

Our quest started at the Children's Place where she found a very cute and sparkly pink pair that fit her quite nicely. She definitely liked them, but wasn't 100% sure of them. So I told her we could go to a few more stores and look. Fast forward to four more stores, an hour and a half later, and all we came home with were these:


Yeah, they're not gym shoes. But they were on clearance!

I guess we'll keep looking . . .

24 Excuses For Not Blogging In August

I'm sure the few readers I used to have probably no longer even check to see if I've blogged lately, as it has officially been 24 days since I last posted. So, I offer my most humble apologies and 24 excuses as to why I have neglected my blog for so long.

1. I had to make and decorate my daughter's 6th birthday cake. (Pictures to follow, soon)

2. I had to make and decorate my son's 9th birthday cake. (Ditto on the pictures)

3. I had to plan and bake brunch for about 15 people for my son's and daughter's combined birthday party.

4. I have three kids who all use the computer throughout the day, limiting my time on the darn thing.

5. This website. (If you are a stamper, you will know what I mean!)

6. My son had his first official sleepover with two neighbor boys that I organized and hovered chaperoned over.

7. The Olympics.

8. Back to school shopping responsibilities.

9. Going to the pool several times a week.

10. Having four play dates in one week, all at our house.

11. We went to a Kane County Cougars game.

12. Having three kids, home, all summer!

13. I went to Wisconsin for vacation for 5 days. (Pictures to follow soon)

14. I went to Wisconsin for vacation for 5 days.

15. I went to Wisconsin for vacation for 5 days.

16. I went to Wisconsin for vacation for 5 days.

17. I went to Wisconsin for vacation for 5 days.

18. Tori & Dean (I'm sorry, but I love it!)

19. Project Runway (I won't apologize for loving this!)

20. Spending time with the hubby.

21. The Olympics (did I mention that one already?)

22. The Wii

23. Dentist appointments

24. I'm lazy!

Hey, I didn't say they were good excuses, just that they were excuses!

An Award

Last Monday, my friend Alison over at RDH mom gave me this award! It is the Share the Magic Award.

I have to say that it is Alison who shares so much with me and so many others through her blog. I have enjoyed reading about her adoption journeys and all that she does with her family. She is both genuine and kind, and I cherish our bloggy friendship dearly.

Thanks, Alison!