Saturday, May 31, 2008

our little graduate


When I heard that Ryan's preschool class was having a graduation I have to admit I thought the idea was a little silly...they're 5! But as soon as I got to the gym and saw out little girl singing with a "cap and gown" I turned into the bumbling mom and took as many pictures as I could. It's hard to believe that Ryan will be in Kindergarten next year. I don't want her to get any bigger.




This her preschool picture also. Our little girl...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Knit for Paris



Knit for Paris came to fruition today. I let my 3rd grade students pick out a hat that they would love and wear. I only had one request...that if they picked one they would wear it. All 26 students now have a beautiful new hat for the cold months ahead and huge smiles on their faces. There are a few hats left over that I will give to siblings tomorrow.I am going to continue to knit and hope to be able to do this again with my next class.

Words cannot describe my gratitude
Thank you to,
Evelyn
and Mom
UPDATE....
I am overwhelmed to report that I now have enough enough hats for my entire class of 25 students. The official count is 30 hats and 4 scarfs. I now hope to be able to give hats to some of the siblings of my students also students at Paris.
From the bottom of my heart...thank you!
Keep on knitting!


Calling all knitters...
I have a new summer project I am starting.
I am a teacher at Paris Elementary school in Aurora,Colorado. Our school is very low income and the majority of the students have a free or reduced lunch. Last year it broke my heart when I realized that most of my first graders not only didn't have winter coats they also did not have hats for the winter. So I started knitting. I managed to make hats for the kids in my class who did not have one. So this year I thought I would call on the many knitters I know to help in my cause. Next year I am teaching third grade and my goal is to have enough hats for my class of 25 and possibly some for siblings. They do not have to be fancy or made with expensive yarn. Just something warm made out of kindness. If you feel the need to knit this summer and fall and just don't have any ideas of what to make...knit a kids hat...any size and I will find it a well deserving home.
Thank you so much for your support.
Please email me at
jhoeksema@hotmail.com
if you have a hat you would like to donate.
Thank you...thank you!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

summer time




I am officially enjoying my summer break...my last day of school was this past Thursday. We are having fun going to the park, finishing some projects and I got to be a volunteer at Ryan's school for her field day for the first time all year. We are looking forward to the rest of the summer.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

finished


We finally finished our bedroom! Yes, it is orange, and no I was not on board at the beginning, but I love it now. We finally don't feel like we sleep in an old lady's hotel room.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

spoiled

This mother's day Jeff spoiled me with good food all day and I didn't have to wash a dish (the best part)!
The day started with me being able to sleep in and it got better from there.
The menu was...




Ryan also gave me a present she made in school. On the back is written...
I love you mom because you give me candy and you help me write my friend's names.
(5 year olds are so easy!)


Best job I have ever had.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

happy birthday daddy!



Jeff's birthday was this past week, but we celebrated this weekend. We started Sunday off with a beautiful walk through the botanic gardens and stopped for a picnic lunch. Spring is just gorgeous.



Then the kids assisted in the making of a carrot cake...which I must say didn't turn out looking that beautiful but it tasted really good (and that's all that matters, right?) Then it was time to prepare for the surprise party. It was all Ryan's idea. We sent Jeff out on and "errand" and got ready. With the cake in the oven, streamers were hung, invitations were sent out (guest list of Ryan, Cole and myself), and hiding places were thought of. We waited eagerly and yelled "surprise" when Jeff walked in the door. The kids faces were priceless as they felt so proud of pulling it off.
It was a super great day with the family.