Star of the Week

Matt got to be the "special person of the week" at school.

He is a pretty special dude.

He also had SEP conferences and got a GLOWING report!

He is such a wonderful boy, and such a joy in our home!

Here is is poster we made.

When we finished, he wanted to color the back too... so we added this...

That week was also Red Ribbon week-- so here was his hair for "crazy hair day."

I'm not Matt's only fan.

Andrew and Linds LOVE that boy!!

They always play at the flag pole as they wait for Matt.

Then sit on this bench to wait some more....

We saw this awesome track in the sky as we waited.

Then, EVERY DAY when Matt comes out, Lindsay RUNS to give him a BIG HUG!

I sure do love this special person!!

1st Day of Kindergarten

Oh Matthew.  My sweet boy started Kindergarten.  

There were no tears, but my heart aches.  

I can’t believe how much I miss him even if it is just for a few hours.

So many thoughts.  All carefully recorded in my journal.

I love this boy!  And I love his dad.  And I love that Darin took the day off to see Matt go to school.  

(He actually took it off because I felt really sick that morning...not sure if I was really sick or just 1st day of school jitters).

Back to School Dinner

Sunday we had our first Back to School Dinner.

Our Gunnerson Family Theme for 2014 is:

 “Kindness begins with me.”

After dinner we sang, THIS song, and talked about ways to be kind.

We showed the kids our new “warm fuzzy” jar and told them every time they do something kind we will add a “fuzzy” to the jar.  When it is full we will do a fun family activity. (Yet to be determined).  After our little lesson, Darin gave each of us a Father’s Blessing.

(Side note: I spent probably 30 minutes writing and re-writing this phrase on the chalk board.  I did a really fun caligraphy writing and finally got really happy with how it looked.  Then, right before dinner, Andrew colored ALL over it, and I had to just write it in a hurry.  I now realize that the message is what is important, not the font.)

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of not having a last day of school.  Did that make ANY sense? 

My friend, Camie, invited us over to celebrate the last day of school (even though none of my kids are in school, but this is the LAST time I can say that)—I still can’t believe Matt starts Kindergarten in the fall!

She had popsicles, water balloons, and water guns.  

Andrew found a little mud pile, and had some fun!

Thanks Camie!

Roomie Reunion

This week I got together with some of my favorite people on the planet---my roommates from sophomore year (minus 4).  It makes my heart happy to be with these wonderful girls and reminisce about the “old days.” Thanks for coming you awesome ladies!

Back To School

Going back to school.
Such mixed feelings and emotions for me.

Two years ago I wrote THIS post about how much I missed teaching.
This year, my feelings are completely different.

My feelings are similar to those feelings in college during finals week.
This is my last year with Matthew at home.
My own personal finals week.

Have I prepared Matt enough?
Does he know enough academically?
Will he be nice to the other kids and help everyone feel included?
Or do I need to use this last year for “cramming?”

I am so glad that I get to be home with this sweet boy.
And so glad that I get to teach him for one more year.
I think I might have a meltdown when he goes to kindergarten.

Here’s to the last year of having this boy all to myself!
And here’s to our last year of Pre-School!

And, oh boy, how this girl will miss her big brother next year!!

First Day of School.

Matt had his first day of pre-school.
It’s actually pre-pre school, like joy school.
It made him seem so old.
We’re just taking turns with other moms.
I’m really excited about it, and Matt’s even more excited!

After we crossed the street, Matt said to me,
“You don’t have to hold my hand the rest of the way.”
…I was hoping that wouldn’t happen until he was like 30.

Matt was really excited about wearing his backpack.  He is my little stud-muffin!!

Matt and his buddy Dax.

 It should be a fun year!