Kind-Of Playing Hooky

 Today, the weather was supposed to be REALLY bad; snow, wind, ice, fog, freezing ran.  And, when I looked outside, the roads were slick, the temps were freezing, the wind was nuts, and it was extremely foggy.  It was 6AM and I was up and awake for the day.  There wasn't a call from the school calling anything off, which I thought was odd. 

I don't know what it was, but something just in my gut said, "Let Ramsey stay home today."   I was worried about the roads and the weather.  So, I stayed up and let Ramsey sleep in.

Within a few hours, the fog had completely lifted, the roads dried up, and the wind wasn't awful.  My gut may have failed me on this one.  SO... basically Ramsey got sort of a day to "play hooky" from school.  Yikes!  When I was a kid, my Mom would let me do this so we could spend a day together doing something fun.  Those were the best days! 

Ramsey spent his day hanging out with Daddy (and me when I could get away!), playing Army Guys, light sabers, listening to his now-favorite band (Sabotan), and playing with cardboard boxes.  That's educational!! 😉

We did have one sad dude in the house though; Jango was glum because he had been blocked out of Ramsey's play area in the kitchen/dining area.  Ramsey had quite a spread of toys set up for various battles and what-not.  Jango had been unable to leave them alone.

So... hooky day.  Sorry, not sorry!

Improvements with Swim Lessons

 I know it may not seem like "a big deal" for improvements with swim lessons for Ramsey at Age 8.  But, he has always been quite tentative with the water (not a terrible thing when a small child is living on a lake!), but it also held him back from being a fluent swimmer.   

In previous years of swim lessons, he was less able to focus and learn true swimming techniques.  Really, most of what he learned was from us, while swimming in the lake - essentially "doggy paddling" with a life jacket.

The fact that he is now "showing off" and dunking his head under water and allowing his face to be in the water is quite an achievement for him!

He's now learning how to back float, front float, freestyle, and backstroke.

He needs to learn to keep air in his lungs so he stays afloat better, but he has started to blossom and is not holding back as he used to.

When formal swim lessons are complete for the day, it's off for a few minutes of "free swim"/play.  This is probably Ramsey's favorite part of swim lessons!

Ramsey told me that he would like to have his next birthday party at the Family Y.   Great idea!

Mystery Reader

At the last parent/teacher conferences, Ramsey's teacher asked if either Eric or I would come into the classroom to be a "Mystery Reader".    Eric offered me, since he says I am the more "animated one".  ha!  I was happy to oblige. 😊

 It was a secret we'd had to keep from Ramsey for weeks!  That was rather difficult, but we managed.

In the morning, there were clues given as to who the mystery guest was.  Of course, Ramsey knew. 

Apparently I was the first parent to be the Mystery Reader this year, so it was something new for everyone.   I took cookies and apple juice for the kiddos to chow on while I read.   

I chose two of Ramsey's and my favorite spins on fairy tales, "The Real Story of the Big Bad Wolf" and "The Stinky Cheese Man" (a substory of the book "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales").

The kids seemed to enjoy the books, though some of them admitted to having heard them before (but they noted they were still very happy to hear them again!).  

It was fun to meet the kids I hadn't had the pleasure to get to know yet.  Some were VERY chatty and outgoing.  And, I got a TON of hugs when I was there -  plus many requests for play dates with Ramsey.

Update:  The next day, Ramsey handed me this super sweet card that the kids made and signed.  Per Orion, I am "the best"!  (I knew I liked that kid!! haha!)

Reading to Recess - March

 Another successful "Reading to Recess" challenge for March!

Ice is Off the Lake

 The ice is off the lake!

Monday morning, there were sheets of ice still moving.  By night, it was gone.  Relief!  Spring is here!  Time to plan the installation of the dock into the water.  We had to get 16' more dock to accommodate the low water levels and the pontoon length.

On Tuesday evening, it was raining.  By this morning, we had a few inches of snow.  We have weird weather... always a roller coaster this time of year.  

Swim Lesson Time!

Sundays are going to be even busier for the next seven weeks!

In addition to church and Sunday school, Ramsey will be taking swimming lessons in the afternoons at the Family Y.

 After church on Sunday, we took Nana Karen pizza and pop.   Then, off to the Y for youth swimming!

Ramsey had a super first day.  He was focused and was a good student, so I think he'll make terrific progress this session!

Once the summer sessions open up, we will enroll him again.  Typically, in the next session, kids learn to swim under water!  Living where we do, being a strong swimmer is definitely a necessity.

SOARing Lincoln Light

WARNING: Momma's bragging rights. 

 Since school started, Ramsey had a goal to achieve a "Lincoln Light" acknowledgment/award at school.   Lincoln Lights are given randomly (and seldomly) to kids in the elementary, preschool through 5th Grade.  

This afternoon, Eric and I both received calls from Ramsey's school principal, informing us that Ramsey had been chosen as a SOARing Lincoln Light!  She was delighted to give us the news and gave us accolades about Ramsey.   We were so proud!

Ramsey received a T-shirt from the principal, Mrs. G, and will also have his picture and name on the Lincoln Light school bulleting board for the remainder of the school year.

Lincoln Light Students are chosen for merits via academically, positive engagement with classmates (leadership, assisting others, being a good friend), etc.  

Ramsey was very pleased with himself.  Since school started, he's collected his random SOAR slips, Star Student achievement card, SOARing Student Award, and now the SOARing Lincoln Light.  

These are definitely amoung his very treasured items.  Good job, Ramsey!

UPDATE:

When Ramsey got off the bus, he showed us his Lincoln Light award and the picture Mrs. G took at the photo op wall.  He actually was nominated and had the award in November.   He just didn't receive the affirmation until now, as the Lincoln Light shirts were apparently back-ordered and just came in. 

He had received the war for sharing knowledge with the class, being a good friend, and giving the class pop-its.  For the pop-its, Ramsey wanted to show his class that he was thankful for them (right before Thanksgiving break).  He completed extra chores so he could save up enough money to buy the gifts.