Vacation.....oh how I need one

    Today while working with a student on his slice we decided to both write about a vacation we have been on. So, I have decided to write about the family vacation we took with my husband's sister, brother, and their families.
    In the scorching heat this last summer, we decided to go on vacation at an amusement park.  Let me tell you, not the best idea we have ever had. We started the morning with both our boys, until my lovely brother could meet us to take the baby (then just 1 year old) to a cooler quieter place for the afternoon. While they had some great nephew and uncle bonding time, we melted away in the sun.
    There were many great memories created that day, as the cousins spent time together and the aunts and uncles spoiled each other's kids.  I got the chance to hang out at the watermark with my 5 year old son, 8 year old niece, and 4 year old nephew. We had a blast, while the "big" kids got to play together. At one point, my medically trained sister-in-law was ready to take me to the park medics, due to my newly acquired green complexion from the 108 degree weather.
    In the end we had a blast and made plans to make it a yearly tradition, just earlier in the summer as to not melt.

Three of the five red heads in the family. Q is on the left. 
He is the only one that belongs to me.

They look like brothers.  Q is on the left.

Q convinced Daddy and Aunt Leia to go for a ride

K hanging out with Aunt Lisa

Third Day Slump

    Today is my third slice and the hardest.   I have sat here with my students as they write and I have writer's block with them. I was able to give the students several ideas, but I am drawing a blank for my own writing.
    So, I will create a list of ideas for the next time I am stuck.
ISTEP
Master work
K following Q
Persuasive Letters
Q summer plans
Decorations

I am sure there are more to write about, but I can't think any now.

A Weekend of Firsts

     I am hoping this month will not be all about first for the family, but we are at that time in life where they are happening a lot.
    Last night, my little guy, got to sleep in this toddler bed for the first time.  To get to this point, I had a first.  Our crib was one of those convert to anything you can image, here is hoping we can make it a college tuition when the time comes.  So, it was my job to convert the crib into a toddler bed.  This was my first!  I am never the one who builds or fixes anything in this house.
    To begin my job, I made sure I had the manufacturer's directions, my iPad for YouTube directions, the right tools, all the parts, and a good sense of humor.  The most important tool I took into the room with me was the sense of humor!  It took me over an hour to take one side rail off and put on a safety rail.  I am sure my husband would have done it in 5 minutes, but it was my first.  In the end, it took me moving the base of the bed three times before I realized I never had to more it.  
   When it was time for little K to check out his new bed, he was pleasantly surprised he was free to get out as he wanted.

                  The great news was the bed was still in one piece this morning.

Oh no......

     All day yesterday, I thought about "Slice of Life". Then I got home and forgot to blog. I am disappointed in myself.  I made it all month last year not missing a day, but this year I missed the first day.

   My first slice.....
Today was another first for our family. My oldest son, Q, had his first "big boy" birthday party. He got to stay there without Mommy and Daddy.  Now you would think the 6 year old would be more anxious than Mommy and Daddy, but no we were the anxious ones.  When we got there, Q ran off and we stood there not knowing what to do.  Once we left, our conversation revolved around leaving Q at the party.  So, the question is who is growing up? Q? Mommy and Daddy? Or both?

Long Time No Blog

Well, it has been nearly six months since I blogged.  So, here is to starting back up. My attempt will be to write a few times each month to get back in the swing of things before I start doing it daily.  

As I have been working with my students about their goals and making progress.  I will have to begin progress monitoring my own goal of writing on my blog.   

Summer Reading Program

                       "Once you learn to read, you will be free forever."

                                                                           -Fredrick Douglass

Dear Parent and Guardian,

I would like to invite your child to participate in a Summer Reading Program. Participation will be easy and fun! I am asking all students to read a minimum of 6 books at their reading level throughout the summer.

After reading each book, your child will need to get on my blog website (http://throighmyeyes.blogspot.com/) and write a book review of the book.   If you do not have access to the internet at home or the library give me a call.  If you choose to call, parents need to talk with me first, then your child can give their book review.

At the end of the summer, we will meet at Scoop's for an ice cream reward for completing the Summer Reading Program. We will meet on Thursday, July 26 at 2:00 PM. Your treat is on ME! Transportation will be provided by parents.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Scoop's to celebrate our reading!

Sincerely,

Jessica Taylor                     

                                                                     

To participate post your book review to this blog post. 

 

Vacation Pictures

I finally got a computer and some down time while we are down in here is sunny Florida.  Here a few picture to document our trip so far.

Checking out the water

These are the nasty scrubjays on my brother

My boys and I at the beach

Q and his giant sand castle

I will get more on here later, but I am using an apple computer and I am not use to this.  Took me longer than I expected. This was just the first few days.