At the end of 3rd grade my teacher recommeded I be placed in the gifted program for 4th grade. I was beyond excited. My 4th grade teacher would be Mrs. Atkins who only taught 4th grade gifted and everyone in the school knew about her. The rumor was she was BEYOND awesome and her class would be nothing but fun. And I could not wait to see.
Being in 4th grade was definately different than all the other grades. First of all, I started to develop REAL friendships with the girls in my class. I think that was probably the year everyone's maturity level went up one. My whole class was very close, boys included. I can honestly say I loved all the kids in it and everyone got along.
But the best part of all was Mrs. Atkins. She had a booming personality. She was fun, stern and loving all at the same time. She taught us to respect each other and respect ourselves. And best of all? At the end of the school year she took all of us camping. That's right, she took the whole class of students on a camping trip. The campground we stayed at had cabins. Boys in one and girls in the other. The bunk bed were triple high and I slept in the middle one. We went out on the lake in canoes and did arts and crafts. It was so fun to be in the cabin with all my friends at night. And of course playing tricks on the girls who fell asleep first.
I am taking part in a 15 week series hosted by Mommy's Piggy Tales to record memories from our youth. To see more or join in yourself- click on over!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Camping Trip in 4th Grade
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
3rd Grade Memories
In 3rd grade I started in another new school. We moved into a new house over the summer and I was zoned for a different school. This new school had an open floor plan. Its hard to describe. The building had 2 main hallways and the library was located in the center of the building with no walls just a couple of stairs down. All of the classrooms just had partians and no doors. It was really neat I remember.
I started learning geography in 3rd grade and I can remember having to memorize the states. This was also the year that being called on to read outloud was my biggest fear. I would sit in my chair PRAYING that my name wasnt called to read the next paragraph from whatever book we had opened.
Lets see, I was also flashed in 3rd grade and stabbed a kid with a pencil. Two different stories actually.
Our desks were arranged so that 2 kids were pushed next to each other. I didnt like the boy who sat next to me because he would always pull my hair and try to shove me out of my seat. I guess one day I had enough because I took my pencil and slammed it into his hand palm side up.
I remember him screaming, I remember blood, and I remember sitting in the principals office while they called my mother. I think I claimed self defense and I honestly do not remember getting into trouble for it.
As for the flashing. It was during story time. The whole class was sitting on the floor in front of the teacher who was reading to us. I was kinda at the back of the circle of kids. Off to my side I hear David S. ( yes I remember his last name but no it wont be printed LOL ) whisper to me "hey- look at this."
and when I turned and looked - there was his you know what staring at me from a hole in his jeans.
I said to him "Your gross and I'm telling." Which of course I did.
I am taking part in a 15 week series hosted by Mommy's Piggy Tales to record memories from our youth. To see more or join in yourself- click on over!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Liki Tiki Weekend
We spent Father's Day / my birthday weekend at Liki Tiki Village just outside of Orlando.
This was the view from our room:
We overlooked the lake and could watch people paddle boat. The resort also had mini golf, tennis courts and a playground for the kids.
Katelyn went down the water slide once- that was enough for her. Gavin and Ken went down the double flumes countless times racing each other. And Danyelle? She sat by the side of the pool and texted her friends all evening.
Pics from the park:
And even Danyelle had a good time although she hid her face for the picture:
Once the mosquitoes started biting we headed back to our room. I thought we were in for the night, but Ken always has other ideas. Somewhere around 11pm Ken got the kids all worked up about going to get ice cream.
So off we went to Dennys. At 11. At night. I felt like I was 21 again LOL
Ice cream, strawberry shakes and apple pie a la mode. YUM!
Gavin came over too right before we headed back to the room.
After a late lunch in the room we went to the mini golf course. It was terribly hot and Katelyn and I pooped out after a couple of holes.That night we headed up to the outlet mall for some birthday shopping for me. Danyelle also hit a milestone and got to use her debit card for the first time at Forever 21. Which of course I documented :
Then after sleeping in on Sunday morning, we packed and headed home. This resort was so cute we will definitely be going there again!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Gus, Danny Zuko, and A Cowgirl
I had my first crush in 2nd grade. His name was Gus. He had jet black hair and always wore plain white t-shirts. In the winter he came to school wearing a black leather jacket. Well, maybe it wasn't a "real" leather jacket but back in 2nd grade I thought it was.
I was also OBSESSED with the movie Grease in 2nd grade ( ok, not just in 2nd grade- but every grade ). So how could I not have a crush on Gus, who to me looked like this:
Oh, I love you Danny Zuko.
At our class Christmas party my teacher asked me and Gus to go get the juice for the party. The juice had been place out on a little terrace down the hallway. Since this was winter in Chicago keeping the juice outside meant it would be cold! As soon as we got outside and started putting the juice onto the cart to take back to the classroom Gus offered me that black leather jacket. Oh yes, yes he did. My heart was all aflutter as I put it on. I kept it on for the rest of the day and was so sad when he asked for it back. ****Sigh****
As for academics, I remember learning the months of the year and taking timed math tests. The timed tests were my favorite. I would try to beat my time from the week before.
For Halloween that year I was a cowgirl. I won the best costume for the 2nd grade. I can remember being quite shocked that I won. My cowgirl costume was cowboy boots, a denim skirt, pigtails, some sort of vest and a scarf around my neck.
My mom volunteered in my class for our Halloween party. She brought my little brother who was 3 years younger than me. I can remember being so proud to show him my desk and let him sit in it. Like it was some sort of privilege for him to sit at it. And he came dressed in his cowboy costume so we matched....aw.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Birthday Talk
There has been alot of talk around the house lately about birthdays. Gavin's birthday is coming up in 10 days and Katelyn's is at the the end of August.
Katelyn has decided that she wants a Tinkerbell party. That of course may change once August gets here.
I explained to Katelyn a couple of weeks ago that Gavin's birthday is in July and hers is in August. So even though we might be talking about both of their birthdays, Gavin will be having his party first.
We also went over many times that her birthday was August 25th. And now she remembers it and will say it back to you when you ask her when her birthday is. Very cute.
Yesterday she came up to me soooo seriously and says: Mommy, where is August?
And I said, What do you mean WHERE? August is a month, not a place.
To which Katelyn said, Then why do you always say I was born IN August??
I had no words to answer her- just laughter.
