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Back To School and Circle of Life

Emma writes about her family

Emma wrote this as part of a kindergarten homework assignment, and I think it’s pretty sweet! She isn’t in the picture – it’s Mike, me, Johnny, Lily, and our baby (due in August). As you can see, Emma (along with Johnny) is convinced that the baby is a boy. Lily is equally convinced that the baby is a girl. I’m curious to see if the kids accept whatever answer comes out of our ultrasound in a few weeks…

This week was much better than the past two weeks! Nobody had to stay home from school sick (Lily had a lingering cold, but she’s not in school). I went to Johnny’s parent teacher conference, and he is thriving – always wonderful to see and hear! I also enjoyed getting together with an old college friend and her two little boys! Emma’s birthday party was yesterday, and despite several last-minute cancellations due to sick friends (lots of bugs going around here!) it was a great success! The smaller group made the event feel very relaxed, which was lovely.

The kids are super excited about Valentine’s Day this week! They also told me (in front of Mike) not to look under the blanket in Daddy’s trunk, because there’s a surprise they picked up Saturday morning. I don’t think they were supposed to tell me that! We also have to redo ALL of Emma’s valentines, because her teacher sent home a note saying no names!!!

In some ways, this week was very sobering. One of my absolute favorite bloggers suddenly lost her father after both her parents were struck by an SUV while they were out walking. Elisa’s mother has a long road ahead recovering from her own injuries, and the entire family could use your thoughts and prayers.

And then, in true circle of life fashion, joy. My brother welcomed his first child into the world, a baby boy with the cutest yawn ever. My kids can’t wait to meet their newest cousin – especially Johnny, who is thrilled to have another boy in the family! We’ll be making the most of having B’s family nearby for a few more months, before they move far away to Sunny California.

sunnydaytodaymama

One thing I’m excited for this week is the Spring Carnival I’m co-hosting with sunnydaytodaymama, Winding Circle, The Mahogany Way, Smiling like Sunshine, and Home Baked this Wednesday! Drop by and share your favorite spring links!

Another highlight we’re all looking forward to this week: The Great Backyard Bird Count! Do you plan to participate?

Link up your week to the Afterschool Blog Hop, hosted this week at The Educators’ Spin On It!


MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

18 thoughts on “Back To School and Circle of Life”

  1. Kim @ The Educators Spin On It

    I love her writing and illustration. Looking forward to your Spring Carnival. Sending our thoughts and prayers to both your friend’s family and to your brothers family.

  2. No names? How silly! Our school allows names, but requires either no Valentines or Valentines for everyone. Anna finished hers just in time, the only one left is for her teacher. Sorry about Elise’s loss – time is so incredibly senseless sometimes!

  3. Grumpy Grateful Mom

    Very cute picture and words from Emma! And congratulations to your brother! I’m not sure I even knew you were pregnant–I’m excited for you!!! I always have to find out the gender as soon as possible. :)

    Sending prayers for your friend and her family.

    1. I always find out gender – LOVE knowing!!!

      And my brother is thrilled – so fun to see him as a dad, and his wife will be an awesome mom!

  4. Such a sweet picture! Can’t believe Emma had to redo her Valentine’s. The kids teachers sent names home of everyone in the class so that they could write names on their Valentine’s.

    I’m still so sad over Elisa losing her dad. I saw her yesterday which was great after so many years, but I hate the circumstance that made that happen.

    Wishing you a week full of good health for all!

    1. The situation with Elisa’s parents is tragic. I’m glad you were able to see her, even in such a sad situation.

  5. We’re very excited about the spring carnival too! So pleased you’ll be hosting at Mama Smiles and looking forward to lots of spring inspiration! :)

  6. Fingers crossed I remember the Great Backyard Bird Count.

    Baby yawns are SO cute! I’m sorry about your friend.

    I wonder why no names?

  7. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s dad. What a tragic thing to happen. :(

    No names on the Valentines? Is this the new politically correct way to make sure everyone has one?

    It will be fun to see what the baby is and who is right on the gender. What do you think it is? I knew right away Abby was a girl and I was right!

    1. I never know with my babies! If I had to guess, though I think I would say girl. But I think I always think I’m having a girl – which makes me right 2/3 of the time so far!!!

      They said the no names was to save time, but I think there might be a PC everyone is treated the same element. I was disappointed, because it was fun to see Emma make all the individual ones for her friends. She lost all interest in the activity once names were pulled, and I think Mike actually made most of the ones she’ll bring to school tomorrow!

  8. Your daughter’s picture is a True masterpiece! ;) My son is in Kindergarten too. So much to look forward in his learning this year <3 Our house is also getting ready for Valentine's Day. It is one of my favorite holidays. I just love making Valenitine's from scratch! Nothing like construction paper, paper doiley's, glue, and glitter.

    Keri, A mom of 2 year-rounders, who are always back to school ;-)

    1. I wish we had Kiddo around to help us identify birds – I have some studying to do between now and Friday!!!

  9. Sounds like an eventful / emotional week filled with joy and loss. Your daughters writings and drawings make me smile. She is so talented! And, as for the backyard bird watch, I hadn’t heard of it before and am off to check it out. It sounds like something right up our alley!

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