Day.Forty.Eight.

Today started off bright and early as John and I finished our taxes online and I went downtown to pay the city taxes. We actually got money back this year. That is unheard of! We have always had to pay. It is coming at a welcome time. A time where we can try to get ahead of the bills and focus on the important things. (I am determined to get my patio this summer!)

After the taxes were done, I headed to Polaris to look for some suit pants for the interview. My skirt is a little big and I thought pants would be nice too. Well, after 4 different stores, I gave up, bought panty hose and decided I would wear the skirt. Looking back, good choice!

On my hunt for the suit pants, I always stop in the baby sections to see if I can find anything for the arrival of the twins. I found the CUTEST onesie for twin girl. (I searched for a match for baby boy, but to no avail) Look how cute! (and only $6.00-can't be beat!)

On my way home from my shopping fail/find, I decided to stop at John's team's double header. It was raining, but I know they play in the rain if there is no lightning. So, I decided to watch from the comfort of the car. I was dry... and warm. They won the first game (I saw the last inning) and then they fixed the field up, ate a snack, and were ready to play game two. After the 5th pitch in, it started to rain HARD. So, I just left and headed to the grocery.

At Meijer, I decided I would try to find the materials for a craft/tool that we could use at school. During one of our literacy night meetings we talked about how, at the Dublin Literacy Conference, they talked about the importance of students seeing us as readers as well. We thought it would be neat to create something to hang outside of our doors to show what we are reading. I decided I would take on that task.... I will keep you updated! (a tutorial will follow)

I came home and tried to relax, but that is NOT happening with everything about tomorrow on my mind. I had everything packed and ready to go for my quick change after school, but I was antsy. So, I decided to start the project. Here it goes...

I will try to get some sleep...

-Alexis

Day.Thirty.Five.

SPRING BREAK IS HERE!

I am working... every day, but I thought I would share something. The program I work for offers an All Day SACC program during spring break for families who are working. (which is many) I had a bit of anxiety being the opening manager this morning and hoping that the students would respond to me. Let me tell you.. I was so pleased when I left! They were so fabulous today and there were 57 of them!

Accomplishments:
1. All three activities (grass planting, bubble painting, and resistance water color painting) ALL completed!
2. We did DEAR time... (silent reading) and ALL 57 kids were silent and READING! I was nervous, but I even had a child who was so proud of himself for how much he read. He didn't seem like the kid who reads for pleasure or on grade level <I could be wrong.. but just by my observations> and he asked for a bookmark so he could save his place for tomorrow! It was a BIG accomplishment to have all reading and trying. Made me smile.
3. I made it through day 1 of spring break with a great staff by my side. Whew.

Bring it on day 2! We have a lot more in store for you!

((I didn't get my nap in.. but I will at some point this week))

*Off to enjoy pizza and relaxing with my hubs... as soon as he gets home from baseball*

-Alexis-

Day.Thirty.Two.

Let the baking begin!

I have so much respect and love for my sister-in-law Tiffany! She rocks! For the upcoming weekend, I had a lot of baking to do. Immediately after school, I headed to visit Tiff, and she helped me out.

Baking To Do List:
Cupcakes
Cupcake Decor
Cake
Cake Decor
Cake Pops (70)
and, for Pete: Add wood to the cake stand...

I WISH I would have taken a picture of the mess that we made in her kitchen. It was rather comical to see the amount of supplies and 'garbage' as we created and created. We got it all done, and were ready to fondant... then we looked at the container. I bought buttercream, not fondant. Not to be discouraged, we made our own marshmallow fondant (I think it was fabulous...tasted like a circus peanut!)

After six hours of baking and decorating... we are definitely ready for cupcake wars! I had to finish the cake pops on Saturday, but everything looks fabulous!!! Check out some sneak peeks:

(Cake Topper Preview)

I am so glad I have Tiffany in my life. She is so creative and we can definitely get lost in the 'craft'. When do we meet next Tiff?

-Alexis-