New Christmas Tradition - aka - Nana, take me!

I took him! Last time I posted, I was not able to and my Nana-heart was broken.

Today, he was my little cling-on. We did all sorts of things. But the main thing we did was be together.

And we started a new Christmas tradition for Nana and her grand babies. He's the only one old enough yet, but just wait. Pretty soon the kitchen will be entirely covered in icing and sticky finger prints.

Today, we made our first gingerbread house! With a kit, all is complete, except the wash-up tools and knives for spreading.

Oh, Nana, there was CANDY! Most of it too hard for him, but gumdrops were a hit. And when we were almost done, the discovery of the edibleness of icing - why tell him too early and add to the sugar consumption??? - ahhh, the finger drips of icing and "Hay-nen eat, Nana." What a fun time!

So far, I am pleased to say, the house weighing considerably more than when we began, is still standing. The icing is dripping lovely for good effect. The candy is still on. The boy is happy (and to tell the truth, spent a few moments of pure buzz in the living room). Lots of pictures. Great memories.

Oh, and yes, there is still a glob of permanent glue like icing on my elbow. Better go catch that.

My Heart, It Breaks

"Nana, take me!" said my little Bubba as he hugged my neck!

Ouch! That only hurts when I can't take him with me. Usually, it would be all cool, and let's have a rollicking great time at Nana's (with our new game, What's this, Nana?, What's this, Nana?).

But today, I couldn't take him with me. If I could cry just a little. He's my Bubba. Really, he's Papa's buddy, but sometimes, just sometimes, I am cool enough for him to want to hang out inside with the usually boring stuff. Today was one of those times.

"Nana, just one minute," he says.

Hopefully, it will go that fast until he gets Nana to take me.

This Nana can't stand it!

Recess in Winter

Recess in winter is not as much fun for teachers as it is for students. Especially in kindergarten.

Our stash of winter clothing items has moved out into the hallway, as the cubbies do not support the growth of slick nylon coats, hats, snow pants, snow suits, and snow boots. Avoiding the mountain of weather proofing nylon, the kindergartners make a pile under their name tag in the hall. Backpacks and lunches get choice resting spots in cubbies.

But come recess...hats, gloves, zippers, pants, boots, scarves, bathroom break...times ten...

The pause that is supposed to refresh and rejuvenate all involved parties becomes a dance in exertion and finesse to match clothing parts with appropriate hands, feet, heads, and bodies. This teacher does not need winter clothing after helping attire 5 and 6 year-olds for the snowy outdoors.

She needs a blast of AC and a short nap.

Who told you what?

Again, you just gotta love kindergartners!

Recently, after a several day visit of a baby bull snake in our classroom, it was time for the snake to go and be free. The snake was sitting in its' plastic jar, trying to force it's body against the sides and make an escape.

The snake was on the counter by the door. We were on our way out the door to go home.

(Me) Well, it's time for Sammy the Snake to go home now. Mrs. W. will take it and let it go at her house so it will eat rattlesnakes.

(Various students) How do you know it's a boy, Mrs. Quantrell? How do you tell it's a boy? How do you know?

(Me) You know, I don't know. I think you have to be an expert or something. I have no idea. It could be a girl. Maybe we could call her Sylvia the Snake.

(A girl) Or Sally the Snake.

(First boy) No, Mrs. Quantrell, you know I hear God telling me stuff sometimes. And He just told me that the snake is a girl! (5 year-old pointing to his own head, where God was telling him something)

(Second boy) No, nuh-uh (turning around and arguing with the first boy). God just told ME that the snake was a boy! Mrs. Quantrell, the snake is a boy!


So, who to believe? Maybe the invisible snake expert.

Five year-olds. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

5 Little Monkeys

Oh yeah, big score this weekend! (You will love it if you are a teacher of younger children OR you have younger children in your life.)

Five little monkeys, five little monkeys, five little monkeys just hanging around...
Five little monkeys jumpin' on the bed, one fell off and bumped his head..."

You know the song. How about some fun acting it out? At JoAnn's (fabric/crafts) I found a giant score. In the felt items I found plate-sized thick felt monkey heads with a $1 price. Better yet, when I checked out, they rang up on sale! Score! Fifty cents each. Add a paint stick, or not, and we are ready for some retelling fun.

The deal of the week (as per sign on the basket) was 8 little monkey faces made from felt with sticky backs. Perfect for adding to a Velcro-fingered glove to sing the song. Oh, and the gloves (the cheapies, which fit just fine for small hands) were on sale for $1 a pair.

Both felt items (the small sticky faces may need additional glue to keep them together) are called Felties by Darico and list that they should be used for 3 years-old and over.

Did I snag a deal or what?