We just finished this chapter book.  It wasn't my favorite but the kids liked it.  It has a cute plot.  All the pets in a school come together at night for secret meetings called the Midnight Academy. Everyone thinks Malcolm is a mouse but really he is a rat.  One of those books that gets really good right at the end. 

I wanted to read this books for two reasons: (1) it was nominated for an award and (2) long ago during my teaching days.  I let my fourth grade student convince me to save a small mouse from being fed to the snake in 5th grade.  After much bribing they convinced me and so Speedy became part of our class.  Meg and Owen love to hear my stories about Speedy who just like the mouse in this book was not a mouse at all but in the end was .... a rat!!  

We stopped by Taco Bell last weekend to grab the kids a bite on our way home from the Hockey Day.  Meg started crying while eating her taco and said, "I swallowed by tooth eating my taco...now the tooth fairy won't come."  We assured her the tooth fairy understands and that she is use to this because it happens a lot with other kids!  We found this note later.

Dear Tooth Fairy, I accidentally swallowed by tooth.  I hope its ok.  Love Meg

At here is a little video of Owen during the Hockey Day last week.  For a kid that has been on the ice maybe 3 or 4 times, I think he is pretty amazing!!  He practices on his roller blades for hours.

Clip #2

Owen and Meg attended our neighbor's birthday party.  It was a freezing day but these awesome parents had the kids outside to do a pinata.  The kids were jumping with excitement!!

 We headed to Kansas City to check out where Hallmark cards are made.

 You could push a button and watch a bow being made.  Owen and Meg thought this was super cool.

 Then we headed next door to Kaleidoscope where kids can use left over materials from the Hallmark factory and make their own crafts and cards.  Meg loved this! Paints, markers, cutouts, cards, envelopes, you name it they had it!  and all for Free!!  Thank you Hallmark!!

 On Saturday we saw a flyer that said come and experience  hockey.  So we signed Owen up!  He was all about this!!  This guy had a blast!

 
Meg is my little writer and note giver.  I found this note.

 We have some great inventive spelling going on! Here is what the note says if you need some help:

God is my hero!!!
I know God can move a mountain on his pinky!!
God is Strong!
God Loves everybody!!
I know God is the best!!
I love God.
God is in heaven with the angles!!
God is handsome!!
                 
                           Meg said this is a picture of our family as birds.

 Meg is a little crafter and giver.  She loves to make things and then put them by your pillow as a gift.  This one was found on Pascal's pillow.

 This note was on our pillow

That is our weekly round up!  We have been to Urgent Care 4 times in the last few weeks.  Owen is fighting an ear infection!  booooooooo!!  Here's to hoping our household is on the mend!!

Meg loves her new earrings.

                      Hats of to these moms who made some incredible Valentines!!

 Meg came home with a envelope full of Valentines!

 A special Valentine's package from Mimi and Pappy!!  Thank you so much!

 I found this note in Meg's book bag when I asked her about it she said, "Yes, I know who it is because he told me."  

 Here is Meg with a classmate that is super special.  They are best little buddies.  In this picture it looks like Meg is so much taller.  She is taller but not that much!

 Meg and I were invited to a Mother Daughter Tea put on by our neighbor.  She has such a gift of entertaining.  Here she is reading a book to the girls about Manners.

She had everything set up so beautifully.  Meg and I had a wonderful time while the boys headed out to go ice skating.

and that's a wrap for the week!!!  

Quick snap of one of Meg's outfits  - take note of the green flower belt!

 We've been conducting some science experiments.  We always like to practice at home before we head off to school.  We will be doing this one called "Elephant Toothpaste" in both Meg's and Owen's classes this week.

We headed to Wichita to take Owen skating.   This boy could skate for hours. He has the hockey bug!

 We got lucky and caught a high school game.

Below is one of my all time favorite books!!  I love to bring it out around Valentine's Day.  It has such a sweet yet powerful message. I was fortunate to sub last week in the class I worked with for the first 4 weeks of school.  I read it to them.

Mr. Hatch is a man who keeps to himself.  He follows the same routine each day and doesn't really talk to anyone.  One day he receives in the mail a huge package...a heart shaped box filled with candies and a note that simply says,  "Someone Loves You!"  Mr.  Hatch can't believe it!  He decides to start wearing his yellow tie, and talks to all the neighborhood kids, he begins to play his harmonica and begins making friends at work.  Everything about him begins to change until one day the postman comes and tells him he made a terrible mistake and delivered the package to the wrong house.  He asks Mr. Hatch to give the package back.  Mr. Hatch goes back to living the life he lived before he believed anyone cared about him.  It is so sad BUT read the rest book to find out what happens because it is super sweet.

 I always ask kids then to write letters to Mr.  Hatch. Here are a few of my favorites!!

Such sweet letters, right?  Love those fourth graders!!  These little notes just made my day!
Working in First Grade this week, 3 days with a certain student in the room named....MEG!  Super excited about that.  I'm sure I will have some stories to share!