Congratulation Aunt Renae

Congratulations to Aunt Renae for winning the Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award. We are all proud of you!!!
Here is the story that ran in the Daily Herald, a Suburban Chicago Newspaper.

Kohl McCormick award goes to Naperville educator

A first-grade teacher at Naperville's River Woods Elementary School is one of five Chicago-area educators selected to receive a 2008 Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Award.

Renae Brooks was in her classroom Friday when officials from the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation and a WGN-TV camera crew surprised her with the honor.

The five winners officially will be feted in ceremonies in June.

The Bolingbrook resident began working in Naperville schools 28 years ago and has taught kindergarten, first, second and third grades.

She started at Maplebrook Elementary School and then moved on to help open Scott, Ranch View and River Woods.

River Woods turned out to be the last stop on her tour of Naperville Unit District 203, and she's been at the school for its entire 20-year history -- including about the past 15 years as a first-grade teacher.

During an interview with the Daily Herald in March, Brooks said the keys to her success working with first-graders are fairly simple: She tries to listen, be patient and give out lots of hugs.

"You have to be constantly changing activities and keeping them excited," she said in March. "I want to be able to look at the clock at 2:30 p.m. and say, 'Wow, time flies when you're having fun!'"

Brooks won praise from her colleagues and bosses for the enthusiasm and innovation she brings to her classroom.

She'll receive the teaching award in a ceremony June 3 at the Westin River North in Chicago. It comes with a $5,000 personal cash award and a $1,000 award for her school.

She also will be inducted into the Kohl McCormick Academy of Outstanding Educators.

Award organizers say they selected the five winners based on criteria that includes innovation, leadership, respect for students, ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices, partnerships with parents and family, and a demonstrated commitment to professional growth.

Another Day

Its luke warm and overcast, the weather matches the way I feel. Ellis woke up this morning feeling VERY warm to the touch. After going through 3 thermometers, I finally found out she has a temp of 102.4. I gave her a dose of Motrin and things seem to be getting back to normal. I hate it when your child has a temperature and no other signs. PLEASE give me a runny nose, cough or a tooth coming is, so I know what to blame the fever on. It just makes me nervous. The last time she had a fever like that, we canceled out vacation and spent 4 days in the hospital. In addition:

1. Paul has to work late tonight. Why do they always work late or go out of town when a kid gets sick? Must be ESP.
   
2. Our neighbor is out of town (no immediate/instant support should we need to go to the Dr, or I need a drinking companion while I wait for Paul to come home)
3. Jack is acting like a 1 year old, demanding my attention. Plus he had an accident - the first one in weeks.

Oh well, its just another day in Paradise.
Most love to all.

What's going on... time to play catch-up

One of the many looks of Ellis B

It seems like so much is going on, but nothing really, all at the same time.

Grandma went home Tuesday morning. We had the best visit and she got some really good quality time with Jack and Ellis, and I got some time to myself. All of this in between time-outs and yelling - and that was just for me.

Potty training is going really well. We are having fewer accidents and even having a few dry pull-ups in the morning. We still have to give the celebratory 'high-five' after using the potty - but beggars can't be choosers. Tomorrow I become a 'Soccer Mom'. Jack starts soccer with 3 year olds. It should be a hoot. What do you say to a 3 year old when an opposing team's player takes the ball away? I can't wait!!!

I think Ellis is having a hard time with the attention Jack is getting because she has stopped talking and just wines. She wines from the moment she wakes up until she goes to bed. And her wine is at an octave that only me and bats can hear. It is a sound that causes you to want to do illegal drugs and run for your life. You have to hold her down to change her diaper, comb her hair and get her dressed. I am ready to put one of us in a straight jacket. She has also discovered hitting. The other night we had friends over for dinner and she slapped me because she couldn't have any dessert - she didn't eat her dinner. I carried her upstairs all the while hoping I wouldn't break her arm, out of sheer frustration. Then I had to go to my room to compose myself. I think I turned three shades of red. Let's just say that the night ended badly, at least for me.

I woke up this morning to snow. Not much but more than I want to see on the ground in April. I am so ready for Spring. I am tired of putting away boots, hats and mittens, just to take them out in a few days. Where is the warm weather?

Steve, Gina and the girls were supposed to be here this weekend, but due to the health of Gina's Aunt, they are staying in MN. Please all say a prayer or thought for Gina and her family. Gina, we love you and are here if you need anything!

A belated Happy Birthday to Abby. I apologize for the delay in getting your present to you... I promise to get it in the mail this weekend. We love you!

CONGRATULATIONS to Brian, Amy, Maeve and baby G. Brian has been offered a job in Florida. LLs lost; Florida's gain. You will do great! We miss you more than you know.

I gotta run. More later!