Noah's 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

What a great moment in our day, in Noah's year and in the stepping stones of Noah's life. We had his 5th grade promotion ceremony this afternoon. Before I go any further, I must confess that Andy and I are exhausted, as we stayed up until 4:30 this morning trying to get the slideshow ready as part of the program. So, take everything I say with a grain of salt. :) Sleeping from 5-8 is just not enough for me--there's no beauty sleep there.


Noah wanted to stay home from school today as the children needed to be at the graduation at 12:20pm. So, we let him as a rite of passage. I took him to get his haircut which makes him look so handsome and really much older. This didn't help my emotional state any, to see him go from my "baby" Noah to big, middle school Noah all because of a haircut! He does look handsome doesn't he?
The ceremony was actually quite nice and I think typical for a 5th grade promotion ceremony. Ms. Shinn, the assistant principal, spoke. It is the 2oth anniversary of RCES and so she talked about what has changed in 20 years. Ipods, DVD technology, the 5th graders. It was really fun. Then our principal, Mr. C, spoke to the children. He was also on a high as his oldest daughter graduated yesterday! He told the kids to work hard and the time will be there before they know it!

Then it was time to walk across the stage and recieve their certificate. I love this part of the ceremony as each teacher gets to speak about their class and to their class. I feel like I'm being let in on a secret, that I'm finding out for the first time, some of the things that happened in school and in class. Ms. H talked about how her class was great, learned a lot and for the survivor 5th grade picnic yesterday, it was "Had-a way" all the way! She talked about some of the moments of laughter. Listening to her, I knew that I would miss Mrs. H. and her ways. She was a great teacher for Noah and I can't thank her enough for that. There is such a great contentment that comes from knowing that the person you have abdicated your space to Monday-Friday has done a good job.
The relationship became even more evident between her and Noah when she called Noah's name to come get his certificate. She called him "Po-gly" (I know I have it wrong, Noah will correct me). Now I don't know too much about this name, but the fact that Noah's teacher knows the name that he has on his cell phone as his signature and that to call him by it would elicit a laugh from him and his classmates makes me so happy. Noah's teacher loves him! There is nothing greater than this. After Noah received his certificate he also received a flower which he is supposed to give to his parents (me). Andy was so gracious and captured the moment, and it is my absolute favorite picture of the day!

Then Noah was called up to the stage once more for maintaining a 4.0 GPA for 4th grade and the first two quarters of 5th grade and having an advanced score on the MSA. He received the principal's award! My heart was sooooo full. Noah for all his disorganzation has a knack for school and has, once again, accomplished something I have never. I love that he is having success!!

Then came the slideshow that Andy and I worked on until 4:30. Noah got to introduce the slideshow. I think he was sooooooooo happy that I made this slideshow for this part of the ceremony. I had done this for Tobin's class, but this year I added video to it. I think it really added an element of fun! I sat there, tired and happy and proud as the slideshow played. If you have never heard Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" and Taylor Hicks' "Do I Make You Proud?" you need to right now go and listen to them. They were such a good set for the slideshow. But we had our upbeat song of "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas as well. It was a blend of tears and laughter. At least that was what I was going for.

To end the promotion ceremony, the entire 5th grade wen on stage and sang, "We Go Together" from Grease. It was the perfect upbeat song to end the graduation on. I loved watching Noah, imagining this was exactly how he sang it during the choir concert a few weeks back! I felt 10 feet tall leaving that auditorium, so proud and happy. I know I say that a lot through this post, but that's how I feel.

Survivor--Noah's 5th Grade picnic

The t-shirts said--"We came.  We learned.  We're Outta Here."

I love these t-shirts.  They are the theme of the 5th grade picnic--Survivor.  Noah's entire 5th grade class walked to our neighborhood "playground" for a fun-filled day of games, DJs and lunch.  I volunteered for the game portion of the day, where each class traveled from station to station.  I ran the station called "walk the plank".  The studentz had to walk across the lawn inside of hula hoops, all together. It was fun to see them working as a team.  Of course, i was so happy when Noah's class came through my station.  He worked hard to make sure his team stayed inside the hula hoops!  After the stations, they had lunch from subway.  And in the afternoon, they had a dj who played songs and played games like "coke, pepsi" and line dances all afternoon!  Noah had a great time and it was a great way to end his last full day of 5th grade.

Noah throwing a water balloon to Annie Kate.

Noah's friends.

Dancing!

Walking the Plank

Tobin's Promotion Ceremony- 8th Grade

     Tobin's Promotion Ceremony was this past Tuesday. For all intents and purposes, he has finished his middle school learning experiences. No more math, no more books, and no more teachers dirty looks! :) I had to work all day and really the evening just came upon us. Andy and I took seperate cars to the event as I wanted to get there early and save seats (it was a good thing I did; it was over half full by the time I got there an hour early)! I thought I would be able to sit and reflect on this occasion, but I soon found friends to chat with. We talked about the day, how fast our children have grown up, and our own thoughts about high school next year.

     All to soon, Andy came in with Noah and Brenna and the program began. It started by having the 8th graders walk in and across the stage to get their certificate. It was fun to see Tobin and all of his friends I have come to know so well walk across the stage. I swear by the end of the progression, I felt like the "old mother who lived in a shoe, she had so many children, she didn't know what to do."
     The highlight of the graduation was when the keynote speaker, the health teacher, spoke. I didn't realize that the children vote a staff member to be their keynote every year. This particular health teacher wins 4 out of every 5 years. Now I know why.
     He began his speech with the words, "Don't ever give up." What I learned later was that he was facing serious health issues and believed in those words more now than he ever may have in the past. Mr. B has been on sick leave since spring break and came back on this graduation night to tell my son (and everyone else), "to never give up." That alone put tears in my eyes. Mr. B was funny, charming, and witty and pure delight to listen to. At one point, the highlight, he told the parents to sit back that this next part of his speech was purely for the kids. He proceeded to call out students from the audience and spoke directly to them. "Colin and Chase--stand up. Don't ever let your friendship fade, it is too awesome to see," and "So and So, stand up, you are a force to be reckoned with. Continue to have that confidence in yourself," and "so and so, stop eating my strawberries!" Believe me when I tell you that every parent in that audience was sitting in their seats, saying "pick my child, say something about my child." Somewhere along the way, when the kids liked something Mr. B had to say, they waved a flower they had been given as part of their entrance procession in the air. What a special night for those 8th graders to be talked to so directly in a keynote speakers speech. Never Give up. After his speech, the students began to throw their flower up to the stage as an offering to Mr. B. Where are my tissues?
     Then the awards began. I didnt' realize how many awards would be given and thought this could have been shortened. But I was so proud of Tobin for walking across that stage twice more. Once for being chosen by his teacher for his scholarship, and excellence in character! The second time was for Tobin's achievement of a 4.0 for all three years he was there--straight As. What a great accomplishment, especially since this is something that neither Andy nor I achieved! Well, I achieved it for my last 60 credits of undergrad, does that count? :)
     I wish I had some words of wisdom and understanding to share beyond a narrative of what transpired at the graduation. But really, I am just beaming with pride and joy at what Tobin has accomplished these last 3 years. And, I can face the years of high school knowing what I know about Tobin's character, dedication, and choice of friendships.

The stage after Mr. B gave his speech filled with flowers.

Mr. B talking about obstacles that will hit them like a brick wall.  But Never Give Up!

Tobin receiving his certificate for a perfect 4.0.

Waiting to be announced in the procession.

Walking to his seat.

     

    

Tobin with friends after the ceremony.

Brenna with her coach Miss Linda.

Brenna is getting ready to go.  The judges have just signaled to her that they are ready for her to compete. She is raising her hand to signal back.

I love this picture.  In the bottom right quadrant of the picture, you can see Brenna's coach raising her arms as if to say, "There she is-that's Brenna!  She did it!"

Whether they admit it or not, they are her biggest fans and their support means more to her than they will ever know. 

We are getting ready for Nationals!  Brenna qualified her first year on the team and I have so many emotions about it!  I can't wait!  They are the last week of June and and we are headed to Va. Beach so Brenna can compete nationally!  I am so proud of her accomplishments this year! 

Nationals--Here we come!!

May 2009 Rces School Play 5 Billy Goats Gruff

I just found this online. This is Brenna's play from last year when she was in the first grade play "5 Billy Goat's Gruff". She is in the brown goat costume.

Talent Show Acts

Brenna and Noah had their elementary talent show tonight and I couldn't have been prouder of both of them.  Although, I must say this night meant different things to me for them.  For me--about Brenna, this was a night of fun with friends.  Brenna was with her best friends doing what she liked to do!  They had a choreographer design their dance steps and I really had little to do with her act.  Another mom had stepped up before I could and was sort of in charge of this act.  I knew Brenna was with her friends and I didn't mind.

For Noah, I was much more connected.  Harry's mom choreographed the basic dance steps of Noah's act, but it was another mom, Erin and I, who finessed the dance to its near perfect state.  I was really pleased; so I was really involved in Noah's act.  I organized and ran the practices, arranged for the music, provided the practice venue  and worked on costuming choices.  The other part was that Noah was pretty instrumental in getting the boys together to do this.  I don't really know what he did, whether it was at recess, lunch or during class, but he knew exactly who to invite and formed a great group of boys for his act.  I felt proud of Noah when I figured this out. 

So, we practiced 3-4 times a week.  Practices were fun and reminded me of when we did Tobin's act.  Noah so much wanted to follow suit and dress up as girls.  So, I was trying to think of songs that would work, googled it and came up with Shania Twain's "Man, I feel like a Woman."  It was the perfect song.  And off we went. 

It was really interesting to watch.  Some of the boys were really stiff and you could tell they were uncomfortable with the movements.  Others of the boys seemed completely comfortable doing this dance as a "girl" and embraced it.  Noah seemed somewhere in the middle.  I was so proud of Noah when after the first couple of practices, he suggested some movements to the dance that improved it quite a bit.  He suggested the wave and it worked great!  I was surprised at how often the boys brought their "costumes" and high heels to practice in.  And in between takes, they would play basketball in high heels.  It truly was a sight to behold.  This was just one of those things that tickled my funny bone for life and made me happy.

We found out the boys were last in the line up.  I was a little worried that if it ran long, people would leave and miss the "finale" act.  But I just had to hope in my heart that it would work out.  And it did!  As the boys were introduced by the 5th grade girls, the anticipation of the finale grew!  I am not sure why, but the music didn't start right away!  It took the perfect amount of time to get it started, the fever of anticipation grew, but didn't fade away.  And then the music started!  The 5th grade girls were at the edge of the stage, cheering the boys on.  Noah's face was one perpetual grin from ear to ear.  He was having such a good time!  How can any Momma's heart not beat louder for that.  It was everything I could have hoped for.  And one of the boys who was sooooo nervous before came over and said, "I did it without any mistakes."  It was the best!  I loved every minute of this night for Noah. 

He is leaving a great tradition for the next set of 5th grade boys to follow. 

Today was a Fairy Tale

Andy bought me Taylor Swift tickets for Mother's Day.  I was so excited.  I knew some of my friends were going with their daugthers as well, so we decided to go together.  We didn't take the girls to dinner; they were too excited.  We took snacks for the drive down which turned out to be a good decision.  On the way down, my friends were talking about the Miley Cyrus concert and really how inappropriate it was for little girls.  I didn't think Taylor Swift would be the same, but still I worried.  When we got there we first decided to buy t-shirts.  My friends were excited to see that they had children's sizes b/c at the Miley concert there were no children's sizes.  My thought on that was I was glad Taylor knew who her audience was.

My friends and I did not have seats together.  So, off we went to our seperate seats.  My friends had seats that showed them behind the set.  They were on the side of the stage.  I was a little more centrally located and we were in the first row in our section!  I was really excited becuase they were GREAT seats.  I was really close and actually liked it more than the floor because we were up higher and could see.  We had two teenage girls on our left and a mother and her daughter on our right.  It was the perfect combination to have.  I was so excited sitting there waiting for Taylor to go on stage.

Her concert turned out to be amazing.  What I didn't know at the time, but later learned is that Taylor Swift has a very active role in designing her sets.  A lot of it is her idea and she sees them through to completion.  Her castle set was amazing, her stage design was really well planned out.  Our seats were so good and I was just so happy with our seats.

The highlights:
1.  During her acoustic set, she opened up between sections 109-110 at the top of the stairs, singing her heart out.  It was amazing.  Afterwards she walked down the stairs and hugged fans on both sides of the aisle.  You could tell she loved the little children.  At one point, there was a group of about 5 20 something year olds.  One of them picked her up when he hugged her in a giant hug--she gave him a kiss.  She was on the other side of where I was, so I watched the big screen they have.  I was content to watch people beam as she hugged them.  I think Taylor really appreciates her fans and I think she would have hugged everyone there if she could have!  She made it such a personal experience.  She then played 2 or 3 songs in the back of the arena which was amazing.  And then she walked her way back through the concert goers.  I was a little disappointed that people seemed to rush at her this time making it harder for her security detail which in turn might make the not do this again.  Why can't people be happy for other people and know that their time might come next time?  Don't get me wrong--I imagined in my mind several scenarios if Taylor came our way all of which included pictures and hugs and kind words, but it was just as fun to imagine as do.

2.  Because my friends were sitting where they could see the back of the stage they texted me updates and let me know about set changes that were coming up.  So, I knew about the castle before it came on stage.  They let me know about her various guitars.  It was fun to get this commentary.

3.  Right before the finale section of her program, a man came up to us and gave us a pick with Taylor's picture on it.  He said to me, "Thanks so much for coming out tonight and bringing your daughter.  You really need to stay for this next part, it is amazing.  My daughter has done a lot of work for tonight."  Wait.....really?  no?  "Is Taylor Swift your daughter?" 
He replied, "yes, Taylor's my daughter."
I gave a few looks and then said, "please tell her we think she's great and I am so happy I brought my daughter.  Taylor did a great job tonight."  I felt a little silly, but I didn't have enough time to think of something great to say.  I felt so lucky that out of that full auditorium, her dad walked up to me in the middle of a crowd and said something nice to me!

4.  Her finale was awesome!  Playing the drums with one of her entourage in a "competition" and having the water rain down on her!  I loved it.  It was visually and acoustically stunning.  I walked out of that concert feeling as if every penny of those tickets were worth it.