Old Woman of the Month

We found out that Scarlett's entire class was chosen to be Student of the Month for December 2016 for the courage they all showed during the difficult loss of their teacher.  The morning they gave the awards I woke up, got ready, nursed Skye, and did everyone's hair - and we were on time for the 8am assembly.  It doesn't seem nearly as impressive typing it out as it felt in real life.  So just be proud of me.  Thanks.  Anyways... we went to the gym and waited for all the classes to file in.  When the announced Scarlett's class they just had them all stand up and wave to everyone.  Their paraprofessional explained why the whole class got the award - it was a very touching moment.  Lots of people were teary (obviously not the twirls).

After the assembly they had her class line up for a photo.  Then they stood in line to go back to class.  Her teacher said "hips and lips" (you put on hand on your hip and a finger on your lip).  I loved watching how obedient Scarlett is.  She just loves to follow the rules!

Yay!  I love this anxious little smile!  Glad to see she's adjusting to school and enjoying herself more.

The charted school has "Dress Down Days" every other week.  But they have a lot of extra dress down days for special events.  Many of them are themed.  This is a terrible situation for someone who loves costumes and has secret LARPing desires.  Let's just say - we go all out!  The best part is I have most of the things I need to make her outfits already in my possession!

For the 80th day of school - dress like the 1980s!  I knew that crimper would come in handy again some day!

For the 100th day of school, dress like you're 100 years old.  We talked a lot about different ideas and Scarlett really wanted her hair painted and makeup wrinkles.  YAY!  I watched a few youtube tutorials on aging makeup.  They said to use your natural lines, when I went to do her makeup that morning I realized that she doesn't have any lines!!!  haha!  But we got it done.  And I nursed Skye, loaded all the girls, and made it to school on time (it's really the small victories of me)!

I don't know why, but something about the lighting in our car really enhanced the old lady image.  Crazy!

We talked about what someone who was 100 would say.  Crazy to think that I don't think she's ever met someone that old before.  Anyways, I got this cute video of her acting old:

The school had an indoor carnival day for families one Saturday, the "Winter Blast."  I thought it was so clever how they did it.  Every kid got a paper with a blank grid on it.  As you did different games and got different points they would put a stamp in the boxes on the paper.  At the very end of the carnival you took your stamped paper to the prize room and they counted how many stamps you got in order to get a prize.  What a great idea!  The girls really enjoyed playing the games.  Scarlett even got to throw a pie in a teacher's face!  It was a fun afternoon!

Scarlett's family tradition poster on the wall - going to Utah every year is our tradition.  Then she brought home a paper snowman that we had to disguise - so we turned it into rainbow dash!

Scarlett had a day off of school when I was teaching preschool - letter O.  Making an octopus out of a paper plate and pipe cleaners.  Look at all these cute ladies!  Girl Power!

Before Christmas I was having a moment of feeling sorry for myself (I promise, it was just for a moment).  I just couldn't figure out why Scarlett was in Mrs. Roy's class.  Of all the classes at that school.  And the fact that it felt like a miracle to be placed in that school to begin with.  Then all the times we got to chat with her at ballet.  The connection we made with her in just a short time.  I was just confused at why we were going through this experience (I know, it sounds very dramatic and selfish, but just stick with me).  As I was contemplating this I had a very strong impression that I needed to make a memory book for her family with all the memories at the school.  I was standing in the shower and I can remember it perfectly cause it was such a powerful feeling.  I realized that I have the experience to pull something together, plus my superpower (GSD - get shiz done).  I'm not sure why Scarlett got to be in Mrs. Roy's class, and I'm sure there are many reasons.  But I knew that I needed to make sure that this book got done.

I spoke with the Dean over kindergarten and he sent out an email to all the parents, teachers, and administrators asking for memories.  I spoke with my mom about this project and she had the brilliant idea that I should go take photos of the classroom before the new teacher moves in.  So the last day of school before winter break I went into the classroom and took a ton of photos of every part of the classroom.  Every little organized box represents who Katie was.  I'm grateful that we were able to capture it.

All during January I got lots of stories and photos sent to me.  I worked on the book little by little.  It was such an emotional project.  There were some nights that I could only do a tiny bit.  But I loved getting to know her better.  To see all the lives she touched.  I made the book colorful and fun, just like she was.  I was able to order the book at the beginning of February, my parents asked if they could donate the books to the school.  We bought a copy for her husband, her parents, the classroom, and my parents bought one for me.  A few days after they arrived Scarlett came to me and said "I feel sad cause I miss Mrs Roy" how perfect that I had this new book of fun memories to share with her.  It was just what we both needed.  We sat down and went through all the photos.  She loved how silly and fun she was.

If you want to see the whole book: View Book Here.  Here are a few of the pages. The covers...

Her class painted flowers - remembrance poppies.  They also put all their fingerprints in a heart...

This was our family's page...

Scarlett drew this picture for the book.  She drew Mrs. Roy with angel wings and she wanted to show cute, painted fingernails and high heels.  When she drew this, the angel wings were the first thing she put on the paper. 

Scarlett will often pray: "Please let Mrs Roy have fun in heaven."  One time she said: " and please bless Mrs Roy to be having fun in heaven and teaching kindergarten in heaven."  Mrs. Roy comes up often and at random times.  One day Jaide colored a picture "this is for Mrs Roy."

Ashley sent me this picture.  Lyla's preschool teacher was concerned cause she drew a girl crying.  It was a picture of Scarlett crying cause her teacher died.  What sweet friends we have.  Mourning with those who mourn.

After Christmas Scarlett met her new teacher, Mrs. Meldrum.  I asked her about her first day with her new teacher and she said "it was... Different."  Every day has got a little more normal.  One day I asked her how school was and she said "There was a miracle today at the blue table!  We couldn't find the light pink crayon but then we found it!  It was a miracle!"  I bet they all needed a miracle that day!