My Family by Grant

"My Family"
by Grant Behringer

Our kids seem to come home with endless amounts of artwork projects. Some good, some great and some go straight from back pack to the recycle bin. But every so often we come across one that is just priceless. This was one of those times.

Who knew Grant was an artist? I didn't. Don didn't. We knew he could scribble and draw a few random things ("oh!!!! THAT is a car... NOW I see it....") but I've never drawn people with Grant before (not even a smiley face) so we didn't expect this! I was so surprised and delighted to find this in his work folder. His teacher was even surprised - most of the other kids leaned more toward abstract art than realism. And he did it all by himself.

Woven through my joy however was a strand of guilt. I started questioning..."Have I really never drawn a person with my son before? How can he be three years old and I haven't done that yet??"

I am fully aware of the statistics and realities of younger children not getting as much attention as the first child...especially those of us with high-maintenance first children. And while this may bring guilt to many of us multi-children parents, maybe it's not all so bad. I seem to find myself so presently surprised by some of Grant's accomplishments whereas with Olivia, I (honestly) sort of expect it.

So, this piece of artwork entitled "My Family" by the up and coming artist Grant Behringer has inspired me in two ways: to make sure we are giving equal attention to our second child and to maybe lay off of the first one a bit.

First Day of School 2008

It is hard to believe that Back to School is upon us. We were fortunate to have a very care-free summer so I am a bit sad to lose that freedom. Olivia is entering the first grade at Talbot Elementary and Grant is off to PreK-3 at First Presbyterian. Olivia loves school and is very ready. Grant spent three weeks at his new school in a camp program this summer so he is familiar with his teacher and classroom. There are only 8 kids in Grant's class and many only go half days which is perfect for him. We met Olivia's teacher last Friday and we like her - she seems to be a warm person, which I think is important at this age. But mostly what excites Olivia about this year is that her good friend Thalia is in class with her, as well as a few other girlfriends. So, while I forewarned the teacher about Olivia's gift of gab with friends, I'm afraid Olivia would talk to the wall if she had to.
Here's to a great school year...

Kindergarten comes to an end

Olivia's kindergarten year ended on June 5. She is a bit bummed because she loved school, her teacher Ms. Melis, and will miss seeing her friends. It was a great year despite a hesitant beginning, on our part. On "meet the teacher" day, Don and I entered the kindergarten centrum looking for Ms. Melis' classroom. We see the room for Ms. Johnson, Ms. Hodges, Ms. Skipper and Mrs. Glagola, but no Ms. Melis. After inquiring, we are told, "Oh, yes, she is out in the trailer." My heart sank as we marched outside thinking "Great. My kid got the trailer."
But of course, it turned out wonderful and Ms. Melis made it a really special year. Talbot is a great school too, and is one of the major reasons we live in this part of town. And Olivia never called it a trailer, only "her classroom" and defended it to the death if we said the word "trailer"... until my parents came to town and my dad called it Olivia's chicken coop - we all thought that was pretty funny.
Olivia on her first day.....
The whole class in February...
Pictures from the year...