So, I was out looking for an end of the year gift for Avery's teacher last night. I was at a local store, and walked past the Willow Tree Figurines and thought that would be a nice gift.

The figurines were pretty picked over. I was reading the boxes, trying to find one that had a figurine that would fit the occasion. I saw a tall box that said "Chrysalis: "Protect and cherish; give wings to fly" That was perfect, I thought. Too bad there weren't any of those figurines open so I could actually see what it looked like.

I took it up to the counter, pretty sure I was going to get it. I asked the cashier lady if I could just peek at it, just to be sure it looked good.

She opened it up, and here is what I saw...



Nothing says "Thank you for being my child's teacher" than a close hug from the backside...

i did not get it, in case you are wondering....

Liv's language has increased a lot in the last week. She now will attempt to copy sounds that we make to her. New words in the last week: toe, eye, nose, mom, hi and I'm sure there are more I am forgetting...

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Avery has 2 days of school left until she is officially a 1st grader. It's starting to sink in that I am going to have both girls with me all day every day all-summer-long. They are at a stage where they are not getting along the greatest. Throw in potty training, and a puppy, and you have a delightful mix of a very-long-day.

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I have had the itch to re-design my site and my design site, so I've been working on that lately. I have been trying to organize all of the different options with the blog design stuff. If you're bored, go on over and let me know if you can navigate it well!

the girl seriously has no fear! She has learned how to go on a big girl bike already, but she has not learned not to go as fast as her feet will pedal. We will be taking a trip to get her a helmet, and maybe a whole body armor set as well...

Liv is learning some new words, and Avery, well, she just wanted to be on video as well!

in NO way do I want to brag, therefore, i will post-date this post so it won't show up at the top of the blog. That way, it will be for our memories only...

I wanted to write down all of the things Mrs S has said about Avery this year that I don't want to forget.

She has called her extremely gifted.

She has only had 1 other student in all her years of teaching that compares to Avery. The other student, a boy, years ago, was reading Harry Potter books in Kindergarten, as compared to Avery reading American Girl books.

Avery is reading at a 4th and 5th grade level, and her comprehension level is at the end of 3rd grade level.

Avery has the "all around" gift. Mrs S has said that a lot of kids usually are gifted in one area, such as reading, but also need extra help in math, or other areas. Avery is gifted in all areas. Not only that, but Avery is "good". Some smart kids are naughty and get into trouble and can be a handful. Mrs. S has said that Avery is just all around a wonderful and very gifted student.

Mrs. S has also brought up Avery's comprehension and memory. She has a phenomenal memory. After Mrs. S talked about telling time in school one day, Avery knew how to do it. She thinks her memory is something to be applauded.

Over and over she has said what a joy Avery is to teach, how she is sweet and kind, quite and respectful, a listener with good morals and values.

Avery, words can't tell you how proud we are to hear these things about you, and how thankful to God we are for you, and your gifts. We pray that your gifted-ness will continue to grow and develop, and that you will continue to be the wonderful all around student that you are...