Emma's Class Christmas Party--and a new teacher for the new year!

During the last week of school before Christmas break, we found out that Emma (and the other 11 Kindergarteners in her split class) would be moving to a new classroom after Christmas break. I was shocked and livid when I read the note, and put a call in to the principal to find out more information. The school has had an influx of kids, and they were able to hire another Kindergarten teacher. Of course, this would have solved the problem if they had hired another teacher at the beginning of the school year, but of course they have budget restrictions, etc.So this was the solution to the problem--if only they could have reached it before half the school year was over!

Of course, Emma's teacher was as shocked as we were. And she was so sad to find out that she was losing half her class--she has invested a lot of time and caring into our children. She sent us the sweetest email--it made me cry! She was as devastated as we were! But she assured us that she was working closely with Mrs. Blanc (the new teacher), and that she was making a portfolio for each student to help Mrs. Blanc know what level each student it on, etc. They are trying to make the transition as easy as possible. And Mrs. Blanc spent a lot of time in their classroom that week, and then the kids went to their new classroom one day and spent a few hours getting to know her. And Emma came home with nothing but good things to say about Mrs. Blanc! She won Emma over--that's for sure! But still I had a few questions, so...

The morning of Emma's Christmas party, I walked her to class. Mrs. Blanc had sent home a note the following evening telling us that she would be in her classroom Friday morning if we wanted to stop by and meet her. So after I dropped Emma off, I went to the Kindergarten wing and met Mrs. Blanc. And she is wonderful. Just from the 30 minutes or so that I spent there talking with her, I could tell what a loving, caring and motivated teacher that she is! I walked away feeling very confident and reassured that Emma was going to do just fine, and that everything was going to be fine! It will be a fairly small class--19 students--12 from Emma's split class and then a few more from the other 3 Kindergarten classes. Of course, it will be the class with the more advanced children. That was my main concern--Mrs. Mackey was teaching at a faster pace and more advanced level--we didn't want Emma to get "bored" with repetition. But it sounds like they already have that part worked out. And Emma is very excited about having Mrs. Blanc--so now there's no reason for us not to be excited too! Here's to a wonderful rest of the school year!

Emma and Julian at the Christmas party

Emma and Mrs. Mackey--we will miss her so much! She is an amazing teacher! She will be receiving more students as well--but she will not have a split level class any longer!

Emma and Danielle--Danielle is a first grader, and sits across from Emma in class. She has been such a big help to Emma--especially in the beginning when everything was new and Emma was still adjusting!

Emma and her sweet friend Ava--Ava will be moving to the new class with Emma! It is comforting to know that she will already know most of the kids in the class!

Christmas Day at Nana and Grandpa's!

On Christmas Day, we went to Mike's mom and dad's to celebrate--with more good food, more exchanging of gifts, and yeah, more guitar hero! We had such a good time!

The grandkids

Another Tharpe family picture--taken before the feast. Gabe had the honors of saying the prayer this time, and it was absolutely adorable! He recited every word of his little prayer!

Emma received a "real" tea set from Nana and Grandpa--which they bought in Poland while living in Germany! It's so beautiful! And Nana painted the tray which holds the set. Each of the 3 girls received one.

Playing the fishing game before dinner

This was at our house--Gabe LOVES playing the wii sword fighting game, and always ends up right in front of the tv. Of course, mommy did too when she played that game.

Emma playing Wii Mario Kart

Riding their 4-wheelers for the first time!

On your mark...Mike had them race in the backyard! Our big yard comes in handy for 4-wheelin'! Thanks Santa!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Eve at my parents!

We went to my parents on Christmas Eve, as we do every year! There was a lot of (yummy)eating, a lot of gifts opened, and a lot of GUITAR HERO! We had such a great time, and did not get home until midnight!

One of Emma's many presents--barbie style salon. She also received the Barbie dream townhouse from mamaw and papaw!

Our little lady--posing for her daddy!

Gabe had been waiting for this one--Geotrax Airport! Mamaw and papaw got it for him!

He REALLY wanted it--can you tell? He's laying on the box!

Sweet boy!

My honey and I

Gabe was tuckered out--he fell asleep in the middle of the floor, during gift exchanging! Poor baby! I think he opened all of his presents first though. LOL.

My sister Robin, and Gabe after he woke up from his nap!

Me, my sister Tonya, Mom and my twin Jennifer

Me, Tonya and Mom

Emma with Aunt Tonya and Great Aunt Betty

Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning!

What a wonderful Christmas we had! We are truly blessed--God has been so good to us this year! Santa brought a lot of goodies for Emma and Gabe, and they were soooooo excited when they came down the stairs Christmas morning! Perhaps the 4 wheelers caused the most excitement, although they were very happy with all of the presents!

Santa decided that Emma and Gabe needed their own "luggage" for future trips! My friend monogrammed them, which turned out absolutely adorable!!

Here is Emma emptying out her stocking!

On Christmas Eve, Emma wanted to sleep with her Santa hat on!

This is the piece of cookie that Santa did not eat, along with the letters Emma left for him!

The loot!

Pictures in front of the Christmas tree!

Christmas in the Country!

Saturday we had a family outing to Glendale! It was so much fun, and decorated so pretty for the Holidays. They also had free hot apple cider in all the stores, and on the street! It was so good, that I had to buy the mix to take home! The kids LOVED the train ride with Santa. And they were good sports about sitting in Santa's lap. Gabe hopped right onto his lap, which totally surprised both Mike and me. Emma was not too eager, but went ahead and posed for a picture. She knew that he wasn't the "real" Santa. She is so curious and asks so many questions! We have to be really careful what we say in front of her and how we answer her--I swear she's like a little grown up. So after we posed with Santa, we ate dinner at The Whistle Stop. It was such a good day--one that I will never forget! Enjoy our pictures!

Warming up in front of the fireplace!

They had an old train on display, and the kids loved playing in it!

Posing with Santa!

Gabe warmed his little hands in front of the fire!

After the train ride

One of the stores decorated for Christmas

He was so happy on the train--trains are his favorite thing!

Before the train ride started

Emma's Christmas Program!

Last Thursday was Emma's Christmas program, and it was wonderful! Kindergarteners and First Graders wore pajamas, and all students sang Christmas songs. It was very evident that they worked very hard on these songs--Emma has been singing them since October! Mrs. Mackey told me that they would sing "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas" on the way to the playground and back.:) They knew all the words and sang their little hearts out! I LOVED it! After the program was over, they served refreshments in the cafeteria and Mrs. Mackey came over to talk to us. She told us how fabulous Emma is doing in school--she is especially impressed with her reading! And Mike's parents were there as well as my mom, and they loved hearing Emma's teacher talk about how wonderful their granddaughter is doing!

After the program was over, one of Emma's classmates gave flowers to each student in the class. Emma was so happy!

One of the songs they sang was "We wish you a Merry Christmas", and the teachers joined in. :)

She was looking for us, and smiled so big when she found us!

They did an awesome job!

Gabe's Preschool Christmas Program!!

Last night was Gabe's Preschool Christmas Program, and it was so adorable. His class made shirts using their handprints to make Christmas trees and they were adorable! The kids sang songs and I was amazed at how well the little ones did. They knew the words and were using their cute little hand motions! ADORABLE! I have always been, and continue to be amazed at the effort that this preschool puts into all of the programs for the parents. And not only the programs--Gabe brings home works of art that amaze me! Of course, so did Emma when she had Mrs. Michelle, which is why I have some of Emma's and Gabe's artwork from her class framed and hanging on my wall. I can't tell you how much this preschool has meant to me! I wouldn't trust my kids to go anywhere else for their preschool years! And wow, they do a wonderful job at getting the kids ready for Kindergarten! Below are some pictures (and a video) from the program.

Smiling for mommy!

Getting ready to sing!

He gave mommy a "thumbs up!"

Sweet boy!