Halloween Prep

Devin and I have a few events we're supposed to dress up for this Halloween, so I was trying to decide what to be. She chose Rapunzel ages ago...as in the day after the last Halloween. We watched Tangled last weekend and I decided to be Mother Gothel. A quick Google search turned up homemade patterns and the like, but no actual costume I could buy. A ran across a blog describing her costuming and it mentioned a Renaissance dress.

So, Dev and I visited Caufield's. We're year round customers, even though the manager said around 60% of their yearly revenue comes in October. I found this dress, which actually looks a lot like the mean ol' Mother Gothel. We chose a wig with lots of frizzy, black hair.

Everyone should visit Caufield's in Louisville, at least once.

Our mantle:

Yesterday, we took advantage of the beautiful weather & went to the driving range. Devin thought we were going to get a cart and play the par 3 course, but we'll save that for next time!

I was surprised to see this picture....both her feet are off the ground and one hand is off the club. She was really getting into it, apparently.

We finished up with some putting practice & headed home for rest and dinner. In true Devin fashion she asked, "Can we come back and play golf tomorrow????"

Cool Montessori Short

This is a cool and very basic explanation of Montessori vs. Traditional learning:

Montessori Fast Draw

I noticed myself (at the Open House) urging prospective parents to visit the classrooms in action. Last year, when I visited the school for my observation time, the deal was sealed for me. I watched children deep in concentration, uninterrupted...doing what they were interested in that day. I observed several children interested in puzzles and working together. I also saw 2 kids decide that it was snack time and fix themselves some yogurt and fruit. A few others were working independently on practical life works.

The more I learn about Montessori, the more I love it.

Open House-The Journey Continues

This past weekend was MSL's (Montessori School of Louisville) first Open House of the year. Devin's teacher asked if we would like to attend the event, with Devin showing how she "works" in the classroom. It was fun for me to watch her in action, as we haven't started classroom observations yet. Her comfort and knowledge of the space, warmed my heart.

One of her favorite works is the Africa puzzle. It's a daunting thing, with no words and no key. Parents filed in and out of the room, observing her concentration and talking with me about our experience. (She finished this by herself...which I'm not sure I could do!)

The school is as waste-free as possible, using real cloths and dishes. No paper or plastic! Another of Dev's favorite works is laundry. She loves to roll and organize the washcloths. This is carrying over nicely to home, as she helps with the dish towels and washcloths.

Zinnia from the school's garden and the sponge ready to clean up after lunch.

The children change into slippers, before entering the classroom. This helps keep the space clean, as well as the children comfortable. Devin's rocking furry flip-flops:)

They go outside unless the weather is really bad...it's great to have her rain gear at school all the time.

I had to capture the peacefulness of the room's "Peace Corner." This is a space the children can go to relax. Dev says, "...only one child is allowed at at time."

We also attended a 50th Wedding Anniversary party this weekend. 50 years! Wow!

When the weather cooperates, Devin's been interested in hitting golf balls. When she connects, it's hilarious. She's been hitting from our house, out into the fairway....a good 50 feet.

We were wandering around the Parent-Teacher Store the other day, when Dev spotted this game. She's loving her Chess Club on Mondays at school & we have been playing "chess" on our board at home.

This game is wonderful for kids or adults learning chess. There are cards marked with each piece, reminding you how it moves. We draw cards and move the piece on the board as if we were playing. So, you don't have a choice as to which piece to move...but the game plays out like chess otherwise.

Yesterday, she beat me. A few minutes later she says, "OH!!! I forgot to say CHECKMATE!"

Settling In

This picture sums up the past few weeks, as we've all settled in to our new routines. Finally.

Devin is back to her old self, enjoying life and living it to the fullest....every minute of the day! Her teachers say she is comfortable in the classroom and helps out with the smaller children a lot. She comes home with the funniest stories and observations & needless to say we're thrilled and relieved.

I think in the back of my mind, I was second guessing everything. (Which I know is not generally productive for me)

Between 2 visits to the ER and several trips to my Dr., I've been given a clean bill of health.

Except for this: