*I was compensated for my inclusion in the Clever Girl’s Stanford Children’s Health Extraordinary Campaign this past summer.*
Since my past worst mom blunder for Emma’s Kindergarten orientation back at the end of the summer, I have made sure to try my best to make this up to her and then some, because to me she is extraordinary and totally worth it.
I have pretty much volunteered for whatever I can, including becoming one of the two class moms liaisons to her teacher and the other parents, as well as volunteering for this past Friday night’s after school evening Halloween party with Emma aka Elsa (she was one of 16 kids dressed as Elsa and only one Anna from Frozen – Frozen Halloween at its finest).
Sorry for the Cropped Image -Just A Preview of Emma as Elsa
Also, for the first Kindergarten Class trip that finds the kindergarten classes (Emma’s included) to a local farm here to go pumpkin picking, hayrides and so much more today, I am attending as a parent volunteer, too.
The trip was supposed to take place last Thursday, but a few days straight of rain postponed it until today. Thankful to not have to do pumpkin picking in torrential, soaking downpours, after have reading Kelly of Just Typikel’s Guest Post on Coach Daddy only the day before, where she described the Corn Maze from Hell that described a class trip gone wrong from heavy rains (promise Eli, I will share my experience just for you). If you didn’t read this, I suggest you do. I had chilling nightmares just thinking of the frightful possibilities if our trip wasn’t postponed.
Plus, being co-class mom entitles me to help plan and run the in class Halloween party this Friday.
Now, you know why I have been so busy this past fall, between running a blog, design/virtual assistant site and being class mom, I have not had a moment to think.
And believe me when I say my social calendar this week alone is definitely full (including finally getting to see Jim Gaffigan on Thursday night with Kevin) and if I am MIA today, because of pumpkin picking chaperoning, please forgive me, but I definitely I am excited to share this experience with ‘extraordinary’ Emma, her teacher and classmates.
By the way, I am definitely prejudice, thinking Emma (and Lily, of course, too) is an extraordinary kid.
In that end, I thought today as I was doing a bit of mom gushing that would even make Bevvie Goldberg of The Goldberg’s fame blush, I would finally share a video I put together of Emma this past summer for Clever Girl’s Campaign for Stanford Children’s Extraordinary campaign.
Emma’s Extraordinary Video:
To see my gushy video share of Emma from this past campaign, click HERE.
And while I am out for this trip today, Kevin will be getting Lily back and forth to pre-school and spending the day with her.
Lily being Lily!
Most know here Lily is just Lily, but still I am wondering if Lily will get into her own brand of mischief to rival this Facebook image that I shared on my Facebook page last week.
Yup, can so see Lily getting herself into this or worse today…what do you think???Still Happy Monday all and hoping Emma and I have a great day, as well as Lily not getting herself into too much trouble either!
Bill says
I’m exhausted reading about your life. I need to rest. LOL
Happy Monday my friend!
Tracie says
Your kids are totally extraordinary. And cute, too.
Your schedule sounds busy, but wonderful. You have a lot of great things worked in.
Alison says
Yes, they are extraordinary!
And gosh, you ARE busy. 🙂
Allie says
All kids are extraordinary to their mamas and that’s exactly how it should be!!!
thedoseofreality says
Hope you have an amazing experience! You are such a good mom! 🙂 My Emma was sitting here next to me while I was reading and saw your sweet girl’s photo and said “Awww! She is really cute!” :)-Ashley
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
They are both so cute and definitely extraordinary!!
Ginny Marie says
Somehow I became the room mom for both my daughters this year! It definitely has made me busier at the beginning of the year, but I have a lot of other moms who have volunteered to help, too, so mostly I’m a coordinator.
I’ve also heard that a lot of our preschool class is going to be Elsa. It will be fun to see all their costumes on Friday at our Halloween party!
Bev says
Woo, busy busy! I hope you have fun with at the pumpkin patch. And that video of Emma was very sweet 🙂
Tara Newman says
I am class mom this year too! It was a lot more fun the first time around with my older one. I somehow had more patience for it all. We have all the halloween happenings on halloween which has it’s pros…and cons. Makes for a busy day!
Seana Turner says
I’m with you on not wanting to pumpkin pick in the rain. I know most kindergarten teachers are pretty hearty, and rescheduling class trips isn’t easy, but I just would not have fun in the rain. You got a wonderful day!! I give you points for volunteering in all the ways you can. I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Your girls are extraordinary… just like their mom. I don’t know how you keep all those balls in the air but you’re doing it.
Have a great day and enjoy this time with your daughter.
xoxo
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
Both Emma and Lily are extraordinary times two. I can just imagine what Lily is going to get up to this week and I can’t wait to read all about it. 🙂
Eli@coachdaddy says
Although I know in my heart you’re missing a life-changing event by avoiding the rainy pumpkin patch, I still think you’re on the right track. you will have a blast. Another great thing for me was to get to know the kids in my daughters’ class, too.
Thanks for the shout-out on Kelly’s guest post! That your girls are extraordinary is no big deal, really. i mean, look at their mom.
and that kid in the last image – I hope that all of us, in the next 30 days, has a moment like that when nothing else in the world matters except for what’s in front of us in that very moment. Awesome.
Echo says
You are a better woman than I, LOL! I figure I volunteer enough while raising them, why put extra obligations on myself. Hahaha, I am terrible!
Jhanis says
We have not carved a single pumpkin ever and there’s not a single pumpkin patch over here so if we will ever have one, I will go even if there is a storm! Hahahaha
Love the photos! There were so many Elsa’s and Anna’s at the Halloween party we went to just this weekend too. 🙂
Chris Carter says
Oh bless your busy mama heart!!! Those pictures are ADORABLE!!! And that video made me CRY!!!
I pray your day is PERFECT and glorious and the sun shines as you enjoy the field trip with the kids!!
Diane Roark says
Janine,
What a sweet and beautiful post and video. I love your precious family and you. You are a great mom. I cannot believe you volunteered to be a room mom. I have done it and it is a lot of work. I know your schedule to overwhelming with blogging. I am amazed at how much you get done and how many posts you add each week. You are my inspiration.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Kate says
I’ve always thought you were busy but now I really don’t know how you do it! Hope you had a relaxing weekend among the pumpkins 🙂
Kim says
You are an awesome mom!!
I did as few field trips as possible during my boys elementary years:)
And, I was never the room parent – I was happy to donate something to the party but the planning and all was never my thing – good luck with all the fun activities this week!
Carrie Groneman says
Hey AMAZING MOM! You are doing such a great job, your kiddos are adorable, happy and kuddos for volunteering to help them and other children. I did all that too, and help in my grandsons class occasionally as well as helping my cousin who teaches at the most high-risk school in our state. It is so worth it because it is affecting a life. Our ‘jobs’ are important, but this is where the worth of a soul comes into play. Thanks for your tremendous example. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
lisacng @ expandng.com says
You certainly are mom of the year! Not that you weren’t last year, not volunteering, but you’re taking the cake this year! Whew! I’m sure Emma enjoys you being around. Take advantage of that now, right? Before our kids are embarrassed by us ;). I can’t even imagine that many Frozen princesses in one class but it’s also be expected! Jealous you got to see Jim Gaffigan! I was THIS close to finishing his book and had to return it to the library because it was an eBook and we can’t renew eBooks. Bummer! Can’t wait to see more pix from costume party and pumpkin patch.
Rabia @TheLiebers says
We had a pumpkin patch field trip last week. It wasn’t wet, but it was VERY windy! The kids still had a good time, though.
Tamara says
You’ve gone and made me cry with that video and its music.
We have field trips to the farm next week. I’m umm.. not going. You’re amazing for being so involved with the school because I try to stay away.
Maybe next year!
Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says
I so miss the U.S. fall traditions here in Germany! Please have a glass of warm apple cider in my honor one of these days 🙂
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
You have got some beautiful and extraordinary girls Janine! Those last two pictures really made me take a step back and realize how fast they are growing up!!
Rosey says
LOL at all of the Elsa’s! I wonder how many will be in my son’s class. 🙂 I’m volunteering on party day too. We’re in charge of the ‘sweet treat’ and I’m manning the cookie table (the kids decorate it in small groups and then switch to the next station…to keep time fun but not so long they get bored).
Sounds like you’re super busy. Moms everywhere are shaking their heads up and down and relating. It’s fun though. 🙂
Jen says
That band aid picture is adorable!you have had a busy first part of the school year! I can totally relate, but beware it only gets busier towards the end of the year 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
My goodness – you’re rocking busy. It’s all good though – just exhausting. I don’t know if I’ll go on a field trip this year. Whatever the 4th grade has going on they’ll be gone 10 hours like from 5:30am to 5:30am – oops that’s 12 hours. I don’t think I can handle that (as a tag a long).
When you said Emma was dressed as Elsa I was wondering how many more they were. I LOL’d at sixteen!
Camille says
My kids are going as Elsa and Anna for Halloween. 🙂 Just hope I don’t get them mixed up with all the other princesses, lol!
Your video for Emma was so so sweet!!
Christy Birmingham says
Your kids are extraordinary for sure – and they’re so lucky to have you as their mom!!!
Dana says
I hope the field trip was great! We are hoping to make it to the farm for some fall fun this weekend – I wonder if all the pumpkins will be discounted after Halloween?
Aquileana says
I love the pics of your daughters Janine… Lily with the pumpkins is a sweetie… I still don’t know what do you guys celebrate on Halloween, though …I will have to google that. Best wishes, Aquileana 🙂
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
Sometimes when I read your posts, I get tired just thinking about all you have going on!! 🙂 The life of a mom, right?!! I guess I have those days too. Emma looks so cute in her Elsa costume!
Brittnei says
Seriously, I never understand how you manage to do it all. I think every time I reach out to you, you are always there within the day. I’m like she’s super mom! And when you and Tamara say things like “you’re stepping back,” I can honestly say even with blogging I never really notice that either. I need some tips from you all or something. And you both read books in between doing all of this!
The Pinterested Parent says
You definitely are a busy lady. YOu always amaze me that you are able to do all that you do. Great photos! I kept looking at that last photo thinking that does not look like Lily. I kept looking & looking before I re-read the caption. Lol!
Rea says
Of course, your kids are extraordinary and all worth it. When Reiko starts going to school, not sure if I can be as active as you are but I’m gonna do my best to be there for him even if I have work at night. You are such a model mom! 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
Of course we’re prejudice and think the girls are extraordinary! Because they are! Hope the Halloween events were a smash for all. You are doing a lot, that’s true, but it’s a great investment of your time and energy. Have a great weekend. xxoo
Lauren says
How much fun! Thanks for linking up with us at Mommy Needs a Timeout Thursday. See you again this week! Party starts Wednesday at 8pm EST.
Lauren
Twin Tested, Pin Approved
http://twintestedpinapproved.wordpress.com
Catherine Gacad says
janine, you inspire us at how involved you are. you amaze me with all that you do! your girls are extraordinary because they have such a special mama!