FREE Monster Valentine Printable

It is February 1st and Valentine's Day is 2 weeks away!  This year we have three boys needing to sign, seal, and deliver Valentines to their fellow classmates.  With some inspiration from Pinterest and a yea or nay from each boy this Mama has been busy creating.  Today I am happy to share with you Parker's I Have My Eye On You, Valentine...

So simple!  So cute!

Would your little one love to share this Valentine with his or her friends?  I am in the mood to spread the love and you can download this FREE treat bag topper here!

These treat bag toppers are designed to fit sandwich or snack size baggies 6.5 inches wide.  Your free download will contain 3 toppers per 8.5 x 11 page.  Simply print (card stock works best), cut, fold in half, sign, and staple a top your favorite bag of treats!  Many thanks to this Etsy seller for her adorable clip art used for this project! 

Back to School 2011...Take Two

 A new haircut...

...new shoes, new lunchbox, new "packpack"...

...a beautiful smile...

...and a hint of mischief...

...all make for one super proud preschooler!

Yesterday was the BIG day!  Ryder joined the ranks of children headed off to school!  I was pretty nervous all weekend.  This is one of my bitties.  Off to school!  Thankfully, the morning went extremely well and Eric happened to have the day off from work as well.  Ryder's face says it all.  He was pretty darn proud of himself!  His smile makes my heart swoon.

My three little school boys...sigh...

 Do not let Ryder's lunchbox fool you.  He is attending three

morning sessions a week.  Alas, the big boys have lunchboxes; therefore,

Ryder needed a lunchbox.  He is currently in a state of all things Toy Story obsession.

Buzz Lightyear is his hero and yes, he attempts to fly.

Best buds...Ryder and his cousin, Breydan, ready

for a great first year of preschool!

Overall, drop off went well with only a few tears from Breydan.

As we left, both boys were happily playing with new friends.  With a nervous pit

in my stomach, Eric and I departed with one little boy in toy. 

What an odd feeling!  We made good use of our time and headed to

the grocery store with ONE KID...what a walk in the park!  Before long it was

time to pick up our happy preschoolers.  With juice mustaches, good reports

from the teachers, and precious first day schoolwork my mom and I left hand in

hand with our littlest scholars.  We capped off the morning with a special treat of McD's

and DQ ice cream.  Way to go, Ryder and Breydan!  I could not be prouder of you!

Back to School 2011...Take One

Back to School (2011 edition) has been a  pretty darn big deal in the Lindsay House.  This year marks the beginning of Garrett's start in our local elementary school...bring on all day Kindergarten!  In addition, Ryder begins preschool this Monday.  We have chosen a "new" preschool for our family (ahem, Ryder) this year and are excited for the change.  Ryder's cousin will be joining him in the classroom this year and I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall their first day!  Super cute photos to come on Monday...stay tuned!

Back to Tuesday!  I will admit, it was easier for me to send Garrett off to Kindergarten than it was Parker.  Parker was my first.  My guinea pig.  He and I were not sure what to expect.  Together, we were newbies.  At the time, I was also pregnant with Hudson; therefore, I was a HOT MESS when Parker started.  Garrett, on the other hand, has been pleading to go to Kindergarten for two years!  It has been easier to put my nerves and emotions in check when this new journey is so appealing to him. 

Tuesday morning went super smooth...lunches had been packed the day before, coordinating outfits were at the ready, and Mama's camera battery had been charged.  The boys headed to school with their bellies full of scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, and milk.  Eric, who was amidst working 6x12's (night shift to top it off), was able to join us on our walk to school before heading to bed.   

Hey mom, I'm in 2nd grade this year!

My mom was unsure how many fingers I should hold up for Kindergarten...she

threw an apple in my hand.  Appropriate, yes?!

Parker LOVES school and is a great student...his smile says it all.  He is ready!

My Baby G...no worries about starting Kindergarten from him!

I have no idea why we get asked ALL THE TIME if they are twins...ha!

Garrett at his table and happy to start his morning off by coloring!

On my way back through the hall, I stopped for one last photo of Parker as well. 

Overall, he puts up with my antics fairly well considering he is oh so cool (and mature) now.

The dismissal of the students at the conclusion of the day was over the top crazy.  We have had some changes within our school district which has included additional students, staff, and buses merging with our local elementary school.  That being said, both of my boys bounded out of the school doors with smiles and stories to tell.  Thankfully, upon picking Parker up yesterday I noticed the after school flow proceeding much more efficiently.  Within the first few weeks, I am certain most of the kinks will be worked out. 

Garrett heads back for his second day tomorrow as our school does a staggered start for the Kindergarten students.  He is more than eager to meet new friends, get back outside for recess, and partake in another one of Mommy's packed lunches. 

Through The Years...First Day Of School

It was back to school today for our older two boys!  Parker is making his way through elementary school as he began 2nd grade today!  I had to fight back a few sniffles as Garrett joined him at the elementary school this year.  Indeed, our Baby G started Kindergarten today!  Let's take a look at "our boys" (versus our bitties) on the first day of school in years past....

2009

Parker's first day of Kindergarten & Garrett's first day of Preschool

2010

Parker's first day of 1st grade & Garrett's first day of his 2nd year of Preschool

 

2011

Parker's first day of 2nd grade & Garrett's first day of Kindergarten

As their mom, looking at this progression, I am pleading for time to stand still!  To quote my 3 year old nephew, "I cannot like" my babies growing up!  I have more first day photos to share, but this mama is quite simply exhausted.  Stay tuned!

Back To School??!!!

This morning I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that school starts in two weeks.  Two weeks!  Please tell me I am not the only one asking where the summer went!  Sure, there were camping trips, bike rides, endless trips to the DQ, BBQ's, and afternoons spent at Soak City.  It all just passed too quickly for my liking. 

I am forcing myself to get into Back-to-School mode.  Three new backpacks are at the ready (Ryder starts preschool...3 mornings a week...eeeekkkk!) filled with brand spanking new school supplies.  Crisp, new blue jeans are waiting to be worn when cooler temps arrive.  I will admit, with the purchase of an additional Thermos Funtainer, I am giddy to not only pack one lunchbox this year, but two.  The next few weeks we will find ourselves busy with the payment of school fees, open houses, back-to-school haircuts, the promise of new tennis shoes, and an attempt to cram in the last minute summer fun!

Prior to our recent camping trip, I put together this 2010 Back-to-School layout of the older two boys.  With a blink of the eye, this former preschooler and first grader are now entering Kindergarten and 2nd grade! 

I opted to not journal on this layout as I had journaled on each child's individual Back-to-School layout.  I kept the layout simple (as I do with most of my layouts) by sticking to a block style.  I cannot get enough October Afternoon and this was a great layout to make good use of some scraps! 

Happy Monday!  Hope your week is off to a great start!

Congratulations, Garrett!

They have learned their ABC's and 123's!  Tonight, Garrett, and his fellow graduates of Kersten's Korner Nursery School will proudly walk across the stage to receive their preschool diploma!  Dressed in red and white graduation cap and gowns, each child will proudly recite a nursery rhyme into the microphone.  Personally, Garrett will delight the crowd with his singing of "Diddle, Diddle Dumpling".  Together, the graduates will entertain their loved ones with a great musical selection of preschool classics!  I am crossing my fingers that the conclusion of tonight's program will end with "Kindergarten Here We Come!" just as Parker's commencement did two years ago.   

There is a tear in my eye as I think of my sweet Baby G moving on to Kindergarten next year; however, my heart swells with pride when I think of how much Garrett has grown in the last two years! 

Garrett,

We are so very proud of you and the hard work you have put forth the last two years!  It has been a pleasure seeing you delight in your accomplishments at school and come into your own.  You are more than eager to begin Kindergarten in the fall and we could not be happier for you!  Do your very best tonight and know that your family will be smiling proudly from the audience!  We love you!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Happy *HEART* Day!!!

The older two boys were busy celebrating Valentine's Day at school this week.  I will admit, I greatly enjoy taking on artsy-crafty projects alongside the boys.  Okay, keeping it real...often, I am the leader and they follow along.   Regardless, we work well together and it is fun to dig into my craft supplies.    

Garrett and his classmates have been passing out their Valentine's throughout the week and yesterday was his "true" party.  The kiddos enjoyed cupcakes brought in by their parents and games rewarded with small prizes.  In the past, the children at KKNS have been asked to decorate a bag to place their Valentine's inside.  This year they were asked to decorate a box (yea!!!).

Garrett, Eric, and I worked together to make Garrett a Robot Valentine box.  I was pretty happy as I had all the supplies on hand with the exception of the felt hearts (which I scored dirt cheap during a sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics). 

Garrett and his Robot...SUPER cool (and yet, super cute!).  Garrett's favorite part was putting on the sticky rhinestones (aka bolts!). 

This was the first year that we did not do store bought Valentines for the boys to pass out.  Darn those ladies over at eighteen25!!!  They have posted some absolute yumminess for Valentines Day inspiration this year.  We jumped on (last year's bandwagon) and made these A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E Tootsie Pop Valentines for Garrett's friends.  About 48 of them...

Okay, so we substituted a Blow Pop in place of a Tootsie Pop.  No biggie.  Garrett was amazed that Mommy took one picture, yet we had 48 (give or take) of these spread out all over our Dining Room table. 

Ahhhh...Parker's Valentines.  If you checked out the above link to the Tootsie Pop Valentines, you may have noticed the Robot Valentines.  Parker wanted those.  I cannot say I blame him.  They, too were pretty darn A-Mazing!  I (Parker has been sick, remember) had darn near completed the 17 of them *we* needed, when I had one HOT mess with M&M's and Tacky Glue.  Change of plans...

I went back to the sisters over at eighteen25 and came across these...

They were super simple to make and Parker wrote his name (and classmates' names) on the back.  Personally, I think the photo works splendidly with the Happy *Heart* Day template!

 

Inside held a sweet treat...

Two Robots are better than one, right?  Especially when Mommy has all of the materials already out.  Thankfully, we were able to carve out a few minutes here and there while Parker was to sick to complete his box.  Eric would like for it to be known that he attached the head.  Thanks, Daddy!

Parker's Valentine's Day Party at school was a success.  Mrs. A's class enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, goodie bags galore, a Valentine Craft (lead by yours truly, duh...), and a quick game of 7-Up (OMGosh, I had forgotten all about that game...too fun!).

Have a fantastic weekend!!!!

Sucker...Fall Edition 2010

You may recall the photographer that suckered me into some not so flattering photos of Garrett back in May 2010.  As promised, he was back again photographing the preschool kiddos a few weeks ago.  I kindly wrote him a check for $28 last week.  Darn him...he got me again!  No, it was not his posing.  However, I am grateful to choose from multiple poses versus the standard one pose option with your Lifetouch package.  The lighting and clarity to his photos have improved.  I was honest and told him so (hey, he asked!).   

What got me this time?!!!



This sweet little face (oh, and the fact he had a haircut this time around)...

I like to think of Garrett as being ruggedly handsome.  Don't you agree?

As a bonus (well...and for an additional charge) I got the class composite added to my external flash as well.  After all, that is what I am truly after.  You know, until I get suckered into more photos!

See you again in the Spring, Mr. Photographer!

Parker's Personal Lunch Lady

When Parker started Kindergarten, I became OBSESSED with packing his lunch.  My main goal is to provide him with a nutritious lunch that will sustain him through the day.  Yes, I am fearful my baby is going to starve while at school.  Honestly, I also enjoy packing his lunch as it allows me to maintain some sort of control over a small portion of his day.  Let's face it, while in school all day he spends the better part of his awake hours away from me.  Finally, Parker is the world's slowest eater (next to me, of course) and he cannot afford any time standing in the lunch line. 

Parker got bored with sandwiches early in the beginning of the year (told you he would, daddy).  I began to get upset he was not getting a hot lunch while at school.  A new world of lunch options was available to us when I discovered the Thermos FUNtainer Food Jar!  There is an overwhelming amount of colors, sport motifs, and character designs for the kiddos to choose from. Score!

With the FUNtainer I can send leftovers to school with Parker...spaghetti, soup, and casseroles.  Chicken has made it's way into the container as well as mac-n-cheese.  From time to time I have filled the container with cold milk and sent a separate container of dry cereal for Parker to add at lunch time.  

 

More often than not, Parker's lunch consists of a main dish, a veggie (carrots or cherry tomatoes being his favorites), a fruit (he is not picky here), a cheese stick, a treat, and something to wash it all down with.  I LOVE the Apple & Eve Fruitables Juice.  I am by no means Super Mom...the occasional PB,& J or Lunchable (blech!) do find their way into Parker's lunchbox on occasion.  This year we are allowing him to buy on Fridays...Pizza Day.  After all, I have been told it's the cool thing to do!

Back to School...One Year Later

Today is the last day of the first week of school. Overall, it has been a great week. Our school age boys are happy to be back in the swing of things. I am enjoying some extra one on two time with the younger boys. We are working on fine tuning our double practice/game schedule for soccer and football. The hours after school this week were chaotic and filled with many bumps along the way. Fingers crossed those bumps are behind us...one can wish, right?!

Check out how much Parker and Garrett have grown in one year...

Back to School...2009

Back to School 2010

Back to School 2010...Day Two

Yesterday, was Parker's FIRST day of FIRST grade. Yes, it was a big day for our FIRST born son! He happily got ready in the morning (as did Garrett) and enjoyed a back to school breakfast of pancakes, bacon, apple slices, and milk. It was nothing but smiles all morning long...

See...all smiles!

Ready to go...new backpack, new shoes, new duds, and a new lunchbox!

Ohhh, Parker's new lunch box...I found one with a dirt bike on it (Chad Reed, no less!). With the purchase of said lunch box I became a rock star of a mom (at least in Parker's eyes).

Still smiling...

Outside his elementary school...less than a block away from our house. Awesome!

First grade is a pretty huge deal. You get your own locker! No more potty inside the classroom! You get to play on the "large" playground equipment! The teacher does not walk you to the doors at the end of the day! The homework doubles! Holy cow...mama may just have a heart attack;)

Upon picking Parker up from school I learned his teacher is "really nice". He ate all of his apple slices (one of which he dipped in pudding...good for you, lil buddy) and most of his carrots (my heart swells with pride). His buddy, TJ, from last year in his class and they talked flag football. He saw his "old" pal, Jack, outside at recess and they played together. He and his locker had a few bouts of trouble; however, some new friends stepped in to help him out. As for his first night's homework...learn his PIN number for going through the lunch line (he insists he is buying on pizza days).

Parker's FIRST day of FIRST grade was a huge success! Way to go, Professor Parker! We are proud of you!

Back to School 2010...Day One

It is "Back to School" week here in the Lindsay household. Garrett is starting us off as he headed back for his final year of preschool this morning. He was more than ready to bound out the door this morning after a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, apple slices, and milk. We have opted to send him four AM's a week this year (M-Th) and he is ready to get back into the swing of things!

He was quite the little ham this morning for Mommy's camera...

He looked so handsome for his first day back!

Such a little poser...

Kersten's Korners...a great little school that will happily accept one of the Lindsay boys for 8 years straight;)

This is it, Mom! I gotta go!

Garrett's first day back was a success...no tears, no time outs, animal cracker and juice for snack time, and free play with friends Zane, Porter, and Ethyn. Tonight, sweet Baby G, begins soccer practice. Tomorrow is Parker's big day...the FIRST day of FIRST grade (followed by his first practice for flag football).

Today also happens to be Hudson's 6 month birthday! Stay tuned, readers...

"We" Survived Kindergarten!

Yes, I said we. Truthfully, at times, I think Parker entering Kindergarten was a bigger adjustment for me than him. As a stay at home mom, it was odd having my first born away from me 5 days a week, morning to afternoon. I had to incorporate homework into my nighttime routine as well (thankfully, I found the time spent on homework to be age appropriate). The stress I have placed on myself over Parker's packed lunches is borderline crazy. Many mornings and afternoons I found myself walking the mere block to and from school, with the younger boys in tow, as we dropped off or picked up Parker.

Here is my little man on his first day of Kindergarten. Indeed, I cried that day; however, words cannot express how excited Parker was!


Our little Professor, as his first year of elementary school comes to a close...




Parker,

Congratulations on a great school year! It has been nothing short of amazing to see your newly acquired skills develop. You became good friends with Jack, Chloe, and Dominic. Your teachers, Mrs. Sutter and Mrs. Macko, ROCKED! It is no secret I would love to request them for your younger brothers once they enter Kindergarten. They truly made learning fun. You became a quick fan of recess and writing in your journal. Dining with other kids during lunch has introduced a "picky" side to you. Overall, it has been an extraordinary school year. I hope you continue to enjoy your days at school as the years go by. For now, let's have fun this summer!

Love, Mommy