Michael's Manifesto: 2015

Monday, December 21, 2015

Holidays at NSMS

The holidays began with a burst of creativity this year! NSMS helped the kids make there very own Gingerbread homes. Of course everyone couldn't wait to eat them. They also worked on making a pinata for Christmas around the world ( which we will get to in just a few)

Needed some help from Dad to get the final trim on the tree.!

Success!

NSMS took the kids to see Suesical the musical at the Marriott theater in Lincolnshire. I had the pleasure of chaperoning. The kids had a great time, laughed and danced in the isles.

Penny's first bus ride!

NSMS has there own play to put on, the nutcracker! The kids were super cute and enjoyed themselves. Tony and I are so happy to see Michael finally participating in some of the activities. As he grows he is really coming out of his shell, I think his sister has something to do with it.

The week before break was celebrated with holidays around the world. the kids visited Sweden for Santa Lucia's Day. Polland and Mexico where they broke the pinata they all helped make!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ROOM 2!

We ended the week with a holiday concert for the parents.
The kids were fantastic!

Happy Holidays Everyone, Ill be back in the new year with new stuff!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Giving Thanks 2015

The kids have been working hard at NSMS this fall. We had a great Halloween celebration followed by trick o treating and of course candy.

The focus for November has been giving thanks and giving back. Michael and Penny participated in a number of activities at school that involved caring for those who are needy. We put together a giving basket for t our local food pantry, the kids did well picking out items that they thought the family would need. All the while we discussed why some have and some don't. Michael pointed out "Sometimes Mom, that's just the way the world works"

The school day has been filled with music, creation and discovery. Beethoven was the featured artist and the kids made a paper cone just like Beethoven used to have because he was hard of hearing.

The nice weather allowed for the kids to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the school grounds.

Additionally they got take a crack at making their butter that the historical society. They also got to set a "fancy" table. Everyone was very careful.

They ended this week with a Thanksgiving feast, everyone brought something to share. The kids chose to be a pilgrim or Indian. They discussed how this day came about and the importance of being thankful, but also giving back. Check out the video of the feast,

https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestSuburbanMontessoriSchool/videos/10156251423330475/

The kindness and grace that came of this month transcended to home as well. It has been great the see both of them work at being more mindful of each other and of their parents! While I hope this lasts forever, Ill ride this train as long as I can.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Penny is Three

What a great age for our little girl to be! She is talking more than ever, dressing her self up and holding her own on the playground with her brother and friends. She is a joy and a challenge ( mostly at the same time!) We wouldn't have her any other way. She is our darling daughter and we love her so!!

A big party was had, with beefs, beer, friends and of course and Elsa cake. Thanks to everyone for coming and celebrating with our girl, she had such a great time and is still talking about her "party"

She began her week with special Montessori birthday celebration. This really is a unique and great experience for the kids, she of course chose her brother to be one of her candles. She blew our her earth candle and got to chose a book! Not a bad way to begin the day!!!