Taft's VPK Graduation

Thursday was Taft's Pre-K Graduation.  He was so excited!  He talked about it for weeks.  About the songs that they were planning to sing, about the song's that would play when they walked in and out, and about partner dancing.  He was truly counting down the days.
I was so blessed that I work in a place that allows me to take off work for things that Taft has.  I was able to take off the entire day.  My mother in law and I went to school with Taft that morning.  We were able to talk and play with kids in class.  I have helped in class with some of these kids for over three years.  I know that not all of them will be in Summer Camp together this summer and only about four with will be in the same school with us in the fall.  It was truly bitter sweet since I have grown to love them all.
The first part of graduation was the class performance and the kids walked in to The Greatest Love of All.

 Taft loves, I mean LOVES, saying the pledge to the flag.  So I was thrilled that it was in their program.  Even though he still keeps the wrong hand over his heart.

 Two classes graduated together.  The other class sang Dinosaurs Here No More and Taft could not help but make the T Rex hands while they sang.

 He also got a little sassy during one of the songs his class sang.

 One of the cutest things that the kids did was partner dancing.  I Hope You Dance started and one boy at a time got up and got his girl.  He was very lucky to dance with Sienna.  They danced and the boys spin the girls.  You can tell he was having a great time!

 Finally it was time to get those diplomas.  So in they came.

 He had a little trouble with that hat and tassel.

 But it was all straightened out in time to get his diploma from Mrs. Linda.

 And here is what you do with diplomas if you are 5.

 And after we left school, Taft got to decide where to go for lunch.  He picked Panera Bread.  Everything was perfect even though we got soaked due to Tropical Storm Andrea.  ;0

Books 'n' Bloggers Swap is Now Open!

Books 'n' Bloggers Swap is taking sign ups NOW!



I just happened to find this swap hosted by Chaotic Goddess Swaps!  If you have never heard of them, please go over and check it out.  You can find swaps to participate in and even get your own swap listed.

It sounds like the perfect swap for book lovers.  All you have to do is send out:

One book you read and loved

One book you haven't read yet but think that your partner would enjoy

and

One book from your partner's wishlist!

So - you get 3 books in return!

Sign-ups close on 06/09/13,  so head on over and sign up!

Blackberry Muffins

It is summer and that means blackberries are ready.  I have a few lots around my house that are wooded and full of these yummy treats.  We also have vines at work. 

This is what we see out the back window.

So - I went out during lunch and got a few.  :0

I had about 6 cups.  I must admit that I ate most of them "as is" but I made sure to leave enough to make a few muffins.  They were very yummy!

Blackberry Muffins from Taste of Home

1/2 cup butter, softened

1-1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
2 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries

In a large bowl, cream butter and 1-1/4 cups sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually stir into creamed mixture alternately with milk. beating well after each addition. Fold in blackberries so you don't mash them all up. ;0

Fill greased or paper-lined muffins cups two-thirds full. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.