Bubbles

Aunt Nessa bought Isabella a bubble gun a few weekends ago.
When we started to blow bubbles it took her a few minutes to figure them out. The first picture is a classic picture of her observing.


Then she started to reach for them. She loved it when they popped on her.

Once she even stood up and with out thinking started walking after them.




When she realized what she was doing, she plopped back to the floor. She took about 6 six steps.

A Teacher's Permission

Working with 5 year olds, they come to trust you just like Mom and Dad. I can't count how many times I have been called Mom or Dad, sometimes even grandma. The student's feel a sense of security and trust. Along with this I get asked questions that I can't really answer. (those kind too, but not what I mean here). I am often asked if so and so can come over for a playdate or if they can buy lunch because they didn't know it was hot dog day and mom made them a lunch. Of course, I have to be the bad guy and say "Sorry Sweetie, not today. Make sure to ask mom to read the menu". Or "Make sure to ask you mom to call so and so's mom to set up the play date tonight."

A few weeks ago we returned for Spring Break. We were sharing what we did and our favorite things. Most of the student stayed home and play some sort of video games. Some went to day cares, and a few got a chance to travel. A little girl was telling us about her trip to Hawaii. She went swimming, saw a rainbow and even swam with the dolphins. "Oohs and Ahhs" were heard along with giggles.

As the students were headed to their table activities, one little boy came to me and said, "Hey Mrs. Underwood. Hawaii sure sounds fun!"

"Yes it does!"

"I really want to go there. Do you think it would be ok if I ask my mom if we can go there?"

"I think that would be a great idea! But only if Mrs. Underwood can come to!"

"Nooooooo!" he said laughing.

Hey! It was worth a shot!

Starting to Walk

I am very anxious for this to happen. For a while now, Isabella has been cruising around the house. For her birthday, Uncle Jeb and Auntie Annette both got her a lion walker that she adores and pushes it around the house (and grandma's).

She is now taking about 4 straight legged steps on her own (and always towards something - food, binkie or cup) and then plops to her knees and crawls. To much work! When she started to be interested in rolling over or crawling, everytime we tried to do things to encourage or help she would stop (stubborn little thing! Don't know where that comes from.....) So, Skip and I decided we really wouldn't do much when she started to walk. Just let her go at her own pace.

I know that once she figures it out she will be non-stop. Running here and there! (Hey- maybe then I'll lose those 20lbs!) I'll keep you posted!

Ice Cream Icon

Irvine Robbins past away today at age 90. He is the Co-Founder of the famous Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Stores. I read on-line that he and his brother-in-law flipped a coin as to whose name when first when they joined forces to create this novel idea. I also read that he let his employees eat all the ice cream they wanted so they wouldn't steal from him. Dang, I want to work for this guy!

Now, we all know who much I love ice cream....its pretty much my source of calcium.

Things I love about this store:
On hot summer days, you can always see a line of people waiting to cool off.
Free Scoop Tuesday.....YES! Free Ice Cream (Do they still do this?)
This store has flavors others try to mimic. Peppermint, Jamoca Almond Fudge, Baseball Nut, Rainbow Sherbet, Mint Chocolate Chip - the flavor just isn't the same from the store brands.
During get together with friends, dessert is an ice cream cake from B & R! For my baby shower, Vanessa even had one made....although she left it in the car a bit too long!

My Family's Favorite Flavors
Dad- Cherries Jubilee
Mom - Jamoca Almond Fudge
Skip - Bubblegum.....yes with the bubblegum pieces!
Jeb - Daiquiri Ice
Me- Rainbow Sherbet, no, mint chocolate chip, no, pumpkin pie, no...oooh! To many to choose.

What's your favorite?

Screaming for Ice Cream

A few weeks ago, The Walters came over dinner and brought Drum Sticks for dessert. This was something new for Isabella, but we pretty much let her try anything. And you know me....everyone can eat ice cream. Well, Skip gave her some of his and pretty much never got it back. She kept crying everytime he took it from her. He even tried to turn his head and eat with the other hand and she crawled over him to get it. Needless to say, she loved it.

Cantaloupe

For the past few weeks we were learning about the farm. After making a list of animals we would find there, I asked the students to tell me what animals you would NOT see at the farm. They started shouting - Lions! Monkeys! Whales! Fish! Bears! Cantaloupe!

To which I replied, "Cantaloupe?" The shouting stopped. "Who said Cantaloupe?" One of the boys raised his hand proudly. "I did!"

(Ok, since we all know what he meant, I was pretty impressed that he even knew there were antelope.)

So I asked, "Are you sure? Do you mean antelope?"

"No, Mrs. Underwood. Cantaloupe."

"OH! Can you tell what they look like?"

"You know, those things that are kind-of like deer."

"Oh Yeah!"

I just smiled. How could you not?

Here I go...

After being a "blog stalker" of many friends, and their friends, and their friends, I have decided to finally start my own. I'm sure that I'll mostly write about Isabella and my students, but who knows. I felt "Life's Tales" was a good fit for anything.