Photo + Cake = Yumminess

Today is my niece's birthday! When we did her photo session about a month ago (click here to see it), her mom knew that she wanted to use one of the photos for her birthday cake. So, I thought it would be fun to use a picture with balloons for the cake. After all, birthdays = balloons. She then took an 8 x 10 print to the bakery at Martin's, and they worked their edible magic! I thought it was a fun idea for a fun cake! Happy birthday to my sweet, sweet niece! I {heart} you!

What to Read

As promised, I've got a book to spotlight that is sure to appeal to all ages! May I introduce you to the hilarity that is Parts by Tedd Arnold. The boy in this book takes everything he hears people say literally. I'll share just one example because I don't want to ruin the fun. When his dad says, "Give me a hand," he thinks he has to give his dad his hand! There are three books in this series - Parts, More Parts, and Even More Parts. Many laughs guaranteed as you read this book. The little boy's misunderstandings are a result of idioms. In case you don't remember, idioms are sayings that are figurative and cannot be taken literally - like "It's raining cats and dogs." As you're reading this with your loved one, feel free to teach them about the word idiom. If they already know what an idiom is, you could turn this into a fun writing activity. They could make their own book of idioms and illustrate pictures to go with it. I'm sure Tedd Arnold would be proud!

Last week, I shared about how important it is for kids to read books that interest them. In conjunction with interest, it is just as important for kids to spend most of their time reading books that are a good fit for them. By good fit, I mean books that kids can read most of the words and understand what they are reading by themselves. We know that using objects can often make an abstract concept more concrete for children. For example, you can compare finding good fit books to finding shoes that fit. Just because my foot measures as a size 9 does not mean that every size 9 shoe will fit. I have to try different shoes on and on and on until I find one that is a good fit. And that is OK because I don't want to walk around in ill-fitting shoes all day. Therefore, you may be in fourth grade, but that doesn't mean that "fourth grade books" are always going to fit. You have to try the books on for size.

I'm always on the lookout for good books, so feel free to drop me a comment and recommend one of your favorites for me to highlight. Happy reading!

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1st Day of School | Personal

Friday was my niece's very first day of kindergarten. Unfortunately, I was not able to see her get on the bus because it was my first day of school, too. But I did get to spend some time with her before the bus came. Many emotions were swirling about as we anxiously waited. My niece was filled with excitement - grinning from ear to ear! For me, it was more bittersweet. I was excited for her to experience the joy of learning, but apprehensive at the same time. Questions dodged in and out of my mind. Will the other kids be nice to her? Will her teacher create a learning environment that meets her needs (along with all the other kids)? Will she be O.K.?

Nearly six years ago, I had the privilege of being by my sister's side as my niece came into this world. As I'm writing this and thinking about how quickly six years pass, my screen is blurred from the liquid emotion coming to my eyes. I pray fervently for the Lord's protection and guidance over her as she goes to school and begins a new phase of life. I pray for teachers and students everywhere for a year of learning that defies test scores and state and federal mandates. For a year where students' learning is the motivation for everything that is done. Best wishes for a great school year!

Slideshow Fun | Westview Senior Photographer

Friday Flower

I have such a brown thumb, that the only flowers I can take pictures of are someone else's. I found these at a local park. There was a sign that said what they were, but, of course, I can't remember what kind they are. The colors were just amazing! If you know what kind of flower these are, leave a comment to let me know. Thanks!

YGTBKM! | Westview Senior Photographer

You've got to be kidding me? This senior is beyond photogenic! Her great ideas + her mom's great ideas + my great ideas = One Awesome Session!

We started out at a farm, and ended up walking around downtown. I think I could have taken her pictures all day. I was asking her about school, and she said during high school she's discovered that she loves to read. I probably said something like, " That is so awesome! What changed your mind?" But in my head I'm thinking, "I know why she changed her mind. She found something that was actually interested and engaged in reading." BINGO - that was exactly her answer! (For more on that topic of reader's interest - click here.) Thank L & S for a great time!