The sweetest thing....

When the kids returned from Christmas break, Katherine had a new little girl in her class. She moved from out of state and her family didn't know anyone in town. In preparing for Katherine's party this weekend, I called up her mom (as I didn't have their address yet) and invited her to the party. We had a wonderful conversation and discovered tons of things that our girls have common, and even though they will be out of town and can't come to her party, we have plans in the works for a few play dates.

Anyway, as the conversation was winding down, she told me that she was so glad I called her. Her daughter, Jenna, was having a hard time adjusting to school. Evidently, there is a huge jump in the educational standards between Johnston and the school they came from, and she is having a very time academically. In addition to that, Jenna hasn't met very many new kids outside of school -- partially because of the weather and no one is outside, and partially because her only "outside school activity" is in Ankeny. She went on to tell me that they met with Mrs. Snow (Katherine and Jenna's homeroom teacher) to discuss some of these issues.

As any parent would, they want Jenna to meet some nice kids and develop friendships. When they discussed this desire with Mrs. Snow you know what she told them??? (She has a daughter in first grade as well). She said that if her daughter went to Beaver Creek, she would want her to be friends with Katherine. She told them that Katherine was one the nicest, most genuine girls she has EVER had in class, and that she definitely wasn't "diva'ish" or exclusive. She told them that Katherine would be a great girl for Jenna to hang out with, and was an all around wonderful kid.

Wow! I know she's an amazing girl, but for her teacher to single her out and tell a new family that she'd be the perfect friend for their daughter - wow. Just wow.... And the best part -- it wasn't for my ears. The comment wasn't intended for me to ever hear. Someone else thinks my little girl is as amazing as I do -- well almost... LOL!!

In other news - right after I dropped Katherine off at school this morning, I took the boys to the doctor. Andew has full blown strep throat, and Caleb's throat is red and raw. Dr. Jon didn't swab Caleb but he has every reason to believe it will turn into strep... (Evidently strep takes a while to fully "show itself" which is why the rapid test can come back negative, but you can still have strep.. In other words, if you catch it early enough, the rapid test will come back negative but after the cultures grow for 48 hours it will turn positive). Given the fact that Katherine's birthday is on Wednesday, we have her party on Saturday, and are going to Minneapolis on Sunday, we're treating all three kids with antibiotics. This is the worst timing for something like this and the real kicker is that it was totally preventable. I'm not happy........ Oh, and on top of that -- Matt comes home work from today and mentions that he thinks he's getting it. Great. Really *bleeping* great. Did I mention that I'm not happy? UUUUGH. This is the worst week for something like strep to invade our house.

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this either, but....

My brother got engaged in December. Katherine is going to be a flower girl and is super excited about it. She's become obsessed with weddings and wants to learn everything she possibly can about the big day. Literally, she's watched the video of our wedding no less that 20 times. Anyway, I had a preschool meeting tonight, and when I got home, I found her sitting in our bed, guled to the TV watching The Bachelor Wedding special on TV. I had to laugh. She's so serious about this wedding thing! I love it!