End of the school year activities

It seems like activities leading up to the end of the school year start earlier each year. This year, the festivities began in March with an art show at the public library downtown. Danny created a painting of flowers, and his painting was chosen to be in the show. My heart swells with pride even now.

Next came field day. Danny's class dressed in bright green,

and I would have taken more pictures, but I was too busy volunteering for the day making snow cones in 40 degree weather. Fun stuff!  Then, in early May, the fourth grade held their annual musical, "I Need a Vacation!"

Danny participated in the chorus, and his favorite song was the ditty about going to Disney World. I think his opinion was influenced by the fact that he was looking forward to Mother's Day weekend at Animal Kingdom. Before our trip (for a separate post), Danny participated in Take Your Child to Work Day.

He skipped the kiddie activities, and he hung out with his mom all day in the DOE building. The next activity was open house, where I got to see various projects he had done throughout the year. My favorite thing to see was the decoration on his teacher's door, on which each student had expressed his or her favorite thing about his teacher while dressed as the teacher.

I loved seeing all the blond curly hair! 

Last Thursday, Megan's year culminated in her final middle school orchestra performance. She did very well, and even got to announce one of the songs.

Friday morning, George and I attended a very crowded 8th grade ceremony, where she received her advancement certificate and some recognition for club involvement.

Again, I am so proud of my kids. Even more so, though, I am so happy to see the end of school year 13-14. Woo-hoo!
 

A bit of indulgence for the Creamer Ladies

Megan and I have started a new tradition for Creamer ladies. One Saturday per month, we go to lunch at Paisley Café

where we usually share the breakfast sampler and coffee, and then split a portion of Nutella bread pudding. Megan claims that their food is so good, she thinks about it all the time. I think it's the experience she cherishes. For me, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful young lady,

and I enjoy being around like-minded restaurant folk. We are so like-minded that they usurped one of my tag lines

for their t-shirts

When we're satisfied with the gourmet goodies, we then partake in relaxation massage therapy at the peaceful Better Living Day Spa.

I look forward to spending Saturdays with Megan for years to come. We get our "girl" time alone, and I love getting to know who she is and how much she changes day by day.

Winter Storm Leon

Today, schools were closed due to the crazy weather predicted to hit the area. Winter Storm Leon was supposed to drop snow and ice on the area, and the local school system took precautions. This meant that I got to have a day at home with the kids. Yea! Unfortunately, the snow that was predicted did not fall, only freezing rain and sleet... all day long. And, to make things better, it didn't get far above freezing temperatures. So, the kids and I stayed inside the warm house, and we decided to help out the heater by keeping the oven going all day in a baking marathon. Highlights?

Chocolate muffins, triple chocolate cookies, and shortbread for George and the kids. I also decided to use up the remainder of the Chex Mix makings from Christmas-time by making Creamer Chex Mix.

The kids enjoyed snacking and playing games all day long, and after a Duck Dynasty marathon, they slipped off into dreams of chocolate, peanuts, and baked goodies. I love snow days!

Fifteen years ago, the night that changed my life

On this night, 15 years ago, I awoke to the sound of gunshots in the woods behind my apartment. As I lay there wondering if I'd really heard them, my neighbor knocked on my door and confirmed that I was not dreaming. I called the police, and these two nice officers, Mike Saunders and George Creamer, Jr., showed up at my door a few minutes later. They searched the woods behind my house, and Officer Creamer came back to say that they had not seen anything suspicious, but if I heard anything else to be sure to call again. I stood there in my sleep shirt and jeans, thinking, "Gosh I like his smile, especially his dimples." I thanked them for coming out, and went back to bed. I was so impressed with their helpful and friendly attitudes, I decided to bake them some apple bread, and just happened to put my phone number in the card for Officer Creamer. The rest, as they say, is history, but I remember every moment of that night. To celebrate those 15 years, tonight I baked some apple bread for George,

and we will have a piece together for Mike, who was taken from us by a hit-and-run driver a few years ago. He always joked with George that he got my number, too, but George knows the truth. I met my soul mate that night, and while the road has not always been smooth, we've been on that road together ever since. I love you, George.

I am such a slacker!

This weekend, I received a gentle reminder from my wonderful husband that I had not posted since July. Has it really been that long? I have a lot of updates, but I think, instead of boring you with a really long post about what we've done since then, I'll gradually post things that make The Creamer Chronicles headlines.

For example, this summer I bought a subscription for Danny to Surprise Ride, a monthly educational kit including projects (with all supplies enclosed), healthy treats and books centered around a different theme. The kids have had a great time building and learning about the different culture and/or subject in each kit. Here are just a few examples of the projects they've made. One month's theme was "Pirates," and while Megan spent time building a bathtub pirate boat

Danny decorated a pirate's chest for his booty.

He has also built a martian from his "Space" box,

a Japanese lantern from his box about "Japan,"

and an igloo/snow scene (with Megan's help) from the latest "Penguin" box.

They've had a great time creating these projects, and I think they've learned something too! I highly recommend Surprise Ride for any family