This whole first year at my new job is turning out to be a learning experience. There are many, many special events, field trips, holiday celebrations, and fundraisers that take place in an elementary school setting. As both the school secretary and bookkeeper (especially as the bookkeeper), the learning curve has been somewhat steep, but I'm really enjoying it. Over the past couple of weeks, in addition to my regular duties, it's been preparing for our annual "Breakfast with Santa" event. It takes place on a Saturday morning, with a pancake breakfast, crafts, storytimes, and one of the teacher's husbands dressed as Santa and taking photos with the children. It's a big deal, and let me tell you that a LOT of work (and expense) goes into pulling it off.
When I found out that it's not just limited to students at Carver, I invited Marla and little Carsen (who attends a different elementary school in the district) to come. I bought Carsen's ticket as one of her early Christmas presents, and Marla and I took her yesterday.
I was so glad I went! Not only did Carsen have a great time, but I got to see the result of my hard work these last two weeks. (Had I not had a child to bring, I wouldn't have gone at all). What a great turnout we had, and what fun it all was! It made the work of preparing for it all feel more worthwhile.
Before we left, I stopped by my office to grab something and got a photo of Carsen sitting at my desk. I may get this picture framed and put it up in there!
*At one point in the story, Santa ripped his pants trying to go back up the chimney, and you could see his candy cane printed long johns underneath. Mrs. Claus said, "That's right, children! You could see Santa's drawers!" and a little girl in the audience (with perfectly dramatic timing) piped up with, "But I don't WANNA see Santa's drawers!" It brought down the house.
Looks like Carsen is having a blast at the event -- her smile is pure joy! What a lovely early Christmas gift you gave her!
ReplyDeleteI think she had fun, although she's very quiet with a bunch of strangers around.
DeleteI don't want to see Santa's drawers either!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!
DeleteCarsen looks so happy .You do know how to party, it looks like a wonderful morning.
ReplyDeleteI was glad I'd invited her.
DeleteI'm with the kid and Debby, not wanting to see Santa's drawers. On my calendar is "Breakfast with Santa" next Saturday. Even though I can't eat what they serve, I was itching to go to this nearby event, but not so sure now as it doesn't look like fun if alone with no one to take photos like you have here 😔.
ReplyDeleteYour school does so many special things for the children. It's so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI bet they adore and appreciate you.
Actually, I'm very much "behind the scenes" of everything, tucked away in my office managing the money part of it all.
DeleteHow wonderful. I love all the photos. Can't believe how big Carsen has gotten!
ReplyDeleteI know. It seems like just a year or two ago that she was born!
DeleteThese are the kinds of things that make Christmas memorable for children and the magic of the season. Sounds like a good day. I also noticed you have one of the weather temperature gauges on your windowsill. We have one too, there cool.
ReplyDeleteThat weather gauge was left behind in a house we rented years ago. I've always liked it!
DeleteWhat a delightful event for children and adults! I wouldn't want to see Santa's drawers either!!
ReplyDeleteThe consensus is that Santa should keep his drawers private! Nobody wants to see that!
DeleteWhat fun! I'm glad you got to go and see how your hard work pays off!
ReplyDeleteEveryone seemed to be having fun, and it was a good turnout.
DeleteThe joy is so evident. You are in a good place. I love Santa's boots!
ReplyDeleteI thought his boots stuck out a little. I guess he didn't have a black pair!
DeleteWhat a wonderful event.
ReplyDeleteWell done. That looks like a great job all round. I can see that everyone enjoyed themselves.
ReplyDeleteOur school is definitely in the spirit of the season!
DeleteHahaha! This would have cracked me up, too. My Mum used to read every week at a kindergarden until my Dad became so ill. She often told us of the children‘s reactions.
ReplyDeleteCarsen is growing up so fast, isn‘t she!
Do you think your Mum might start reading to children again?
DeleteNo, I don't think so. She will be 80 next August and has had such a hard time of being 24/7 around my Dad over the last few years, she does not want to make new committments now.
DeleteMaybe next year it won't be one of the teacher's husbands dressing up as Santa but the school bookkeeper's husband!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love Carsen's Christmassy top.
The bookkeepers husband is far too slim to play Santa!
DeleteYou can always fatten him up with a cushion and teach him how to say, "Ho! Ho! Ho!"
DeleteIt sounds like this job was the right move for you. I taught in an elementary school of years before moving to middle school, and it was always a happy place. Great photos! Aren't kindergarten teachers the best?
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling xx
ReplyDeleteCarson brought just the right Christmas cheer. Happiness !
ReplyDeleteCarsen is ever so cute, and wonderful that you attended and got to see the results of all the work and planning, and share in the smiles.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day for those kiddies.
ReplyDelete