Monday, December 28, 2009

Picksburgh


This is what I woke up to today.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Billy

Didn't think I'd have much to say today... just a morning filled with prizes, English muffin bread, homemade sausages, and a nutcase amount of super-duper unhealthy snacks... of which I had my fair share.

After all was done, Crys' dad asked us kids to go see one of his friends at an assisted living home. His name's Billy, he's 74 years old, and he's been living with cerebral palsy his whole life. For the past 16 years, Bob (her dad) has been going to visit him there on a regular basis. For the past 6 years, no one from his own family has had contact with him or come to see him. What's amazing is that beneath the body he's trapped in, you can plainly see his mind is fine. You can see the sparkle in his eyes. I can't even begin to express the emotions running through me just being there this morning. He was so glad to have visitors and proud to show us off to the staff. Even though my heart was so sad seeing how he lived, it really did make my week to be there with him... even for a short time.

As we were walking out, nearly everyone (staff and residents) wished us a Merry Christmas with big smiles. You could tell not many new people were ever there. Watching Bob talk to Billy and seeing everyone else who lived there, really put me in a pretty strong check. Family is everything... and by family I mean the people who are most important to us... including our actual families. Personally, I lose track more often that not. Whatever's in front of me is my focus. Today hit me pretty hard, but it's jolting me to find more time for my own family. I'll never be able to get you to feel what I felt today, but I can leave you with this: Cassidy has created a brilliant family of friends in our teachers, our parents, our community, and our kids. Our own families have all rallied around us in support of this new family we're making, too. I guess if there's anything to get from this posting, without sounding too much like one of those inspirational Power Point emails from your forward-happy friend, it's that we should take extra steps to not take each other for granted. You guys mean the world to us... our Cassidy family, our friend family, and our family family... in-laws and all. Go call your mother.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Blogging Just To Blog

I just checked the traffic on the blog today and saw that (even well into the Winter Break) we have about 50 people following each day. I don't have that many friends, so I'm assuming some parents are checking in. For that, I'm inclined to blog. The problem is I'm only updating our life... not much Cassidy... unless I guess it burns down or is on the national news for some reason... which it isn't.

Had a nice time with my mom and mamaw (that's Southern for grandmother) in New Mexico. Just flew into Pittsburgh last night. Got some last-minute shopping done today for the in-laws and company. By the way, it's really amazing how cheap food is out here. If you didn't know, I'm a big proponent of food in general, so it's nearly like I would have to imagine nirvana might be. There is snow here, too, but nothing too out-of-control.

As you probably might have guessed, Crys is busy working on enrollment stuff. We had to consolidate bags at the airport due to several folders worth of applications... good problems to have I guess.

Until next time.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Break


Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona...

You people staying in LA have it made. It was something like 17 degrees here in New Mexico last night.


Kipi's first snow. Headed off to Pittsburgh next... where it's apparently snowing in measurements of feet.

Have a great break. Happy Holidays from your Cassidy family.

DH... I forgot. 14-0!!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Mexico

The Cassidy Caravan headed off to Mexico yesterday. I'd like to think we had the fun car... others might disagree, but would be hard pressed to prove anything. We had so much fun, one of our teachers was funned out and had to catch a ride with another car... hmmm, wait a minute...

Besides getting stopped at the border for an hour, it was a great trip... and actually even that wasn't all that bad. Some of the teachers are already talking about going down again over a weekend. Saturdays are really good because the kids aren't in school. We'll put the word out when we go. Anyone is welcome to join us... Cassidy families, neighbors, other schools, etc. The more the merrier.

Based on some of the shots from Mexico, a few parents have asked about family photography... simply put, I'd be honored. Just ask.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Dooon't Stop Belieeeeeeeevin'

Tonight was our Holiday Party for Cassidy. Thanks so much to the Goldbergs, the Wiczyks, and the Davis' for hosting a great night. Much "shop" was talked, but watching you parents mingle and mix was great. Sometimes it's just surreal, looking at what Cassidy has become in such a short time and knowing how much it will mean in the years to come. Simply surreal.

After a few conversations tonight, I do feel the need to clear something up real quick. I know I'm just Crystal's husband, but I swear I have my own identity. Yes, I love football. And yes, indirectly and through some transitive property as it may be, I'm a Steelers fan because I have to be. But, Crys is the Steelers fan. I like the Colts. Just saying.

I did get a chance to talk filmmaking with one of the parents for a while... felt like a soft old lucky shirt I forgot I had (not the parent... just the feeling). I've been out of the filmmaking mix for so long, I think I forgot how much I missed it. Maybe I'll get back in the swing soon.

Toward the end of the night most people had left and DJ Goldberg spun some Journey (much to the dismay of Lady Goldberg)... to which all the guys sung in their flat cheese-rock pitch while the ladies just laughed. Whittled down to just 8, including the bartenders, our very own Helen started breakdancing to the likes of The Police, Weezer, and Ben Folds. You know what? I did get some video, and while I'm inclined to share, I feel that protecting her reputation as a non-breakdancing Assistant Director is in the best interest of the school. Granted, I might change my mind.

Tonight was a lot of fun. It makes me proud to see the community we've all become. Thanks so much for being a part of our first year. You guys mean the world to us.

Also, also... We will be leaving on Tuesday for the orphanage in TJ. If you haven't had a chance to donate a toy or two, please do on Monday. We have a few cars we can fill up.

Is there caffeine in summer sausage? It's 3am and I'm wired.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

First Perk

Admittedly so, this isn't the most school-worthy blog of events, but couldn't go without mentioning. Yesterday a parent asked me if I was a hockey fan. She and her husband had 3 tickets to the Kings and couldn't go. I'd never been to a Kings game and thought it might be a fun experience. Little did I know HOW much fun. The tickets were on the glass right behind the goal. I could see their eyelashes. Crys and I have never been that close to any professional sport and it was amazing. Our parking pass even got us right up to the door with valet. If that's how the other half lives, I'm hooked. Thanks again for the tickets. You made our night.

Our Holiday Toy Drive is chugging along. The kitchen area we set aside is filling up... but there's plenty more room. Some of you parents have decided to join us on our trip to Mexico and I couldn't be more excited. It'll be a blast down there. I can't wait to see their eyes sparkle. Also, we're accepting toy donations from our local community as well... spread the word... we'll have lots of cars, so lots of space for toys. Please remember, toys should be new, unwrapped, durable, and not require batteries. The ages range from newborn to 17. Thanks again for helping out.

I started writing a blog on Dec. 3rd called Catching Candy that never made it. Partly because it started to be a novel in length, and partly because I couldn't find a good way to get across what I wanted to say. It literally was the bane of my week dancing around the holiday eggshells... which I've never been good at... holiday or any other myriad eggshells. The gist? Crystal and I want Cassidy to be a safe place of love and warmth for our families and kids. There is so much to honor and learn from all of our heritages and cultures without battling over God (or lack thereof). We both love the holidays and love what it means to us. And honestly, that's all that matters.

12-0DH!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Muddy Trampoline

We had our very first teacher lunch today provided by one of the parents. Nice little spread. Thanks for doing that.

I was on Handy-Man duty today... screens, bulbs, fountains (may very well be the death of me), computers, printers, record player, sink... all with my shirt off.

I had a bunch of help today with the fountains. I think the little minds were fascinated watching the sand be sucked up through the tube. Reminded me of watching my Papaw cleaning his fish tank when I was a kid. I learned today that when we clean the fountains, the water overflow flows North... literally. I had been wondering why our parking lot wasn't a kiddie pool yet. Turns out the water ends up creating a pretty big puddle right next to the fountain. Little Joey and Griffin noticed... unbeknownst to me... and acted as if it were their own personal trampoline. My instinct was to keep them dry, but as I looked around at what I had created, I saw a much more qualified take... Ryan was smiling. He suggested they roll up their pants and helped them do it... maybe just a formality because they were soaked from the waist down. It made my day to see them laughing that hard spraying sand/water/mud everywhere. Either way, I'm honored to have teachers like him.

Oh yeah... in adding to the good fortune and random charm that's been following us around in starting Cassidy... the remote that works on the gate at school also works at our apartment complex.

11-0DH!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Thanksgiving

Our good friends from Florida flew in for Thanksgiving this week. It was so nice having them here. They used to live right below us and seeing them again, it's nearly like they never left. Plus, company is always a great excuse to eat out at nicer restaurants.

I didn't think I'd write over the holiday, but the whole point of the holiday was begging for an entry. Here goes. Thanks to the Cassidy building owners for taking a chance on us when we sat down 2 years ago with stars in our eyes. Thanks to our investor for having the confidence to bankroll Cassidy without ever seeing much more than a hopeful budget. Thanks to Brentwood for pushing Crystal to become an amazing school psych. and standing behind her while we started Cassidy. Thanks to all of you private and public schools who opened your doors in the early days... and thanks for your good words and support now. Thanks to all of you early childhood education professionals for your continuing advice through researching and creating Cassidy. Thanks to our contractor who fought tooth and nail with inspectors and the city to keep us on track for a September opening. Thanks to all of you vendors who worked day and night, weekdays and weekends to finish on time. Thanks to the City of Santa Monica (most of you) for your encouragement and speedy plan-check process. Thanks to our architect for his patience while we figured out how to build what we wanted... yes, there might have been a few changes. Strangely enough, thanks to all of you people who didn't believe in us. You only made us better, stronger, and more aware of our goals. Thanks to our teachers (some of which left other stable teaching jobs) for having the confidence in Crystal and our program from the get-go. Thanks to our friends who helped stuff promotional folders over wine back in January. Thanks to our family, who without question (well, there were a few) jumped on the Cassidy Train. Thanks for your love and support way back from the beginning.

Finally, thank you to all of you parents who trusted in the concept of Cassidy enough to enroll without ever seeing the building, much less meeting the teachers. You guys are an integral part of what is making all of this a success. When Crystal first had the idea of Cassidy, we never really anticipated how quickly it would snowball. It's so amazing to hear how people hear about us and how confident you all are with the school. It's been a labor of love for both of us and we couldn't be more proud to have the families we have. Here's to a great 2009. Thank you so much.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Mandolins On Fire

Apparently some fire trucks came by the other day. Sorry I missed it. I heard the eyes and ears were full of information and a good day was had. Thanks to the local fire station for coming out.





Today was a fun day. Our good friend Nick came by and played Mandolin for all the kids during play time outside. It was neat seeing some of the kids gravitate toward him. Some danced, some sang, and some couldn't have cared less. It was a great touch to the day. Kinda thinking about hiring him to just hang out and play music the whole time.



A few days ago, one of our little ones came into the office with a suggestion. He wanted to have a pajama day where everyone would come to school, including the teachers, in their sleepies. Today was the day and it was amazing. Thanks Ryder.

The Strawberries had a potluck feast of turkey and fixins. I snuck in a few bites of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great weekend. Be gluttonous.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Green Thumbs

Thanks to a few of the Blueberry moms, we now have 2 flower beds outside. Well, I guess we always had the beds, but no green thumbs (or time) to do anything about it. Now they're stocked with colorful flowers, herbs, and smell goodies. Thanks so much for doing that.

I found out today that we're going to need fountain maintenance a few more times than first thought... like maybe even once a day. After much siphoning again, we're back to barely cloudy water... which is much nicer than I-can't-see-my-toys-below-the-surface water. I've pretty much given up on the shot of having a sparkly blue oasis.

I'm pretty sure "Cashy" is coming to school tomorrow. I'll be at home finally rebuilding my engine... which I'm imagining will trump date night... sorry Crys.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Cassius and the Korean Couch

Cassius is becoming quite the staple at Cassidy. If you haven't actually met him, you might be hearing his name at home. It's cute when this kids are asking for him, or making Ms. Crystal promise to bring him the next day. She's even gotten the suggestion to write herself a note and check it before bed and first thing in the morning so she doesn't forget.

Under the new label of "learning opportunity," the fountains made it through the day. We also moved what the kids call a bucket of dirt (known to adults as a potted plant) away from the small fountain. I think that helped.

I made it to the El Faro fundraiser tonight in Koreatown... and had authentic Korean BBQ for the first time... amazing. Hardly any English on the menu or spoken, so we pretty much said "whatever is good." I think it might be my new favorite.

This weekend, Crys and I ordered a new couch with two very scary words included... "custom made." So, 7 hours later we (and by we I mean she) had chosen the perfect color, the perfect fabric, the perfect frame, and the perfect pillows. This morning I got a call that our fabric had been discontinued... the only one out of at least 1700 swatches. So, tonight Crys spent another 7 hours picking out the second most perfect color/fabric/frame/pillow combination. I might just do a special 3-part blog on this couch when it's done.

Keep filling up the Food Drive bins. Keep checking out the Party Book website.

9-0DH!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Life Truths

There are a few key lessons in life... Treat others with respect. Learn to accept the things you can't control. You can't make someone love you. Do or do not, there is no try. The freezer deserves a light, too. The Jamocha shake at Arby's is untouchable. Etc, etc. Dare I introduce another? Never underestimate the imagination and tenacity of a 3 year old. My granddad used to say I could break anything with a couple of cotton balls. Within hours on Friday, the "imaginations" broke both fountains in the playground. We've decided to now make them "learning opportunities." You know what though? Now I know how to disassemble and repair a fountain pump... and it's been years since I've siphoned anything. Gas... I think I stole gas one time back in my teens... to make my teacher think his new truck had horrible gas mileage. Plus, how could you ever be mad at these kids? I actually respect the junior engineers for pushing the limits... just like I did.

Thanksgiving is coming up... sooner than you think. Our Food Drive barrels are hungry, too. If you haven't donated, take 20 minutes across the street at Whole Foods. Every little bit helps. This weekend, my car club had a Food Drive for the MEND Food Bank in the Valley. We collected nearly 2000 pounds of food in 5 hours. Surely Cassidy can fill up 4 barrels... aaaaaand, I have a side bet with my car club buddy. Toddler families, feel free to jump in the party, too.

If you don't have anything to do Monday night, there's a swanky little fundraiser for El Faro (the orphanage we're helping this "Christmas"... again, feel free to insert your holiday and/or PC word between the quotes).

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Proverbial Horn

Well, the fountains are in. I left today to run errands and came back to find them fully installed and running. I got a quick mental flash of the kids completely draining them within 17 seconds. Hey, don't underestimate the creative minds that we ourselves have molded. They've figured out how to transfer nearly 70 pounds of sand to the opposite side of the playground with only tiny little buckets. Egyptian pyramids all make sense now... probably built by 2-5 year olds.

I took my camera today and got some really sweet shots... and by sweet I don't mean cool or good... although without shamelessly patting my own back, and indirectly tooting my own proverbial horn, they were both sweet and good.

Had a little run in with some Cassidy electronics today. Although my logic assures me no good comes from verbal or physical abuse to said electronic device, my laptop nearly ended up in the Food Drive bin... forcefully. Thanks to Apple support, a few deep breaths, and a very snide albeit distracting hug from a little Blueberry, all is well. Honestly, there's not much that compares to a 2 year old hug... runny nose and all.

Parents, the Party Book site is up and running. We've been getting some really good feedback and ticket sales are pretty amazing for only being the first couple of days. If you haven't checked it out yet, please do.

Also, there's a new link on the bottom of the Cassidy homepage for the Parent Blog. It's full of information about what's actually going on... much unlike this blog which is slowly becoming my therapy. If you're not a Cassidy parent, do your best to never ever ever ever ever click on this link.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Brush With the Law

It's a shame we only put aside one day to give thanks to the Veterans. I read a story a while back about the "silent thank you" (sign language) people had been giving others in uniform. I think about it every time I see someone in uniform, but especially today. Whatever your take on politics, government, or the military, not much is greater than a single individual giving up their life fighting for this country. It's easy to dismiss when Veteran's Day comes and goes like any other, but take a second to think about it... it's so much more.

We got the fountains today... well, we got inspired as I mentioned we might, and bought two. They're delivering them tomorrow after school, so the kids will have some cool water-play on Friday.

We had plans to head off to Ontario right after, but were caught up by Crystal's itch for a new couch. Luckily so, because while in one of the stores, we got a call from ADT... the burglar alarm was going off at Cassidy. Ended up being some hanging art in the Raspberry room... ahem. Just when you thought you'd get a day off from work, fate pulls your pigtails. Pretty cool, though. I got to hear one officer call for back up to "sweep" the building. Swept and safe. They made us stay outside for the search. When they were done, they came out smiling and complimenting everything saying how they wished they had something like Cassidy as a kid. It's like they came back out different people... come on, how great is that?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Fountain of Youths

This weekend Crys and I found a water fountain shop in the Valley. We had found (and visited) a few places on the trusty iPhones, but this one came up claiming to be "worth the drive"... all the way out in Reseda. On a side note, I think we as Los Angelesians have lost track of distance due to traffic. Think about it. We don't speak in miles like the rest of the country. We speak in minutes.

Anyway, we found this shop in Reseda that seemed pretty unassuming driving by. It was slated as the largest supply of fountains in Southern California... I might be paraphrasing. We parked around the block and headed in. Within 2 steps of entering, our ears were filled with what could be mistaken as Niagara Falls... or a really heavy rain storm. I wanted to take a nap right in the middle of the floor. There had to be thousands (probably not) of them. We had hit the jackpot. Sure enough, we found one that's gonna be perfect in the Cassidy playground right next to the sandbox. We're going tomorrow (Happy Veteran's Day) to buy it. Should be on site within a week or so... I must say, a much needed addition to the yard, because kids have been filling up their water pails with the drinking water. We might even get all inspired and grab two.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Hey Mama, I'm On TV

All ramped up for firetrucks today... turns out there was a fire... and not at Cassidy. Luckily no one told the kids a firetruck was coming. Soon enough, soon enough.

Our Party Book site went live today with the help of a few amazing moms and their input. Cassidy families, you'll be getting an email soon regarding the new website and parties.

I totally forgot to mention that we were on the news a couple of weeks back. Guerrilla Gardening came to our school and taught a few of the Strawberries how to plant and water around in our flowerbeds. ABC's local news channel was along for the ride. You can see the video here. Pretty neato... yeah, I said it.

We're doing a Thanksgiving Food Drive right now to support a local food bank. Even if you're not with Cassidy, we'd be more than happy to take your donations. If you're a Cassidy parent, the bins are right outside each classroom. It's the usual items... canned stuff, beans, rice, gift cards for turkeys, etc.

We're also throwing around the idea of doing a toy/clothes drive for Christmas (or whatever PC name going around these days) to benefit El Faro, an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. More info to come as we figure out things. It might very well end up being a big Cassidy group going down to deliver the goods. We'll see.

Our new afternoon class started today. I think we must have some of the cutest kids in LA.

DH8-0

Friday, November 6, 2009

No Itchy Legs

Cassius came to school today and played with the Strawberries. Strawberry parents, check your blog... some cute pics. I played the evil character in their movie who stole cake. There was lots of "cake" to steal... lots of running around... lots of out-of-breath Jesse. Having to come in to work on the website may very well have saved my life. It does mark the first time I've rolled around on our fake grass. I must say, it was kinda nice... no itchy legs either. Kipi didn't make the cut today... she needed to run around at doggy-daycare. Maybe next time.

Quite the dilemma tonight... Lakers or a movie. I think a quiet dinner and a movie might win... even with the persistent lobbying on my part for sports. The Lakers might be a personal-time-for-Jesse thing. How dare they play on our date night.

Have a great weekend.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

DH

Tonight was a pretty great night. We had our Grand Opening and invited all the local schools, preschools, businesses, education professionals, and friends. The place was packed out. Whole Foods was so great donating all of the food and snacks, too. A few of the moms and dads were the ones who made it all happen, though. Also, thanks to everyone for all of the good words about Cassidy, our building, and program. We really appreciate your support and look forward to getting more and more involved in the community.

With the growing popularity of this blog (upwards of several million people per month reading), I'm starting to get offered movie deals and television appearances across the country. I must say, in the best interests of the kids, I've declined. One request made sense to me, though. I got it tonight. She just wanted a simple shout-out... or is it shot-out? Just her initials, or our team's season record, or "hey". I'm gonna do it one step further. Donna, you are amazing. This lady runs Baby Group here in LA. Besides being a die-hard Colts fan (and being cool enough to bring me a Super Bowl fanny pad), she's ended up being an amazing friend to both Crystal and me through building Cassidy. Donna, you're one of the brightest bulbs in the scoreboard (and although you're genius, by brightest I mean inspiring and by scoreboard I mean... well, you get it). Thanks for your words, your time, your energy, and your advice. 7-0 DH!

I got a chance to meet some really dedicated people tonight. As someone on the outside of education, it's really warming to see how many of you live for these kids. They've never had it so lucky.

Thanks again to everyone for a great night.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Dogs Who Keep Kids As Confidants

So, I've been working on a scale model of the Cassidy playground for a while now. Thought I'd take a photo and share. Snicker, snicker.


Tomorrow is finally our official official Grand Opening. We're expecting well over 40,000 people and have wine to prove it. Thanks to all you parents helping to get it organized and handled. We couldn't have done it without you. Whole Foods is also pitching in with cheese and olives, too. I'd be curious to see their quarterly reports since we started construction.

The dogs spent the day today at Cassidy. It's amazing watching how they interact with the kids and how many of the kids "relate" to them. Plus, it's cute to hear a 3 year old say "Cassius."

Our outdoor electrical stuff is done. I worked on getting the outside lights going today. I felt a little like Clark Griswold with the twinkle lights... all but a random 3 feet work. Ideas are welcomed.

On a side note, my Corvair engine parts are in and I'll be rebuilding next week... yeeeeeeeees.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Muddy Buddies

Look what your director did this weekend. Little bit of running. Little bit of biking. Lotta bit of mudding.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Cassidy Halloween

Seeing preschoolers in costumes is right on par with warm milk, a sweet little bedtime story, or watching dogs play with bubbles. My cheeks hurt from grinning all day.

Sadly, as I was taking a few photos, their faces were a bit off. I guess it was in part due to me being dressed as Raggedy Andy (soon realizing that not one of these kids knows who Raggedy Andy is... thus, I was just a strange clownish guy) with bright red yarn-hair. Their faces were more of puzzlement than entertained. Noted. Stay current.

Your director was even dressed up as Raggedy Anne, the teachers surprised Crystal with Steelers uniforms, and the puppies, against their will and dignity, were honey bees.





All the kids did what we at Cassidy like to call a Halloween "parade." If you don't know what a "parade" is, it's when you open the playground door and all the kids run to their parents. I'm thinking we might call it a Halloween Gathering next year.

Wednesday night is our Grand Opening to the public. Spread the word.

Happy Halloween.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Club Cassidy

I brought what I would hope to be our last piece of furniture in the building today. It used to be our TV stand in the bedroom, but has been cleverly converted into a toilet paper stocking/supply center located in the men's bathroom.

Check this out. We walked down to El Cholo to have dinner tonight and were greeted by a lady giving out tickets for teachers and educators. The tickets were for free dinners! Note: I never use exclamation points, so you can tell what excites me. Pretty great to be surrounded by the ones who mold the little minds of our community.

Our electric gate is almost done. He's running some outlets outside as well for our fountain and twinkle lights. That'll be nice for parties and for when we turn Cassidy into a night club... starting early December.

Crys and I came back and played the piano together. Pretty special moment for me... kinda full circle. Nothing but Chopsticks and the knuckle-roll black-keys song, but nevertheless special. Stacey was playing today and it filled the halls. I love live instruments... especially when played by people who know what they're doing.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Tuned

The piano is now successfully tuned. It's really neat having my old family piano in Cassidy. I sat down with it tonight and just played around. The tuner said it was 70 cents off standard tuning... whatever that means. I stood around and watched as he brought her back to life. I think neat is the wrong word. Proud maybe. I remember playing this thing when I was in 4th grade. I never took lessons, but was always interested in playing... maybe now I'll take some. It still trips me out that I have it. I guess I'm a grown up now.

Thanks again to all the parents who are planning our Grand Opening on the 4th. Sounds like things are coming together nicely.

I've been reading the classroom blogs a bit, too. Nice job everyone.

If you're a new parent looking to join Cassidy, we are now accepting applications for our afternoon classes beginning in November... plus, you've been reading this blog too much to not be enrolled... a little weird don't you think?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Learning Life

Thanks to you parents who donated to the Pumpkin Patch. We just got another truck-load of them today. If you haven't gotten a chance to pick out a pumpkin, please do so. The donation bucket is on the table right outside the office.

I had a chance to be there this morning to see all the little ones show up for class. It's funny watching them discover and interact with each other. Just little people learning life.

I said hello to a boy today and used his name. He stopped everything he was doing and asked, "How did you know my name?" I told him my name and that I worked at Cassidy, but behind the scenes where not everyone sees me. He said, "Oh" and went on his way in the sandbox. Later, as he and his mom were walking out, he gave me a cool little swagger and pointed to me saying, "See ya later Jesse". Yep, I've got a new friend.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tuned Like a Crazy Person

I did a little more painting, scraping, and throwing chairs against the barn doors today. I even took a mason jar top to it. The little spots of red paint add a much needed element of character and dimension to the piece.

We booked a piano tuner today because no one ran to me in slow motion offering their services... oh well. He's coming in on Friday. I've heard piano tuning is very annoying, so if anyone wants to hear a 2 hour service in flat flat, please stop by. I think the last time it was tuned is when I was 12. I also know my mom reads this blog and will likely contest my facts. Stacey played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star today and it sounded a lot like Benny and the Jets. Being from 1921, it's chances of ever being tuned standard are slim. It will be tuned with itself, as the tuner told me over the phone, just like a crazy person.

We got our pumpkins today from Trader Joe's. Pauline and Marcy painted a sign for the pumpkin patch outside. Here's what happened. I was thinking of a farmer-style, side-of-the-road, messy-brush-painted sign. They pretty much Bedazzled it... fancy fonts, glitter, jewels, light bulbs, crazy straws, pipe cleaner, and gold leaf trim. Just what I was thinking. The pumpkins are available to families for a donation of $7000 each... nah, just playing... $3000. The donation bucket is right outside the office. Limit 2 per family... for now anyway.

The Strawberries got to play with Cassius and Kipi on the playground today. They learned... well, kinda... a few commands. Stop. Sit. Run. The stop and sit part doesn't translate the same when they're all running around... I mean the kids.

Enjoyed another sunset dinner on the playground. I think I've killed taco salads from Whole Foods.

Peas out.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Messy Doormat

I'll have you know, I'm not nearly the sucker-emotional guy I might come off as... facetiousness as it were. With that said, tonight I heard, for the first time, one of our little guys say "Cassidy". Mommy said, "Where are we going tomorrow?" He said, "Going to Cassidy." My heart melted right there on her doormat. I hadn't heard any of the kids say our name yet and the past 2 years of working on this school flashed in front of my eyes. I mean, it's not like I barely teared up or anything... geez.

I did join a parent committee meeting tonight. Some parties were planned, some cookies were had. Lots of good ideas and lots of good input. I think we're on a great track for getting the parents involved in not only Cassidy, but our community as well. Speaking of, one of our moms got Trader Joe's to donate 100 pumpkins to the Cassidy Pumpkin Patch. Leslye, I know you're reading this, so I'll address you personally. Leslye, you rock... I don't care what Helen thinks about you.

I did catch a video of our elusive director on her way to a classroom meeting. Personally, I think she should lighten up and maybe enjoy the job a bit more... but that's just me... and of course I'm biased.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Art

Another fairly large day yesterday. THE PIANO IS HERE! The barn doors are in!

The piano: As many of you have read early on in this blog, I had been wanting a piano for Cassidy since the beginning. After putting some feelers out, my mom read the blog and offered our family piano. My great-grandfather bought it new in 1921. It's changed family-hands a few times down the line, been refinished a few times, tuned once or twice, restored when I was a kid, and has finally made it's way to Cassidy... for what I would imagine will be it's final resting place... assuming my grandchildren don't hate the idea of owning a preschool. It's so out of tune... (fill in your quirky one liner). If any of you tune pianos, now's the time to run to me in slow motion while Chariots of Fire plays in the background.

The barn doors: After weeks of planning and building, they were finally installed yesterday. Crystal and I stayed late doing some touch-up painting... and scraping. I love that "art" is whatever you want. I would paint a bit, then take a butter knife and scrape a bit, then stain a bit, and at one point, took a stool and banged it against the door... art.

Crystal and I are doing Muddy Buddy this year. If anyone wants to join us as a Co-Ed team, sign up. Come on, do it for the kids.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sunset Dinner

First off. Good Lord.



Today was our day to "interview" the dogs at a new daycare. Yes, interview. They did good. The Strawberries got to meet Cassius and Kipi later today, too... very cute.

We finalized everything graphics-wise for our Grand Opening on November 4th. The emails started flowing. Pretty neat seeing how many people are interested in coming to see our school. Even better to find out how many people already knew about us. Like wildfire.

You'll be happy to know that we met with our fence guy today about putting up a privacy screen around the playground. That should be going up soon.

For dinner, Crys and I got Whole Foods. Walking back, I suggested we sit outside on the playground. We sat at the little tables and had a nice sunset dinner while the dogs played in the yard. They can both go down the slide now. Right now, as you can see from the photo, they're worn out from a long day at work.

We do sleep at home... I promise.