Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Monday, August 20, 2012

School Days, School Days





School days, school days
Dear old golden rule days
Readin' and 'ritin' and 'rithmetic

Do you remember these books?


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I am fortunate enough to have several, each one a different grade level.

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Some of the stories in them . . . I can actually still remember from grade school. 

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They bring back vivid childhood memories.

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 Our two granddaughters are starting out on new journeys
in a few days.  


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One will be starting kindergarten
and the other will be starting first grade.

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I made these simple cards for them,
they both enjoy getting a surprise in the mailbox.

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We just want them to know that we are thinking of them
during their special new adventures. 

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Be especially nice to the kids that you know,
this is a special time of year.

New classrooms, new teachers, maybe new schools,
or riding the school bus for the first time. 
It’s a time mixed with fun and fears.
 Remember?

Have a happy week, and give a big smile to every child you see. 
They are all going through some changes this week.

Connie 

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62 comments:

  1. I have one that school district never used and when tossing old stuff had it in the pile to throw. I was a custodian and brought it home and put it away along with an old used one that was being tossed too.

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    1. Hi Terry, It is so nice to hear from you. I just came from your blog and I am now following you, too.
      I'm looking forward to becoming great blogging friends.
      Have a marvelous week, Connie :)

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  2. I remember all of those old books Connie!

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  3. Connie..
    you are so thoughtful to make those cards for your grands. I'm certain that they will treasure them always :)

    I do remember those books.
    Simpler times, my friend.

    Have a wonderful, creative day!

    Smiles :)
    Kerin

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    2. Hi Kerin, It is always great to have you visit and I am enjoying following your blog. I hope that your day is filled with sunshine, Connie :)

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  4. Came over from your comment on my blog to visit the Shabby French blog and here. As A retired reading teacher I collect reading textbooks. I love the Dick and Jane series. Since I both used them when I was in school and used them to teach!

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    1. Hi Donna, Thanks for stopping by . . . there is something about these Dick and Jane books that bring a warm cozy feeling to your soul. It's like stepping back into childhood. I'm so happy that you came by, please come again, Connie :)

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  5. I remember Dick, Jane, Sally and Spot!! A little walk down memory lane :o)
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

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    1. Hi Queenie! It is always a pleasure to have you stop by.

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  6. Hello Connie
    How special that you have copies of your infant reading books, ours were similar about Janet and John!
    I am sure your little granddaugters will love your keepsake cards
    Thea x

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    1. Hi Thea, thanks for popping in. Yes, I'm sure that our books were very similar . . . just different names.
      I love company and feel very honored to have you visiting. I wish I could offer you refreshments.
      Have a wonderful week, Connie :)

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  7. Hi Connie. I remember the Janet and John books too. What a lovely gesture to make those lovely cards for your grandchildren which I'm sure they loved. Our schools don't start until 4 September here in England and my grandchildren are also getting ready for some changes.
    Patricia x

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    1. Hi Patricia, September can be a very exciting month for most children. Filled with good and bad expectations. Our daughter went to a private christian school from kindergarten through 5th grade, then she started public school. She was so afraid that she would not have any friends. Then she came home that first day and said,
      "I learned that if you just smile and say hi . . . you make a friend", it wasn't long at all until she had a list of new friends and she still saw most of her old friends on Sundays. Our oldest granddaughter makes friend so easily, she just joins in like she was always part of the group, but our youngest is shy and stands on the sidelines watching and wishing for some other child to approach her and be a friend. She's the one that we're the most worried about . . . she'll be okay, it will just take her a little bit longer. I was like the youngest, shy as could be.
      Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day, Connie :)

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  8. Hey Connie, thanks for popping back not sure why it is not letting you follow, I hate those tech problems. I love Dick, Jane and Sally they are like old friend!!! Thanks, Laura

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    1. Hi Laura, every now and then I have a tech problem, that just fixes it's self . . . I'll just keep trying. You are on my Blog-list. So, happily I will not miss any posts. Thanks for stopping in, Connie :)

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  9. I do remember those books! They would be adorable for decorating with now:) Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. I look forward to getting to know you! You look like a fun person--love that French Laundry bucket--so cute! I am going to go follow you now:)

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    1. Hi Sandy, I enjoyed your site so much and I am delighted to see you here following mine. I'm looking forward to a great blogging friendship, Connie :)

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  10. Oh I loved those books and remember reading them!! It would be so fun if you opened a booth next year!

    Carol

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    1. Hi Carol, thanks for the encouraging word. I do not have a lot of space for storage, so that will be one of my biggest problems. I see furniture that I would like to re-do for a booth, but have to walk away because of storage. Time will tell, who knows what might open up. Have a great week and thanks so much for stopping in. Connie :)

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  11. What a beautiful idea to send the kids off to school with your special gift!

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    1. The details in your work are nothing short of awesome! Thanks your visiting my blog and thanks for sharing your amazing art. Connie :)

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  12. Boy, does that ever bring back MEMORIES! I love the DICK and JANE books! Sweet post about BACK TO SCHOOL! From one sweetie to another~~~~Roxie

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    1. Hi Roxie, It is always a pleasure having you stop in to visit . . . the more I know you the more I like you.
      Have a great week, Connie :)

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  13. Hi Connie...Oh yes, I definitely remember Dick and Jane and their doggie. You are right that children are going through happy but scary times with their return to school. Brings back so many memories for me of my own children, now grown. How time (and life) flies by. Susan

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    1. Hi Susan, thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  14. Connie, I'm thrilled that you stopped over for a visit to Quirky Vistas and left me your sweet, encouraging comments. So glad you said hello so I could find you! I'm now following you and look forward to seeing what you're up to. I managed to get one of these books at a sale last year. So colorful and fun. I too remember using these in school. Makes them even more special that way!
    Liz

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    1. Hello Liz, Welcome to Crafty Home Cottage . . . I am delighted that you choose to follow. Yes, the Dick and Jane books are special. I love reading the old stories and now that my granddaughters are in kindergarten and 1st grade, they can read them to me. What fun will that be! The art work is so nostalgic, got to love that, too.
      Thank you again for following my blog, I truly appreciate it. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  15. Over here they were Janet and John books, very unpolitically correct now!! The cards are so sweet and I am sure that the grandchildren will love them. My DIL is a primary school teacher and I am sure she gets as nervous as the children come the start of a new school year xxxx

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    1. Hi Fran, Thanks so much for stopping by to visit. I know that you are right . . . the poor teachers have a classroom filled with new faces and personalities. Finding what each one needs and giving them the attention that will help them grow is a challenge. Teachers are the cornerstones to your future . . . I have a huge amount of respect for them. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  16. I grew up with 'Peter and Jane'. They look very similar!

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    1. Hi Jackie, it is so good to see you. Thanks for stopping by.
      I'm on my way to see what, you are up to. See ya, Connie :)

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  17. Hey I remember these and I grew up in Australia....great to have those books to reminiscence. Such a thoughtful grandma you are too.....special memories. xx

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    1. Hi Bron, thanks for stopping by. You are a sweetheart. Connie :)

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  18. Absolutely lovely and heartwarming! Christa

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  19. I've got two stored away- I love these old readers!

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  20. How sweet of you to make them cards! They will love it! Your an awesome grandma!

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    1. Hi Kelly, thank you . . . that is very sweet of you.
      Hope that your day is going along smoothy and is filled with happy moments. Connie :)

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  21. Connie, I'll have to try your dryer sheet remedy for the mosquitos. I couldn't move to the desert. I love grass and rain and the ocean too much. :) Having your grandkids read those books to you is a great idea. How fun will that be! Lucky!
    Liz

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    1. Hi Liz . . . not lucky, but blessed. I was 60 years old before I got my first grandchild. You see I was 28 when my daughter was born and she was 32 when she had her first daughter. I had friends with grandchildren in high-school. It was a long wait, but oh so worth it. My two little darlings are so special to me.
      I hope that you are having a lovely day, Connie :)

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  22. I remember Dick and Jane readers from grades 1 and 2. I think by the time I got to third grade, we used something else. Best wishes to your little grands, as they set off on their first day of school!

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    1. Hi there, and thanks for dropping by. i adore company. Connie :)

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  23. I love your home made cards for your grandchildren. I hope they will enjoy their time at kindergarten and first year and will have great memories of their school days in years to come.
    Sarah x.

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    1. Thank you Sarah . . . I know are girls are going to have a great year.

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  24. I love those books and I do remember them!

    Whenever we get our entire house done, I will have a place for you and your man to come and stay, and you can help me with guitar! I'd love it. I am not giving up. Maybe by then I'll have a little bit of an idea how to strum and we can sit around a campfire and strum a few tunes together. Sounds fun huh?

    Cindy Bee

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  25. those homemade cards for your grandchildren are just so sweet!. Wishing them great new beginning of fun school year!. LOVE the old children books. Beautiful keepsake.

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  26. God, our Creator, has stored within our minds and personalities, great potential strength and ability. IAS Coaching Center In Tamilnadu

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    1. A men! and thank you for stopping by . . . yes, our God is awesome and created us beautifully in his image.

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  27. Hi Connie, these did bring back special memories. Thanks for the reminder to do something sweet. The cards that you made for the girls are beautiful. My grandson begins middle school this year. I'll be thinking about what special thing to do for him now.

    Take care,

    Kathy M.

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    1. Hi Kathy, I get a little bit excited whenever I see your thumbprint in my list of comments. Having you visit is always a pleasure. Have a great week, Connie :)

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  28. Lovely pictures! Of course I never read these books in school, being swedish, but I really love those pictures. Thank you so much for sharing:). Have a nice day and weekend.

    Maria

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  29. Lovely pictures! Of course I never read these books in school, being swedish, but I really love those pictures. Thank you so much for sharing:). Have a nice day and weekend.

    Maria

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    1. Hello Maria, No, I am sure that you had different school books in Sweden. I agree the pictures are lovely in these old books. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful week, Connie :)

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  30. Connie,
    My dad used to sing this song to us every year on the first day of school. This really brought back sweet memories. How nice of you to think of the children with their fears and excitement at this time. Chilren are so special, and this is a lovely reminder.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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    1. Hi Sheri, you are the first person to mention the song, that surprised me a little. I know that it is an old tune but I really thought that more people would have recognized it. Thank you so much for this sweet visit and for the sweet comment. Have a wonderful week, Connie :)

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  31. We had similar books over here but they were Janet and John.

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  32. I do so well remember the Dick and Jane books! I loved them and looked forward to reading each new Dick and Jane adventure. I was just thinking about that book series the other day and here you post a blog about Dick and Jane, what delightful fun!

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  33. Hi Connie...Oh yes, I remember these too....first grade. My memories aren't quite as vivid as yours, but I do remember the artwork. That's what I always notice first!

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