Bean's Fun Run

From the time I was a kindergartner, I always remember my mom volunteering in my classroom at school.  They call it something new now, but to me it will always be 'Room Mother.'

After kindergarten orientation this spring, I had the opportunity to sign up to be the volunteer, or 'Room Mother' coordinator in Bean's class.  I was thrilled when I found out, later on, that I had been chosen.  My responsibilities are mostly to coordinate the volunteer efforts among all the other parents.  

I had my first task earlier this month and was a little underwhelmed at the response I got from other parents.  I needed two volunteers to help out with the PTA fundraiser: a fun run.  I only got one response back from a neighbor of mine.  Even though we had just gotten back from vacation, I decided to fill the other spot.  And I am so glad that I did!

These little kindergartners ran their hearts out around the back field of the school.  I was trying to catch their names as I marked off laps on the back of their pinned card.  Bean did so good--13 laps or 1.3 miles!

I am excited to get to know all of the kids and parents better this year.  I have to admit a huge motivating factor for signing up was being there for parties.  I remember Elementary School parties being epic (at least they were in the eyes of a kid--not sure the teachers felt the same!)

I'm not sure Bean knew what to think when she saw me show up at her school.  She seemed happy to see me but didn't want to really acknowledge me in front of her peers.  And when I was suggesting she take a water break I got my first eye roll: "mom I'm trying to win the race!"  Plus she wanted to take the bus home as opposed to come home with me.  But when she got off the bus she was chattering all about the race and seeing me at her school.  So I'll say that my first volunteer experience went pretty well.