Hats, gloves, snow pants, scarves, mittens, earmuffs, boots, sweatshirts, sweaters…you name it and we've got it, in the Lost and Found, that is. Well, parents, it's that time of the year (and will be for what will feel like the rest of the school year!). You know the time of year, you send your kids to school all bundled and your kids come home to you missing some items. 

It's only December and the Lost and Found is overflowing with winter gear. We have a table full of snow pants, 3 bins full of hats, gloves, and scarves, and a hallway lined with sweatshirts and sweaters. We would love to reunite your child with their belongings, but unfortunately nothing is labeled, so we don't know who it belongs to! 

If possible, this weekend (or over winter break), please write your child's name on the tags of all of their winter gear. In fact, if there is a possibility they can remove that item of clothing at school, it should probably be labeled (sweatshirts, sweaters, etc…). We want your child to stay toasty warm all winter and that's not possible if part of their winter gear is sitting on a table instead of on them! Mrs. Hanson (who does a fabulous job of organizing the Lost and Found), said she is willing to deliver found items to their owners if they are labeled! 

Well, I know it would appear as I've been living in Slackerville lately based on my lack of blog posts. I just vacationed there, I didn't actually move…lol. Truthfully, it's been kinda the opposite at the Bateman house. We are definitely in the busy season now. Two of my kids had birthdays in November, then Thanksgiving, and now Christmas is almost upon us! Sometimes I find myself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle that this time of the year seems to bring.  Then I make myself stop.

I'm actually glad that the weather slows me down sometimes, because something needs to! I decided that I would allow this snow to keep me inside today. I am going to do something that I've been thinking about doing for awhile, gather up winter gear that my kids have outgrown (and yes, I do mean gather, because it is scattered in every closet, in every room).

While we are fortunate enough to keep ourselves warm during winter, I never want to live in a bubble (or allow my kids to) and think everyone can. There are people all over the world that need help and while we always try to participate in making a global impact whenever we can, there are ways right here in our community that we can give back too…and that's why I am gathering winter gear. This first little winter storm is a good reminder to donate that. 

While there are many local options to donate winter gear, why not go with the most local and give to Aurora? There are students right here in our community that could benefit from those donations and as the winter progresses, students forget things at home or they get lost. If your child has winter gear that they have outgrown, will you join me and give back to the students in our community and donate those to the school? The biggest needs are winter boots and warm, waterproof winter gloves. 

I missed having our December PTO meeting (I didn't get to use my new decorations I bought…bummer!), but that will just give us more things to talk about in January! I would like to say that I will blog again before then, but I can't make any promises…haha…after all, this is the busy season! I hope everyone has a very Happy Christmas…or Hanukkah, or Kwanza, or whatever it may be that your family celebrates, but in the midst of celebration, don't forget to take time to give to others, whether it be gifts, winter gear, your time, or just a friendly smile! 
-Lori