Encouragement for a Mama's Heart

Today has been hard . . okay, this week has been a bit hard.  Preston's has been out of school for one week and with Savannah still in school I find myself feeling super guilty for not taking more time to entertain him, for dragging him all over town on errands, for not listening to that little voice that is always asking questions and singing more carefully, for losing my temper, for not letting him get ice-cream from the ice-cream truck, and many more things.  (Plus it's a cleanse day so I've been a bit irritable anyway.)  But to open my e-mail and find these encouraging words from his TK teacher gave me a bit of hope today that it's going to be okay.

"I know God has BIG plans for him...He is already using him...at such a young age...it is an AMAZINGLY AWESOME thing to be a part of and I am beyond thankful for our time together.  I have NEVER had a sweeter, kinder, gentler soul....seriously...ever!!!! You most definitely need to pack yourself on the back because he is an awesome human being!!!!!!! I am greater because of my time with him. You guys should be so proud.Thank you for trusting me with him. It has been one of my highest honors!!!!!"

Let me just say that he had three awesome teachers and that we are greater because of THEM!  Even though school is over, Ms. Melissa still speaks straight to the heart with her sweet words of love.

Finally Friday!!

My time teaching at CCS is finally over . . . only a few grades to finalize and I'm officially no longer employed as a teacher.  Not that it's been bad, but I'm ready for a change and to see what our new schedule will look like next year.  So while I gave the final exam today, my sweet friend Stephanie had Preston over to play all morning.  Preston had SO much fun on the Slip n Slide with his buddy Hamilton.  We get to return the favor next week and have Hamilton to play at our house so his mommy can finish her speech kids for the year too.  Only 9 more days for Sissy to finish big school and then summer begins. :)

Preston's Last Day of Preschool

I cannot believe this was the last time I walked Preston into WEE school!!  

Preston with Miss Debbie.  This woman built WEE school into what it is today and continues to amaze me with her dedication and passion for making sure every little person hears about the love of Jesus.  She means SO much to our family . . . we are beyond thankful for her!!!

Not only is it his last day of preschool, but it's also the day to celebrate all 14 summer birthdays!!!

Waiting for playground time (and party set up time) the TKers had one last story time with Ms. Melissa

And after playground time it was PARTY time!!  Happy Birthday Preston. :)

Then a big secret was revealed . . . on hard work days the kids would sometimes break it down to some fun, hip tunes.  We had to promise not to tell Ms. Debbie, but they gave us a demo of 4 of their favorite songs and moves to them.  Now I know where Preston learned the "lawnmower".  HA!

Another favorite song, the Tutti Ta!

Then it was finally the time we had to say goodbye to one amazing teacher and an unforgettable last year of preschool.  Ms. Melissa is one amazingly talented teacher who always is willing to give and give and give.  She is SO positive, creative, encouraging, loving, energetic, and has been one super teacher.  I'm just thankful we'll still get to see her on Sunday mornings at church (and that I can put Preston in her Sunday school class next year for kindergarten)!

So summer is officially here for my little guy.  Wonder what our week ahead will hold . . . but for now we're going to enjoy having daddy home all weekend and Monday too, with nothing on the calendar.  Glorious I tell you, just glorious!

Preston's TK Graduation

I can't believe this day is finally here . . . it seems like Preston just started TK . . . or for that matter preschool at all.  And now, here we are with only one day of preschool left.  This morning was such a special time to share with his sweet class. Preston was chosen as the one student that had a speaking part at graduation.  He was able to say the welcome prayer!  Miss Melissa gave me a heads-up yesterday in case I wanted to work with him, but when I tried to, he just said "it's going to be a surprise, mama."  His prayer was so sweet and special, one I'll never forget.  Miss Melissa says that he's destined to be a pastor or someone who is always thinking of others because he has such a big heart. :)  I totally agree!

Miss Melissa, Miss Mimi, and Miss Libby all worked so hard and truly made this a special morning.  The teachers came up with a different candy award for each student and Preston received the Dove award.

Proudly receiving his "Dove" award for being the peacemaker in the class

 The class sang songs, recited the pledges, said all 66 books of the Bible in order and lots of other special things too before receiving their TK diploma and enjoying a fun, delicious reception!

Receiving his TK diploma!

TK & soccer buddies

Family picture with our proud TK graduate

 Words can't adequately express how grateful I am for this year of transitional kindergarten.  Preston has grown not only academically, but spiritually and socially too.  It was a true gift to have this time before heading off to big school.  And his teachers . . yeah, they were the best around; truly gifted in teaching and loving TKers.  Tomorrow will be a sad day as we wrap up our 9 years at WEE school, but I'm thankful to remember that he's well prepared for next year in every single way.

Preston's First Lost Tooth!!!

It finally happened . . Preston lost his first tooth!!!  The funny part is that Savannah lost a tooth at school yesterday and it's all Preston could think about.  He didn't have any loose teeth as of last night, not one single wobbly tooth, but during bedtime prayer he prayed that he would "have a wiggly tooth".  Dave and I sort of looked up at each other and laughed.  I guess the joke is on us because God certainly answered his prayers!!  Today during afternoon snack time he asked for an apple and then started whining that his tooth hurt. Before I knew it he had pulled it out!!!

To say that he was excited would be an understatement.  The boys was literally jumping all over the place, smiling, and repeating over and over "I lost a tooth, I lost a tooth".  We called daddy at work and then once he settled down he decided "it feels awkward".

A QUIET Girls Weekend

While the boys were away this weekend Savannah and I enjoyed a lot of quiet, laid back, relaxing and productive girls time!  At one point on Saturday I realized it was eerily quiet with the boys not here . . . not that we didn't miss them but boy was it nice to just do what we wanted, when we wanted. :)

On Saturday I was able to go for a long run while Savannah enjoyed some extended TV time.  Then we decided to go shopping and both got some new, fun clothes.  We hit the grocery store (of course) and after coming home for lunch went to an afternoon showing of Cinderella.  The movie was FABULOUS!!  Then we enjoyed some time outside and ended the day with a delicious dinner at Chick fil A, including a good milkshake for dessert. :)

It was nice to have some one on one time with my "little" girl who is growing up oh too fast.  A weekend without the boys was glorious, but we sure were glad to see them when they strolled in around 3pm on Sunday.

Preston & Daddy Y Guides Trip Spring 2015

Don't let this beautiful, peaceful setting fool you . . . according to Dave it was the loudest, craziest Y Guides trip yet!  Apparently there were some pretty loud boys staying in the cabin near them who were still going strong at 10:30 pm.  

Again, the details are few other than the lifeguard had to jump in to get Preston out of the water when he jumped off of an inflatable contraption in the lake, the cabin was 95 steps above the bathroom, the boys had a BLAST, it rained Saturday afternoon (but thankfully Gus was prepared with a laptop AND projector), Preston caught a turtle with his fishing pole (which still earned him the fishing badge), and they ate lots of junk!  Yep, that sounds like a perfect father/son weekend.

shooting the bb gun

waiting for a fish

I'm so thankful for this group of men who are willing to invest such valuable time with their sons.  What a treasured time that these little guys will always remember.  Even though the boys will be in 3 different schools next year I pray they always remain close friends.

Hackberry Braves tribe

One last "good" meal on the way home!

Mother's Day 2015 in Greenville, SC

A few pictures from our quick photo shoot after lunch

After lunch we decided it was way too hot for us so we dissed the art festival.  I kicked off my shoes and had some sweet moments with the kids before loading in the car to head home.

After church on Sunday we ventured to Greenville, SC to have Mother's Day lunch with Dave's side of the family.  It was a sweltering hot day and when we arrived (after being stuck in traffic for over 20 minutes on one downtown street only to find out that the road was blocked off for a festival) we quickly discovered it was about to get hotter.  Our table of 10 was seated outside and the only seats left at the table were the 4 in direct sun.  I guess that's what happens when you're late.  Anyway, we managed to get some fans and enjoyed our trips into the air conditioned indoors each time we went to the buffet.  But afterwards when we headed to the art festival, the heat became unbearable . . or maybe it was my blistered feet that was unbearable . . . but either way we decided to head home rather quickly.

I thought I was doing well, but somehow the emotion of the day always catches up with me.  Even though this is my fifth Mother's Day without my mom here, it's still hard.  Actually, in some ways I think it's getting even harder as I realize just how much I took her for granted and how much she did for me growing up.  I guess it doesn't make sense until you're a mom or even until you've lost a mom, but all I can say is the pain is great.  The kids and Dave did their best to make it a special Mother's Day which ended with TCBY for dinner. :)

Some Fun for Everyone on Saturday!!

This Saturday will probably go down in the records as one of the craziest ones ever!  There was so much going on that I barely sat down all day.  Here's a quick recap . .

The morning started bright and early with Savannah's 5k,a culminating activity for her running club.  We did great despite the super hilly course.

Running club kids with Coach Diane pre-race

After the race Savannah and I rushed around running several errands before heading home to pick up Coach Dave and Preston for his final soccer game.   Unfortunately he will miss the team's last game next week as he'll be on a Y Guides adventure . . but thankfully Coach Gus decided to move the party to this week since so many kids are going to be out the final week.

Preston attacking the ball

And he scores!!

Check out that look of determination

He scores again!

Cole, Hamilton, Knox, and Preston church soccer buddies

It was a blow out in terms of scoring as the other team didn't score one goal. :(  Our boys had a blast and did a great job despite the hot morning.

After soccer we ran a few more errands (think shoe shopping, Harris Teeter, etc) and then went home for lunch.  Before we knew it, it was time for the babysitter to come so that Dave and I could go to a wedding uptown. We were cutting it close, but made it in time for the 5:00 wedding at the Ritz Carlton.  I had never been to a wedding so small, but they spared no expense for sure.

Dinner at the Town & Country Ford table :)

The couple had a game room set up opposite the dance floor for those who wanted to play.  There was ring toss, corn hole, and a place to take pictures.  It was a fabulous night and a great date too!

Savannah's 3rd Grade Field Day

Savannah helping her team in tug of war!

Today was the long awaited annual field day.  PSE does it differently than most schools and actually buses kids off campus to a YMCA field for an entire day of field day.  Savannah was especially excited this year because once you're in 3rd grade you have a LOT more freedom at field day.  In the past, you had to travel in assigned groups in a particular order and switch stations when the horn sounded.  However, this year they just gave each kid a punch card and after they had at least tried every station they could repeat any one they wanted . . . and hang out with who they wanted . . and basically have a day of freedom to play outside with their friends.  This is also the first year that prizes were awarded so things became a bit more competitive.  :)

I volunteered for the entire morning while Preston was in school . . . and boy was it an awesome day for field day!  The weather was perfect and the kids were all super well behaved.  Savannah headed to the hula hoop station first and after 30 straight minutes of hula hooping they called time and she was awarded a first place ribbon with the 5 other girls that also accomplished the amazing feat.

After the individual stations the kids all sat down for class verses class races.  Each kid had chosen two activities to participate in.   Savannah was able to play in tug of war and the spoon race, both of which Mrs. Langeland's class took second place in!

It was a fun day and especially nice for Savannah as she brought home a first place ribbon and two second place ribbons . . and got to come home early with me too.  A fun way to start the weekend for sure.

Mother's Day Art Show

My place at the table with lots of gifts!

Preston's hanging artwork

Me with sweet Preston and my lollipop corsage

One of the morning's highlights was watching him draw a portrait of me.  He took a long time carefully selecting each color and really thinking about the picture.  We were both so proud of his finished product.

Trying to get the crazy curly hair right is hard!

The artist at work

Preston's finished portrait

Silly picture

I guess you never know what they are going to say . . . 

Wednesday before Mother's Day Preston's class planned a big Mother's Day art show, which he kept as secret as he could in the days beforehand.  I have to say that it was one of the most precious gifts I received to spend a couple of hours with my little man being loved on.  His teachers did such a great job with the breakfast food, carefully selected art work, handmade gifts, songs, and their kind words.  I'm a words of affirmation kind of girl so to hear his teacher, Miss Melissa, talk about how this is her best class ever and that it was because we were such great moms really made my heart feel good.  She read a super sweet book that brought tears to my eyes . . just thinking about all of the lasts that are happening wayyyy too fast.

TK class 2014-2015

So I've officially had my last Mother's Day celebration at WEE school . . and with only two weeks left of school, that is surely something to make me cry!