Savannah's School Birthday Celebration

Savannah & Katie

Today we celebrated Savannah's birthday at school, exactly one week before her real birthday!  It was a special day that daddy came for too. We enjoyed lunch with her BFF, Katie, at the special parent table and then handed out cupcakes with purple icing to all of her friends.  Here's to the beginning of a week long celebration . . and then some! :)

When Sissy is Still in School . . .

Preston & Ben with Monkey Joe

Faith's pool party

We are trying our best to stay busy!  This week has been a bit crazy with Savannah's school activities and lots of errands (and a welcomed later Y aerobics routine), but there has also been time for some Preston fun. :)  On Thursday he had a play date with his buddy Ben at Monkey Joe's.  They played super hard for 2 solid hours and then were finally ready for lunch.

Today Preston had a blast at his friend Faith's birthday pool party.  Their TK class was so excited to be reunited for a fun morning of fun.  After that (and a few more errands) we came home for lunch and I sent Preston to his room to rest.  A little later I noticed it was super quiet and sure enough he had fallen asleep.  He slept for a much needed couple of hours.  Only four more days before we're ALL out of school!!!!

2015 Celebration of Nations ~ Italy Style

Mrs. Langeland's class circle

Savannah & Katie

Today was Savannah's annual Celebration of Nations day at PSE.  This year her class researched Italy and had the cutest outfits . . although those hats didn't stay on very well during their dance. :)  The rain poured right up until the parade started, but once it was show time the skies cleared up and it was cool and overcast for what is usually a scorching hot day.  This is the last year I'll have my little sidekick with me since next year he'll be participating too!  Only 7 days of school to go!!!

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.