Kindergarten Graduation

Friday was Tyler's Kindergarten Celebration aka Graduation. I'm not sure why schools don't call it graduation anymore but to us the celebration marked his graduation. Rob, mom and I attended the party and were so proud of Tyler! The graduates sang "What a Beautiful World" for us and it truly was beautiful. The students were called up to read "What I Want to be When I Grow Up" or "What I Love". Tyler was a little shy and unable to read what he had written so Mrs. Christopher read it for him. He wants to be an athlete when he grows up because he thinks it would be cool and fun. After more encouragement Tyler was able to read "What I Love" to the audience. It was so cute and sweet. The kids had a great time eating pizza and ice cream and signing each other's autograph books.
When I look back at the past school year I am amazed at the growth. Not only in Tyler but also in myself. We have entered yet another "club" in life - the kids' in school club. I had to adjust to a hectic schedule because tardies are not allowed in grade school. I had to learn how to deal with a son's hurt and fear when faced with bullies at school. I've learned how to constantly lean on God for support and guidance in raising our children in this world.
So much growth happens in Kindergarten - perhaps more than in any other year of school. Tyler entered Kindergarten able to read only a few words and ended reading books. His handwriting is in my opinion perfect and he has really progressed as an artist. He surprised us by memorizing his final poem on his own. We kept forgetting to practice it until one day he came home with a note from his teacher saying he wanted to surprise us and worked on it at school. Tyler excelled in every subject and has really matured this year. We will miss his wonderful teacher Mrs. Christopher and are so thankful he was blessed to have her.

No Longer a Frog

On May 10th, Ryan had his preschool graduation. All the "frogs" in Ms. Tina's class lined up with their caps on and patiently waited to receive their diploma. When it was Ryan's turn, there was slight pause. He jokingly refused to hug Ms. Tina, instead offering knuckles. Finally a big hug and kiss were exchanged and Ryan was all smiles. He is such a jokester. The graduates and parents enjoyed a pizza lunch and cake while watching a slideshow from the year. Ryan had fun playing with his friends and getting his goodie bag.
As I write this, Fellowship Child Development Center is no longer. They closed their doors after the school year ended. Sweet Ms. Tina, who has either Tyler or Ryan in her class for the last three years is headed to Kentucky. We are so blessed to have had her as a teacher for our boys and are thankful for all her love and care.
We are still deciding where Ryan will go to school next year. His birthday falls 10 days after the cut-off for most schools but we have found Adams, an excellent charter school with a cut-off in December. We are on a waiting list for Adams but also excited about a Stepping Stones Preschool. Ryan is exceptionally intelligent and although his teachers all feel he is ready for kindergarten, we may let him enjoy one more year of preschool before kindergarten. We decided that for Tyler and feel it was a wonderful decision with no regrets. We're asking God to show us His plan for Ryan.