Prince of Peace Graduation

Yesterday, May 16, 2012, Rob graduated from preschool.  I got to thinking about childhood graduations for a while.  When I was growing up, I don't remember graduating from anything.  Not that I didn't, but I don't remember any ceremonies or special affairs.  Graduation was reserved for high school and college. 

I can remember at my high school graduation hearing a speaker drone on and on about the true definition of "commencement"--to begin.  And that's when my mind really started processing yesterday's ceremony.

In recent years I have heard about more and more Kindergarten graduations.  But this is a preschool graduation.  Why the subtle change?  Kindergarten is much more aggressive these days.  At the ripe old age of 5 and/or 6 kids are learning to read; write sentences and stories; do math; and have homework.  In a nutshell, Kindergarten is no joke anymore.  Therefore, I totally understand why Rob and his peers graduated from Preschool.  The world of knowledge is about to commence.  Good luck my sweet, sweet little boy.  You will always have a place in my lap as you will always be my baby!

Here are some highlights from the big event (warning, picture overload approaching):

The gang's all here!  They're lined up and ready to begin.

Madison (on left) also graduated from POP 4K yesterday.

One of Rob's soccer teammates Ryan (L) and best buddy Carson (R)

Lily Kate and Rob making their grand entrance.

I really wish I knew what Rob was whispering to Carson here!

There were a few songs before the actually graduation process.  Rob loves performing.  Isn't it obvious?

 

Don't you just know how hard it must be to wait your turn for something as exciting as a diploma and dove pin?

...there he goes!

Rob receiving his diploma from Mrs. Angstadt

Sweet, sweet Ms. Dana who also teared up when hugging my boy.  At this point, you should know that I completely lost it!

I am one proud Mama!

There was a brief reception following the ceremony.  Take a look at the table.  All the graduates received cute beach towels with their names embroidered.  Love it!

The 3 Amigos saying "Hello, Summer!"

Well, that's a wrap!  I was an emotional wreck, but they were happy tears!  I am so proud of my son and I know these next 13 years are going to fly by! But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's enjoy some summer vacation time!   
 

Don't Cry Because It's Over, Smile Because It Happened

Maybe it's because I'm more prone to tears and extreme emotion these days, or maybe it's because I'm me...but I have been so melancholy for about a month or longer.  I cannot believe that Rob's pre-school experience is coming to an end.

There is a famous Dr. Seuss quote that says "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."  I have seen this quote used in true times of sadness like funerals, and also in more sentimental times like graduations and major life changes.  I think it perfectly applies to the Morris life right now.

"Smile because it happened"-- I am definitely smiling.  Rob had just turned 4 and I had just started working for my mom instead of "the real world".  Caroline was 9 months old and knew nothing more than being near me at all times of the day.  Rob had been going to Miss Beth's house as a source of daycare since he was 6 months old.  Miss Beth's was all he knew, but I knew there was so much more out there.  So I sent my child to "big school", hoping he would grow and blossom. (It's funny to think of how my perspective has changed from then to now.)  I felt sad at the thought of leaving Miss Beth's nest, but it was nothing compared to the blues I have now.

Rob on his FIRST 1st Day of Pre-School

I was so thrilled at what I then deemed progress Rob made in a very little time.  He was making friends, he was learning his letters and numbers; he wrote his name; he raised his hand when he needed to say something; and he had routines, dress codes, and real consequences for rules being broken.  He was so proud of himself.  And his warranted pride put a huge smile on Bobby's and my faces. 

Nevertheless, around that December of last year we started hearing talk of Kindergarten.  There are certain traits that Kindergartners must possess and academia is only a partial list.  I don't regret treating Rob like my baby boy.  Bobby may joke that I have "ruined" him sometimes because he is tender-hearted and cautious.  But Rob is Rob.  Those friends he made in Ms Tania's class were all leaders and Rob was definitely the follower.  He would follow them right to trouble.  He had a hard time remembering that "raise-your-hand" lesson because all he'd ever known was a world that revolved around his every need.  Oh, and then there's the fact that our current school system starts so early he'd still be 4 for almost a month after starting Kindergarten.  So we made the decision to retain him.

"Smile because it happened"--yep.  I have been smiling all year this year.  Retaining Rob and repeating 4K was a great decision for us.  Rob has become a leader.  His self confidence has deepened but has also been validated by the ability to make good choices.  He is the leader in his classroom, but he accepts that responsibility and knows that he has to model manners, generosity, and honesty.

Rob on his LAST 1st Day of Pre-School

We were lucky to have not just Ms. Tania last year, but also Ms. Dana this year...both teachers have been great!  Their warmth, Christianity, and dash of spunk have mixed well to bring out only the best in Rob. 

"Don't cry because it's over"--At one point this year Rob said to me that he wanted to do the 4's just one more time.  I laughed and told him that he had to move on to Kindergarten.  When Kindergarten was a year away or 6 months away it was this great mecca of progress that we anticipated.  Now it is just 2 1/2 months away and there is no more pre-school to distract us from the inevitable.  We have had the best experience possible at Prince of Peace.  So good that it's blocking my ability to imagine loving any school as much.

I have been a mess lately.  I know it may be my raging hormones (remember I just entered my 3rd trimester of pregnancy).  I cried the other night at our great, big, local public school meeting for upcoming Kindergartners.  Currently Rob is in one of three classes with a total of 40 students.  This fall he will be in one of 14 classes with a total of 280+ students.  I feel like I am throwing him into the middle of the ocean with no lifeboat in sight.  Luckily we live in a great area with a fabulous school system.  But try telling that to my sadness.

Yesterday and today I cried in carpool.  Hard.  Crocodile tears.  Tomorrow is graduation and even though it's being held in our church I'm considering large dark sunglasses as a fashion statement.  My first born is no longer my baby by any stretch of the imagination.  I am so proud of him!  But please allow me a couple more days to be crazy.

This pre-school experience may be over but I know in my heart it's making way for some real, true progress to begin.  Rob is so hungry for knowledge and culture.  Forgive me, Dr. Seuss.  I am crying right now because it's over.  But I am trying to remind myself to smile because the future is about to really transform my son into the young man he is destined to become.

Stay tuned for a Graduation post tomorrow...

Swimming Into Summer

Whew...the days are flying by for me these days!  Since my last post, I have been going non-stop.  Do you ever feel like you just want to hit "pause" on life and take a breather?

So what's been going on?  Well I am now 24 weeks pregnant.  Baby #3 is here and he has no name, no bedroom, and no place yet of his own for me to start stockpiling supplies.  However, in the long run, I know that doesn't matter.  What matters is that he is healthy, I am healthy, and God's plan for bringing this li'l surprise into our lives will prevail.  Here's a belly shot just in case you (like me) are still having a hard time with the fact that, yes, our family is actually going to expand in a few months:

The other day my dryer just died. Total flatline! I really hate being a grown-up and having to handle things like this.  Nevertheless, Bobby and I went to Lowe's and picked out these beauties below:

We didn't go with anything fancy. No front loading machines and very few bells and whistles. What we did instead was factor in how much laundry a family of 5 produces. We chose a trusty Whirlpool that should last 8-12 years with proper care and maintenance. We also chose one that can be paid off in 6 months or less with no interest! Hey, what can I say?

My mom has taken on another line, and as her "office assistant" / PA I have been working non-stop for her lately.  It's great, actually.  She is actually starting to see all of this hard work paying off, but somehow with this new line I ended up on the delivery address for samples.  So at any given time, my front porch looks like this:

With the weather warming up, we have been spending a lot of time outside lately.  It's great, actually.  I am glad that my kids are loving the outdoors rather than being fixtures on a sofa or rug.  So at any given time, we are all hanging out doing some variation of this below:

But geez...did I mention I'm getting very pregnant? If the kids are going to be outside as much as I think they are going to wanna be this summer, I need some respite from this good ol' Alabama heat and humidity. Therefore, last weekend I broke down and came home with this little beauty below:



I haven't gotten in it yet, but I can see myself sitting in there and letting the kids splash and play all summer.  The kids love it!  They have been playing and swimming in it several times this past week.  Check 'em out:

Speaking of all things water, Rob is keeping this family so busy!  He still plays soccer, although this Saturday is his last game.  His 4K school year is wrapping up and May is not going to end quietly.  There are mommy-and-me picnics, graduation practices, and meetings for upcoming Kindergartners.  On top of everything else, he has started taking swimming lessons at our local YMCA.  He loves it, but it's M-Th from 6:45 - 7:25.  So by the time we get home, take a bath, and settle down for bedtime, it's already morning and wake-up time!  Sheesh!  Busy, busy.  Here are some shots from this past week's swim lessons:

So, there you have it.  We are swimming into summer full speed ahead!  I think perhaps when baby #3 gets here we will look back on these days and long for the "free time" we had!  But right now I just can't imagine how we will fit it all in!
 

Prince of Peace Will Rock You!

  
Rob's 4th (and final) musical show was last Thursday at Prince of Peace.  In the fall, they always do a Thanksgiving-themed show (read about them here).  In the spring it varies.  This year's theme was Rock and Roll.  It was so cute!  The show was followed by an art show in their classrooms where their art was on display.

 All of the kids carried inflatable guitars.  Clearly (above) nerves were not affecting him at all.

 In the picture above, that's Rob not looking at me...arg!

Photo below, how cute is the gym with its Rock-N-Roll decorations?

For the 4s' "Finale" song, they sang the Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand".  I love this shot above.  Ah, the innocence of young friendships!

Rob standing proudly amidst his art.

Rob and Ms. Dana.  We have been so blessed by her as a teacher this year!

Buddies Rob and Carson!

Play Time, Pilgrims and Pinterest Success!

Kind of a random array of topics today, but I wanted to tell y'all about some things that have all been a raging success:

Last night was our first installment of nightly family time.  For one hour each night after dinner we have decided to turn off the TV, etc. and just spend quality time together.  Rob chose our activity... Candyland. 

Tonight we played with Legos.  Li'l less productive, but still very much togetherness.  I must say I'm loving this new addition to our daily routine.  It seems like the "right" thing to do, you know?

Today was the Fall Festival at Prince of Peace.  The 3's dressed as Indians and the 4's were Pilgrims.  As you may know this is Rob's 2nd year in the 4's and we still do not regret that decision.  It's funny to participate in class / do this program as a repeat and see how Rob is handling the nerves better with a year's maturity. 

POP Fall Program 2010

POP Fall Program 2011

Okay, wow, he has grown a foot!  He's several inches taller than the 2nd tallest in his class.  But also, look how wide open his mouth is this year.  He is far less timid; rather he relishes activity and attention.  You've just gotta check this out:

Lastly, I am so addicted to Pinterest!  What, you haven't heard of it?  Well, come out from under your rock and request an invitation.  Then follow my boards.  Anyhoo, I "pinned" this scrumptious sounding dinner recently.  Guess what we had for dinner tonight?

Crockpot Italian Chicken (source)

It was every bit as good as I predicted.  Some of you have blogged about your curiosity of successful pins.  Trust me, this was great.  The only change I would make is to the sauce.  To me, serving it over pasta calls for more sauce.  So the next time I make it, I may double the cheese and soup requirements, while adding an additional Italian spice packet to retain the flavor.  But I would classify this with you all in your "Pinterest Success" columns.

Fun On The Farm

This week in Rob's Pre-K classroom, they are studying the letter "F".  So it's appropriate that they would go to a Farm on their 1st Field trip!  Aren't you Filled with Fantastic anticipation? 

 

Josie's Place in Warrior, AL was the setting for this event and let me tell you, the kiddos were just so darn cute!  All the kids were transported by their own families -- no school buses in private school!  However, for that reason, families (i.e. siblings and grandparents were invited as well). 

First stop was the "instructions" phase. Guess something was funny about this:

 Look at all the kids!  There are three (3) 4's classes at POP:

 We learned that Josie's Place was named in honor of the family's beloved horse Josie who is now only a memory.  This is their oldest living horse and I can't remember his name.  But the kids all got to give this ol' guy a little treat!

I don't know why, but this picture below just screamed "Put me in black and white!"

   

 Rob says R.B. is his favorite buddy in class and watching them play together made it obvious.  He's also a sweet kid!  After "horse school" it was time to see the chickens, roosters, turkeys, etc.  The kids each got to hold one chicken named Mr. Silky:

 The farmer's wife and our sweet hostess for the day was Ms. Brenda.  She explained that if the kids wanted to go inside the barn to visit the goats, sheep, pig, and baby calf, they all had to wear plastic gloves whether they planned to feed these animals or not.  So, glove-up 4's!

There was an old log cabin on the premises and the kids got a quick lesson on how people lived before all of our modern conveniences.  They discussed old wash-boards and water-well pumps.  It was very informative!  Rob even got to pump some water from the well!  They also shucked their own corn using a corn grinder-thingy built in 1901.  (Clearly I stopped paying attention when the actual machine's name was called.)

At long last, it was time for the Fun!  After "horse school", "barn feeding", and "farm chores" the kids loaded up for a hayride!

I couldn't help myself.  While Rob was riding around, I found a pumpkin and hay display which was calling Caroline's name.  So we did this:

 No, Caroline did not get to ride a horse.  But she did sit in a saddle perched upon a low log.  Clearly she's a cowgirl at heart.  She loved it!

After a picnic lunch, we took our exhausted 4's home.  They had a blast.  I think Fall is turning into our Favorite Festive time Frame!  Gosh, I love the letter F!!!