Preparing for the Last Day

My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass.  I want to hold on longer, I want to recognize your lasts...Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.   Karen Kingsbury

The year went by so very quickly.  I will send my children off today as a kindergartner, third grader, and fifth grader.  They will return home as a first grader, fourth grader, and MIDDLE SCHOOLER!!!  I plan to savor this last day of elementary school with Braydon.

I am so very grateful for all the teachers at Haverhill that worked so hard to make the transition to their new school as smooth as possible.  I appreciate their investment in my children's emotional and academic being.  I put together some fun gifts for those special people today!

For the classroom teachers :)

For all the special area teachers that also poured into my boys this year!

I switched my day off this week so that I could be part of this day with my children.  I'm looking forward to taking them Subway for lunch and enjoying Zesto's after school with some close friends :)

Friends savor today!  Take time to celebrate and hold onto this day with your children!  As you look ahead and dream of days that haven't come to pass, don't miss today's sweet precious last!!!

Dinner Theater - Beauty and the Beast!

For fourteen years, I watched the fifth grade plays at school and felt such pride watching my previous students up on the stage performing!  It was always so wonderful to see how mature "my" kids had gotten  since kindergarten.  This year I wasn't the teacher in the audience, I was the mom and WOW, I am bursting with pride!  Where do I begin?!?!?!

Braydon has grown up so quickly this year.  For the past two months, he has set his own alarm and gotten up early every day on his own!!!  He gets dressed, makes his breakfast, and gathers his items needed for the day.  He has exhibited such grown up independence!  This in itself, makes me proud of him!

The past few weeks, I had been spending time at the school preparing all the props for the Beauty and the Beast production.  The first time that I saw Braydon on stage performing as Maurice, Belle's father, I was in awe.  He was really good, no bias here of course!!!  Seriously though, he spoke clearly and audibly.  He seemed very comfortable on the stage!

Then, tonight to see my young man in full costume, just made my hurt burst with joy!!  He had a large fan club in the audience.  Six grandparents, Brothers, Friends of the Family, and Neighbors.  I am so grateful for the people that poured into Braydon this evening.  What a special and beautiful night for him to remember :)

I must say, to see him dressed and act like a father, made my heart skip a beat!  I'm watching my son grow up very quickly but I'm SO very excited for him!!!  We embraced the dinner theater as a celebration of the elementary years!  His time is almost complete and I'm choosing to celebrate that with him!  He's ready to move on to bigger responsibilities, more independence, and freedom!

As proud as I am of Braydon's stage performance tonight, I was just as proud of his kind spirit that he exhibited.  On the way home he was telling me, in a matter of fact way, that he would be praying for a friend to feel better before the next performance on Thursday.  He shared with me their conversation and the words of encouragement that he spoke.  That's my boy!!!  Then, he was concerned about two adults and the words that were spoken between them... he was very concerned for the one adult.... again, his words were encouraging and so very grown up!  The conversation then lead to Braydon sharing that one of the cast members had messed up on one of the songs.  Braydon said that no one in the audience would have even known but the fifth graders knew because of how much they had memorized all the parts.  He said that this cast member was ready to cry but that the kids were building him up and he felt much better!  Lastly, Braydon thanks me for all the work I did with the props...  Braydon, I am SO VERY PROUD of the man you are becoming!  My heart is full... you've made me proud to be your mom!  I know that the Lord has great plans for you.  I am truly honored that He has allowed me to take the front seat in the journey.  I love you buddy!  I'm proud of you!  I believe in you always!

Maurice, Belle's Father
Beauty and the Beast 

Haverhill Elementary
Fifth Grade Dinner Theater

Reflections from Mother's Day in Kindergarten

I heard Rylan when he was waking up this morning and he was whispering to himself, "It's mommy day, It's mommy day!"  Then, my bedroom door swung open and my sweet little man came running in to announce that it was "Mommy's Day"!!!  He was so keyed up.  He got all dressed up for this special day!  My attire was complete when I put on a beautiful pin that Rylan made me last year in preschool :)

Upon arriving at school this afternoon, the moms were waiting outside the kindergarten room looking at the artwork.  The kids wrote about their moms and drew a picture.  I first looked at the pictures and picked out the one that I thought was Rylan's.  I knew it was his after I started reading!!!  Oh, how this made me smile!

The teacher had the kids come out in the hallway and walk us into the room!  Rylan held my hand and pulled out my chair for me... so sweet!  The kids sang us two Mother's Day songs...

Then, we were invited to enjoy a few snacks.  However, we were to be treated as queens and the children had to serve the mom's.  So, Rylan went off to gather my plate.  Again, so sweet!

While we were finishing up our food that the children had prepared for us, the teacher presented some awards.  Each mom was awarded a beautiful flower pen for what she does the best.  It was our turn... "Rylan's mom is the best at being a church teacher!"  Rylan was grinning from ear to ear... he was so very proud!

To top off the afternoon, we were given a Mother's Day gift... a Kindergarten handprint!  I LOVE this!!!  I made these for my kindergarteners and I was so very pleased to have one for my little man!  I will cherish it always :)

The day together was beautiful!  I awoke this morning with a prayer of great thanksgiving.  A year ago today, I had a sub filling in for me for the Mother's Day tea because I had taken a medical leave just two days prior.  The day after the tea party last year, Bryce was admitted to the hospital and Jeff was gone for six weeks due to business.  One year ago, I was suffering... I was weak... I was broken... Today, I am healed... I am strong... I am full of joy!!!!  The Lord stood by my side and held me up.  It took several months of pain and sadness but I can honestly say, a year later, I am grateful for the journey!  Seeing the big picture now of what God had planned during all of that pain, makes me smile!  I love sharing my testimony... I love where God has lead me... Yes, today was wonderful and beautiful!  I woke up today with a healthy family, a wonderful new career, and a stronger faith... Wow!

If you are struggling today, I pray that you reach for the Lord's hand... he will lead if you surrender.  It may not be the answer that you understand but take his lead, He WILL comfort you, He DOES love you...
Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!

Faith Date with Rylan!

For Valentine's Day this year, I gave each of my boys a bottle of Crush soda with a coupon attached.

The coupon granted each kiddo a "Faith Date" with mom.  

So, considering we are moving into mid April, I decided I better get these dates started!  Yes, no mom award here... 2 months late!!!  

Rylan and I went to Ziano's for dinner.  He loves to draw and you can draw on the table cloth there!  Rylan loves fettuccine alfredo and bread... Not to mention, this is my favorite restaurant!!! Yummo :)

While we were waiting for our food, I gave Rylan a gift...

He wasn't expecting a present...

Yay!!!  His very own big boy Bible!!!  AND his name is printed on the front!

He wanted to touch God's words...  He was so very proud of his new Bible :)

Our food was brought to our table.  So, we prayed together, then ate together and talked together...

We talked about me no longer being a teacher and my new role in ministry.  We talked about God, in kindergarten words of course :)  He wanted to know how many more days until church when he could carry his Bible into his classroom.  I told Rylan that I like to write in my Bible and we decided to look up this month's memory verse and underline it.  Wow... thank you Rylan for a perfect date!

... Thanking God tonight for choosing me to be Rylan's mom... Thankful for God's Word, for the stories in the Bible.  I pray that Rylan will begin talking more to God, opening his Bible more, and being "the light" to others... 


While we were waiting for our bill.  Rylan wrote on the table cloth and told me to read it.  I did as he asked and then he pointed to me and said, "I love you, mom!"  This was certainly a successful first Faith Date...

Rylan - the Sunshine Friend

I got Rylan a special Mickey ribbon to wear for the day!

It was FINALLY Rylan's turn to be the Sunshine Friend in his Kindergarten class.  Since the beginning of the school year, a different student each week has been assigned to be the "special" friend for the week.    Rylan has been very patient... his week was March 19-23.  His week started out with some fun Disney cookies for snack time :)  Rylan was able to sit in the special chair all week during Circle Time.  He got to hang pictures of him and our family on the Sunshine Friend bulletin board.  His friends liked the picture of our doggie, Grace, the best :)  Rylan got to be the line leader for the week... that was a biggie!

The highlight of the week for him and me, was on Friday.  I went into his class to read a story to his friends.  Rylan chose "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Chick" by Lucille Colandro.  Rylan's class had already read several versions of this book this year.

It was wonderful to be back in a classroom rocking chair with kinders at me feet!  I loved talking with the kids and making connections to the other versions of this story.  I loved the predictions that they were making about the end of the story as well.  It was easy to jump back into "teacher mode".  I had so much fun AND Rylan was pretty proud about his momma being in the rocking chair.

I decided to make a fun snack to go along with the story... carrots!  Rylan was SOOO excited about this special treat!  He was over the moon on this special day :)  I'm thankful that the Lord calmed my nerves on Thursday evening to take the time out and make these special treats.  I was in the scurry mode of packing and preparing for our Disney trip for the following day.  I almost didn't send the email to Rylan's teacher to schedule my visit.  I'm ever so grateful that I took the time to treasure my son this week!

Baskets full of Carrots!

Cheese Ball Carrot :)

Ready to pass out his snack to his friends!

Today was such a highlight in the days of kindergarten for Rylan!  The Lord is Amazing!  I believe that He knew the right timing for me to step away from my teaching career and enter ministry.  He chose the year that I had a kindergartener!!!  Although I walked away from my Kindergarten Classroom, I have been able to live Kindergarten through my child this year!!!  This has been wonderful timing, indeed!

Lord, thank you for this easy transition!  Thank you for the joy of kindergarten!  Thank you for calming me during this week and allowing me to treasure my youngest son!  Thank you, dear Jesus, for your perfect timing!  I am in awe... 

Regional Science Fair Results...

It has been a long day but joyous indeed! We packed a bag for Rylan with his coloring book, new crayons, DSi, and a few snacks. We headed out at 8am this morning to attend the Regional Science Fair at the Athletics Center at IPFW.  Rylan looked so grown up today... how did that happen?!?!  During our drive, we discussed his project again... It had been a few weeks since the completion of his project and the school's science fair.  Once we arrived, he went straight to his spot and was super proud :)

Rylan sat at his project for over an hour.  He was interviewed by three different groups of people.  I love watching the kindergarteners in this competition... they are not stressed, just happy to share their project with others.  As I sat and watched my youngest child being interviewed, I took time to treasure that moment.  My first thought was sadness... I wanted to freeze time, slow life down more!  However, my heart began to change as I sat there... I began to feel great joy and peace.  I was watching my baby grow up.  He is turning into a mature young boy with great adventures ahead.  I found myself thanking God for allowing me the opportunity to walk alongside this young man and calling him my own.  My heart was full...

One of the interviews

The kindergarteners were dismissed at 10:15am.  Rylan and I left and walked to the van, hand-in-hand, cherishing this day together.

We returned to the exhibits this afternoon to attend the awards ceremony.  There were 200 elementary exhibits this year.

Rows and Rows of Experiments

The kindergarteners were awarded first... Rylan received 3rd place.  He was so nervous up on the stage... he is a very humble young man who doesn't like to be in the spotlight.

Kindergarten Winners!

With his 3rd place ribbon!

We continued to watch the program, celebrating with all the other winners.  It came time for some extra awards at the end.  Rylan was selected as one of the winners for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  This honor included a $25 award.  This was true happiness for my little man!  He knew immediately that he wanted to save the award for our upcoming Disney trip :)  I was one proud mommy!!!

Society of Manufacturing Engineer Winners!

Wow... what a day!  I'm left tonight thinking about what my young man will become in the future... will he follow in his daddy's footsteps and go after engineering.  A possibility after today!

Rylan, no matter what path you choose in the future, I pray that you will be a man of God.  I pray that you will use the gifts that He has gifted you with.  I pray that you will continue to walk humbly, show mercy, and love your God with all your heart.  My sweet Ry, if you continue that, you will be a true winner!

He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  
Micah 6:8

Disney Countdown!

We are 18 days from our departure to Disney World!  Counting down the days has started!  We are using the money that I earned from my TeacherPalooza Sale this past August to pay for this trip.  We are SO very excited to be taking the boys back to Disney.  It has been three years... Rylan was only 3 when we went last.  This time we won't be dealing with diapers or strollers... YAHOO!!!  I've been doing so much reading and planning for our trip.  I decided to create a countdown for my boys.  I went to Lowe's and purchased an 18 drawer hardware organizer.  I decorated the front of each box with Disney paper and numbers 1-18.

Each day the boys will take turns opening a box, starting TODAY... 18 days before we leave!  Inside each box is a Fun Fact and a Disney goodie for each of them!!!

I wrapped each goodie in tissue paper because it would be way too easy to peek in the drawers!!!  This keeps the goodies more hidden :)

Some of the Treasures :)

I've listed below the special notes and in parenthesis is the contents of each box... (Not sure how to create a link, so I've just copied and pasted)... I tried to include where I purchased the items in case you are interested in doing the same thing sometime :)  I can't wait for the kids to wake up and open their first box!!!

Check out a weather app for an update on the weather forecast for Orlando, FL for the upcoming week!  We will need to pack the sunscreen, a sunstick, headache medicine, car sickness meds, and band-aids, just in case!

(Mickey Band-aids from Walgreens)

Did you know that Disney does NOT sell gum in any of its parks?  This is because it is a total nightmare to scrape up every night ... which is done, by the way.  

(Pack of gum)

Straws, balloons, and cup lids are not used at the Animal Kingdom park to protect its inhabitants from potential choking hazards.  

(Mickey punch balloons from Wal-Mart)

I can’t wait to visit the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” play area, especially when you climb the stairs between the Super Soaker and the slide coming out of a roll of film.  At the top of the stairs you’ll find a giant-sized dog nose.  When you put your hand in front of the nostril, the dog sniffs!  Be careful - you may even get wet!!!  Ewwww!  

Speaking of a dog, there is a goodie for Grace today!  I’ve hid it in the clothes dryer... go find it! We will give this to her when we drop her off at the kennel. 

(Mickey Mouse dog toy - Walgreens)

We will drive our van to Disney.  There is a boat that will take us from our Port Orleans Riverside hotel to Downtown Disney.  Every day we will take a bus from our hotel to each of the parks.  We will be able to ride the Disney Test Track in Epcot too!

(Disney Matchbox cars... ordered on Ebay!)

We will enjoy three character meals on our trip.  Chef Mickey, Pooh & Friends, and Chip & Dale.

Go find our Disney Bingo game for a family game to help us freshen up on all the Disney characters!!!

(DVD Disney Bingo - put some of the Mickey Bingo Markers in the drawer) 

We will be packing food for our breakfasts each day.  We will eat breakfast in our hotel room.  We will eat lunch and dinner in the parks.

We are having Mickey pancakes for breakfast this morning!!!

(Borrowing a Mickey pancake maker from a friend!)

The Fab Five Characters are... Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

(Spinning Tops with the characters - Dollar Tree)

Did you know that if we purchase anything in Disney World at any store, the store will send it to our hotel room free!  We won’t have to carry it around all day!  What souvenir do you think you want?!?!

(Disney Gift Card - Walgreens)

It will take 18 hours to get to Disney World.  We are going to need lots of snacks for the car ride!

We are going to make Mickey cookies today to take with us!!!

(I got these at Valentine’s day... they are premade dough with a heart center.  In the heart is Mickey ears...soooo cute!)

Each of us will get one snack each day in every park with our “Key to the World” Card.  It might be ice cream, slushie, cookie, or a drink. :) 

Here are some Disney fruit snacks for now to hold you over until our trip!!!

(Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fruit snacks Wal-Mart)

The four most referenced movies at Disney are the Fabulous Four... Aladdin, Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, and the Lion King.  Tonight is movie night... Go find Aladdin!

(mini packages of popcorn)

All of the really popular rides have a FASTPASS available.  This is a ticket that you can get to reserve a time to come back to the ride and not have to wait to get on it!  These necklaces, called lanyards, will be to hold your FASTPASS tickets!  You don’t want to loose the ticket!

(Ordered Disney Lanyards on Ebay with plastic holders for the FASTPASSes... the lanyards will also be for tomorrow’s prize... trading pins!)

The Disney crew members trade pins with kids.  You can trade one of your pins for one of their pins!  Here is your starter set! 

(I ordered 10 pins for each of my boys on Ebay)

Did you know that there are 46 MILLION Cokes consumed each year at Disney World and 7 MILLION hamburgers, 5 MILLION hot dogs, 5 MILLION POUNDS of French Fries, and 265 POUNDS of popcorn?!?!?!  Wow!!!!

Tonight we have a Mickey dinner date with the Hansen family!  

(Our dear friends invited us over for a Disney Dinner!  I believe we will get an itinerary upon arrival, eat Disney foods, and watch a behind the Scenes Disney movie! Soooo excited!)

You will each have your own suitcase to take.  Here are luggage tags to put on your suitcases so we don’t get them mixed up!

(Luggage Tags that were sent with our vacation confirmation letter!)

Our hotel features an old-fashioned Fishin’ Hole!  It has catfish, blue gill and bass.  We will get cane fishing poles and hot dogs for bait!  I can’t wait to go fishin’!!!

Let’s play Disney “Go Fish” today :)

(Pack of Disney “Go Fish” cards from the Dollar Tree... we are staying in the Port Orleans Riverside Resort)

Tomorrow is the Big Day!!!!  We leave for Disney, Whoooooppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!  You each have a special surprise for our van ride... Go check it out!!!!!