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!

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... 

Science Fair

Science Fair... the time of year that I cringe and yet smile.  I smile in anticipation of choosing project ideas.  I cringe during the gathering of materials and preparations for the projects.  I smile while watching the kids in the discovery mode while conducting their experiments.  I cringe when working on the boards!  I smile while conducting mock interviews with my children.  Yes, the Science Fair is certainly a roller coaster of feelings every year.  I'm on the smiling end at this moment :) 

Bryce enjoys throwing things down from our loft.  Therefore, we chose a parachute experiment for him.  His question... Which shape of parachute floats the best?  In case you are wondering, the hexagon shape floated the longest.  The triangle shape floated down the fastest... yikes!  

We chose an experiment with shapes and counting for Rylan.  We love going to the lake in the summer, so his question was... What shape of boat will float the best?  He used pennies and aluminum boats that we created to test this out.  We were very surprised with our findings... we thought the triangle boat would float the best because that is the shape that we see the most of at our lake... row boat, sail boat, speed boat.  However, the triangle sank first!!!  The oval actually did the best.  Our conclusion... the triangle shape must be better for speed but for floating it is better to have a shape with more of a surface.  Great stuff :)

There were three moments that made me smile today in preparation for the judging.  The first was with Rylan during our mock interview.  I asked him to tell me how he made the boats and he said, "with foil."  I told him that he needed to be more specific with his talking.  He needed to elaborate more... so, I asked him again... tell me how you made the boats and his response "with ALUMINUM foil!"  I just cracked up... he DID elaborate... LOL!  The second funny moment of the morning was in the van on the way to school and I'm reminding the boys to talk as much as they can about their projects.  I told them that they can't talk too much with this kind of thing.  Bryce says with a cute little grin, "Wow Mom, I bet you did awesome in the science fair!"  Why, I ask... "because you LOVE to talk... you talk ALL the time!"  Both of my boys gave me giggles today :)  Lastly, I practiced with the kids how to hold out their hand for a handshake and to say, "Hi my name is Rylan Hathaway, it is nice to meet you."  This was awesome... Rylan kept getting the giggles.  Both boys gave me wet noodle handshakes... oh my!  So we practiced manly, firm handshakes.  Oh yes, that was precious.  I truly wish I could have witnessed them in action with the judges...

It was time to load up the van and head to school.  I dropped them off and prayed for them on my way to work.

I was teaching a Parenting class at church this evening and was unable to attend the Science Fair Open House and Awards Ceremony.  However, afterwards we had planned to meet at YoYo's to celebrate the hard work that they had put forth.  I got out of the van and two little boys came running at me with medals around their necks and smiles from ear to ear!  Yes, this was a significant moment in their life :)  They were so truly proud!  I couldn't wait to hear all the details...  

Bryce was a Science Fair winner and will be taking his project to Science Central on Sunday, March 18th for an exhibit in the afternoon.  Rylan was a Regional winner and will be taking his project to IPFW on Saturday, March 17th.  

Although this was a beautiful day for my children... the highlight of my day was when I told the kids to put their medals in a safe place before bed and they could wear them to school tomorrow, Bryce says, "Mom, I am just going to take mine in my bag... I don't want to make the people that didn't win feel bad.  I remember when Braydon won and I didn't and how sad I was."  Wow Bryce... I'm more proud of you for your spirit than anything else!  Yes, we are proud of ALL the kids that participated in the Science Fair this year.  For all of those sweeties that have a heavy heart tonight... we truly believe that you are amazing! Congratulations Haverhill students... you are ALL winners :)

5th Grade Halloween

I have to be honest.... I got a phone call last week that Braydon's class was in need of a room mom because the current room mom had moved away...I really didn't want this job!  With Halloween a week away, I decided to take on the party for the sake of the kid's.  I was a bit overwhelmed last week with all the planning, communicating with parents, purchasing supplies, and making the food.  However, I had SO MUCH FUN!!!  I was back in my teaching mode :)  Braydon called Jeff after school to inform him that the party was "Awesome!"  It was nice to meet other parents and be apart of Braydon's class.  Although it was a long week, it was certainly worth it!

Scary Punch with floating skeleton hand!

Mummy Hot Dogs!  The kids loved these!!!

"Finger" Food - carrots & dip... large carrots created a hand

Witch Fingers - cheese sticks (my mom made these!)

Halloween Parade...Braydon is an 80's Rock Star!

Here comes the kindergartners... Rylan is a soldier!

The third graders are parading... Bryce is a werewolf (against my better judgement!)

Playing "Monster Stomp"  - The kids each had two balloons, one tied to each ankle and they had to stomp each other balloons.  When their balloons were stomped(popped), they were out.  Braydon won in his group :)  The kids loved this!

Enjoying food and friends!

Mommy Date #3 - with Braydon!

It was finally Braydon's turn!  His only request..."Mom, please don't tell people that we are going on a date, just tell them we are hanging out!"  Yep, he's growing up!  This day/evening of "hanging out" was truly fabulous...

We began our date with the purchase of his new shoes.  My 10 year old needed size 10.5...can you believe that?!?!?!!?!  He towers over kids his age...his feet are now bigger than mine!  He is growing up way too fast!  He was thrilled with his choice of shoes and put them on once we got into the car :) 

Then, off to dinner we went!  We ate at the new Quaker Steak and Lube...Braydon was in heaven!  We had eaten at this restaurant chain a few times before so he was truly looking forward to the one in Fort Wayne opening up.  We were seated upstairs...oh so cool!  He took pictures and a video on my phone so that he could go home and show "the brothers and daddy what the inside looked like."  Braydon was trying to be all grown up by trying something new on the menu.  He ordered the mild wings but decided that he wasn't a fan of the wings.  I was proud of him for trying! 

The conversation during our meal was a bit more difficult to digest than my food, to say the least.  As I asked the same questions as my other boys about their upcoming new school, "what are you most nervous about and most excited about?"  Braydon's response...with sad eyes..."Mom, I'm nervous about everything and I'm excited about nothing...I really don't want to go to a new school."  My heart was heavy...he has been really excited about this transition throughout the entire summer...It wasn't until registration that his feelings changed.  He knows three boys that attend Haverhill and they were all placed in the same classroom and he was placed in a class that he new not one person.  Ugh!  So, here we go...the difficult lesson that I struggle with EVERY day..."Honey, I know this isn't going the way that WE would have wanted but God is in control.  There IS a reason for this placement and although we may not understand, we must have faith that there is a reason.  This transition can be positive if we choose.  It is all about our attitude and trust in the Lord."  I know mom, he says...I'm trying. 

We then hurried off to meet the family at Haverhill Elementary for Rylan's Kindergarten Open House.  We all had fun helping Rylan complete a scavenger hunt by finding all of the special places in his new classroom!  The big boys also wanted to show Jeff their new classrooms as well...it was a nice evening for everyone.  Then, Braydon and I continued "hanging out" together! 

We headed to Target to purchase his remaining school supplies.  He also was able to spend his hard earned money from selling water and chips at my TeacherPalooza sale!  With excitement, he purchased a Pokemon DS game.  He was all smiles :)  Our last stop...Kohl's.  Braydon found a pair of Adidas sliders and black socks that he has been wanting since church camp.  He saw many of the counselors wearing these and he pointed them out to me several times throughout the week.  Too funny!  These counselors impacted Braydon in more ways than one this summer!  Yes, Braydon looked up to them in fashion and their "coolness" but these counselors changed my son's life forever...truly forever!  Braydon gave his heart to Jesus this year and accepted Jesus as his forever friend.  Therefore, I am certain that he will be able to conquer this transition of a new school :)

We were the last customers to leave the store at 11pm...we shopped till will dropped...seriously!  Braydon was SO nervous that we were going to be locked inside of Kohl's for the evening...he was cracking me up!  As we were getting into the van, Braydon says, "Well, that was exciting!"  I thought he was being sarcastic about our late encounter with Kohl's and I asked what he meant.  His response..."Everything...Everything was exciting.  I had fun tonight mom.  Thanks!"  Wowsers...you are welcome, Braydon.  I too had fun...I love you...I'm praying for your first day of school...I'm praying for the teachers and the students that you will encounter throughout the day...I am proud of the young man that you are all too quickly becoming...

Mommy Date #2 - with Rylan!

It was 7:30am and a little boy came running into my room and pulled on my arm, "Mommy, get up!  It's are mommy date day!"  My heart was full and my smile was wide but it was STILL 7:30am!!!!  He climbed in my bed and we talked about where we would eat...IHOP was the place!  Rylan was SO excited...he's my snuggle bug...my youngest...still the baby...always will be the baby!

The kids went to their grandma's for a few hours while I went to some intense physical therapy later in the  morning.  Wowsers...I do mean, intense!  Rylan was telling his cousins about his upcoming "mommy date"...telling his grandma, telling his uncle...he was SO excited!  At this point, I realized just how important this alone time was!  These mommy dates before school are going to be added to our family list of back to school traditions!  Not only are the kids enjoying themselves but I'm enjoying the time together just as much!  It has been hard to carve out three nights of our week but well worth the investment!!!

It was finally time for our date!  Our first stop...IHOP!!!  Good for me, kids eat for free, yahoo!!! 

Again, I loved our dinner conversation.  Rylan is most nervous about not having any friends at school and the possibility of "mean kids, like bullies."  He's worried that he won't be able to remember his teacher's name (Mrs. Menze).  However, he can't wait to ride the school bus with all the kids from our cul-de-sac and he's excited that our neighbor boy, Conner, is in his class!  I told Rylan about the upcoming Kindergarten Open House this Thursday night.  He will get to meet his classmates, find his seat, and play in his classroom.  He got really excited about that...I can't believe that my baby will be in kindergarten!  Yes, oh yes, I will be bringing the tissues!

After dinner, we purchased his new gym shoes at Shoe Carnival.  He picked them out all by himself!  He was so happy with his new neon Nike's that he had to put them on once we got to the van to complete our shopping...what a hoot!  Then, off to Target to find the perfect bookbag.  Of course, Rylan chose one that matched his new shoes...LOL! 

He too, spent his garage sale money in the toy section on a Hot Wheels Stealth Ride toy (just like his brothers)...the highlight of the evening!  One last stop...Gordman's!  Mommy got a few things for her new office at the church!  It was another great evening indeed!  On the way home, Rylan says, "Thanks mommy, I had fun with you!"  His words were spoken with true meaning...oh how I love you, Ry!

Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to raise these three beautiful boys.  I know that I stumble, but I am honored and humbled beyond measure that you chose me for this job...truly, thankful!

Mommy Date #1 - with Bryce!

The past two weeks have truly been exhausting on my part!  Resigning my kindergarten teaching position, signing a children's ministry contract at Emmanuel Community Church, packing up ALL my teaching materials of 15 years, pricing all of those materials, having a TeacherPalooza Sale, and then cleaning up my garage to close this educational door.  During all of this, my children and husband saw very little of me.  The clock continues to tick and school is just around the corner...how can that be????  I'm not ready!!!  I need some quality time with my children!  So, I decided to have mommy dates with my three boys this week.  It is going to take three evenings to get through all of them but it will be treasured  time together, I'm certain!  Tonight was spent with Bryce!

When I woke up this morning, I went into Bryce's room and snuggled with him on his bed and excitedly said, "tonight is date night!!!"  His response..."Aren't I too young for a date?"  He rolled his eyes and gave me that goofy boy look but I could tell that he was excited for the alone time as well.  He looked forward to our time together all day.  Before we left he looked at Jeff and said, "How does it feel to know that your wife is going on a date with another guy?"  Can I just say, this kid is truly a crack up!!!!  He always makes our family giggle...ALWAYS!!!

Our afternoon started at Target to purchase his school supplies.  Bryce had fun choosing colors of notebooks and folders...I enjoyed being able to focus on just HIM!  It was truly joyous!!!  He picked out a huge, colorful umbrella  for those rainy days walking to and from the bus stop.  My kids are looking forward to the big yellow bus!  They never got to ride the bus before because they attended school with me vs. their home school...this is an exciting part of this new school journey!!! 

I also helped him choose a toy that he wanted to purchase with some hard earned garage sale money from selling popsicles for three days at my TeacherPalooza!  Then, off to purchase new gym shoes for school...oh yes, he got some very cool Nike's...he has been wearing them with pride!!!  (They were buy one, get one 1/2 off...I then, had to get a pair of shoes for me too...LOL)!

To finish the evening... dinner at Applebee's.  This was my favorite part!  We had great one-on-one conversation.  He's nervous about making friends at his new school and meeting the special area teachers.  However, he's excited about his new teacher, Mrs. Hopper.  He has heard so many fun stories about her from so many different people!  He also likes that she is into frogs...hop, hop :)  Bryce wanted to attend the church service this morning to see Pastor Stan rather than go to his Sunday School classroom.  So, we talked about the service.  He thought Past Stan looked happy :)  We talked about partaking in communion today...what that was all about. We talked about the songs...we just kept talking...I was in my happy place!!!  Of course we couldn't leave without the mouse/oreo dessert!

Bryce, you have a kind and caring spirit.  You are a gentle boy with a giving attitude.  You easily befriend others.  I pray that others embrace you in this new school.  I am proud to by your mom and I loved being on a date with you!  Dear Jesus, help calm Bryce's fears as the big day approaches.  Give him peace...place friends and teachers in his path that will provide him a smooth transition.  Amen

Savoring The Last!

I awoke this morning with enthusiasm to head out and enjoy the oodles of garage sales that were in our area today.  However, when Rylan got dressed this morning, we were discussing that today was his last day.  He got so excited as we began the kindergarten discussion!  The words began to sink in...my baby is growing up...this season of preschool that I've been part of for the past 8 years, is coming to an end.  My morning took a completely different path.  I know longer worried about which garage sale I was going to go to first to find the best deals...but switched to "Savoring This Last Moment" with Rylan.  I walked my young man into preschool rather than dropping him off through carpool.  I then went home and pulled out his "Graduation Book."  I have a book titled, Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury.  This book is all about hanging onto the "last" moments.  I sat down and wrote a short note to Rylan in his book on the preschool page.  My heart was full during this moment of reflection!  I then headed back to preschool to drop the book off to his preschool teachers and asked them to write a note to Rylan.  I told them that he would receive this book at his High School Graduation.  I again, savored the moment by taking some photographs of his last day!  I headed over to the grocery store for a few items that were needed for our home and came across the cutest individual cupcakes in plastic domes.  I picked up a fun yellow one, Rylan's favorite color, that had a monkey ring on top.  I placed the cupcake on his carseat.  As Ry climbed into the van, he said, "Mom, I made you something at school today!"  It was a heart made out of fused plastic pieces.  Again, my heart was full!  I smiled and said that I too had something for him...his face lit up when he saw his cupcake!  

We celebrated his last day by enjoying lunch together at Steak n' Shake.  As we approached the booth, my little boy climbed in the seat and said, "Mommy, I want to sit on the same side as you!"  Again, I savored this moment!  We splurged and got hot fudge sundaes together.  The waitress took our picture and the older folks around us came over to congratulate my young man on graduating from preschool!  

He felt so special today and I am so thankful that I took the time to change my plans and Savor His Last Preschool Day!  Our days get so busy and sometimes we don't take time to notice the lasts...Dear God, thank you for entering my heart today and slowing me down to truly savor this day...

 I love you, Rylan!