Transitional Kindergarten Graduation

Last Wednesday night, we had TK Graduation. Kidzworld did a fabulous job and made the evening so special. The program opened with a prayer and then Reese and Collin got to come forward to hold the U.S. flag and Christian flag for the pledges (see pic below). Our children do this every morning, and to get them to settle down, they all "go to sleep" afterwards. Then they "wake them up" with a bell, Reese and Collin also got to ring the bell to wake up the other TK grads! So, they felt like they had such a special part in the program.

After that, the kids sang 3 special songs that were traditional and more serious. Then, each child received an individual award. They were all named after different kinds of candy. Collin recevied the "Extreme" (sour air head) award and his certificate states, "for always being funny and cracking us up!" No surprise there, almost every adult that comes in contact with Collin always describes him as "funny". Collin is so unique and special, I feel so blessed that his personality shines thru and he doesn't hold back. Reese received the "Life-Saver" award and her certificate states, "she is always willing to lend a hand to others". Reese is such a sweet girl and does love to help. She thrives on praise and is a huge helper to those around her. I am so proud that she enjoys assisting others and hope her giving nature stays with her throughout her life--what an exceptional quality to possess.

After the awards, the kids left and changed out of their caps and gowns and came back in for a "fun" segment. They came in doing the "Bear Hunt" song, which was precious. Then they did a few more "circle time" songs. After those, each of the kids brought their Mommy's roses. The kids then sat with us and we watched a video montage of the kids at school. For a few of us, we have gone to Kidzworld since our kids were 2, so they included some of their 2 year old shots and I can't believe how much they have grown! Once the video was over, each of the kids were given a "Prayer Bear"--these bears have tiny momentos glued to them to help the children learn how to pray. For example, a flag to prayer for those serving our country, a band-aid to pray for those who are hurt and have boo-boo's, a mirror to pray for themselves, etc. So, that has been a tool they have used at school and can now use at home! It is so interesting to watch both of my children stand right next to each other and perform. Collin is VERY animated, loud and takes a personal bow after each song/performance. Reese is very quiet, does small movements and is a little self-conscious. I just can't believe my two children are so opposite!

To wrap it up, we are so incredibly thankful for our time at Kidzworld. I can't believe this is our last week. I truly believe they have instilled a love of education in Reese and Collin. Both of my children love school and have learned so much while there. More importantly they have learned a love for Jesus and the teachers and directors are great examples of warm, loving Christians. I am sad that it is our time to say good-bye, but Kidzworld will always hold the most special place in our hearts!

I love my family!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day and feel so blessed to be a Mommy! I can think of no greater gift than the love of my family. They let me sleep in and then came to shower me with hugs and kisses and "Happy Mother's Day". Reese and Collin wanted me to wake up, so I could open the sweet gifts they got for me! I just love them both so much and Jeff for helping make it a special day. After a lazy morning we went to brunch with the Miller's and then home for a relaxing evening and ordered Chinese in. I can't think of a more perfect day! Looking foward to next week to celebrating with my Mom and sisters.

Collin and baseball progress

Collin is doing really well with baseball this season and he is loving it. It has been such a joy to see all of these boys go from barely being able to hit off of the tee, to hitting off the pitcher! Coach Rod (and lots of the dad) have done such a wonderful job with these kids. The are firm with them, but also very positive! I feel we were so lucky to be a part of this team.

Last game, Collin was 2 for 2 from the pitcher, so he got a sticker for his batting helmet. (After each game, they have a "team meeting" and Coach Rod hands out stickers for hits off the pitcher, outs made or hits to the outfield.) He also made a couple of good stops/catches while playing 2nd base. He has grown so much, to think back to when he would cry and didn't even want to go the tee ball practice--it is absolutely amazing. I am thrilled that he has improved so much, and more importantly, he is having a blast!

End of Season for the Glitter Girls

Well, Saturday was it. The end of the spring soccer season for the Glitter Girls. Reese said she has had fun and as long as she is having fun--that is what is most important, right?? I think she really likes socializing with her friends and the snacks (both half-time and end of game), which at this age I think is important. After the last game, just not sure there is a desire to play soccer, but I guess time will tell. We will make that decision when it is time to sign-up for fall. Reese has had a great time and we truly appreciate our coaches and ALL of their PATIENCE!

Collin and his teeth....BUMMER!

Not sure if I blogged about this before, but I went back in my archives and browsed over them quickly and didn't see anything. A year and a half ago, at a dental appointment, our former dentist saw a small spot on one of Collin's back teeth. She decided we should "watch it". Well, we had some billing issues with her office, so we switched to a new dentist. At our next month appointment, we saw a regular dentist (not pediatric) and he saw Collin had a large cavity in the spot, so he recommended we see a pediatric dentist to fill it. Well, that is when we switched to Dr. Rubin. Mind you, we have been going to some dentist every 6 months since my children were 3 years old, so I have not been irresponsible (you can see I am being completely defensive)! Upon getting into Dr. Rubin, he said the tooth was completely decayed and Collin needed a silver cap on it--I could not believe my ears, I was like "no way, can we not do a tooth colored cap?" Dr. Rubin thought we should definitely NOT do the tooth colored cap, so now Collin has a silver tooth....LOVELY! So, we move forward and at our next appointment, this last February (2 1/2 months ago), there was another spot Dr. Rubin wanted to watch. Well, the other night, Collin started complaining that it hurt when Jeff was brushing his teeth. So, sure enough, we can SEE the cavity. So, I take him in THAT NEXT DAY! Well, here we go again, he needs another silver cap. I am devastated! As his mother, I take full responsibility for this. Jeff or I brush his teeth every night, we don't let the kids do it themselves. We try to do the right thing--I am so frustrated! Poor Collin told Reese on the way to school (before our appointment), "I guess I have been eating too much candy". I thought that was so sad. I know and understand that he has a predisposition to this, but it just sucks! I said to Dr. Rubin on Wednesday, "Let's just pray that his adult teeth aren't like this." He basically told me not to hold my breath, that they probably will be.

Soccer - Spring 2010

Julianne sent me a few pictures of Reese from the season and I thought I would share. This season has been interesting to say the least. Reese says she really likes soccer and she wants to keep doing it, but her actions on the field say otherwise (most of the time). I honestly think she is just intimidated by the other players. She is not aggressive at all and she has a hard time kicking the ball even when it bumps into her foot, not because she can't kick it, but I think she is scared too! When you ask her if this is it for soccer and if she wants to take a break, she says "NO". I thought we might sit the fall out, but she says she wants to keep trying. So, we will give it ONE more season (hopefully Coach Rob is up for giving us one more chance) and Jeff and I are going to really work with her. She seems pretty coordinated, handles the ball decently well and can run fast (when she tries), so we'll see. These pictures tell the story. Sometimes she is actually on it and doing pretty good, other times, she seems her thoughts are elsewhere. She really has improved, and at least given it a decent shot, these last couple of games. Tomorrow is our last game--so more pictures to follow!

Tour of Sparks Elementary

On Friday, April 23, we went on a tour of Sparks, which is where Reese and Collin will be going to Kindergarten. The kids were so excited to see the big gym, cafeteria and all the other kids! Ms. McMichael and Ms. Salmon did the tour (the principal and the counselor) and they were so warm and down to earth. I didn't expect to feel that way, but was pleasantly surprised.

I had "heard" that parents could write a letter to help the counselors/teachers/principal place them with a teacher that is a "good fit" for each childs personality. I wasn't sure if this was something I should do, so I emailed the counselor and asked...is this something you welcome or discourage? I didn't want to be "THAT" parent if it is something that is frowned upon. The counselor promptly emailed me back that not only do they welcome the letters, but they encourage parents to write a letter to allow them insight into each childs strengths and weaknesses (I personally see this more as emotional and behavioral than academic). So, I did submit letters and hope this helps our transition into full-time public school. I want them to love school and have a positive experience from minute one.

I know Reese and Collin are going to do so well--it is me that is going to lose it!