Lily Kate's First Week

Sweet Lily started her first week of Mother's Day Out this week.  This is actually her second year to attend but we decided over the summer to try a new program for her.  Lily was so excited for school to start-especially since Cole started a week prior.  After hearing her ask about when she could go to her school day after day we were actually thrilled to get to take her on Monday.  She was so sweet....maybe a little nervous but she was also very excited.  As soon as we walked up and she saw a neat play ground she was hooked.  I can already see such a big difference in her from last year...she has walked in to class every day and carried her own back pack.  She helps me put her things away and then goes right in to her classroom without hesitation.  She seems to really love her new school and her new teacher.  I love seeing her so happy and so excited to have a place of her own to go to.  I can't wait to see what this year has in store for our little girl and all that she will learn.

Cole's First Week

Well, we did it!  We survived the first week of Kindergarten.  Not only did we survive....I think we rocked it!  Last week I was sad and teared up at each little thing but this week has been nothing but happy!  Cole was so very excited about his first day of school that he woke up early and got dressed all on his own.  Rhonald was off that day so we were all able to take him on his very first day.  Cole was not nervous at all!  That first day we walked him in to his room to help him find his seat. He quickly hugged us and then went and sat with his class on the reading rug....never looking back.  His teacher had mailed him a packet of "Jitter Glitter" to use the night before school started.  He agreed to use it, because she sent it, but after putting it under his pillow he quickly said, "I don't really need this you know?!  I am so excited!"  We also read The Kissing Hand that night and I just knew it would mean the world to him.  He liked it and when I was done he said, "Tomorrow I will kiss your hand Mama but I don't need you to kiss mine.  I will be just fine at school."  I was so happy that he was so excited - and it is hard to be sad when someone is so very excited which helped take all of my tears away.  Every day this week Cole has had more and more wonderful stories to tell and things to share.  He loves everything about school...his class, his teacher, math, Library, Gym, Music...you name it and Cole loves it!  Today I was so pleased when I picked him up and he was holding an award.  He was smiling ear to ear, so proud, that he was given an award at the Friday Assembly for kindness.  He even had to walk up in front of the whole school to receive it.  It was the perfect end to a perfect week.  I am so thrilled that he loves his new school and his new routine.  Lily and I had a great week together as well and I can already see that this new schedule, the one I was so fearful of, is going to be a blessing for our family.  We have made several adjustments to our lives this week and all have turned out to be for the best.  I am so excited to see what this year brings!

There Are No Words...

 

The First Of Many

Tomorrow marks a HUGE day in our house....the first day of Kindergarten for sweet Cole.  5 1/2 years has flown by and we cannot believe that this day is upon us.  We are all very excited and a little bit nervous to see what this year will bring.  We love Cole's school and his teacher and we cannot wait to see all he will learn!!!

My sweet baby boy,
Cole, one thing you must always know is that in my eyes you will always be my baby boy.  Tomorrow begins a huge and exciting journey for you and I could not be happier!  You love to learn and you love to be with other kids so school will be a perfect fit for you.  This summer you have spent countless hours practicing your letters and numbers, your adding and subtracting.  We have read books about Kindergarten and talked at length about what it will be like.  There are a few things, however, that Daddy and I cannot prepare you for.  Things you will learn on your own, in your own time.  I pray that you know deep in your heart that we love you and that we will always be here for you.  There will be hard days in school, days where you feel all alone, but you are not alone, sweet boy.  We will always be here cheering you on.  You will make so many awesome friends in school.  People you will be close with your entire life.  As you are already learning friendships make life fun and wonderful, but they can also hurt.  I hope you will have a heart of forgiveness for those who hurt your feelings.  I hope you will see past that and love those kiddos as Jesus loves us.  I pray you are brave in these times.  I pray you are friendly with everyone, even the kids that no one else thinks are cool.  I pray that you see that all people were created equally by God and deserve to be treated well.  You see, Cole, Daddy and I know you are smart.  We know you will try your best on every test and every assignment your teacher gives you.  We do not doubt that at all.  We know you are kind and that you have a huge heart and love for others.  It is our prayer that your heart only grows bigger during your time at school.  We pray that you learn, not only the lessons that your teacher is teaching you, but also the lessons God is teaching you while you are away from home.  We are so excited for you and for all that this year has in store for you.  We will be here to listen and laugh with you and hug you and cry with you too.  Never forget we are your biggest fans sweet boy.

May you have the time of your life tomorrow!!!!!
Love Always,
Mama