My big First Grader

Friday marked Katelyn's last day as a kindergartener.



I can't believe you are going to be a "Big First Grader" as Mrs. Alverson called you! I think I feel the same way about this stepping stone - excited, but a little sad. So excited at all the things you have learned, the leaps and bounds you have covered in such a short time. You are already much smarter than I was at this age. You are reading, writing, compiling sentences. You can add and subtract and "predict". I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished - especially the citizenship award you won. Nothing in life is more important than being nice and considerate of other people. No matter how smart, rich, prosperous you become in life, nothing matters if aren't a good person on the inside.



I'm also a little sad. You are growing up way to fast and I would really like time to slow down, even just a little. Kindergarten is such a wonderous time. You are able to straddle that line of little kid/big kid. I'm sad that that time is over for you and for me as your mommy. I know very soon I will just be "mom" and you won't want to snuggle with me like you do now. My baby is growing up and I know I'm not ready. I hope this summer we get to do lots of fun things together, but mostly just get to spend time together. I realized toward the end of the year how much I miss you while you are in school all day and just want to get a little Kate & Mommy time back, especially while you still enjoy it. I love you Katie-bear and I am so proud of you!

My Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I got the most wonderful gifts. First, there was the gift of uninterrupted sleep until 3pm. Being that Saturday I only was allowed 5 frequently interrupted hours, then had to stay up all night working, I was most appreciative of this gift! Next, I was awoken to breakfast in bed (yes, at 3pm). It included some of my favorites - Steve's famous (at least at our house) cheesy eggs, mini pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, bacon and oj. I got to eat about half of it. I guess making breakfast in bed makes you very hungry and you must taste your own goods too. My most favorite gift was presented next. A canvas painted and handprinted by the kids.



Isn't it beautiful!? I just love it!! I now have to decide where to hang it - for all to see or mostly for me? I think in my room for me to see every day will be the decision. After the breakfast was eaten and "family hugs" were shared, they asked, "now can we go play?" I had to smile and say "of course". I then got up and did all my "mom" stuff. Some people might say, "but it was Mother's Day, why didn't you take it off?" But after all the love I got, I really didn't mind. Maybe it just reminded me of a saying I've seen about how you should be thankful for your messes - if you have dirty dishes, it means you have food to eat; dirty laundry, you have clothes to wear; etc. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I curse it all, but today wasn't one of those. Today, I was just thankful for these blessings that call me Mommy.



Aren't they just the sweetest?