Saturday, May 29, 2010

Last day of school

The last day of school this year was so much nicer than the last day last year. I remember being so *done* and worn out and tired before. This time was better. Brandon's awards ceremony was this morning from 8 - 9:30. He did a great job singing two multiplication math-fact songs with his class and then he was presented an award for outstanding achievement in mathematics! He was so happy he couldn't wipe the smile off his face, and he actually got a little bit teary-eyed. I was a proud mom, too. I had warned him not to bounce down the aisle or run or otherwise act silly. . . but to walk across the stage like a mature almost-4th grader, shake his teacher's hand, smile for the camera and calmly walk back to his seat. He did great!

Even though Brandon's school year was over, I couldn't seem to realize it (but Brandon sure did!) because directly after dropping Brandon off at home, I took Jonathan to his last day of school. He was very late, and I just stayed with him for the rest of the day. I played a game of "Guess Who," with him and a game of "Connect Four," and was so completely impressed that he immediately, without any prompting, put both games away when we were finished. They had pizza and root beer floats for lunch and then went out to the playground. I'm glad I got to spend the day with him today. Due to the wacky pick-up time at the other school, I almost never got to eat lunch with him, or stay for parties or anything. It was really special. When it was all over, I had a good cry. For one of us, the pain was eclipsed by a trip to Toys R Us. . . and who should we bump into but Ms. Sarah, his preschool teacher from last year! She couldn't believe how Jon had grown. He told her all about his special award he'd gotten on Thursday (the big-heart award) and she said she remembered what a big heart he had. He beamed.

He had great fun playing with his toys on the way home, and I kept thinking how long I've been waiting for the day that I'd be done with driving back and forth to Cedar Park. . . but it was still sad. Peace Preschool is the *perfect* name for the place. Jon had a wonderful teacher this year and the group of kids he was with were all just absolutely top-notch. Every one of them. They all took care of each other and got along so well. They really became a family of friends. So it's sad that everyone is moving on to their neighborhood elementary schools. I wish they could all move up as a class together from year to year forever.

When we finally drove into the driveway, it still didn't seem like summer. It doesn't seem like summer now. It might not even seem like summer on Monday. Or the Monday after.

But that's not going to stop me from sleeping in!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Flying High

Brandon passed the TAKS test with flying colors! Exact scores will be available on Friday but he earned a *commended* score in both reading and math!!!

We're flying high today!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Down to one week and counting!

Wahoo! School is almost over! Jon's last day is Thursday and Brandon's is Friday. Ashley's finals are in a couple of weeks and then we're done!

I was really worried that Jon would be heart-broken over school being over because he loves it so much, but he said last Wednesday on the way, "Mom, I'm tired of going to school. The only things I like any more are Math and Ms. Julie." It's just time.

Brandon has a fun week ahead. They're doing a read-in / game day tomorrow and Wednesday. There are two field trips and an awards ceremony on Friday. . . then he's done. TAKS scores should be in by the middle of the week. Continuing to inhale. . . . exhale. . . . inhale. . . exhale. Waiting is no fun!

I have loved every single moment of working with Ashley this year. She's always been our low-maintenance kid. It's like she was born knowing the right way to do things and just has never needed any guidance. Since she's sandwiched between two brothers who need guidance on a pretty regular basis, she's sort of always been on the back burner. . . .So spending several hours a day with her has been really special.




Saturday, May 8, 2010

Happy Birthday to Jon


Jonathan had such a happy seventh birthday today. He is such a blessing. I've tried to describe just what a "special order" I think Jon was for us, but the words can't do proper justice to my feelings on that. He's extra-cute, extra-cuddly, extra-funny. The whole package. He's just perfect for us.

Thank you, God for Jonathan.