Lilian

Today, Lilian started the 1st grade.  I can hardly believe it.

Lilian attends Legacy Charter School.
Her teacher is Mrs. Davis.
A note to our sweet miss:

We are so excited to see you learn and grow this year.
To learn who you really are.
As an individual.
Never forget, there is only one you!
Learn new things.
Make new friends.
Be independent.
Keep noticing all the wonderful things around you.
And, don't ever forget that there is always enough time to stop and smell the flowers, or pay someone a compliment.
We love you!

Braison

Today, Braison started the 1st grade.  He was just born last month, I swear.

Braison attends Victory Charter School.
His teacher is Mrs. Stockett.
A note to our baby boy:

You are so spirited!
We can't wait to see what this year brings for you.
You love to learn and explore, never stop that.
Get out there and become your own person.
Make a lot of friends.
Have a lot of fun.
It's ok to get into a little mischief sometimes.
Keep loving and laughing and smiling all of the time, especially now that you are our toothless wonder.
We love you! 

Time Marches On

Time seems to move at the speed of light.

Braison and Lilian graduated from kindergarten last night.  What a night!

They started off with a dance party..like they start every day of school.

Notice Mr. Grumpy Pants :o)

Braison said that he was very nervous being up there in front of everyone.

They sang a sweet song about moms and presented a flower for each of us.

After a slideshow of the year in review, which brought on more tears, they got their diplomas.

After the diplomas, their AWESOME teacher presented them each with a gift from herself.

The kids loved them!

Lilian has had a little boyfriend most of the year, Cooper.  Cooper told his parents that yesterday was the worst day of his life; because he wasn't going to be able to see Lilian anymore.  So, he asked to stop and get her a bouquet of flowers.  Melted hearts.

Another milestone.  Next stop, 1st grade!

Walk-A-Thon

Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored Lilian in her school's walk-a-thon!  She had a blast running the track in the rain.  Wearing her galoshes.

Changes

Braison started his new school today.  Mom was more apprehensive than he was.  Things went great!  He likes his teacher, and told me he made 5 new friends!  They are only identified, right now, by the color of shirt that they were wearing..he'll get it soon.

Super excited!

Waiting in line to go in

MIA

It feels like we have been so busy!

We have news to share.  We found out a couple of weeks ago that Braison was accepted into a charter school.  As some of you already know, we've put the kids on the lottery list for all of the charter schools in the area for the last couple of years.  Last year, Braison's name was drawn to have the 7th seat, should it open up; of course, it didn't.  So, both Lilian and Braison have been attending a private school for kindergarten this year, just hoping to get drawn next year to attend one of the charter schools.

When the call came in, we were very excited!  Of course, I didn't realize at that moment that Braison would have to start following spring break this year.  So, we had a decision to make.  We chose to pull him from the school he is in and put him in the charter school for the last month and a half of the year.  Silly, right?  I would think so too, but by doing this, he is in for next year.  Lilian will also have a seat next year, because she has a sibling who is already a registered student.  Win!  Had we made the choice not to send him this year, we would have just had to wait for the lottery drawing and hope that both of them got in, or that one got in and the other would then be accepted in the 2nd grade.   Having two kids in two different schools, with two different schedules, for a whole year would have been a challenge.

Braison seems indifferent.  Lilian was sad at first (because Braison and her wouldn't be in the same class anymore), but has since realized that it is okay.

I can't believe that they are almost done with kindergarten already.

Oh, the places you'll go

The kids celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday in school a couple days ago.  They were reading Dr. Seuss books and coloring pictures.  One of the assignments was to draw what you want to be or where you will go when you grow up....

This is Lilian.  She wants to be a vet and help animals.

This is Braison.  He wants to be a rock star and "Bring the thunder"

How Do You Make a Kleenex Dance?

You put a little boogie in it!

This is Braison's favorite joke to tell.  He laughs hysterically every time he tells it too.  Typical 6 year old joke.

Typical 6 year old spelling words; bay, it, and, dust, pool, mow, cook.  Braison handed me his schoolwork the other day and I noticed something written on the back.  Normally, this is a picture that he has drawn of himself and his teacher, Mrs. Deming, with "I love you Mrs. Deming" written along the bottom.  Anyway, this was not the case this time.  This is what I found:

When I asked him what they were, he stated that after he finished his work, he just wanted to write some words for extra credit.  Little smarty pants.

Ron said it best; What a stud!!

There Comes A Time...

...when every young person has to give their first oral presentation.  That day was today for Braison and Lilian.  There project was to research a mammal of their choosing, create a visual board with facts, then present it to the class.  I work next door, so when I heard they were giving theirs, I snuck in to watch.

The kids did great and even fielded questions at the end.  Amazingly enough, it was Lilian who spoke so quietly that the kids had a hard time hearing her....

A Little Green Thumb

The kids were growing weeds plants at school, which they got to bring home with them.  Lilian apparently inherited my lack of a green thumb.

They can't wait to take their crabgrass and plant it at home :)  Yay!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

The kid's class had a little Christmas program today.  They were able to show off their mad keyboarding skills and sang a couple of songs.  It was short and cute, so perfect.

Singing.  Kind of.

Being hams 

He wouldn't stop with the crazy eyes! 

With their teacher, Mrs. Demming

Ron took a couple little videos, which I will post as soon as I get them on the computer.  What a fun way to start this snowy day!

Giving Thanks

Preparing for Thanksgiving, the kids did a couple fun projects in school today.  They also had a big feast in lieu of regular lunch time.

Lilian's hat reads, "I'm thankful for...brother, mom, and dad"  She told me, "I wish that there was four places to write what we are thankful for because I also wanted to say I am thankful for Jesus Christ."

Braison's hat reads..."I'm thankful for toys and dad and mom"  That's our Braison :)

They also made macaroni turkeys.  Now, it's no school for a whole week!  Yay!

School Photos

Hard to believe I was finally able to fill that first spot on the Grade School Photo Frame.  Here are the official kindergarten photos.

Braison and Lilian, please stop growing up so fast.