My How He's Grown

The end of the school year came and went.  My first born is a preschool "graduate" and will be heading to kindergarten in the fall.  Hard to believe that my BABY is big enough. Surprisingly, the tears didn't flow too hard. Too much else going on, but as I drove to the school to pick him up, one last time, my emotions got the best of me.  I found myself singing a favorite 10,000 Manics song, "My How You've Grown."

"My, how you've grown." I remember that phrase from my childhood days too. "Just wait and see." I remember those words and how they chided me, when patient was the hardest thing to be. Because we can't make up for the time that we've lost, I must let these memories provide. No little *boy* can stop *his* world to wait for me.

I should have known. At your age, in a string of days the year is gone. But in that space of time, it takes so long. Because we can't make up for the time that we've lost, I must let those memories provide. No little *boy* can stop *his* world to wait for me.

Oh my goodness, my heart feels so full and my eyes are filling with tears again as I see how much he has grown this year. He won't stop, and it makes my heart ache to think that he's already this big. I can't freeze time, and I don't really want to....but maybe just for a little bit.  To hug him more, to be more patient....I'd even love some do-overs.  He is so precious and so amazing.  I know the Lord has big plans for his life, and I honestly can't wait to see that either.  See what I mean?  Stopping time is not the answer, but in moments like this, I wish there was a pause button.

Excuse me while I pull myself together....

Adding to our busy-ness this month was the desire to find personal ways to say "thank you" to the teachers who have been molding and shaping my boy into who he is today.  He has had amazing teachers who have loved him, nurtured him, and helped him figure out who he can be. We have been truly blessed by these women.

For his special area teachers, I was inspired by Ed Emberly's thumbprint art....so Eli's fingers and thumbs were put to work.  He looked at some ideas for inspiration and then had at it; being creative making these cute sets of personalized note cards for his Spanish and Music teachers.

And for his classroom teachers and assistants, we decided food is always a great way to go. I made the ladies dinner and toted them in adorable casserole carriers that I made following this tutorial. I just love them and can't wait to make one for myself!

Eli helped pick out the fabrics and chose which one was for which teacher. He had very strong opinions, and I trusted that he knew his teachers.

The last day of school is traditionally, "Messy Day" with a lot of water play and shaving cream. Eli talks about it and looks forward it all year long.  This year did not disappoint....complete with a water wall feature that the students helped design and build.

Before dashing off to start our summer, we were able to steal Mrs. Nichole for a moment to grab a picture or two. He is smitten with her, and I know she loves him too.  He loves all of his teachers, honestly, but Mrs. Nichole was his special friend. 

So proud of you, Eli.  You are going to be a star, buddy.  A star.  

I love you with all of my heart and can't wait to watch you become the man God wants to you become....you are off to a great start.  Keep making the hard, but good choices, and you will be just fine. And I'll end with the words that you heard time and time again from your teachers and parents this year.....Move on, buddy.  It is time to Move On.

To Kindergarten.  Wow.