Our Recent Graduate

Carter is our most recent graduate of preschool. We were able to make it a family affair last night with both sets of grandparents being able to come to the ceremony. He has loved Noah's Ark Preschool this year and we are so thankful to the school for taking such good care of him (and his peanut allergy). So congradulations, Mr. Graduate!

Mrs. Amanda and Carter
Carter and Mrs. Beth

Carter performing his songs and their routine to Star Wars.

Carter was also given the Most Studious Award.

Friends and Family at Graduation

Preschool Egg Hunt

On Wednesday before Easter, Carter's preschool held their Easter party. The kids enjoyed Easter egg hunting and lunch. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed being together and outside.

Carter's Christmas Program

Today was Carter's last day of preschool before the holidays. His school did a play about the birth of Jesus and did a great job. Carter was the inn keeper that showed Mary and Joseph to the stable (and then he added that he was going to be baptized!! However, he refrained from that during the play). His good friends, Lawson and Tucker, were shepherds in the play. They all did such a good job and we were so proud of them! After the play, we all met for refreshements and a visit from the jolly man himself. Of course, Carter would go nowhere near Santa but did sit and stare at him. I was able to spend some time with two of my favorite ladies, Arika and Melissa. These girls are amazing friends and I am blessed to have them on my side!

Here is Carter and Lawson. These two were born a month and a day apart and really do not know life without the other one. They share a special friendship and bond - almost like brothers. Lawson is Arika's oldest.

What a day we had! One down and one to go - Laura Beth's is tomorrow!!!

Thankful for Carter

Last Monday, Damon and I were very blessed to be able to eat lunch with our Carter. His preschool held a Thanksgiving feasts for all the students and parents the last hour of school. Not only were we able to eat with our little guy, we were able to spend time with Lawson and Brandon Young (pictured in the collage), two of our special friends. I know with the wedding and all, I have slacked big time on my thankful/blessing lists. Therefore, I am going to try to catch up a bit:

1. Carter

2. Carter's preschool

3. Mrs. Beth and Mrs. Amanda, Carter's teachers

4. Good friends for my children

5. Damon was off the WHOLE week of Thanksgiving - a first EVER!!

6. Good food

7. Time to spend with Carter

8. Laura Beth

9. No homework on the Monday of Thanksgiving

10. The internet

11. Being able to see Richard and Amy's professional wedding pictures 2 days after the wedding

Preschool or . . . .

Jedi training? Yes, apparently DH and I are not paying for Carter to go to preschool 2 mornings a week, we are paying for Carter to go to Jedi Training 2 mornings a week. He is in a 4 year old class full of little boys. I think there is only 2 or 3 little girls in the class. Most of the little boys are friends and very much into Star Wars, so, when it comes time to play outside, they all are Jedi masters and servants. This even carries over into the classroom when the servants have to sit next to the masters during circle and snack time. All I can say is, "Bless Mrs. Beth and Mrs. Amanda's hearts!" Luckily, Mrs. Beth had 4 boys, so she is use to all of their doings!!! I may not be posting regularly over the next few days. Jedi Training is out for fall break and one of the kids and I will be heading to Montgomery for wedding stuff this weekend. However, I will be back and until then

May the Force be with You!!

Carter's First Day of Preschool 2008

Here is Carter on his first day of preschool for this year. There were a lot of new things today - new year, new school, new teachers, new friends. However, this is my child who can take it in stride and be just fine. Along with all the new, there were some constants and one of the most important constant being Lawson!! Carter seemed to enjoy the day and I know he will have a great year!
Lawson and Carter after school today.
Carter with new friends Benjamin and Caleb.
Cecily and Carter - she missed him so much today!

Chickasaw Fun

Best Friends all the way around
Carter and Lawson
Carter with his certificate
The 4 year olds

A Day at "Chicken"saw

Carter loves to go to "Chicken"saw and esp. loves the slides.
Learning to go down the pole with Mrs. Joyce's help.
Going solo
The whole class
Mrs. Joyce and Carter

Tradition holds and even the weather could not stop us today - we went to Chickasaw State Park with Mrs. Joyce's Nursery School this morning. Each year on the last day of school parents, kids, college students and teachers head to Chickasaw for a morning of food, fun and findings. This year was no different - except for it being the last. We all thought the weather would stop us, but Mrs. Joyce kept telling us she has a personal connection with the Lord and had already talked to Him!! The kids enjoyed being together, playing on the different playgrounds, crossing the lake and finding treasures like a mother goose and her 7 goslings and a toad. After treking around all morning, we gathered for lunch and awards. What a wonderful way to end a year and an era.

Carter's Last Day of Preschool

My sweet Carter
My dear Lawson
My lovely Cecily

Today was Carter's last official day of preschool. He will go Friday for a fun day at Chickasaw, but today was the end. Not only was it his last day of his first year of preschool, but it was the last day any of my children will be taught at preschool by Mrs. Joyce Bloomingburg. Freed-Hardeman made the decision to close the school at the end of this year. Therefore, Carter will finish his preschool years somewhere else - where we still do not know. The school did a lovely job praising Mrs. Joyce for her 28 years of service. All the parents, grandparents and anyone were invited to a reception at the school today. The kids thought it was Mrs. Joyce's birthday because it was their special day and they got to eat cupcakes!!! On the way home, Carter became most upset as I explained to him that this was his last day and Mrs. Joyce would not be his teacher next year. He cried all the way home and declared that whoever made this decision must not like his school. I tried to explain to him he would be able to see Mrs. Joyce at church and at ballgames, but he wanted none of that - just for her to be his teacher. Mrs. Joyce will always hold a special place in our family's hearts. She is a wonderful Christian lady and the preschoolers in our community will miss sitting at the feet of such a fine lady. Thank you, Mrs. Joyce, for helping mold my children into what they are today.

Field Trip to the Tennessee Safari

Carter taking in the giraffe.
Taking a look at something.
Carter's preschool class.

Damon was able to go with Carter on his field trip Monday. After studying animals, the class traveled to Alamo to see all the different animals. The trip was deemed a success by all - including Damon. I thought Damon did a great job taking the pictures for me - he puts up with my little antics!!!

Planes, Trains and Preschoolers

Carter getting off the jet.

Lawson gives his approval on this field trip.

Lawson, Nelson, Carter and Pearce are ready for their snack in the dining train car.
Carter and Lawson stand next to the airport's fire truck's wheel to show you how big it is.

Lawson, Cade and Carter stand next to the jet!!




Thanks to my amazing employers, I was able to enjoy a morning of planes, trains and preschoolers as Mrs. Joyce's nursery school (where Carter attends 2 mornings a week) went to the airport and train depot as part of their transportation unit. Lawson and Carter were especially thrilled with this because Carter has always had a love for trains and Lawson can tell you anything about a plane you want to know. I really thought we would have a rainy morning but just a few clouds were in the sky as we set off and when we got back the sun was out!!! The kids were so well behaved. I am always amazed at Mrs. Joyce and the way she interacts with the kids. She is a lovely lady and a wonderful Christian teacher. We have been very blessed that both children were able to begin their schooling with her. I do believe the highlight of the day was getting to see and go inside the jet!!! The boys were just beside themselves!!

Carter Hunts Easter Eggs

Today was a special day at Carter's preschool. This is the last day they were there before Easter, so they got to have their Easter egg hunt/party. Arika and Sandy were in charge of this party and Arika was great to take pictures for those of us who were not there. Check out pictures here. Sandy did a great job with the snacks. She made carrots out of gallon ziploc bags and cheetos. Take a look here. Thanks, Arika and Sandy for such a special day!!!

Carter's Time to Shine

Carter and Lawson after FHU Chapel Program

Carter on stage with preschool friends


Carter listening to Mrs. Claus tell a story at FHU Christmas Program

Tuesday and Wednesday were Carter's days to shine at FHU. His preschool was asked to come and participate in the FHU Christmas program. They got to wear pajama pants and special Rudolph shirts (which Carter had on at 6:30 that morning ready to go!!) They listened to Mrs. Claus read a story and then sang Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer. They were just too cute!!!

Wednesday was the preschool's day to sing in chapel. They sang their circle time songs including the books of the Old Testament (the college kids were very impressed!!) as well as Christmas songs for them. Carter acted very well on stage and sang in his nice, but loud voice!!! When I asked him how he liked being on stage he immediately said, "I got to see Fergie and Phillip (two of our college guys) and Phillip made faces at me!!!" He enjoyed shining for all to see!! You can go on Itunes and download the chapel program to see it (December 6).