End of School

This year's school term has come to a close. I have been blessed with the three most wonderful children. I was reflecting on their growth and accomplishments last night, as I was looking through their full backpacks last night. I think I will share some of my realizations with you today...

Nick - Wow, that kid is so much like me in some ways! And school is one of them, I am happy to report. He loves school and loves pushing himself to do his best. What more could you ask for as a parent?! I was reading through his list of "likes" last night, and he put his favorite subject is Math. And he loves to read. Sound familiar? I'm not sure how far he can count at this point. Sad to admit, but once we reach 9,000+, I tune him out. Ooops. He is doing basic algebra and has started simple multiplications with me. He is reading at a 3rd or 4th grade level, reading chapter books. Did I mention that he just finished the 1st grade? He has all of his sight words for next year memorized. And, in all of the reading tests this year, only missed one comprehension question. Wow! So proud of my mini-me!!

Zack - My lovey, snuggly boy! He reminds me of parts of all the "boys" in my life. Adam, Tyler, Brandon, and Michie, just depending on what he is doing at the time. He has his daddy and Uncle Michie's temper and attitude, is quiet and has facial expressions like Tyler, and is snuggly and my shadow like Brandon. What a great combination! At the end of pre-k, last year, I felt like Zack was a little behind the curve. His teacher was a wonderful pre-k teacher, but didn't push him at all. Zack is one of those kids, that if he can skate by, he will. If he doesn't have to do it, he won't. This year, his teacher really worked with him to push him out of his comfort zone. He has caught up and then some! His handwriting has greatly improved, he knows all of the kindergarten sight words, and is beginning to read. I am so proud of the progress he has made and how much he as grown this year!!

Beth - Poor thing is more like me than I am willing to admit! She is stubborn and in dependant, knows how to get her way, and rules the roost. And, boy to her big brothers know it! They let her boss them and do whatever she says. It's quite cute most of the time. She started at preschool in November, and has grown in leaps and bounds the last 6 months. It has been so good for her and me! She speaks so clearly, and has the biggest vocabulary. She sings ALL the time, and most of the time it is "Jingle Bells." (Thanks Mary! lol) She can say most of her colors now, and can count to 14. She can sometimes spell her name, and is working on writing it. She loves books, and will sit through story after story. She has transitioned so well over the last year with all the changes, and is doing great. She isn't my baby anymore; she is quick to tell you "I'm a big girl!!"

We have been so blessed to have wonderful teachers this year for all the kids! Each one of them are amazing, and I will never be able to thank them enough for all the hard work they have put in with my children. Nick will be moving up to a bigger school next year, and I was really nervous about it. But, his teacher has prepared him, and put us both at ease. Zack will be going to 1st grade and is ready for it. Beth has one more year of preschool, and is continuing to soak it all in. All three are such sponges, and have soaked in a lot this year. Looking forward to see what they will soak in next year!