First Day of School 2017

Our first day of school was today!  It was just a half day, but it was a great day!

Little JCrew is in the First Grade this year and Mr. Brigglesworth is in K4. Because of how their birthday's fall on either side of the cutoff, they will be two years apart in school.

This year we are starting a new school. It has been a great experience so far. Their old school starts at 12 months and goes through Kindergarten. We loved it and plan to start Mr. Pfitzer there next year.

We are very excited about our new school. There have been so many "God-winks" to let us know that this was the right decision.

In preparation for pictures this AM, Little JCrew took a picture and then Mr. Brigglesworth had his turn at taking a picture. Mr. Brigglesworth was very specific with our pose and the hand placement. Once we got it right, he told us it was "perfect" and proceeded to take the picture. I knew he was a photographer, but didn't know the extent!

They got new backpacks this year (that I am hoping last through 5th grade!)

I really do love the first day of school. The organization behind it and the newness just gets me excited!

We are off to a great start with our new routine and new school. The whole crew is happy, therefore I am happy.

Have a blessed year in school, everyone!

Little JCrew Graduates Kindergarten

Oh, boy... what a year! Little JCrew looked forward to and talked about graduation for weeks.

The first day of school and the last felt a few days apart.

First Day of School - August 10, 2017

Little JCrew developed so much this year. He had great teachers. One thing he learned this year was how to listen! He was always repeating to me the instructions his teachers gave.

Graduation day was exciting. The teachers' instructions were to wear a collared shirt. But on the morning of graduation, Little JCrew informed me that he wanted to wear a bow tie. The iron and ironing board came out and Mr. Brigglesworth also requested to wear a bow tie to school.

Little JCrew was made to perform. He gets so much enjoyment out of it.

This is where he reminds me of me! The stage is our happy place.

The first song they sang was, 'He's Still Working on Me.' This was my solo at my kindergarten graduation!

They also sang, 'Fruit of the Spirit,' 'Adios Amigos,' 'I Am A Promise,' and 'Pass It On.'

All of those songs were perfect and precious!

As Little JCrew walked to get his diploma, you could see his excitement.

Can't wipe that grin off his face!

When presented his diploma, he was asked what did he learn in kindergarten. His answer, "In Kindergarten, I learned how to subtract."

He was eager to get that tassel tossed to the opposite side by his teacher.

They then had a Candle Ceremony.

The kids all threw their caps on the stage, and of course Little JCrew was meticulous to find his afterwards.

I think all the kids got excited to throw their caps.

And Mr. Brigglesworth's teacher, Ms. Becky, made Cake Pops with graduation caps!

Mimi came into town just in time for graduation. She had been in Florida for a week for the high school graduation of my niece.

Little JCrew is so excited for his new adventure in First Grade. There were some other kids sad to not be returning (our school only goes to Kindergarten) and not seeing their friends, but Little JCrew is energized and excited to make new friends and have new teachers. He was so eager, that he thought he was going to meet everyone at the new school on Saturday. Mr. JCrew had to tell him it is okay to take the summer off!

Little JCrew makes life fun. I have no idea where his future will lead him, but I know the path will be an adventure with him. I am excited for the ride!

Happy

There was so much excitement in the last two weeks. Mr. JCrew completed his college degree and the joy was uncontainable.

Back in August, I announced to our friends that we would be throwing a party to celebrate this occasion. Back then, December felt so far away and I was chuckled at for planning so far ahead.

But that's what Mr. JCrew wanted. Throughout the years, he has said he wanted a big party to celebrate all the hard work. He has an outgoing personality and he loves a good party. It was hard for him not to hang out with his friends and to do homework.

The day finally came. Finals week was upon us and it didn't seem real. To see him walk across the stage was a dream! You couldn't wipe the smile off my face or his.

We brought our cowbells to the graduation and rang them loud and proud when they called his name. He heard us!

The first 45 minutes of the ceremony couldn't have been any longer. I was worried about the boys, if I felt that bored. Luckily, I brought cookies from my cookie exchange the day before, and Miss Julie was there to be a fresh face of entertainment.

Next up, the celebration! We invited everyone that had been apart of our lives during this time. Everyone knew that Mr. JCrew was in school. We wanted to thank everyone for their support and patience during the last five years. It's not fun having to say, "No" to fun events because school got in the way. Mr. JCrew is glad to have a social calendar again.

The night couldn't have been more perfect. Seeing the smile on Mr. JCrew's face made it all worth it. The stress was gone.

I was finally able to describe the feeling I was experiencing. The night of graduation, I couldn't sleep. It was like we won the lottery and paid off a huge debt. It is a fresh start. It's an amazing feeling.

Not only did Mr. JCrew graduate, but his sister and her husband graduated and our friends, the Pittman's graduated as well.

We can't thank our friends and family enough. So many were a part of the effort and provided support when we were at our weakest. THANK YOU! We couldn't have done it without you.

L&R

UCF vs Penn State

I'd just like to say how proud I am to be a UCF Knight!