The Graduate

Last Thursday was Pre-K graduation.  Now, before you get all ‘that’s ridiculous’ on me (trust me, Scott has you covered in that department), I love it merely for the cute factor.  No, we did not have a party afterward, ask for gifts or get her hair done…I admit I did send out invitations, but again, it was the cute factor.  For me, it was about celebrating the milestone, in a simple, sweet, loving sort of way.  For those of you that have children this age, you totally know where I’m coming from on this one.

Fr. Pedro said a few kind words at the pulpit and then ever-so-sweetly knelt in front of the kids and shared his wisdom with them.  St. Elizabeth is blessed to have him.  Both the director’s shared their insight and reflected on some memories throughout the year.  We are blessed, as parents, to have them so dedicated to our children’s futures.  We’ve only been at St. E for two years, but I can tell you that you really do ‘feel the love’ the moment you walk in the door.  They have been SO gracious and kind to our family this year.  I don’t even have the words to give them enough thanks.  The girls’ teachers – Ms. Lisa, Ms. Shelley, Ms. Janice and Ms. Reyna – were out-of-this-world awesome.  They gave Clare and Anna-Laura the attention and distraction they needed this year.  What a year.

Just before ALG walked up the aisle I caught myself getting sad.  Mostly because I felt like I missed out on so much of her Pre-K experience.  For the better part of the fall and a good chunk of the spring, I was in-residence at Dell Children’s.  But, then I saw this…

…and I realized just how proud and excited she was.  And my mom guilt melted away and was replaced with pride and adoration.  I adore this little girl.  I love that we had a MAJOR argument before leaving the house about what she would wear.  No, it had nothing to do with the wrong dress, but she was convinced that she would be “wearing my gradeeation gown, momma” and that wearing a dress was pointless.  Until, of course, I pointed out that she would only be wearing underwear unless she put on something to wear to church.  I love her independent streak.  And I love that just as she passed by, Clare shouted out, “That’s my friend!” and giggled (you can see her on the left of the picture).  Oh, Anna-Laura, you are so cute.

The children sang some sweet songs, complete with hand motions.  ALG mostly stood there and looked bashful with a big grin.  I think she was just too excited about being in the spotlight that she only knew to smile 🙂  I’ll take it.

So, here we go.  She’s officially off to school with the boys next year.  Which means that I’ll have more in school than I will at home.  Some folks keep saying, “Aren’t you excited?”  For her, yes.  For me, the jury’s still out.  Momma bear still wants the cubs to be little just a bit longer.  I guess that’s what summer is for, right?

Anna-Laura, happy graduation!  You made your momma and daddy proud!