Elena is a preschool graduate!!!!

This has been a huge week for Elena.  She lost her second tooth on Thursday.  That evening she sang in her very last ELCP Spotlight Event. 

I love this picture!  Elena and her very good friend Adam

Then, today she graduated from preschool.  Sigh.....

When Elena first started preschool last year she cried almost every day for the first two months.  It would all be grand until we had to leave the house.  By Thanksgiving she liked school and all was well.  This year she loved school so much.  By December she was begging....literally begging....me to let her go three days a week.  Finally, I registered her for three days and she has done that since February.  All spring she asked to go to school every single day.  That didn't happen.  I wanted time with her as well.   School was always her sweet for the day.   Elena loved everything about school this year.  She loved her friends, her teachers, and learning.  Today was a happy and a sad day for her....Pre-K graduation.

I started crying about the entire "growing up thing" as we said prayers this morning.  Then Elena asked me to say them again.  I politely told her I didn't think I could.  I cried most of the morning as my heart exploded with sadness and happiness at the same time. 

The graduation ceremony was wonderful.  They sang songs, we saw a slideshow, celebrated each child, prayed, and ate cake.  The perfect morning for 5 year olds!  It was perfect for mommies and daddies too.  I smiled, cried, and laughed at how happy and proud each each child was.  Total joy!

Ms. Bambi, Elena and Ms. Sue

The 2015 Pre-K ELCP class

Our friend Diane who is also the ECLP Director

Drew and I have been absolutely blessed to have found our church and for our church to have this wonderful preschool.  Emma began at the ELCP in 2004.  For 11 years we have been so thankful for the teachers who loved and taught our children.  I am so sad Elena graduated today and this phase of our family life is finished.  But, I am also so excited for what is to come.  After we left school, Elena just sat in the car and didn't talk.  She couldn't talk because she was quietly crying.  She finally said she was going to miss everyone so much.  Graduation day was bittersweet for all of us!

Happy Graduation baby girl....we are so proud of the beautiful inside and out girl that you are.  

This song was played at graduation and as it always does, it made me cry.  The words sum up perfectly how it feels for me as a momma to watch my little ones grow up into such as amazing big people.  Cherish the moments, but that is what we will always remember!

Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute
And how it amazes me, you're changin' with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh, just let them be little

I've never felt so much in one little tender touch
I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes
And now that you're teachin' me things only a child can see
Every night while we're on our knees all I ask is please

Let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh, just let them be little

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around
It's time to let them go

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh, just let them be little
Let them be little