Caleb's 5th grade Graduation

This post is in honor of my boy...

Wow what a road, the road that began when he was too young. I was that broke single Mom who forced her young five year old into kindergarten well before I should have. ( He turned 5 the week before school started, this was before CMS changed the cut off) He had strengths and weakness's however all around he just wasn't to interested in school. So after a long year we made the decision to redo kindergarten to really make sure he had a good foundation for the remaineder of his school years. Best decision I ever made.
He has grown so much, he seems so wise at times and so immature other times I am thinking that's a boy thing. He has such a kind heart. He is compassionate and loving, I love that he still likes to cuddle with his Mama. He is a little heavier now but still my boy. I have to say we havent decided our path for Middle school next year, after being blessed with a small Christian school where they teach more than a lesson plan its hard to pick a place for your child.
For example at Gradation this morning, his principal talked about his wisdom and strong leadership and how he could make anyone laugh. His teacher talked about his serving heart and how he showed acceptance to a homeless man this year who had never experienced that before, I got goosebumps typing it and cried like a baby when I heard it. Those are the lessons he was taught, along with never giving up, and staying true to himself. The words of this school staff has meant more to me than they will ever know. The good they instilled and the time they spent was priceless. I do know that I will have to pick a school here soon but for now I want to cherish this time and enjoy the moment of all of Caleb's accomplishments the last few years. He has made some friendships that will last along time, spending everyday with six kids gives you the chance to really get to know one another. They have a bond like no other, they can protect each other, fight like siblings and have the best time together. With one other boy and five 'Mama' girls to keep him in line, and forgive him and encourage him. Such a great experience for our family. Here is to my boy and all he achieved, I am scared, excited and nervous all rolled into one about what is to come. Freedom, driving, acne, dating, football games,projects,hormones, and lots of friendships that he will have forever so I will pray lots and keep being his Mama the best way I know how to and march on. I love you to the moon and back Caleb Micheal and I am honored to be your Mom.
Bring it on Middle School we got you!

Here are some pictures from our special morning:

One happy boy

His classmates

Caleb with his Great Grandparents

Caleb and his teacher Mrs.Bush

What a special day to end a great year. Now time for some Summer fun! School we will see you back in August.

Xo,

KB 

Summer Break, and the Last day of elementary school

Today is the last official school day with 5th grade graduation tomorrow.I cannot believe my little blond haired blue eyed boy is going to Middle School next year. No more crayons, pencil cases, and one teacher. We are moving on to lockers, lots of teachers and a little bit of freedom and lots of attitude. Part of me is excited and part of me is scared to death. All part of the adventure called life. I am so proud of Caleb; school isn't easy for him and we will have to stay focused and work hard to stay organized, but I have always told him together we can do anything. Even I drink wine from a red solo cup while doing math homework with him. No judging, just doing what I have to do ;) He has learned a lot and been blessed with Teachers that have taught more than just a lesson plan they taught him values and life lessons. I will forever be great full for the extra attention to detail, to the extra time spent with him, to their encouraging words to him and myself for that matter. So long elementary school ( at least for one of my kids) middle school we will see you on August. My girl will start 4th grade in August and she is a smart little girl I tell ya.
Can't wait to see what the next school year has in store for us. Until then bring on SUMMER fun! Camping, beach trips and long hot summer nights. Yes Please!

Xo,
KB

Watching the sadness of the world with your kids.

Today as I watched the news special on the devastation in Oklahoma my kids both stopped on the way up the stairs and they were glued to the stories of children just like them that survived being in a school that no longer existed after the tornado hit. They were both in shock and sad, I remembered what I had heard during the Boston attacks to remind your child to look for the medical workers during a tragedy. This allows are children to focus on the "Good" during all the sadness. It reminds them that then even in sadness and loss in the world it is still filled with good people doing good deeds. I do sometimes struggle with the things my kids are subjected to on the news however that is reality, the world we live in is full of sadness, evil and bad choices. I want my children to understand that there will always be good, that being good means making good choices and helping others when there are in need. I want them to live a full life with as much joy as possible however I want them to learn cope with loss and tragedy as it happens everyday. On a day of such tragedy a video went viral of a young 17 year old who passed away yesterday of terminal cancer. He is a tower of strength and wisdom, knowing his time was limited he loved, went to school and spent time with his family and friends. He wrote his feeling and eventually recorded these songs. These songs that would last forever for his parents and siblings. He had one simple message that he wanted to leave behind and that's to make others happy. Give happiness; that seems so simple yet we know the feeling of something so small making us upset. That 22 minute video changed my out look on what is really important and how I want to be remembered when my time comes. It's not about the stuff I have or the things I do it's how we impact and treat other everyday. I talked with my kids about the video and we watched it together, I explained that sadness was a part of death but that this young man had made peace with his illness and death. He left a legacy that he could be proud of, he is after death impacting more lives than I am sure he ever imagined. I don't want my kids to think about dying quite the opposite actually I want them to focus of LIVING life to the fullest everyday not just when you get sick. Help others, smile more and make others happy! While doing those things your will certainly make yourselves happy.
So tonight I pray for this young mans parents, siblings and family I pray for comfort and peace for them. I also pray for all those in Oklahoma suffering loss of loved ones, homes, memories and much more. Please squeeze your loved one a little tighter and live your life to the fullest everyday, I am not saying life won't throw you curves but the ability to wake up and have a redo is amazing.
Tonight I also hope that parents are taking the time to explain the good in all the tragedy in this world we live in. Hug a little tighter and remind them how loved they are. Tomorrow when you wake up think of times throughout the day that can make others happy.

Xo,
KB

You are cordially invited....'Period Parties'...Really?

Lets get this out there for all my Mom Friends with daughters or hell all you Mom's Period! (No pun intended).

I recently heard about Mom's throwing there daughters 'Period Parties' from a fellow blogger and felt compelled to explain this to my friends before you heard about it from your daughters, These parties are complete with invitations, red velvet cake and tampon games. Are you people for REAL? I would have KILLED my mom had she tried to do that, I would have been mad if I would have heard her tell anyone that I would have started my period. There are some things better left unannounced to your friends or family. Here is my take on this....

1. Does the invitation say 'Join my cycle celebration...where I become an overly hormonal bitch once a month and will most likely rip your face off'? I mean really? Do you want to watch me bloat, cry and take Midol like its candy sounds fun uh!
2. Who do you invite? Your besties, aunts, grandmothers, Moms friends, where is the line drawn there?
3. Do they bring you there favorite brand of tampon or pads as gifts?
4. Play games with Tampons??? Last time I checked tampons weren't cheap.... I mean I haven't bought them in like four year. Praise Jesus! However the only time a child should 'play' with a tampon is when they are toddlers and you NEED a shower, that's it!
5. Red Velvet cake is just wrong... I would NEVER eat that again if I ate it at a 'Period Party'.

I guess this may be a matter of opinion, but I believe this right of passage is not party worthy. Unless you call a heating pad, some medication, and a chocolate bar in your bed a party. That is what I will be offering my daughter one day... And maybe a get of jail free card for being a hormonal nightmare once a month. This is a big change in a young girls life, it will be around for a long time however I will not celebrate cramps and bloating for my girl with 20 of our closest friends. What about you?!

I am also hoping for a few more years before some unnamed little girl starts this not so exciting time in her life. but when she does I will be ready with a shoulder for her to cry on and the reminder that it happens to all girls. My welcome 'womanhood' will be shared a little less public and defiantly wont involve invitations, tampon games and a red velvet cake.

Xo,
KB

Dear Son: Some advice for surviving your Pre Teen year!

So parenting is a challenge to say the least, your child is there own person, has a mind of their own and will do things even if you thought or told them not to. Here is a list of things for my son to remember as we embark on a new adventure known as the "Pre" Teen years.

Dear Caleb,

1. I was once you age (I know its hard to believe)
2. When I ask you to do something, I am not asking if you would 'like to do it???' I am telling you to do it!
3. I know when you are lying to me... Remember that.
4. Apologizing to your sister isn't supposed to sound like this: "Thanks for getting me in trouble stupid"
5. DO NOT TELL ME NO!!! (enough said)
6. Admit when you are wrong.
7. Learn from your mistakes
8. Ask for help, I believe you have entered the phase of life where you think you know everything but you DONT. Trust me.
9. Always try your best. You are not going to be good at everything. Some things will come easy and other things will be hard but that doesn't mean you cant do it!
10. When you make that face at me... Remember I created it.
11. Never throw the first punch, walking away makes you the bigger person even if it doesn't feel like it at first.
12. Put the toilet seat down, PLEASE!!
13. Help others who need it.
14. You have a laundry basket please use it. Its massive in size so your excuse cant be "I cant find it".
15. Try your best in school.
16. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Be respectful!!
17. Believe in yourself.
18. Sarcasm isn't always funny...
19. Pray
20. Love yourself and your family at the end of the day we will be here for you when it feels like no one else will. Always remember that I love you no matter what.

Xo,
Mom

I am sure there is more I will add to that over the next 6 years but for now those are top on my list. He isn't even 'technically' a pre teen until August but ending elementary school must be the start of this era. Where does time go?

Xo,
KB