A Butcher, A Baker and...A Costume Maker?

Jack's preschool graduation was this past Thursday. It was absolutely precious to see all of the four- and five-year-olds {many that he has gone to school with since he was one} on stage together in their Sunday best, singing and dancing their little hearts out. It was an emotional and moving experience {at least for me and the many other moms in the room}. And you will notice that Jack could hardly contain his excitement for his adoring fans and cheering section.

Jack had a small speaking part that we had to practice and learn before the big day. He was so amped up on stage {as you will be able to tell below} that he sort of missed his queue.

After the singing program, came a slideshow and more waterworks while photos of Jack and his friends from the last year {and the past few years} flashed across the screen to Jack Johnson's We're Going to Be Friends playing in the background.

After the slideshow, they played a pre-taped interview of each "graduate" and then presented them with their "diploma" on stage.

The interview questions were:

1) What is your full name?

2) What is your favorite thing to do at school?

3) What do you want to be when you grow up?

I'm not certain how much rehearsing or discussion went into this interview beforehand, or if it was completely off the cuff. I know that we haven't discussed what Jack wants to be when he grows up at home {at least not prior to this video taping}.

There were many doctors, scientists, teachers, police men, firemen and dentists. You know, the standard responses.

Then there was a ballerina, princess, baseball player {from a little girl, mind you}, cowboy girl, ninja, balloon maker, rock star, duck feeder and my son's answer, costume maker.

I only wish I had the video footage to prove it, but Jack clearly states on the video:

"I am Jack Benjamin Grooters. I like to play dragons at school. And I want to be a costume maker when I grow up."

I love it! And I have no idea where he got that from, except that he loves to peruse Halloween catalogs and discuss what costumes to wear next Halloween. But what is funny, is that occasionally he will play dress up in an old costume, but by no means does he love to dress up and role play as much as some kids.

It was time to hand out the diplomas, alphabetically by first name. Jack, very properly went up and accepted his from Ms. Suzanne and hugged her sweetly. Then proceeded to "limbo" {or so he says} which really just looked like he was throwing up his arms in an "oh my God, I'm so thankful that I made it to this point" move just as a high school/college grad would do.

Oh, how I love you sweet little boy. You say and do the funniest things. You are oh so caring, kind and loving. Every. Single. Day. I keep telling you that I don't want you to grow up. I know I can't stop it, but I so wish I could. I sat at my computer and watched old home movies last night of you that were recorded since we moved into this house. I can't believe how much you've changed over these last four years. This is the first of {hopefully} many more graduation celebrations. I can't wait to take this journey together with you.

I am so thankful for the nurturing and loving environment that Little Lambs Preschool has provided for Jack! His experiences and education is above and beyond what we could have provided for him. It wasn't long ago that I was working a brand new, full-time job and stuck in a bad preschool situation for 3 weeks. I had to find a better alternative fast. I turned to LLPS and they were able to "find" a spot for Jack. It was a miracle and completely meant to be. We haven't looked back or considered any other alternatives since. It's so nice to know that our child's teachers and caregivers have just as much attachment, care and attention to our children as we do. We've been lucky to have found those kind of special people at LLPS!

Thanks for the last four years and the many more to come.

P.S. I guess I will have to keep procreating, so that we never have to actually leave Little Lambs. That will be the day that I really cry my eyes out!