Change

Change is hard. It most always is. Our 4s are now 5s for the most part, and it is time for one of the biggest changes in their lives- the transition from home to school. They have been at Sunshine for as long as they can remember. All of a sudden people start talking to them about "big school" and kindergarten and graduating. All of that is real, necessary discussion and it can be terrifying, especially if you like things a certain way.  

So we talk about it. We make a plan. We look forward. Today we discussed that we would need to take their art down tomorrow. This breaks my heart every year. Of course we could do it for them and many years I did, but I found out that just this little step in the transition process allows them to take back some control of the their situation. They take the art down, they make room for the new kids art. It is on their terms. We discuss how the kindergartners at big school are packing up so that there will be space for THEM!

Today we made our plan for tomorrow. We will take down their things and make room for the new kids art to hang on the wall. We will sort through the used up glue sticks, dried up markers, and broken crayons. We will "box" up the year and get ready to celebrate the amazing little people they are. Until then, hold them a little tighter, give them an extra hug. They need it and most likely you do too!

Spa Day

Each year our 4s host a Mothers Day party at preschool.  This class had very specific ideas about the type of party they wanted, "A Mommy Loving" party was the decision. It took a little discussion to find out exactly what would happen at a "Mommy Loving: party, but we quickly worked it out and got to planning.

  We made homemade strawberry sugar scrub and put it in pretty jars.

We assembled the tools each mommy would need for her morning at the spa.

We personalized their foam spa shoes.

And set the tables.

After many hours of preparation, we fired up the spa music and turned down the lights-funny story, everyone thought the power was out since Duplin Co. Schools was on a 2 hour delay due to power outages!

We greeted our mommies at the door, helped them choose their polish, and find their special seats.

We offered them water or lemonade and served them the beverage of their choice.

Once we were all settled it was time for manicures...

Complete with hand massages.

Some were a little more vigorous than others!  

I may have demonstrated some techniques I have gleaned from my experiences at the Le Nails.

While the fingernails were drying it was time for a pedicure.

I have never seen them more focused!

Now it is time to relax.

While the mommies rested, we made their plates

and served them.

These were the sweetest little waiters and waitresses you have ever seen.

We sang a sweet song...

and bid the mommies farewell.  This was such a special day for everyone!