star of the week

Prior to the boys turning a year, I tried to be good about blogging monthly updates....I was good, for about 3 months.  Time is not slowing down and the boys are almost 5, eeek, I am making a promise to myself to pick it back up starting today.  For those that know us closely, it's no surprise that some days are a blur, so I want to remember all the sweet, fun and crazy as it happens!

Soooo, here it goes, and what better time to start than now.  While the boys have been in school since 15 months, this year they changed schools began a 5 day schedule and full day curriculum for PreK.  The first few weeks it was a little tough to adjust to the new schedule, I distinctly remember them saying "not again".  But times have changed, now they jump up, look forward to each day and all upcoming activities!  

Speaking of upcoming activities, a few months ago, both boys celebrated being star of the week.  It was so cute, we made a poster sharing all of their favorite things, they got to bring a special show-n-tell, be the line leader...you name it!  But my favorite part by far was the activity they asked the parents to participate in.  We had to write a letter to both of our boys ... no rules - whatever we would like, this was the chance for the teacher to surprise them and read to the classroom.  My boys love books, so we thought creating a storybook would be perfect for them both!  Scott was the copywriter, and I played designer and editor (as always).  We approached both books differently with so much love for each.  

The boys came home from school during their special week and told us they loved it which of course gave me happy tears.  I'm so proud of how much they have grown and so glad we have this memory to look back on one moment in time.

​Dear Caleb:
Where can mommy and daddy start with showing how much of a blessing you are to us. From the moment we found out that you were going to be a part of our family, our lives were going to change forever. You were the one who made our family complete. Like a puzzle piece, you made our lives come to life with joy and happiness that nobody could never imagine could happen. As you grew up into the young boy you are today, you have shown what it is to love, care, laugh and even cry. To show you how much you are an amazing boy, we wanted to show you and your classmates who you are and what you mean to everybody you has ever much such a wonderful boy like yourself.
 
C – represents the caring that you give to everyone. When someone is hurt you are there to give a hug. When someone is crying you are there to make them feel better with a smile, a kiss or even a blanket.
A – represents the affectionate you are to all those around you. Your warm hugs, thoughts and tenderness when someone is hurt or having a bad day makes problems disappear.
L – is for the Love you show to mommy, daddy, Kyleigh, Christian, Grandma, Grandpa, Pappa and Nana and to all your family and friends
E – is for the excitement you show for all that is new to you and all of the things that you have grown to love
B – is for the beauty you see in everyone and everything. You see the best in everyone, their laugh, smile, funny way they make you laugh when they tickle you. You see the beauty in a bug on the ground, ant crawling in the backyard and a rainbow that appears after a rainstorm.
 
Caleb, you are an amazing boy. All that you do, all that you say, all that you share with us truly is amazing. I know you are only 4 ½ years old and you have a lifetime ahead of you. Mommy and daddy are so proud to call you our son and all the people that you have met are proud to call you their friend.
 
Love
Mommy and Daddy

Dear Christian:
                 
Well buddy, for all of two minutes you had a good run. You were our first born son and you where our world but two minutes later you became something more special than you could ever imagine. You became a big brother not only to your sister Kyleigh but also to your brother Caleb. Being a big brother has very special meaning, and you are the perfect person to be called a big brother. Why do you ask, well actually it is funny you ask. You see, mommy has three older brothers and daddy has two, so we know a few things about big brothers and we would love to share them with you.

First, big brothers are protectors. Just like you do with Kyleigh and Caleb, you look out for them. You make sure they are safe and happy. If Kyleigh and Caleb are unsafe you make sure that they feel safe as fast as you can whether you do it yourself with a hug or go get help by calling mommy and daddy.

Second, big brothers are caring. You are always there with a smile and a hug if someone is not feeling well or simply needs a laugh. Your personality is growing each day and anyone that is around you, enjoys their time spent around you.

Third, big brothers are loving. We cannot describe how loving you are. You are always there with a hug and a kiss. You always tell us you love us. You love Kyleigh and Caleb with all your heart because they know you are always there for them.

There are so many things that make up what a big brother is, and we would love to list them all and if we did, we could relate them all to you somehow. We just wanted you to know how special you are not only to mommy and daddy but Kyleigh and Caleb as well.  You are a very special little boy with a lot of characteristics that with time will make you not only a very special boy but later in life a special man. We are so proud of you, and we cannot wait to see what your future holds.
 
Love Mommy and Daddy