Ballet Recital

Kendall finished her first year of ballet. She really enjoyed these weekly lessons and was super excited for the recital.

She felt so grown up with make-up on!

Kendall with two sweet friends and sisters, Lilly and Sydni.

Even though the picture is hard to see, here's Kendall with her class on stage during their program.

Kendall and Hannah

Kendall, Lilly, Sydni and Mrs. Sarah, their teacher.

More pictures on stage after the program.

Kendall reenacted poses from their routine.

And Brielle thought she was part of the show.  Trust me, I cropped her out from the other pictures but this one just cracks me up of the two of them.

Future ballerina...

Time to Party

The day after Kendall's year end program was a class PARTY at a nearby bounce house. Kendall and her friends had a BLAST!

One popular attraction was the hurricane simulation wind machine. 

Kendall and her bff, Keely

Speaking of Mrs. Belinda teaching her students to sacrificially give to others, Kendall shared two of her dozen roses she received at her end of the year party with her two closest classmates, Keely and Paris.

One last class picture with a world's greatest teacher cookie cake!

Kendall has absolutely adored Mrs. Belinda this year.  She had been upset the last few weeks as the year began to draw to a close.  Mrs. Belinda gave each child a beach towel with their initial monogrammed on it. She attached this note with ribbon.  When we got home Kendall said, "I want to keep this in my book bag next year so I can remember this day forever."  After I shared that with Belinda through text later, we had a cry together. Yep, Mrs. Belinda will always be special.

Here's the note Kendall wrote to Mrs. Belinda along with her year end present.

End of Year Program

The day I had dreaded all school year arrived! And I made it through barely (in part due to keeping Brielle halfway still and quiet in my lap). But nonetheless I made it with minimal tears (they all came the two weeks leading up). It would have been kind of Mrs. Rita to have picked a year to retire when I did NOT have a child "graduating".  But apparently she didn't consult me on the matter.

Kendall was so proud of her certificate.  She also received a Bible with her name in it.

This was the best family picture we were able to get.  Never mind the blue thingie coming out of Gabe's head!

I had specifically prayed that God would bless Kendall with a truly special friend this year.  A friend that would love Jesus and be a godly influence on her.  God answered that prayer twice over.

Kendall and bff #1 Keely...

...and bff #2 Hannah.

Keely will be attending a different public school next year but her mom (who is an MMO teacher and has become a friend to me as well) and I have made a promise to keep them in touch with each other.  Hannah attends our church and will also be going to the same school as Kendall next year.

Kendall is on the top row. You can spot her big pink bow easily.

Kendall and me with Keely and Monica.

Such a sweet night to celebrate an awesome school year.

Family Pictures 2014

So Thankful

I am so thankful for these sweet ladies who have loved and taught Kendall these past few years.

Mrs. Belinda has been the absolute best fit teacher for Kendall this past year.  Her gifting and love of teaching is evident as she goes above and beyond every single day.  She has been so faithful to teach the children more than just academics, but truly teaches to the heart.  Her classroom is a family built on unity, trust and love.  Kendall has learned how to truly care for her friends and give of herself to benefit others.  I'm so thankful for the seeds of God's truth that Belinda has planted into Kendall's heart.

And I'm so thankful to be able to direct an awesome group of MMO teachers.  I'm so glad as mommy that I've had countless sneak peeks of Brielle in her class this year.  And about halfway when it clicked for Brielle that Mommy is here all day I was able to walk in and have quick visits as well.  Once again I'm spoiled (and blessed!)

These two women have also poured so much of themselves into their one-year-old class.  They both have a heart for young children and it shows in their words and actions every day.

Here's Brielle with Mrs. Krystle...

...and Mrs. Leisa.

And Mrs. Belinda and Kendall again all fancied up for the end of the year program.

And my words can't express my gratitude for this fellow Louisiana girl and my "Boss Lady".  Mrs. Rita has faithfully directed our MMO and kindergarten programs for many years.  She also loves Jesus and loves children. God used Mrs. Rita instrumentally during a hard time in my life and I'm so grateful for her leadership, mentorship and friendship. She's retiring this year, but her legacy will carry on.  I've learned so much from her and I will truly miss her.  She's counseled me on so many things as I've been in a director position for three years, and I feel like I owe so much of what I've learned to her!

And Mrs. Valerie!! She was Kendall's MMO teacher when she was two, and now she helps direct the kindergarten.  She is a sweet friend and a true blessing to Kendall and me!

I'm so grateful for Kendall's opportunity to be taught by these sweet ladies.  I know what she's learned will carry with her for a long time!