The Graduates

Grace and Laura graduated from preschool today and I only cried once. While many who shall remain nameless say that "it's just preschool", I beg to differ. I choose to celebrate everything for these four kids of mine, even the insignificant. The girls donned a cap and gown and I couldn't help but look into the future to two eighteen-year-olds walking across a bigger stage and out of my house. I cannot even fathom that right now but I know it is coming faster than I am ready to admit.

So I thought I would compose a letter in honor of this occasion in hopes that I will look back at this entry in thirteen years and soak in all the memories of them being five and a half.

My Dearest Grace and My Dearest Laura,

Today you graduated from Preschool. Today you put on a cap and gown and walked across that stage and you said goodbye to the preschool years. And I cried and wondered where these five years have gone. You are my firstborns. You both made me a mommy. You have made me so happy and I just want to reflect on who you are today and what I pray for you each day. You two precious creatures are so easy going and some of the funniest girls I have ever known. I love you both so much and know you will be remarkable women. So first, here is a condensed list of what you are like at five:

GRACE

• You are very good at soccer and ballet and pretty much anything athletic. My mouth has dropped more than once seeing you in action since I don't know where you got your coordination (certainly not from your mother!!)
• You are very shy and timid and have really become more so this year. You hide behind me when we meet new people and you will not go up to the stage for children's church.
• You are not a follower and we often have to convince you that what your friends are doing is fun and that you should participate. For example, there was a pajama day at school and you refused to wear pajamas to school even though everyone else did. You even said that you were "going to have to talk to Miss Viva Mae about that". I even brought you a set of PJ's up to school just in case you changed your mind but you DID NOT.
  
• You are my most nurturing child so far. You can easily get Cuatro or Audrey to calm down when they are upset. I love this about you right now. It is so nice to have an extra pair of hands.
• You really care about what you wear and have an opinion about any outfit I choose for you. But you still let me pick out your clothes each day and put bows in your hair which I am loving!!

LAURA

• You are always trying to make everyone around you happy and are always seeking to please me or your father.
• You are excited about learning and are always asking me questions or telling me what you learned from school or a movie you saw.
• You let Audrey roll off the couch last week and were not fazed in the least. (Sorry I had to record this but I wanted to remember)
• You are a "people person". You make friends easily and are always willing to say hi to anyone I introduce you to.
  
• You have a love-hate relationship with Cuatro. When you two are not fighting, you have a great time playing together for hours at a time.
  
• You love to cuddle with and hug anyone you are comfortable with (all the aunts, mammy, pappy, Auntie Skye, Ms. Liz, Ms. Leah to name a few)
  
• You climb absolutely anything
  

I hesitate to write what I want for you because that doesn't matter. What matters most is what God has planned for you and how you accomplish what He has already set in motion for you to be. So here is a list of what I pray for you:

• To be women who know they have a mighty God who is real and faithful and loving.
  
• To have close friendships that encourage you to love your Heavenly Father more and more
• To know that daily taking up your cross involves spending time with God and listening to Him throughout the day
• To be curious about everything and have a desire to learn and explore
• To be kind to others and to always be hospitable in your words and actions
• To not be judgmental of those who are different but to love them as Christ does

I was reading a blog a couple months ago and saw that they had chosen this next verse at their daughter's baby dedication. So I claimed it for all three of you girls:

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."
-----Luke 1:45
May this be true for you, Grace and Laura. I love you both so very much.

Mom

Laura getting her memory box


Grace receiving her diploma

Laura in her cap and gown

The graduates

Grace in her cap and gown