So Proud!

This summer, my big girl, Kate, enjoyed her first preschool summer camp with a few of her favorite friends! She spent 1 week in June and 1 week in July with Ms. Harpt at Stepping Stones and loved every minute! It was awesome for me as her mommy to see her march off with her princess backpack and not look back! These first few years with her at home have given her a strong sense of security and confidence. Now when we drive by that school she proudly proclaims "that's my school, Mommy!" I will have to get her enrolled soon, just not this coming semester with the pending arrival of her baby brother. We will continue some community center classes and probably start her as a real preschooler in January when she's 4 years old.
Every year the MOMS Club chapter that I belong to fulfills the back-to-school supplies list for the children living in the Weldon House. This year, Andrew used his own "donation" money to buy the items we signed up to purchase. He picked out 2 backpacks and counted out 60 folders! I was so proud of him as he counted out the correct cash and handed it over to the cashier. So, the time came to make our annual pilgrimage to drop off our donations in person. At bedtime, the night before, I had a small talk with Andrew, explaining the reason why some mommies find themselves in a situation where they need a place like the Weldon House. I told him that it was a safe place for these mommies and their children to go and learn how to make better choices in life and to get a fresh start. I told him that I like to help these women who are working hard to help themselves and make a better life for their children. He seemed to understand and take pride in knowing that he can do something to help them too. The Weldon House is a place where Andrew can see first hand that he's a very lucky kid and that not all children have the fun toys and shelves of books that he does.This nice mom has a 3rd grader and told Andrew that he picked out the "perfect" backpack for him! He was touched when she wanted to give him a hug and offer her appreciation. I was so proud of him! Ok, one more thing to feel proud about. Andrew had a summer reading goal of 10 chapter books and one science experiment. He blew us away when he finished 11 chapter books (The Magic Tree House series) and did an experiment where he discovered what materials could break a strong magnetic force that was opposing a gravitational force at the same time. His reward was to take his whole family to Chuck E. Cheese for a fun family night out! Sister Kate was super happy with her brother too!