The Plan

See this precious girl?  

Cute, isn't she?

That photo was taken on her first day of school this year.  Today is her last day.  I remember sitting in WM's car after we took her to school on her first day and having a few tears trickle down my face.  Today, however, I've shed more tears than that first day.  This past week I've lived with a lump in my throat.  What's wrong with me--school's out!  Yeah--first year was a huge success!  But that's exactly the problem.  This year was a huge success and I don't want it to end.  I want her to have the precious Mrs. Beers every year.  I want her to have all her same, sweet little friends.  I want each day for be filled with the same laughter and fun that she had this year.  I don't want it to end!  Don't get me wrong--I can't wait for our summer together and all the fun stuff we're going to do and all the time we'll have together.  What I don't want is to have to go back to the worrying if she's okay--when right now, I KNOW!

Then there's this other thing...Katie loved Kindergarten so much that she's going to do Kindergarten again! Yay!! 

What, you ask?

After many, many weeks of soul searching, researching, talking to teachers, talking to friends, talking to Katie, we decided that our little angel needs a "grow year."  She is the youngest abd Kindergartener, and you can tell.  This was such a hard decision.  Any parent who has been faced with it knows, there are SO many things to take into consideration.  And Katie's situation was unique because academically she is very high.  But emotionally/developmentally, she's young.  She doesn't have a lot of self-confidence, she's pokey, she cries easily.  Nothing that is anything to worry about--she's right on target for her age (and almost a year younger than many of her classmates), but considering that she's going to have to be independent and a self starter when she moves to 1st grade, we decided that maybe a year to grow will be best for her.  

We are excited to see this little flower blossom.  We have plans for next year to keep her from getting bored and to challenge her academically.  We had to take into consideration that she would probably be fine next year or the next, but eventually it was going to catch up with her.  And by then it would be too late.  She's doing so well academically that we want her to keep that great attitude toward school.  So that is our plan for Katie.

The past week has been a little tough and yesterday I asked for prayers because her class went to visit 1st grade and I was worried that maybe someone would say hurtful words about her not going to 1st or that she would lose her great attitude about doing Kindergarten again.  But thanks to your prayers, she had a great day and when I asked her last night if she still was excited about doing Kindergarten she gave me a very enthusiastic "YES!"  So, I believe we're still on track for a great summer and successful school year next year.  I'm still praying that today will go okay since today will be the day that the teacher's say "goodbye", but I know that Katie will be fine.  She's a very positive little girl.  The beginning of school next year may be a little tricky, but we'll get through it and I think we're going to see big things from this little gal!

Thanks to all my friends and family who have helped us along this journey (Baloney, Bridget, Susie).  Your supportive words have meant so much.  And when I was having those doubtful moments, your emails and phone calls helped me remember that we're doing the best for our little girl.

You guys are the best.  Thanks for your support.  And for others out there reading this who know of a family going through this, give them your support and don't jump to conclusions.  We're doing the best for our children...and it's a tough decision.  Harder than anyone would realize unless you've walked in these shoes.

(Sorry this was so long).

Hope everyone has a great, GREAT weekend!!!!

Peace and love!