Deep Thinker

Recently, Mason completed his first year in a preschool program.  I have to admit that I was very apprehensive about 3K in general...not with where he was going only because Carson did not start until he was four years old.  I guess  I had a little "mommy guilt" but deep down in my "mommy soul" I knew that it was the best for him.  Mason is very much an intervert.  He really does not need others(except for Carson, he desparately needs Carson).  Honestly, he is exactly like Tony & my dad (he even looks like my dad), but they are all very quiet, humble individuals that do not need a large group of people around.  Actually, small groups are preferred.  I was a little concerned at first but now I have little worries about him.  He has overly impressed me this year...lots of growing, lots of learning, and he has made lots of little friends.
He has truly had the best experience I could ever hope for in a preschool.  His teacher was wonderful and so very patient on the days Mason was a little more apprenhensive.  He has learn so many things...letters & the sounds they make, numbers, and many bible verses.  But most importantly, he has learned valuable lessons that have set a foundation that will follow him the rest of his life.  For that, I am forever grateful!!
Each day, Mason would depend on me to pick him up(daddy was okay too but he really looked for me).  As the year went on, he would hop in the car with a new story or a new letter to talk about.  He wanted homework when Carson had to sit and do his homework.  So, we gave him a notebook to write his letters and numbers...he was thrilled.  I have to admit that I underestimated him a little.  He really was eager to learn.
At the end of this 3K experience, I am so glad I made the decision to let Mason attend this year.  He was ready, maybe more than I was ready to let him go.  At his program a few weeks ago, Mason received the "Deep Thinker Award", and his teacher commented that no matter what she said or told Mason he would always have a response or a question.  She said "Mason is always thinking."  He was also named "Student of the Year" for being the student that mastered all skills and had great behavior.  As he sang his little heart out, I smiled the biggest smile and tears flowed down my face.  He was thrilled to be a big boy standing on stage and singing for the Lord...and that makes my heart as happy as it can be and I was feeling very full, so grateful that I can leave my kids at a wonderful christian school that is teaching so much more than letters & numbers......
Here are a few pics from his 3k adventures...

Mason and his little friend Landon

Mason & Tucker playing store

Ms. Oliver with my sweet Mason

Carson is ready to be a Second Grader!!

First grade has flown....and I have to say Carson is thrilled for the Summer but sad his year with Ms. Brown is complete.  He has grown and matured tremendously and we are so very proud!! He has done so well this year, but mature enough to recognize his room for improvement.  He looked at his averages on his report card and says "I know I can make that score higher."He reminds me of an adult, he reminds me of Tony.....
Tony and I have stressed to him to be a kid and not to worry about decisions/choices that he will face as an adult.  I have been concerned about his maturity lately....he understands so very much!  I just really want our child to be a kid, enjoy each moment as a kid.  So, we have had several talks with him and he has responded well.  But there are times when he still shocks me ......On a recent ride home from school, Carson had a "talk" with Mason about choices...."you are always faced with choices buddy, good ones and bad ones, it is your decision"
I smile as I hear this conversation I smile and I realized that I will not be able to change Carson and his way of thinking.  I will embrace it and know the world will be a better place because he is in it!
He is truly a great kid(and I know that I am partial), alway doing for others, always taking the time to explain things to Mason before I even get a chance, always striving to do his best.  WE are so thankful to be his parents.  I feel so blessed that I was chosen to be his mommie and I hope he always will know it!

                                                                    Last day of 1st grade :)

Carson with Ms. Brown(LOVE her).  It was his idea to get her a peach tree, "so it will grow fruit just like we grow."  I love this child so very much, love the way he thinks, his kind heart, and willingness to try & do his best at anything.  This year he shared with me that he wanted Jesus to live in his heart, so He can save me and always be with me.  Such an awesome moment to share with my little man.  My prayer is for him to always put God first!