Graduation!

Well folks, he did it! Charlie graduated from ASU last Friday with a master’s degree in Information Systems Management.

The fam at graduation

Chuck & Martha and Charlie

Proud wife (8 months prego)

Picture with the people in his program

Charlie's group & advisors

Charlie’s group’s applied project was voted the top project for the whole MISM department. This is his group (3 of the 4 of them are members of the church).

Charlie's group

The boys were amazing at graduation. The seats were tight like the seats at the Mariott Center. There were about 700 graduates in the business school and we were all happy when it was over (especially me – those seats are hard and uncomfortable).

Going Home! Glad to have Dad back in our lives.

Easter

Over Easter weekend Mom, Dad, and Adrienne came for a visit since it was Adrienne’s spring break. We love having family visit us. Sorry I didn’t really get any pictures of our visitors. I’m not very good at taking the camera with us.

Sam on the hunt

Showing his loot

McKay eating his candy in his Easter chair

So much candy!

In their new chairs

Easter vests (Sam is beyond tired)

At least Sam smiled in his new chair

I had to add one more photo. I love to watch the boys work with their dad in washing the car. I know it takes a lot longer and everyone gets more wet, but they love it.

Boys & Charlie washing the car

What Is Preschool?

I’ve been having some interesting conversations with friends and family about preschool and I find the differing definitions attached to the word, very interesting. For some preschool is teaching your child basics such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, etc. For others preschool means sending your child to a paid institution, whether it be a home preschool or a more commercialized preschool. I’ve been asked many times if I am going to send McKay to a “real preschool” before he goes to kindergarten. My reply is “no”, but that is assuming they mean that I’m going to send him to a paid preschool. The next comment to follow usually begins with, “Well, you were a teacher. . . .” That is true and it may give me some bonus ideas, but I don’t think you need a Master’s Degree to talk to your children, read with your children, and teach your children the basics.

So my first question is what is “real preschool?” I don’t mean to offend anyone or read more into what they mean, but what makes a paid preschool more “real” than what I (and many other mothers) am doing in my own home with my own child?  My answer is nothing. There are definitely differences, but what two classrooms are the same? I don’t say this to set myself above others, but how many mothers out there have their children color, cut, glue, draw, and create art? How many mothers have their children help them cook, clean, do chores, do the wash, and fold laundry? How many mothers talk to their children about what they see as they walk down the street or and count the cars/truck/trees as they drive down the road? How many mothers read to their children, sing them songs, and recite them nursery rhymes? I dare say most mothers do many of these things without really considering the education they are providing their children. Is this not preparing them for kindergarten?

What else prepares them for kindergarten? Children do need socialization and need to learn how to be with other children. This can be done in a variety of ways, without paying for formal preschool. Thankfully in our church children attend nursery and primary which is a great training ground for sitting in a chair, listening to a teacher, and being with other children. Play groups and story time (at local libraries where available) are other ways in which children can learn to sit, listen, and be with one other children.

I’m not placing judgment on any mother. Each mother has to make the decision that is right for her and her child. Each child might have different needs within the same family, and a different decision reached in each case. There are many wonderfully qualified preschools and teachers. I for one don’t want to pay the money for something I can do on my own, and I enjoy doing the majority of the teaching in my own home. However, we have decided to participate in a preschool co-op where we trade off teaching with several mothers in the ward once a week(similar to Joy School but our own curriculum). McKay loves it and I think the mothers involved are doing an incredible job.

I probably could go on and on about preschool, but will end with this thought. Mothers have the responsibility for teaching and nurturing their children and are the primary influence in their children’s early lives. It’s only a matter of years until the realm of influence broadens.  As for me, I want to hold on to that influence as long as I can.

Happy Birthday Sammy!

Sam turned 2 on Feb 10th. It was a beautiful and warm day and we drove over to Scottsdale to go to the “Train Park”. The boys had a great time playing at the parks, riding the train, and riding the carousel. It was nice just to be together as a family.  We are so thankful that Sam is a part of our family. He makes us laugh and has so much crazy energy that sometimes it’s exhausting just watching him. He’s beginning to talk so much and I just love how he puts together words. His latest sentence is “What this are? Tell me.” He is in love with cars, trucks, and trains just like McKay so that’s what they spend a lot of their day playing. They also love to pretend and play at the park. I love that they play so well as brothers (most of the time). Sammy is very independent and has to do things himself, which is good and bad.  Sam is a bruiser, but has a tender heart. Sometimes he comes up to me and says, “Love you Mom.”  Today he had his well-child check-up and he is a healthy 33 pounds (McKay was 34) and still growing. We sure love him!

Riding the Train

Playing at the park

In jail

Shoving in the cupcake

Eating more cupcakes

Isn't one binkie enough?

Here are two pictures I had to add. One, because I think it’s funny, and the other, because I’ve had a few people request a picture – even though I try hard not to be in pictures when I’m pregnant.

"Playing" with McKay on a Sunday afternoon

23 Weeks