Wow it is hard to believe that the time had come. My little man is hitting another milestone in his journey of growing up. Yes, it means that this Momma had some tears in her eyes, as her boy stepped out on the concert stage with his peers. The pictures are not the greatest due to the fact that I had to use my cell phone. Since I forgot to charge my camera. Luckily, Joel's godfather got a few better ones.
I am so blessed by God to be able to watch my son hit so many milestones including this newest one. Joel loves to sing and dance. He never once practiced his concert songs at home. He wanted to keep me surprised on what he was learning, and wanted to make last night a special one. He wouldn't tell any of us. He wanted everyone in his family to be surprised. The whole Kindergarten did wonderful. It is amazing how they got over 100 kindergarteners to work together, and do so well.
My son did have a special part. He and one of the girls from his class got to do the horse actions with a few others from different classes while the other students sang. I was so proud of him. He made this Momma proud.
Yes, too me he was the most handsome young man on the stage. He had his hair all gelled, and his nice dress clothes on. At first I was going crazy that he wore his tie on the outside of his vest. Finally I gave up, and let him do what he wanted. I got to thinking to myself. It is just Joel trying to be unique, and give his own flare to his look.
Later when I got home I asked him why he refused to put his tie under his vest. He then told me two reasons that broke this Momma's heart. 1st reason was that if the tie was under the vest no one would see it (Joel loves to show off his ties and bowties).
2nd reason was what broke my heart the most. Okay got to give the history behind this one tie. Joel's godmother's grandpa died a few years ago. His godmother keep a bunch of her grandpa's ties. Joel was always admiring the ties. He loved to try them on, and wear them to church. Joel's godmother gave Joel the ties. He promised to take care of them, and he has. Honestly, my son looks handsome in ties and bowties.
Back to the tie. Joel chose to wear the tie, because he knew the history behind it. He wanted to wear it proudly, and that maybe Grandpa G. was looking down from heaven with a smile on his face. Man, still brings tears to my eyes writing about it.
My son is growing up so fast. He is great boy with a sincere heart of love for his friends and his family. I am glad I am his Momma.
Joel and I always look forward to spring break since he started preschool a couple years ago. We always look forward to doing something fun and exciting. Last year we did a science experiment every day.
This year we got the chance to go spend spring break in Arkansas seeing our family. We rode down with my Mom and her husband. We stayed the first night in Bella Vista, Arkansas with our Uncle and Aunt. We went with them to their church. It was fun, but Joel missed our own church and his godparents. Then my Dad came and got us, and we spent the rest of the vacation in Mena, Arkansas with my Dad and our grandparents.
We enjoyed doing many things around Mena. Out of all the times we had been to Mena we have not had a chance to try one of Cruizers famous burgers that everyone there talks about. Well, finally we got to go. We took Grandma L. with us. Grandpa had surgery a couple days before so he was in the hospital. We went and visited him every day in the hospital until he got out.
Each day was shopping fun, and usually it was just to look. Each day one of us would pick where we wanted to go. Joel was first to pick. So, Grandma, Joel, and I set out to go shopping. Out of all the places he could choose (walmart, toy store, ect.) he picked to go to a book store. In a way I was shocked but in a way I wasn't. Joel loves to collect books, and loves to read them. The next day was my choice of where to go. I wanted to spend some time just my Dad and I. So, Grandma watched the little man while we adventured out on my search for a cast iron steal dutch to use for camping. I think we shopped like several antique and regular stores. Finally, we went to the last antique store in Mena. We found one. Actually, we found two but only had money for one. Maybe next time I can see if they still have the other one still.
One of the afternoons while we were in Mena. It was a nice windy day. Joel loves to fly kites. So, my Dad and I bought him a kite at Walmart. We took him up the street to the near by church lot away from the trees and poles. Joel had such a thrill flying a kite with his Papa and his Mommy. He said it was cool that he got to fly a kite in Arkansas. It was so peaceful too. In the background was Rich Mountain. We hope that the next time we get to go that we will take the kite to the top of the mountain for Joel to fly. We kind of forgot the kite the day we went up. Plus it was too windy and cold the day we got to go on the mountain.
When we were not out and about in Mena; we just hung around our grandparents house playing games, watching tv, and eating. It was weird the days that Grandpa was in the hospital. But were glad that we got to spend time with him after he got home before we had to leave to come home. Joel loves to learn new games. Joel decided he wanted to learn how to play Chinese Checkers. Grandma thought it was time to teach him. So, Grandma and Joel played A LOT of Chinese Checkers. Joel got good at it too. I may have to find me the game.
From the first time I took Joel to Mena, Arkansas to this recent time. I could not believe how much he has grown over the last few years. Until I looked at some old pictures. I had to compare the two. I wonder if in a few years he will want to sit on that darn deer.
We have no clue when we are going to be going back down to Arkansas to visit again, but we are looking forward to it. Hopefully we will get to do more sight seeing, and doing new things. We might even go camping if we go this summer.
