Last week was Jade's Kindergarten graduation. I have to admit that I was a little worried when Jade started Kindergarten, because of her initial assessment test. In the past I have sat right next to my kids during there assessment, but Jade's teacher did not let the parents be there for the test (which was hard but I think better). So on the way home I asked her how it went and this was her response, "I figured out that if I waited long enough without saying anything she would go on to the next letter". I could not believe what I was hearing. I tried to calmly talk to her about how important it is to learn the letters and their sounds so she can read. Of course in my crazy mind she had already failed Kindergarten (and I call her a drama queen). I am proud to report that she finished all of the Kindergarten level books and did not fail Kindergarten. I am so grateful for the chance I get to watch her learn and grow.
Lilli did not graduate from preschool because she has one more year, but she received a diploma for completing her first year of preschool. I get to help out in her class and she is also doing a great job. Her name only consists of lines but she does a great job of writing it all by herself.
Last Sunday we visited the Orem cemetery to celebrate Memorial Day. It looked so beautiful with all of the flowers. It was fun to share some of my memories with my kids about my Grandparents. Here are a few; Grandpa Ercanbrack died when I was just around 7 years old so my memories are few. I do have a vision of him sitting in his chair with his legs crossed and his hat on his knee. Grandma Ercanbrack had more spunk then I will probably ever have. I remember her shewing the cats off her front porch with the broom. I remember her roses. I also remember her calling us little sh*** more than once. I am sure we deserved it. Finally I remember playing with the skin on the back of her hands in church. Grandma Chapman died when I was expecting McKinley. I remember thinking that I hope that they are getting to know each other before she comes to our family here. I remember the dreaded talent shows at family parties. I never felt like I had a talent that I wanted to share. I also remember her ALWAYS telling me how special I am. "Grandpun" Chapman was what we called him. He always had a pun to share. I remember working (playing) in the Orem garden with him. The peas were my favorite. I remember the puppet plays that we put on. I remember watching him sing, he was very good and he loved it. I can't sing How Great Thou Art without thinking of him.
I am so grateful to know that I will get to see them again someday.
