The First Day of Big "K"

You would think that after having almost six years to prepare for today I would be ready, but my heart was far from it. However, Brayden woke up so excited for his first day of Kindergarten! He even woke his brother up to say "Hurry Bryson, we are going to be late" : ). They started Kindergarten at 9:00 today so that all the parents of the Kindergarteners would be less frazzled. I was thankful because Bryson needed to be at his school by 8:30, so it worked out perfect. While we were dropping Bryson off, Brayden had a chance to see his teacher from last year, Mrs. Nicole. He was so excited to tell her about his new school he was attending today. She gave him a big hug and prayed with him. We will definitely miss her! Brayden wanted to call Nana on his way to school, she seemed excited to hear from him ; ). When we arrived in the parking lot of Jim Stone, it really started to hit me. I can't believe my baby boy is a Kindergartener. We saw Brayden's best friend, Audrey, and had to get a pic. They aren't in the same class, but I know they will have fun at recess. Brayden wanted to hold my hand when we walked in the school, needless to say this made my heart happy. When we got to Brayden's room, Mrs. Philpot greeted Brayden with open arms. He was excited to hang up his Iron Man backpack, find his seat and start coloring. I'm amazed at how quickly Brayden makes friends, he's such an outgoing little guy. After watching him color for about five minutes, Mrs. Philpot turned on the television for morning announcements and the pledge of allegiance. There was a lady that came in the room and informed all the parents that the PTO was hosting a "Boohoo Breakfast" down the hall and it was time to go. What?!!! So Soon?!! My heart sank and I could feel the tears starting to fill my eyes. I was walking out and was waving bye when Brayden motioned me to come where he was. He gave me a kiss, and yes.....the tears fell. I told him to have a wonderful first day and I would see him very soon. When I walked out of the class I felt overjoyed with pride and heavy with saddness all in one. The Boohoo Breakfast was such a great idea. Even if we couldn't be in the same room with our "babies" atleast we were just right down the hall a little while longer. It was mostly quiet in the room. It was hard for me not to notice all the couples. The Dad's consoling the Mom's and how they made it a point to be there together for such a special occasion. One of the thoughts going through my head as I set there surrounded by other parents was that I hope Jimmy's heart was filled with grief today for missing such a big event in Brayden's life over nothing but foolishness. Then I said a prayer for Brayden and Bryson that they do not let the fact that their Dad isn't man enough to be there for them make them feel the least bit sad or unwanted. I also prayed that my sweet boys have a wonderful first day of school and that I would have peace knowing that my babies are well taking care of.

What a Difference a Summer Makes!!!

During Brayden's Pre-K year, he showed little interest in his writing and artistic side. Thankfully, that has changed this summer. We spend hours a day working on his coloring, writing, and everything in between preparing for the Big "K". I'm amazed at the diffence in his coloring at the beginning of the summer versus the end. Look at how differently he writes his name. The lizard was done in May and the penguin was done in August. I'm such a proud Momma of this big growing boy! He's definitely ready for Kindergarten. Me.......not so much : (

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.......

First let me start by saying this is far from my happiest post. Unfortunately I haven't known really what to say for the past eight months. Life has went on, but it seems like a blur. My world has been turned upside down. Six months ago I was under the impression that I was in a happy marriage and we had been actively trying for over a year to add to our family. Since then, Jimmy has decided to quit our family and himself as far as I'm concerned. I don't really want to share all the details, but just imagine a Jerry Springer type Soap Opera and that would pretty much sum it up. There has been several events in my boys lives such as Brayden's Pre-K graduation, his T.O.T performance, Tball, Safety Town, Bryson's birthday, and so much more. I know I could have posted about these events, but it just felt like the shadow of this nasty divorce darkened the mood of what was supposed to be joyous occasions. I know I am a stronger person today than I was six months ago, but it's still a world away from where I know I need to be. My two baby boys are still very much heartbroken and confused, as am I. I wish with every fiber in my being that I could take that pain away from them. I'm not sure where we will be a year from now. Actually, I'm not sure where we will be three months from now. All I do know is that I appreciate all the kind words, love, support, and prayers that our family and friends have shown to my boys and I during this extremely difficult and trying time. I'm not quite sure how to do this journey of life being single, but I know God will be there for me every step of the way. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

"Jesus is My Bestest Friend" Program

Friday was a very busy day for the Keirsey family. We had Bryson's Christmas party at school and their preschool Christmas program "Jesus is My Bestest Friend" that night. Nana and Papa surprised the boys by coming to see their program. Neither of them knew they were there until they were entering the stage. I don't think either of them ever took their eyes off them. Bryson was on stage yelling "Nana.....Nana....." it was SO CUTE!!! Brayden was a shepard and Bryson was a sheep. All the kids did great and stole the hearts of all who were watching! I had family pictures taken with Jimmy and I in them, but along with several of the pictures taken they were too blurry to see. Santa......Momma needs a new camera ; )

Bryson's Christmas party was a Huge Disappointment. There was no crafts, no games, no decorations.....just cupcakes (blue and yellow.....not even Christmas colors) and a drink. I was the only Mom there, but now I see why. I have never missed Brayden's old preschool more in my life, not just for the amazing parties either. I just feel like my kids are missing out on so much by not being there......but I guess it isn't logical to make a four hour commute for preschool : ( I am homesick.

Brayden's Preschool Christmas Party

Brayden's Preschool had their Christmas party today and I am so excited I was able to go!!! They did a book exchange, made christmas ornaments, and ate Christmas cookies. Brayden had a great time, and so did I. I feel so blessed that my children attend a Christian Preschool because keeping Christ in Christmas is a priority. After the party we went to our friend Kristi's house to do a gift exchange. Brayden and Audrey have become such good friends. Their picture together in front of the tree cracks me up because it almost looks like a prom pic, lol. What a fun fulled morning we had!

Branson with the Vance Family

We took a quick trip to Branson this weekend to meet up with our friends, the Vance Family. They were kind enough to give us their FREE buddy passes into Silver Dollar City. We picked a VERY COLD night to go, but the up side is that we mostly had the park to ourselves. Our kiddos were mezmerized by the huge Christmas tree with cordinating music/lights when we first entered the park, it was beautiful!!! Next we rode the train and sipped the yummiest hot chocolate... so so fun! Jimmy and Bryson went back to the car shortly after....my hubby doesn't do the best in freezing conditions ; ). Plus, Bryson had lost a glove and his little hand was pitifully cold. Brayden and I stayed to watch the parade. About a minute before the parade began it started to snow. I know Brayden will remember this magical experience for years to come! His excitedment made my heart happy. We all have sore throats,snotty noses, and fun memories for souvenirs : ) It was well worth it. Thanks again Vances, it was so good to see you all!

Meet our Elf....Mr. Jingles

This year we decided to start a new Christmas tradition...."The Elf on the Shelf". It is such a cute book. The boys named our elf "Jingles". In the book it states that your elf will appear in a different place each morning until Christmas. The only rule is that you can not touch the elf. The elf watches over the children and reports back to Santa each night whether the boys have been naughty or nice. He moves to a new place each morning. On Christmas Eve the elf returns to the North Pole until next holiday season. The boys were so excited when they woke up today to find where Mr. Jingles would be watching from. Brayden even shows Mr. Jingles pictures in toy magazines of the things he would like to tell Santa he wants. Bryson wants to kiss him and tries scaling furniture to get to him, but we have to gently remind him "no touching Mr. Jingles" : ) I know we will have many fun memories with Mr. Jingles in the years to come : )