My big boy is going to Kindergarten next year...

******Warning******** I am about to lament....AGAIN!********

If you don't want to read about my latest distresses then this post is not for you! I will preface my lamenting with this: I know he is not leaving for college and/or a mission and yes, I know that this is not the end of the world AND yes, I know he will be back after 3:00 p.m. every day.

HOWEVER, when I signed "J" up for Kindergarten today.......I made it out the door and I began to get teary eyed. I can't believe he is that big! Where has the time gone? Since there is such a large age gap between the two boys "J" has always been my little buddy. He has been everywhere with me, except the doctors office- I haven't had to resort to that thanks Rebecca and Danielle! We had weekly Target trips mostly to window shop but it was fun, it was kind of our thing, he would get the popcorn and a drink for $1.00 and I would get to look at the latest fun stuff they had stocking their fabulous store (yes, I know they are a French based company but I love there stuff anyway).

I know, it is silly but instead of me being relieved that I get a break my heart is heavy. I will miss my little buddy! All day Kindergarten is NOT a nice break in for moms like me, I will surely miss him. He has been a joy to have around. I love his imagination, his love for his family, his sweet little spirit and his big heart. I will probably even miss his little mischief making and me being shot at 50 times a day and having to inform him I a "good guy" not the bad guy. I have so enjoyed the first 5 years, having him around has been a big part of that. I am certain I will get use to it and I am certain I will be fine tomorrow and I have my little Mr. C. I know that this will be good time for him and I to have special time. I am sure he will miss "J" too, they, even with the age gap, become the buddies too. So, I can assure you that the first day of school I will be a WRECK!

Here are few of my favorite pictures I have of him growing up over the years....time has really flown!

Aunt Angie giving "J" a piece of candy on his first evening out Trick-or-Treating!

We love cooking together, he especially loves making cookies with me. Can you tell why?

You can tell he is the first child, all padded up and ready to go! I was always worried about him getting hurt!

Good ole' Lion's Easter Egg Hunt in the Land of Milk and Honey. Aunt Pam was his helper and cousin Brock his competitor! ; )

He has always enjoyed his cousin Kaysha, even though she is older than him and she now bosses him around, he still loves to play with her!
He loves cold water, he is such a water boy!

Always a truck boy!

One of my all time favs of my guys! Hubby has always been the preferred playmate!

Fall photo shoot! He has only ever had Evelyn Hymas photograph him. She is fabulous with children and has always amazed me at all the wonderful pictures she has taken!

A fun tradition we started with him. Since I have a themed tree in the living room he has gotten a smaller one for his room and he gets to decorate it with fun kiddie decorations. Something we will start with Mr. C next year.

He is a John Deere guy!

My dad, my buddy! Another fun tradition, the cabin trips with my side of the family!

I loved his window seat in our old house! That was the book area, he loves books and to be read to! It will be fun to see him be able to read one day!

My little helper, always ready and willing to help me or work! I love that about him. At the time I was 8 months pregnant with Mr. C and I couldn't lift all these awkward pumpkins so he came up with the idea that he would "haul" them in his Gator.

He loves to play any sport and be active! I got him into soccer to get him some good exercise, to practice his listening skills, and to socialize. He is a lot like me and he aced the socializing part but forgot sometimes that he was in the middle of a game.

This last year he decided he wanted to be a cowboy, and then a Jedi and now back to a cowboy. I love how he plays so well and uses his wonderful imagination! He can entertain himself for hours.

A favorite tradition, the annual pumpkin patch trip to pick out our pumpkins to carve and for decor!

"J" was born to drive and since he was 6 months he was on a 4-wheeler. He has a great sense for driving one. Here he is on Pop's latest toy for the grandkids, a gas operated one.

Latest picture of him in front of our new house! Tall, skinny and soooo cute!

(Want any updates on that you will have to visit the private blog- if you can't get in then I need your e-mail)!