Bruce and Em and ALL of Them: The Blessings of Little Laurels

When moving to a new area, there are so many things to worry about.  Things like finding housing, making new friends, learning your way around, finding the right doctors, dentists, and yes, even hairstylists. But most importantly, finding the right schools is at the top of most parents' lists. That was certainly the case for us. We were very diligent in finding the best county for schools for Zander as he was already in the public school system. And we have been incredibly pleased with his placement. In fact, Beau and I researched the schools and we are in the best district in the state.

However, with the little boys, there was very little information regarding preschools. We didn't know anybody here so we had little to go on. We live in a tiny community with about 5000 residents. So when we moved here, we drastically increased the population percentage. LOL. Preschools are very few and far between in our area. Unless we were willing to drive 2 or 3 towns away, there was very little to choose from. However, I passed this sweet little Red Schoolhouse almost daily. It had a sweet playground and the school just kept catching my eye. I asked a friend in our church who had 3 boys (much older than mine) if she could recommend a school for Will and Ollie. Of course, it was that same little red school that I passed everyday that she highly recommended. Her 3 boys went there when they were younger.

Beau and I checked out a couple of schools, but we just didn't feel they were the right fit. But when I walked into Little Laurels, that red school that kept drawing me near, I just KNEW. The school wasn't much different from any other school I had visited over the years. It had books, learning toys, activity centers, lots of bright colors, a fun playground, and children. But it was the teachers that made this school warm and inviting.

William and Oliver couldn't be more opposite. They are close in age, just 6 months apart. But other than that, they are very different. William is social and mostly easy going. He is mild tempered and funny, Learning, however, isn't always his priority.  Oliver, however, is often found doing his own thing. He is very detail oriented, more serious, and soaks up everything he learns. They needed teachers that could meet each one of them right where they were. Mrs. Beckett and Mrs. Lavoie did just that. With much love, compassion, nurturing, and plenty of patience, they took excellent care of Will and Ollie. Every day when I dropped them off for school, I had a sense of peace. That peace is such an important thing for a mom. I am deeply appreciative of both of these ladies. Although I wasn't able to volunteer in the classroom the way I wanted to this year, these women kept me aware of all the boy's milestones, their accomplishments (big and small), and their funny little stories.

William always went to school with a smile and with enthusiasm. He was always willing to give his teachers hugs. He is definitely my snuggly and affectionate one. But the biggest sign that this was the right school was that even Oliver, who never gives affection with anyone outside our family, was giving hugs and holding hands by the end of the school year with his head teacher, Mrs. Beckett. He learned to love her and I was so thankful for that.

We were even getting excited about Carter joining this school this upcoming year, but sadly, this little red school house is closing it's doors after many years of loving, teaching, and growing children.   Like a lot of businesses these days with the current economy, there just isn't enough enrollment and dollars to keep it running. This school and those two special ladies that took such loving care of children will be greatly missed by me and many other parents.

To celebrate Oliver's last day of school, his class had a picnic and ice cream party. It was so nice to spend time with my little ones, the other moms, and Mrs. Beckett and Mrs. Lavoie. Everyone had a great time. This is the best picture I could get with Mrs. Beckett and Oliver. Oliver's in that stage where doesn't like having his picture taken.

William had a hard time deciding what toppings he wanted on his ice cream. However, I think he ended up choosing ALL of them. He never gives up a chance to have some sugar on top of sugar.

Ice Cream Time!

Balloons are always fun.

Carter had no problem joining in the bubble fun with the older kids.

Last night, we celebrated William's Pre-K graduation from Little Laurels. It was such an emotional time between watching him grown up and knowing that Little Laurels will be closing. William had a great year, but being almost the youngest in his class and certainly the most petite, he will be going to Pre-K again next year, with Oliver. I am so excited to see what changes are coming.