Moving Up

With Little One completing the fifth grade this year, we are having several "moving up" ceremonies. One of these was just this Wednesday, as the Children's Group at our church recognized the 5th graders and bade them farewell as they prepare to move up to Middle School. The program for children at our church is called First Kids because our church is called First Presbyterian, and it's a fantastic program.

The children meet every Wednesday night from September through May, with a couple weeks off at Christmas and Easter. They eat dinner together, recognize birthdays, sing, play, study the Bible stories, and learn verses. The program began three years ago and Little One has missed less than 3 evenings in the three years. She can't stand to miss. On occasion, if she had a lot of homework, or was really tired from her schedule, I have suggested, 'maybe it's a good idea to stay home from First Kids tonight and get your homework/rest/take a break,' depending on the situation. This suggestion has always prompted a quick refusal. "I'll work extra hard and get my homework done!" or -- "I'll go straight to bed when I get home at 7:45!"

The leaders are three women who have been involved from its inception in 2003. They plan, purchase, teach, encourage, discipline, and play with our children. They are supported by several folks who lead the music, two more who serve the dinner, and two more who serve as assistants to the primary leaders. The original ladies actually enjoy what they do, and have already agreed to lead again next year.

Wednesday night, the new hall was decorated and ready for dinner. Lovely plants in flowerpots served as centerpieces on the tables. The big screen was up with the First Kids graphic prominently displayed. Our new tables seat ten per and the kids sat with kids and the parents sat with parents. After dinner, we had The Great Spoon-Off, a contest to see who could balance a spoon hanging from his nose the longest. Then we had the graduation.

One of the leaders had prepared so carefully and had a dedication to each of the seven fifth-graders. She featured each of the seven individually and made remarks as to that child's talents and gifts. Little One was featured as bringing Energy and Excitement to the group. She spoke of Little One growing up so beautifully and being so confident. At the end, they presented a gift to each of the graduates -- LO's was a book on "The Christian Girl's Guide to Growing Up Right" and we all had lots of hugs and tears.

It was a lovely night. The graduates' parents were encouraged to take home the centerpieces as a gift for our being supportive and bringing the children to the program.

Next "closing ceremony": I am planning a tea for the 6 girls who have been so close this year. We are having it the 3rd weekend in May at the park. ALL the girls are worried about being able to open their lockers at Middle School next year; in the favor bags will be combination locks so they can practice this summer! More to come on this...