Simply Suzanne's AT HOME: preschool

I thought I would take a break from my usual posts, and celebrate my youngest daughter today.

Now that our 6- and 7-year-old are finally settled in school (which a long story!), I've been able to spend the last few days preparing Lauren Jane for her Pre-K class that starts on Monday.

I have been so blessed to get to be a stay-at-home mom! All our kids spent their first four years at home with me, before entering a part-time (two mornings a week) preschool program in preparation for Kindergarten.

It's hard to believe that it's time for our youngest to venture into the world of preschool now.

She is beyond excited!!

As for me, I feel a little sad (but also happy for her!).

I will miss seeing her sweet little face all day, but I know that she's ready to make friends and learn the basics of being in a classroom. It's only a few days a week, and just enough time in the morning to run a few errands on my own; which I haven't been able to do in about 7 1/2 years.

We made a countdown chain to help contain her excitement and decrease the amount of times that she asks me "Mom, when do I start school?" . . . and then I hung it where she could see it daily. She cuts off one link every morning . . . and we practice counting down the days. We put special flower stickers on the very last day (smile).

As of today, there are only 3 links left . . . so you can imagine her growing happiness and excitement!

Miss Lauren Jane and I went school shopping a few days ago, and we found the cutest outfits. I had to share a few photos of two of them. They're so cute! And the best part is that she picked them out!

I just love the cuffed cropped pants!! And she looks so dang cute in them!

~ and pretty purple nails (her favorite color) ~

We bought all our kids a CONTIGO water bottle to take to school this year, in hopes that it will encourage them to drink more water throughout their day. We love them! No spill . . . and they have great handles for carrying around. Our Lauren picked this pink one.

And because I want to remember all her preschool firsts . . .

She told me that she wants to take green grapes, her favorite Trader Joe's cheese crackers, and Babybel cheese to school on her first day.

It makes me smile when I see of all the thought that she's putting into her first day of school.

I love this sweet, little girl! She's the extra sunshine to our days . . . Daddy's little girl . . . funny . . . confident . . . and a total girly-girl. I am one blessed Mom!

Lauren's favorites!

. . . . .

color | purple

food | salmon

fruit | cantaloupe

drink | ICE water & lemonade

snack | Mom's home-made bread

buddy | Hans (our cat)

activity | baking with Mom & Michael's craft classes

cartoon | Dora & friends

animal | horses

movie | Wizard of Oz (cartoon version)