Kindergarten Grad!!

On Thursday May 20th Katelyn's school held their graduation ceremony for the pre-kindergartners and the kindergartners. Each child wore a graduation cap & gown, received a special diploma, and was recognized individually by the director of the school, Susan Halkin. Katelyn has attended Children's House Montessori for the past 3 years and her graduation ceremony was the perfect ending to her early childhood education.

I still can't believe I have a 1st grader now and that she will be in school full-time every day next year. It will be a HUGE adjustment for me. Not Katelyn. Me. Katelyn's ready, she's excited, she feels "all grown up", she can't wait to go to her new school next year. I'm the one who's struggling. I'm the one who can't believe that the last 6 years are now just my memories. The years went by too fast. I can't get them back. I have to tell myself to look to the future-there are new memories to make, new experiences to share, new adventures...but my eyes flood with tears because I realize that a significant time period in Katelyn's upbringing is coming to a close. Next year she will be in school more than she will be home with me and I will miss her. I will have to let go. And it hurts.
A lot.

As the graduation ceremony drew to a close, Miss Susan announced that each class wanted to recognize one parent who had really made a significant difference for their school. After recognizing a parent from her own classroom, Susan said these words: "Teacher Sherry & Teacher Karen from the West-side class would like to recognize a parent who has attended every field trip, class party, volunteered and even substituted in the class when needed, who never says no-Carbon Valley Academy is going to be so lucky to have her teaching 2nd grade next year-would Shelly Rajewich please come up to the stage!!!" I was completely blown away. Tears streaming down my face. I had no idea they were going to honor me. And I am honored. Although, it feels kind of strange to be honored for doing the things I love to do. It was not a chore to go on Katelyn's field trips or help with her class parties-I WANTED to. In fact wild horses couldn't have kept me away!! But even though I did those things because I wanted to, it's nice to be appreciated. Remember the flowerpot I bid for at the school's silent auction, but didn't win? Well, Karen & Sherry had the class paint another flowerpot with every child's handprints on it and they presented it to me as a "thank-you" gift. What a keepsake, a treasure!! And it's kind of funny because after I didn't win the pot at the auction, I had offered to make a monetary donation to the school if they could make another pot. I'd said I'll buy the pot, I'll plant the flowers... "Oh, sure we could do that," Miss Karen had said. And all along they were planning to surprise me with a flowerpot at the graduation. Wow! How Katelyn kept that a secret from me I'll never know!!!

After the ceremony, we enjoyed cake and other refreshments, visited with friends, and then it was time to go home. It was a wonderful evening, one I will cherish always.

Katelyn-I am so proud of you! You are an amazing young lady: smart, kind, sensitive, loving...the list goes on. You are my greatest blessing and I have been honored to be your mommy these past 6 years. We have had so much fun growing and learning together. I look forward to the next chapter in our lives.
I love you so much sweetheart! XXOO


"When I grow up, I want to be a veterinarian and a scientist." Each child came to the microphone on stage and announced what they wanted to be when they grow up. Katelyn has not waivered on being a vet for some time, but usually she says she wants to be an artist too. Oh well, she has plenty of time to decide!! (By the time the ceremony began, Katelyn had decided she was finished wearing her cap-"it bothered her!!")

All of the graduates: only 6 of them were graduating from kindergarten.

Katelyn was very pleased that her brother Michael Jr. came to her graduation. They have a very special bond.

I have a 1st grader!!!

Katelyn-your early childhood years went by way too fast! You're such a lovely young lady now and I'm SO very proud of you!!

This is the flowerpot that Katelyn's class decorated for me. I was SO surprised and I feel so honored by their special recognition.

Me with Katelyn's teachers, Sherry and Karen.

Miss Sherry, Katelyn, and Miss Karen

Of course Anna wasn't going to miss Katelyn's graduation!! What a blessing to have you there, my friend!!

Katelyn adores her dad and her big brother!!

Katelyn's 1st piano recital

Last September Katelyn started taking piano lessons. I took piano lessons for a couple of years before Katelyn came along, and we own a piano, so when she started asking to take lessons I was thrilled! The 'ol piano was going to see some action once again!

Katelyn loves music: singing, playing the piano or other instruments, musical theater, anything and everything related to music and performing!! I love to listen to her little voice belting out her favorite songs and I love to listen to her little fingers tapping the paino keys. Her piano teacher has been very pleased with her progress & I am amazed by how much she's learned!! Next fall, our church is starting a children's choir & Katelyn really wants to participate. I will happily encourage any musical endeavors she wishes to undertake! Piano, choir, maybe theater one day ...

On May 14th, Katelyn had her 1st piano recital. (She was the only 5-year-old to play in the recital). The song Katelyn chose was called "Shepard Count Your Sheep" and she did a beautiful job. I was so impressed by her confidence-the high school auditorium where the recital was held was filled with people, but that didn't seem to phase her at all. As she walked up the steps to the stage, she looked so small to me, but inside that little body is a heart filled with enthusiasm and spunk!!

As Katelyn played her tune, I held my breath, but she didn't miss a single note and played with tremendous grace and feeling. Her father & I both cried. The lady behind me tapped me on the shoulder & said, "That was just beautiful." I was and still am filled with total pride. I may not have any particular musical or artistic talent, but I do have my own special masterpiece, and she blesses my life every single day.

After Katelyn finished playing her song, she played the same tune as a duet with her teacher, Karen. I was amazed that Katelyn could play her song & not be confused by the notes her teacher added. That really does take a lot of concentration! After their duet, Katelyn stood up, went to the front of the stage, & took a bow!! I had no idea she was going to do that so I didn't get a picture!!! MAN!! But what a ham!!

Ice Cream Social

Every year Katelyn's school, Children's House Montessori, has an Ice Cream Social in May to raise funds for their school. This year's event was by far the best we've attended!!

Many items are donated to the school to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Katelyn's class painted this beautiful flower pot complete with each child's hand prints. I really wanted that pot-I mean what a keepsake!! I wanted it SO much, I bid $80.00, but someone still out-bid me & I didn't win it!!

There were horseback rides!


A dog obedience demonstration(you-know-who really enjoyed this!!)

Face painting!


"Get yer hotdog here!"

Two peas in a pod!!

Paws to Read

I stumbled across a really neat program offered at the Erie library called "Paws to Read." Once a month we can sign up for a 15-minute time slot for Katelyn to read aloud to a furry friend. On May 10th Katelyn read to Devynn, a Black Lab service dog. I couldn't imagine a more perfect situation for Katelyn: she loves dogs and she loves to read. We'll be back in June:)

Introducing L' Artiste, Mademoiselle Katelyn

On April 25th Katelyn's school had their annual art show. Art work by each child is showcased for friends/family to view. Each child receives an art award for one of their pieces. We had a wonderful time sharing Katelyn's art with her! To date, she has never waivered about becoming a Veternarian when she grows up, but she has now added artiste to her list of goals as well!! I will happily encourage her, whatever she endeavors to do and/or become. I am so very proud of my daughter!

Mademoiselle Katelyn's gallery

Katelyn's award-winning caterpillar!

Katelyn pointing to one of her favorite bugs in this piece

Look at me!! I'm an artiste!!!

Katelyn and her very proud mama!

The Denver Art Museum

Each week Katelyn's class has a different theme of study. During the 2nd week of April, her class studied famous artists and their various works. I'd have to say this was one of Katelyn's favorite Kindergarten experiences. She absolutely LOVES art-learning about it or doing it!! She has spent countless hours creating her own art & I have lovingly preserved most of her pieces! I encourage her to be artistic in every way I can, although none of her inherent talent comes from me. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler!!! But her father, Grandpa Tom, and Uncle Chad are all very talented artists so I'm sure she gets her ability from them! Katelyn and her dad draw or color pictures together a lot. So it will be Mike's job to coach her along, and mine to expose her to the arts as much as I can. Which is why I chose to take her to the Denver Art Museum on April 13th.

Katelyn in front of the museum

The Denver Art Museum features mostly contemporary pieces

Katelyn standing in front of the one and only Monet in the museum. Katelyn had studied Monet at school & was eager to see his work.

Resting on a turtle sculpture in the children's area-one place where the kids are allowed to touch stuff!!


Even though I was glad to take Katelyn to the Denver Art Museum, it wasn't my favorite collection, and I think Katelyn was a bit disappointed as well. My taste leans more toward European Art, not Contemporary style. Plus it's hard to be impressed by anyone's collection when you're from Kansas City, home of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which is recognized internationally as one of the finest art museums in the United States. I equate the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science-there's no way you can see everything in one day. One of these summers when we go back to K.C. for a visit, I'll have to make sure to put the Nelson on our list of things to do!! Maybe Grandpa Tom would like to come along??!

A trip to the Butterfly Pavilion

Katelyn and I have visited the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO a half a dozen times or so. On April 9th, we had the opportunity to go on a field trip with her class. The Butterfly Pavilion is an educational showcase for many types of insects, spiders, sea creatures, and well of course butterflies!! As you walk through the enclosed rainforest habitat, over 1,200 different types of butterflies fly around you and if you're lucky one might just land on you too!!! It's truly an amazing experience, one I enjoy every time we go!!

Katelyn & a few of her classmates in front of a Praying Mantis sculpture!

Katelyn getting ready to hold "Rosie" the tarantula for the first time!(Mom held Rosie for the first time too:)

Here comes Rosie...

The "Owl Butterfly" is really cool!

Learning about the butterfly life cycle

Working with one of the docents




As I've said before, I feel very fortunate to live in a city full of fun things to do with kids! I'm sure this wasn't our last visit to the Butterfly Pavilion either;)

A Happy Easter 2010~

We had a wonderful Easter this year. Grandma Julie was in town for a visit and we enjoyed our time with her. My mom really enjoys playing with Katelyn when she's here. The two of them spend some quality time playing games or reading books while I'm getting ready in the morning, cooking, or just doing some daily chores. I'm very glad that Katelyn will have these special memories of time spent with her Grandma. My mom is very sick with advanced kidney disease and I'm not sure how much longer we'll have her with us.

On Easter morning, Katelyn was excited to find that the Easter Bunny had paid her a visit! She had very carefully written the Easter Bunny a letter detailing just what she'd like him to bring her. From the photos below, I don't think she was disappointed!!

After Katelyn opened her gifts from the Easter Bunny, we had a small breakfast, and got ready to leave for church. Our pastor, Pastor Scott, has been with our congregation not quite a year yet, and I just love him. He is a very educated man and a good teacher-I've learned a lot from him. Pastor Scott has helped me grow in my faith and understanding of the scriptures. But what I admire about him the most is that he doesn't just "talk the talk", but his actions speak louder than his sermons(which I also love by the way!)

As is our tradition(since my childhood days)we went out to lunch after Easter church service. In keeping with tradition, I searched for an Easter brunch/buffet, but I struck out. So since Michael, Jr. had to work on Easter, he invited us to Ft. Collins to eat at the restaurant he manages, Carrabba's Italian Grill. Now Italian food isn't exactly what I think of for an Easter dinner, but it meant a lot to Michael that we come to his restaurant so we weren't going to disappoint him! After a good lunch, we headed for home and I'm not a bit ashamed to admit that we ended the afternoon with a NAP!!!

Happy Easter Katelyn!!

WOW!! This is just what I asked for!!

"Wow, mom, my very own Zhu-Zhu pets!"

Josie was quite intrigued with the Zhu-Zhu pets too!

Of course we found time Easter weekend to color eggs too!

Spring Break Fun

Katelyn's school doesn't have a typical Spring Break. Her school stays open, but instead of the usual curriculum and schedule, fun activities are planned for the kids. I gave Katelyn the option of attending during "spring break" or staying home with me. She was very adament about attending on "Crazy Hair Day" & I did my best to accomodate her.


On Wednesday of spring break week, we decided to go to the zoo with our neighborhood friends. Despite the chilly weather, we had a terrific time. It'a been a blessing to have such wonderful friends to play with(for the kids & the moms ;)


Learning about Komodo Dragons~Katelyn is fascinated by reptiles-she DOESN'T get that from me!!


We were fortunate enough to have a bit of warm weather that week & enjoyed some time at the neighborhood park. On Thursday, I helped with her class Easter party complete with an Easter egg hunt. After school that morning, we were off to pick up Grandma Julie to begin her long-anticipated visit for the Easter holiday.