Preschools Year End

 

Well here it is, another end to one of my many parenting firsts. Layne’s first year of Preschool has come to an end. Where has the time gone? I know, slightly dramatic, but this seems to be my M.O. these days. I can feel myself turning into the mother we’d all love to hate. Over eager, overly crafty and ultra emotional. My former self would not approve; however, my current self feels like she needs to get something off her chest. I, Erica Matheos, am a Pintrest addict and I am not sorry. What’s not to love about an endless supply of great ideas, recipes and potential projects for my husband?

Within the photography world there is much discussion about the importance of finding one’s own voice and unique style. Though I feel I am constantly evolving and growing my craft, I also don’t see the harm in taking an idea and shaping it into my own. Being that lifestyle and candid photography is what I’m passionate about, I am a firm believer that the best images simply happen by accident. My greatest thrill as a photographer is when I am able to bring out personality and emotion in a photo. Why not set the scene and let the subject do the rest?

While pursuing Pintrest one day, I found a photo collage of young school children holding chalkboard signs stating what they wanted to be when they grew up. As the end of the school year was quickly approaching, I was already thinking about what to get for Layne’s teacher, Ms. Kathleen. I have many teacher friends, and though it is always a nice gesture, I did not want to be another parent adding to a stack of Starbucks gift cards. This photo collage seemed like the perfect gift.

I assume I was not the only parent wracking my brain for teacher gift ideas. Word of my idea spread around the preschool parents like wildfire on Tuesday morning, and by Thursday we had our plan. We set a time and paraded the children through without a hitch. As a last minute addition, I decided to add another portion to the gift. One of my favorite things to do is have my children make lists of reasons why we love each other, on special occasions. Not only do I think it’s a good opportunity to take a moment and reflect, but the results often are hilarious. For example, this Father’s Day my three year old said she loves her Daddy because he makes better bathtub bubbles then Mom. The children had nothing but lovely things to say about Ms. Kathleen, and I couldn’t agree more. She has made this year a perfect introduction to education for these kids.

Turns out, our gift was a total success. Kathleen with thrilled and we even managed to get a few tears out of her. I’m sure every one of us parents feels the same way, so I feel confident saying – thank you, Ms. Kathleen for showing our children amazing patience, love, and kindness while guiding them through this important year of growth. The next group of children to walk through your door is very lucky to have you.