
Kindergarten is a happy place and just about nothing brings more smiles, excitement and giggles than a birthday celebration.
Two four-year-old boys welcomed the big 5 in November and brought along their families to help with the festivities. These were coordinated affairs with themes (one espousing Spider-Man, pictured above, and the other trumpeting SpongeBob).
The promise of cake, games, party hats and goody-bags brings on a heightened sense of elation that is palpable. Everyone vying to sit next to the birthday boy (or girl), to sing/sign along with the familiar "Happy Birthday" song, to help blow out the candles and get a piece of the scrumptious cake. It is oh, so very lively and oh, so very thrilling.

Simple pleasures.
These happy times can also be a brief respite from the sometimes hectic, fast paced, go-go-go experience of life. It seems we are always pushing forward in one way or another. Worrying about the future, questioning past choices but rarely being present in the moment.
I think that is one reason why I enjoy teaching so much. The children remind me to
be present. When I am with them there is no where else I need to be, nothing else that cannot be put on hold and for seven plus hours a day all is as it should be.
And sometimes that can make all the difference.