Off to summer! (May 24)

Dear CCP Families,

        We have graduated and celebrated.  We've laughed and cried and said good-bye, some off to other adventures, and some to return after summer vacation.  Either way, I am so grateful that you are a part of our school family!  You will always be part of CCP and hopefully CCP will always be part of you!  It has been an honor to serve as your preschool director this year.  Thank you for choosing CCP.

         I have been reading your lovely cards and enjoying your thoughtful and generous gifts.  The kind words mean so much to me!  Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and feelings with me.  It lets me know that I'm on the right track and encourages me both professionally and personally.  I am thankful for each of you and I appreciate all the care and love you send my way!

 If you will have a student at CCP in the fall, please mark your calendar now for the required PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING on August 29 (7:00pm for new families, 7:30 for returning families) This meeting is on Thursday night, before the Labor Day weekend gets started on Friday.  This is such an important time together to meet your new teacher and learn all the expectations of the new classroom.  Please plan now!

        I hope your summer is filled with much love and joy!  I hope you have some time for silliness & play and some time for cuddles & rest.  Enjoy some new adventures and lots of special time with your family.  Treasure these moments with your children....they do go by quickly!  Have fun, stay safe, and remember to take a moment everyday to wish your friends and family well.

This week I offer you two quotes from Dr. Bailey to last you through the summer.....

  From Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 183) - "A calm adult during a tirade or temper tantrum creates safety for the child and teaches children that their anger and rage is powerless, thereby reducing the chance of future tirades and tantrums."  The "out of control" feeling during a tantrum is often scary to your child. You can really help by breathing, keeping your composure, and wishing that child well.  This helps your little one know that s/he is safe and that a tantrum, though unpleasant, has no power.  With your guidance in the moments of calm, your child soon learns there are better ways to express their anger or frustration.

From Managing Emotional Mayhem (p.127) - "Children need a predictable and consistent environment for optimal development.  The brain seeks patterns.  When we detect a pattern, our systems relax.  When we cannot identify a pattern, our systems stay on high alert." Sometimes our summer vacation schedules are a bit crazy and unpredictable. We can’t identify a pattern. If your child seems out of sorts, try returning to your regular routines/patterns for mealtime, bedtime, and family time. This predictable routine may allow your child to find a safe, comfortable rhythm and therefore relax, which will show in improved behavior.

        I will hold you in my heart and in my prayers.  Happy summer!  Until we meet again, I WISH YOU WELL!

With love,

Debbie

One Week to Go.... (May 16 post)

Hi CCP Families,

        This year has gone by soooo quickly!  It is a bittersweet ending to a lovely school year.  I do love the slower pace of summer, but I sure will miss seeing these bright smiles each day.  I hope you have taken time to notice the growth and development in your child.  We are so proud of each one of them!

It was such fun to see many of you at Chick-fil-a this week! Thank you to the families and teachers that supported this fellowship event. It was a relaxed, enjoyable way to celebrate a great school year. Thanks to Jennifer Crook for coordinating this wonderful event!

        Thank you for all the sweet birthday cards, gifts, hugs, and even songs that I received!  Those little 60 second celebrations really made my day.  I feel honored and grateful.

        As new families apply to CCP, I ask them how they heard about us.  Many times they tell me one of you recommended the program to them.  We sincerely appreciate your recommendation.  We do not take it for granted.  Thank you for your kind words.  YOU are our best advertisement for CCP!  Thank you!

       This week was our last Chapel time together.  I read the Bible story from Glenys Nellist’s book, Love Letters from God. God’s love letter reminded us that we are the best thing God made! AND He is not finished working on us yet. So keep reading God’s precious book and keep learning more about how much you are loved and how you can share that love with others. It has been an honor to share God's love with the CCP children this year.

       Please carefully read the communication from your teacher about the end-of-year celebrations.  You will want to be aware of all that is taking place next week.  Frogs and Ladybugs will have celebrations and Whales and Ducks will have graduations.  We will be making memories and we want you to be part of that!

      Board members, first a giant thank you for your service!! You help complete our school family. The 2018-19 board will meet at 6:45pm on Monday, May 20 to wrap up our year.  The new 2019-20 board will meet at 7:30pm.  Both brief meetings will be in Ascension Hall.  New board, if the current board is still meeting when you arrive, just come on in.  We will soon be ready for you.

       Finally congratulations to all our graduates!  Our Ducks and Whales will be off to new adventures.  We send our love with you!  Parents, you and your child may feel emotional at this time of year.  Breathe deeply, acknowledge the feeling, and remind each other that you can handle it.  You will always be part of the CCP family.  We wish you well.

And I wish all of you well as we arrive at our last week together,

Debbie

May 13-17 Winding down...

Dear CCP Families,

        The teachers and I enjoyed a baked potato bar for lunch at our staff meeting at the end of April.  This is one of several teacher appreciation lunches that we have had this year. It is such a blessing to skip "packing your lunch" when you're a teacher!  We are grateful to our board for setting aside funds to cover these appreciation luncheons. Though we all LOVE our jobs and our children, some days are challenging and having lunch as a token of appreciation is such a nice gesture. Thank you.

MOOOVING into SUMMER! - Please drop by Chick-fil-a at University Place (mall) this Tuesday, from 5:00-7:00pm. Bring your whole family! You can enjoy dinner and have time with your friends! When you order, please tell the cashier that you are with CCP. It will be a special night for all of us. Thanks to Jennifer Crook and our preschool board for planning this fun outing!

        This coming week (May 13-17) is our "week of lasts."  We will have our last Music classes with Ms. Rebecca and our last Chapel visits with Ms. Debbie.  The Ladybugs will have their last lunch bunches.  There will be a lot of wrapping up our wonderful year - remembering our favorite things, and thinking about what we have learned and how much we have grown!  Even if the children aren't consciously aware that this experience is about to end, they somehow sense things changing.  Occasionally this will show in behavior.  Behavior is communication, so try to be patient and remember all the skills and techniques that we have learned from Conscious Discipline.

        Then the following week (May 20-24) will be our week of celebrations and graduations.  Your teachers will give you all the details about the celebrations in your child's class.

        The current CCP Board will meet Monday, May 20 at 6:45pm. (Note the earlier time.) Then the new (2019-20) Board will meet at 7:30 that same night in Ascension Hall.  Use the Ascension Hall side door, please.

        You may have come from a background where your parents were a little uncomfortable with emotions and they may have said, "Stop crying. You're fine" or "There's nothing to be afraid of."  Conscious Discipline encourages us to be aware of our feelings - Acknowledge them, feel them, and name them. Help your children recognize their feelings and name them.  Dr. Bailey tells us in Managing Emotional Mayhem (p.108) "When we allow ourselves to be aware of a feeling, we often attempt to keep it quietly off in the distance.  In actuality, befriending our feelings is the only thing that allows them to move on."

        Finally, I wish each of you a happy Mother's Day.  Someone shared this lovely poem with me.  I will share it with you, although I'm sorry I don't know the author to give him or her credit.

A Mother's Day Tribute

To those who gave birth this year to their first child - we celebrate with you.

To those who lost a child this year - we mourn with you.

To those who are in the trenches with little ones everyday and wear the badge of food stains - we appreciate you.

To those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away - we mourn with you.

To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment - we walk with you.  Forgive us when we say foolish things.  We don't mean to make this harder than it is.

To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms - we need you.

To those who have warm and close relationships with your children - we celebrate you.

To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children - we sit with you.

To those who lost their mothers this year - we grieve with you.  

To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother - we acknowledge your experience.

To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood - we are better for having you in our midst.

To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year - we grieve and rejoice with you.

And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising - we anticipate with you.

This Mother's Day, we walk with you.  Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst.  We remember you.

Happy Mother's Day and I wish you well,

Debbie

Happy May! (May 2 post)

Hello CCP Families,

         Our year is too quickly coming to a close.  It has been our honor and pleasure to teach and care for your precious children.  Thank you for trusting us with this awesome responsibility.  Make sure that you are checking your class calendar so you will know when to attend end-of-year events.

         Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the lovely surprise celebration on Sunday! The children sang beautifully and I sincerely appreciated your presence in worship. I am so grateful for each of you!

Mooooving towards summer! It’s time for a preschool community dinner at Chick-fil-a in University Place (Mall). Drop by from 5:00-7:00 on Tuesday May 14. It will be a time to meet and eat with friends as we wrap up the school year. Details are in your cubbies.

         Please remember that the children are outside for 30-45 minutes each day.  Now that it is hot and sunny, you may want to apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to preschool.

        We still have a few viruses going around.  Thank you for keeping your children home when they are sick.  Other parents sincerely appreciate that!

        There are only 3 weeks of preschool left!  As someone told me many years ago, before my wedding, "Slow down and pay attention....you're going to want to remember this."  Enjoy these last few weeks and all the celebrations that will take place.

         From Dr. Bailey's Creating the School Family (p. 38) - If a child in a reward and punishment classroom shoves another student in line, he might lose points, miss recess or lose a trip to the treasure box.  In a Conscious Discipline School Family, the teacher would coach the victim to say, "I don't like it when you shove.  Please walk behind me in line." Then the teacher would coach the shover by saying, "You wanted him to walk faster.  You may not shove.  When you want him to go faster, say 'Please move up closer to the others in line.'"  At CCP,  we believe in the importance of teaching children that their words have power.  If you learn that you can get your needs met with your words (an assertive voice,) then physical communication, like pushing and shoving, will eventually disappear.

         I will leave you with some more words from Dr. Bailey..... "Children are not born knowing how to handle emotions, so they often rely on unproductive strategies.  Children will attempt to get you to feel the way they are feeling.  If you feel frustrated, chances are the child feels that way, too."  from Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline p.179

I wish you well,

Debbie

Here comes May!! (April 25 post)

Dear CCP Families,

         It is such a pleasure to visit our preschool classrooms in the spring! There are caterpillars & butterflies, farms with horses, corn & oats to dig in, snack picnics outside, and lots of laughter & singing!! What a happy place to be!

A word about playgrounds and footwear…we require the children to keep their shoes on while on our playgrounds for safety reasons. I know it’s lovely to go barefoot, but that can be done at home with parent supervision. You may want to consider this safety rule when choosing your children’s footwear. Sneakers or the more enclosed heavy-duty sandals are probably the best and safest choices.

        PREPAID TUITION DUE MAY 1 -  Please remember to pay your May 2020 prepaid tuition on May 1, 2019.  Thank you for making your payments on time. (Please note that you paid for this May last May.  I know it's confusing, but think of it like a security deposit.)

      PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - Please plan to join us this Sunday, April 28, for “Preschool Sunday” at the 9:45 worship service. ALL ARE WELCOME AT CHRIST CHURCH! The Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales (and any Frogs who want to join us) will sing early in the service. Please drop your child with Ms. Debbie and teachers at 9:30 in the Disciple Room (where we have music with Ms. Rebecca) Parents, you may go sit in the sanctuary. After the children sing and hear the children’s message, we will walk them to the rear of the sanctuary. You may pick them up there to sit with you OR they may follow the adult helpers to Sunday school (in the preschool rooms.) Just tell your child what to do so they will know what to expect. There is a nursery in the Frog room for younger children.

PHOTO ORDERS - Please remember to bring your photo order and payment to the preschool office by Monday, April 29. Checks should be made to PHOTO SPECIALTIES. If you want a class photo, please choose package J. (There are no proofs of the class pics.)

         As it begins to warm up outside, you may want to apply sunscreen to your child's exposed skin before you come to school.  They are usually outside around 40-45 minutes each day.

         Here are dates for your calendars....

• April 28 - Preschool Sunday - Celebrate CCP and worship our Risen Savior! Arrive at 9:30 in the Disciple room to sing at the 9:45 service

• April 29 - Picture orders and payment due

• April 30 - TEACHERS - Staff meeting 12:30-2:00 with lunch provided

• May 1 - Prepaid tuition due (covers May 2020)

• May 2- National Day of Prayer - There will be prayer under the bell tower at the front entrance at 12:15 on Thursday, May 2. You are invited to stay and pray. (If you are picking up preschoolers, please use an alternate entrance/exit. Thanks!)

• LOOKING AHEAD - Mark your calendar! CCP will celebrate a wonderful year with a SPIRIT NIGHT at Chick-fil-a at University Mall on Tuesday, May 14 from 5:00-7:00pm. More details to come, but mark your calendar now - This is a super fun event!!

         From the Feeling Buddies curriculum (p.17) - Instead of focusing on good and bad, shift your focus to behaviors that are helpful or hurtful.  Notice helpful acts by saying, "You pushed your chair in so no one would trip over it.  That was helpful."  Or you might say, "Pushing in line is hurtful.  What could you do that is helpful?"

         It is hard to believe we have almost reached our last month of preschool!  Seems like we were only just starting this journey at the orientation meeting!  Breathe and enjoy all the wonderful events that take place this month.  Notice your child's growth and development and treasure his or her uniqueness.  May is a month of celebrations!

I wish you well,

Debbie

April 18 post - Happy Easter!

Dear CCP Families,

        We have certainly been enjoying our playgrounds on these lovely spring days! You are also welcome to stay after 1:00 and play on the playgrounds. Please remember to put any trash into the dumpster so we don’t attract wasps and other insects.

GOOD FRIDAY - Preschool is closed on Good Friday, April 19th.

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - I hope you will come support and celebrate Christ Church Preschool On Sunday, April 28 at the 9:45 service!!  The Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales will sing at the start of the service. (Please bring your child to the disciple room at 9:30 to warm up.) There is a nursery provided for younger children in the Frog room. Everyone is welcome at Christ Church!

        TUITION DUE MAY 1- If your child will attend CCP next year, then your Pre-Paid May 2020 tuition is due on May 1, 2019. Thanks for paying your fees on time. Frogs = $197; TTH Ladybugs = $197; MWF Ladybugs = $274; Whales = $359; Ducks = $408

SURVEYS - Thank you for taking two minutes to respond to the survey that was sent out this past Monday. We sincerely appreciate your positive comments and your suggestions for improvement.

TEACHERS - Looking ahead we will have a staff meeting on April 30 from 12:30-2:00. Your lunch will be provided!

LEARN AND TEACH A NEW SKILL - Loving Guidance Associate, Jill Molli, tells us "A child's success is often the result of an adult's growth.  When we learn a new skill and teach it to children instead of expecting or demanding they stop a behavior, children will meet and surpass our expectations."

I hope you have a lovely Easter! I wish you well,

Debbie

April 11 post - Preschool Sunday, VBS, Sharing books, and more!

Dear CCP Family,

PHOTOS went very well this week. I’m glad we moved Tuesday photos to Thursday since Thursday’s weather was lovely! Photo Specialties will bring a packet of proofs for you to preview. Then you can decide if you want to order prints. I’ll notify you when to look for proof packages in your cubbies. (If your child was absent and you want a photo, please call Photo Specialties and Nan will meet you at their studio to take your child’s photo.)

BOOKS TO SHARE? - We are collecting gently used books to share with children who may not have many books to read. These books will be sent to Anchor Church in Wilmington. They will be distributed to children at the Children’s Street Fair that is held in one of the most challenged neighborhoods in Wilmington. You may place your books in the bin in the hallway. Thank you for sharing!

CHAPEL LESSON - PALM SUNDAY - This week in Chapel we learned that Jesus was going into Jerusalem.  He chose to ride into the city on a small donkey instead of a big horse.  We think he wanted people to understand that He was coming in peace.  He did not want to look like a general on a horse who was coming to fight. Many people came to see Jesus.  They waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna”. Help your child look for palm branches at church this coming Sunday.

PRESCHOOL BOARD - CCP Board will meet Monday, April 15 at 7:30pm in Ascension Hall.

GOOD FRIDAY - CCP will be closed on Good Friday, April 19.

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - I hope you will join us in worship on Sunday, April 28 at 9:45 (Please arrive at 9:30 for your children to “warm up” their voices in the disciple room off of Ascension Hall!) Our Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales will sing near the beginning of the worship service. There is also a nursery for younger children in the Frog room. ALL are welcome at Christ Church.

CHRIST CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales are invited to register for Christ Church’s Vacation Bible School, June 17-21. This year’s theme is called Rolling River Rampage - Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God! Click here to learn more and to register : https://vbspro.events/p/events/dcfd8c

A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE REMINDER - “Positive intent upshifts the brain from the lower centers to the higher centers and frames situations in a way that all parties in a conflict can problem-solve together.” (p. 264 Conscious Discipline) Remember to look at your child through eyes of love even when they are on your last nerve! ;-) The key phrase for the skill of positive intent is I AM WILLING TO SEE THE BEST IN OTHERS.

I wish you well,

Debbie

April 4 post - Welcome back from Spring break!

Dear CCP Family,

    How nice to be back together with our preschool family this week! I hope you all enjoyed your spring break. Can you believe there are only two months left in this school year?

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - Mark your calendar! - CCP will be recognized and celebrated at the 9:45 Christ Church worship service on Sunday, April 28. We would love for all our preschool families to attend! Our Whales, Ducks, and Ladybugs will sing at the start of the service with their music teacher, Ms. Rebecca. Childcare/nursery is provided for younger children. ALL are welcome at Christ Church!

SMILE! IT’S PICTURE DAY! - Photo Specialties will take individual and class photos outdoors on the following days:

• Tuesday, April 9 - Whales, TTH Ladybugs, TTH Frogs

• Wednesday, April 10 - Ducks, MWF Ladybugs, MW Frogs

If you want a sibling or parent/child photo, please come around 8:45 and the photographers will be happy to work with you. They are usually out front under the bell tower.

SHARE YOUR BOOKS - Are your book cases at home overflowing?? CCP will collect gently used books for Anchor Church in Wilmington. The church will pass these books out to children at the children’s street fair. Look for a bin in the hallway next week.

GOOD FRIDAY - Looking ahead - CCP will be closed on Good Friday, April 19.

     TAKE A BREATH! - You've probably heard the CCP teachers and children talk about breathing or being a S.T.A.R. (Smile, Take a deep breath And Relax) We do a lot of deep breathing at preschool! Because of the constant pressure of stress in our lives, many of us do not breathe naturally.  We tend to take quick, shallow breaths from the top of our chests.  As a result our brains do not get enough oxygen to function optimally.  This makes us tense, irritable, and reduces our ability to think clearly. (Conscious Discipline, p. 105)

This is why we teach the children to breathe deeply and often to keep their brains alert, yet calm.  We also want the children to develop the habit of taking deep, calming breaths when they feel upset.  This gives them a strategy to use to re-gain control.  When you become aware of your upset and you know a strategy to help calm yourself, that's powerful!

     In Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 15), Dr. Bailey tells us, "If you try to direct a child's behavior through fear and manipulation, he will learn to use the same strategies - on you."  Would you like to learn a better way?  Then please visit www.consciousdiscipline.com or ask Debbie to borrow the book or the DVD's.

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - Spring Break and important April dates (posted 3/21/19)

Dear CCP Family,

     CHAPEL - This week in Chapel we discussed SALT and LIGHT (Matthew 5:13-20). Light, in particular, resonates with our preschoolers. We sing “This Little Light of Mine” each day as we leave Chapel time. We talk about carrying our “light” into the world - which for a preschooler means sharing God’s love through our acts of kindness at home and at school.

      SPRING BREAK - Our Spring Break is next week, March 25 - 29.  We return to preschool On Monday, April 1.

CARDS FOR A CAUSE - Thanks for your generous participation in our Cards for a Cause fundraiser! Your boxes of cards will arrive in early April. Totals are still rolling in, but I think we have exceeded our goal! More info to come…

DONATION - Please remember another way to support CCP is by your annual tax-deductible donation. At the beginning of the year we suggested $75 per family. If you haven’t been able to make that donation, it is welcome anytime!

      PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!  It's picture day!  SMILE! Individual and group photos will be April 9 (Whales & TTH classes) & April 10 (Ducks & MW(F) classes) during the preschool morning. Our spring photos are taken outside by Photo Specialties.

SAVE THE DATE! Please come celebrate Christ Church Preschool at the 9:45 worship service on Sunday, April 28. Our Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales will sing at the beginning of the service with our music teacher, Ms. Rebecca. It is a day to celebrate CCP with the families of Christ Church. ALL are welcome!! I’ll put more information into your cubbies, but for now, please save the date.

      CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Heads up!  Here comes a tiny, but IMPORTANT distinction...... It is critical that you ask, "How do you feel?" instead of saying, "How would that make you feel."  Self-regulation requires children to own their feelings.  Attributing the cause of their feelings to outside situations or people by using "make you" language yields blame and derails the process.   ~from Dr. Bailey's Feeling Buddies Curriculum, p. 7

Whether you are traveling or just enjoying some time at home, I hope your spring break is just what you dreamed of!  I wish you safe travels, family fun, and rest!

Debbie

March 18 through Spring Break (posted March 14)

Dear CCP Family,

      It is so good to be back with my preschool family this week! Thank you kindly for the thoughtful gestures of caring and concern that you have shown me. Happy St. Patrick's Day this Sunday!

    THANK YOU - for taking time to talk with your child’s teachers this week. A HOME - SCHOOL partnership benefits your child in so many ways! We appreciate your time and the chance to share our classroom perspective and observations with you. Teachers, I sincerely appreciate all your preparations!

CARDS FOR A CAUSE - Folks are loving the beautiful, inexpensive card boxes! Thanks for the orders we have received so far. You may order until Wed, March 20.

SUMMER CAMP - We have just a few more spaces in the June 4-7 summer camp! Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales may attend. See Debbie or Melissa for an application.

     DVD’S - If anyone has preschool copies of the Conscious Discipline DVD's that have become "buried' in your other videos, please return them to me before the end of the school year. Thanks!  If you want more from Dr. Bailey, order her book Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline.  It will give you the seven basic skills for turning conflict into cooperation!

     BOARD - The CCP Board will meet on Monday, March 18 at 7:30pm in Ascension Hall. Members, please make every effort to be present.

    SPRING BREAK -  Please note that CCP will be closed for Spring Break March 25-29. We return to preschool on April 1 (no fooling!)

     Looking ahead at the APRIL calendar.....

April 5 - Financial aid applications due

     April 9 - Individual and class photos for Whales and TTH classes

  April 10 - Individual and class photos for Ducks and MW(F) classes

April 15 - Board meeting 7:30pm

April 19 - Good Friday - preschool closed

April 28 - Preschool Sunday at the 9:45 worship service

     From Creating the School Family (p. 23) by Dr Becky Bailey..... An attuned, responsive adult can help children build their capacity to put additional moments between the impulse and the action.  With the capacity to put a moment between a feeling and an action, children can take time to think, plan and come up with an appropriate response to the current challenge.  We call this skill "self-regulation."

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - Important items for your calendar! (March 7 post)

Dear CCP Families,

I have sincerely missed you while I’ve been out taking care of my parents! My plan is to return to the preschool office on Monday. Thanks for your patience and your prayers.   

Most Thursdays around 7:00pm you receive an email telling you that there is a new blog post from me.  I like to maintain that schedule because then you know what to expect.  You can "safely predict" that you will receive preschool information from me at that time each week.  Routine is important for children, too!  Dr. Becky Bailey tells us, "The brain is pattern-seeking.  The more consistent your routines, the easier it is for the brain to pick up the pattern.  If there is a consistent routine, the brain picks up the pattern, the child feels safe, and his neurological resources can be used for learning and exploration."  (ConsciousDiscipline.com) Therefore, do your best to have a routine for getting dressed in the morning, cleaning up toys, having meals together, and getting ready for bed at night.  Your child's brain will pick up the pattern and most tasks will flow more smoothly.  I wish you well with establishing and maintaining your routines!

Summer Camp - We have a few more spots in CCP summer camp (June 4-7) Camp is for current Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales. See Melissa or Debbie to sign up!

Cards for a Cause - Please make checks to CCP and place check and order form in the envelope on the preschool office door. There will be a table set up Friday and next Monday, as well as the week of March 18 so you can see samples of the cards. I’m excited about this! I want to hurry back and make my order!

Scholarship - If you need financial assistance, scholarship applications for 2019-20 are due by April 5, 2019.

Illness Policy - Please remember our policy regarding illness - Your child must be free of diarrhea and vomiting for a MINIMUM of 24 hours before he or she may return to class. That means…. if they are sick the night before, then awake feeling good in the morning, they still need to stay home another day.

     Here are some more important dates and events:

March 10 - Daylight Saving Time begins (Spring forward Saturday night!)

March 12 & 13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Sign up on your class page on the website. Feel free to use our playgrounds to share childcare with other families while you take turns conferencing.

Looking ahead:

March 18 - CCP Board meets at 7:30 in Ascension Hall

March 25-29 - Spring Break for CCP

April 9 - Individual and Class photos for Whales and TTH classes (during the school day)

April 10 - Individual and Class photos for Ducks and MWF classes (during the school day)

"If you play with your children regularly, power struggles will diminish."  ~Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline p.118)

I wish you well and I look forward to being back with my preschool family next week,

Debbie

Feb. 28 - Reminders from CCP

Dear CCP Families,

It’s hard to believe we are coming up on March! I honestly “lost” February in the alternate universe called the hospital, where there is no night or day, just a weird time continuum that blends one day into the next. My mother is finally making some little bits of progress, hopefully enough that she will no longer need me to stay overnight with her. I’m hoping to be able to return to my beloved CCP very soon. I miss you so much! Thanks for the smooth way you carried on in my absence. I am filled with gratitude for Melissa, Jane, the teachers, and the families, who never let our program miss a beat.

I almost always post my blog on Thursday nights, but today I had some time to prepare it, so you will get the emailed notification tonight (Wednesday). You may also click into the blog and see all the previous blog posts from your teacher or from me.

ASH WEDNESDAY - There will be services at Christ Church on Ash Wed, March 6, at 12:15 and 7:00pm

     CONFERENCE SIGN UPs - I hope you were successful at finding the conference sign-ups for your class.  Parent-Teacher Conferences will be March 12 & 13.  CCP is closed on spring conference days. Please share a playdate with another parent and take turns conferencing. Feel free to meet up on our playground!

SCHOLARSHIPS - For families who may want to apply for a 2019-20 scholarship (based on financial need) please email Debbie directly and I’ll send you the application. The scholarship application has a deadline of Friday, April 5. It requires the completed application, your most recent tax return, and a recent pay stub. It is confidential.

CARDS FOR A CAUSE! - We have discovered a unique new program that offers a product you may all want AND supports CCP! Usborne Books and More has the most unique boxes of greeting cards! Watch your cubbie for information and I’ll have samples to show you on March 5 & 6. The well-organized boxes of beautiful cards cost $30 per box for 30 cards! ($1 for a card?? - that’s a real bargain!) And here’s the best part….CCP earns $13 for each box sold! WOW! (I know what my mom and sister-in-laws are getting for Mother’s Day!) Watch your cubbies for information. The sale will run 3/4 through 3/20.

     TEACHERS - We have a staff meeting at 12:30 on Tuesday, March 5.

    LOOKING AHEAD TO SCHOOL PHOTOS -  CCP Individual and class photos will be made outside by Photo Specialties, our spring photographer. Nan of Photo Specialties is going to get back with me regarding dates and I’ll let you know as soon as I can. Let's hope for sunshine!

    EMOTIONS - Our emotions are "BIG" feelings.  Dr. Becky Bailey helps us understand what these emotions are communicating..... Anxious says "Get more information."  Scared says, "Help me feel safe and protected."  Angry says, "Calm down and change."  Frustrated says, "See or do things differently." ~ from Managing Emotional Mayhem, by Dr. Becky Bailey

Wishing you well this first weekend of March,

Debbie

Feb 14 post - Supply fees, summer camp, preschool closed

Hello CCP Families,

Thank you for all the prayers and love that your are sending my way while I care( nearly round the clock) for my sweet mother. Her name is Joyce. She was able to leave the critical care unit and move to a regular hospital room, which is remarkable. She is quite fragile right now, but is making tiny baby steps of progress. We are hoping to be able to move her to rehab soon. I am working on getting some people to help with her care so that I can soon return to you. I REALLY REALLY miss you!!!!!!!!! Thanks again to Ms. Melissa and Ms. Jane and all the staff who are taking care of things at CCP.

PANCAKES & PJ’s - I saw some photos of Pancakes and PJ’s. It looked like so much fun! I know it’s a favorite day every year. Thanks to the Crooks and to all of you who helped make this memory for our little ones.

    SUPPLY FEE DUE - Please remember that 2019-20 supply fees are due Friday, Feb. 15th.  This fee indicates that you will attend next year and holds your spot at CCP.  Please pay on time or speak to Melissa about special arrangements.  We have several families on waiting lists that would like a spot. Thanks!

     PARKING REMINDER - On Mondays and Thursdays (our music class days) please leave the first parking space nearest the Ascension Hall door (in the little upper lot) for our music teacher, Ms. Rebecca.  She hauls a lot a lot of materials for music class.  She also teaches at other preschools so she has to make a "quick entrance and exit."  Thank you for your kindness in this area!

     CAMP - Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales, you received camp information and registrations earlier this week. If you’d like us to hold a spot for your child, please bring your registration form and payment as soon as possible. If there are remaining spots, I would like to offer them to church members.

     PRESCHOOL CLOSED - Preschool is closed next Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 18 & 19.  Monday is Presidents' Day and Tuesday is a teacher workday.  The teachers and I will be working in our classrooms, meeting, and preparing for the March parent-teacher conferences.  The sign ups for conferences will be posted on your teacher's page on Monday, Feb. 25. 

     VISIT OUR WEBSITE - When my blog or your teacher's blog arrives in your email, please remember to click into the website from there.  Your teacher's page has a calendar for the year, sign up sheets, and photos.   There is much more than just the emailed blogpost and we want you to have ALL the information!  (If you have forgotten the password, it is included in the packet the teachers gave you at the beginning of the year.) Also remember in order to email your teacher click at the top where it says to contact Ms. ____click here. If you just hit reply, your email comes to me instead of your teacher.

LOOKING AHEAD TO CARDS FOR A CAUSE! - We have discovered a unique new program that offers a product you may all want! Usborne Books and More has the most unique boxes of greeting cards! I’ll have samples soon to show you. The boxes of beautiful cards cost $30 per box for 30 cards! ($1 for a card?? - that’s a bargain!) And here’s the best part….CCP earns $13 for each box sold! WOW! (I know what my mom and sister-in-laws are getting for Mother’s Day!) We will plan the sale for March. I’ll have more info soon, but just wanted to share this great new idea with you.

     CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIP #1 - When you feel angry, have you ever said this?...."You don't care about anybody but yourself!"  Dr. Bailey tells us when you need to let off steam like that, first breathe and then say, "When you keep ignoring me and what I am telling you, I feel angry."  (paraphrased from Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p.90)  I'm wishing us all well as we make these subtle, but powerful changes in our communications.

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIP #2 -  Becky Bailey tells us, "Discipline and punishment are two different things.  Discipline is based on love, is consistent and focuses on cooperation.  Discipline sets expectations and helps find solutions to problems.  Punishment is based on fear and focuses on intimidation, threats or bribes."  To learn more, you may visit www.consciousdiscipline.com, purchase the book, or request to borrow the DVD's from me.

During this Valentine month, we focus a lot on LOVE.  I just want to take a moment to tell you how much I love all our preschool families!  I appreciate the support you show us as we prepare high quality educational environments and activities for your children.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Have a great long weekend and I wish you well!

Debbie

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     Hope you have a lovely long weekend!  It sounds like the weather will be quite spring-like.  Enjoy!

Debbie

Valentines & Supply Fees due - Feb. 7 post

Dear CCP Family,

This post should have gone out on Feb. 7. I apologize that it’s late. Unfortunately my mom has been in ICU due to many serious complications after breaking her hip. Right now I am needed to be with my mom and dad. I sure miss all my little friends’ smiling faces!! I sincerely appreciate Melissa and Jane, and all the teachers who are taking care of our preschool family while I’m away. I am sending you love and well wishes everyday.

      The Valentine’s Dance was a huge success! Thanks to all who came and also helped. Special thanks to Alexis, Kelsi, Jane, and Melissa for set up, decorations, and food. It was great to see so many preschool families having fun together!

PANCAKES & PJ’S - Our next school-wide event is Pancakes and PJ’s on Feb. 12 (Ducks & TTH classes) and Feb. 13 (Whales & MWF classes). Here is the link to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FA4A72FA0F58-ccps You will most likely want to volunteer on the day your child’s class will attend. (Ducks on Tuesday and Whales on Wednesday) Feel free to join us in your pj’s! Extra-special thanks to Jennifer and Brian Crook who coordinate this fun event!

       VALENTINE'S DAY is Thursday, Feb. 14. (Follow your teacher's instructions about when/how to celebrate in your child's class.) 

       SUPPLY FEES for 2019-20 are due by noon on Friday, Feb. 15.  This fee secures your spot in the class for next year.  Please pay your fees on time or let us know if your plans have changed.  We have children on all waiting lists who would like spots at CCP.  Thank you!

LOOKING AHEAD…

PRESCHOOL SUNDAY - Please mark your calendar for Sunday, April 28 at 9:45. We will celebrate Preschool Sunday in the 9:45 worship service that day. I’m hoping that our 3’s and 4’s can come sing at the beginning of the service with Ms. Rebecca. We will let you know all details soon. For now, just save that date!

       SUMMER CAMP - I will email the summer camp information and registration form to you.  You may bring in your paperwork and check for $150 to my office first come, first served.  There will be some paper copies in the hallway if you are unable to print at home.  (Remember, camp is for children in our Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales classes.)

       WANT TO SERVE ON THE PRESCHOOL BOARD next year? -  We would love to have you join us!  Your service would be sincerely appreciated AND it's a great opportunity to get to know other preschool parents.  If you’re interested, please contact Alexis Besosa Oshman at acbesosa@hotmail.com. Thanks for your consideration.

        In CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE, Dr. Becky Bailey reminds us, "Allowing children to reflect on their choices rather than judging, placing guilt, blaming, or rescuing them gives children access to the internal feedback necessary for them to take responsibility for their actions and make better choices in the future."

I wish you well,

Debbie

Class placements, Pancakes & PJ's, and Family Valentine Dance (Jan. 31 post)

Dear CCP Family,

     If you are returning to CCP next year, you will receive an email and find a letter in your cubbie, on your next school day, informing you of class placement for 2019-20.  Please note that your supply fee, which holds your spot, is due by Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. ($195 total for 2 & 3 days, $225 total for 4 & 5 days)

 LET’S DANCE! - The Family Valentine Dance is tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 1 from 6:30-8:30!  There will be music, dancing, a photo booth, & sweet treats!  Put on your dancing shoes and bring the whole family for some FUN and FELLOWSHIP.  This was a favorite event last year among our preschool families. Hope you will join us! If you are available to help, please follow this link for the Sign Up Genius:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4eabaa2fa4fb6-valentines 

     LET’S EAT PANCAKES IN OUR PJ’S - We will enjoy Pancakes & PJ's on Feb. 12 & 13!  Ducks and TTH classes will wear pjs and eat pancakes in Ascension Hall at 10:00 on Tuesday (2-12-19).  Whales and MW(F) classes will wear pjs and eat pancakes in Ascension Hall at 10:00 on Wednesday (2-13-19).  Thank you to all our families who participate in this fun event!  We have parents who set-up, cook and serve, clean up, or just come watch the fun! (It is fine to bring siblings to this event with their parent or caregiver.)  Warning:  Your child will smell faintly of syrup for the remainder of the day! ;-)

VALENTINE’S DAY - Happy Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14! Your teacher will give you instructions on how they will celebrate in their classroom.

     Looking ahead:

     SUMMER CAMP - We will soon announce our 2018 Summer Camp at CCP.  We will offer camp June 4-7 for our current Ladybugs, Ducks, and Whales.  Campers must be toilet trained.  When plans are finalized, I will email you and accept your registrations first come, first served.  Camp is 9:00-1:00 Tuesday through Friday.  Your child will wear a bathing suit and bring a lunch from home.  Snacks and all craft supplies are provided.  Camp is $150 per child.  More info to come...

     From Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 3) - "Self-control is the ability to reach out and empathize with others, to accept and celebrate differences, to communicate feelings directly, to resolve conflicts in constructive ways, and to enjoy feeling close and connected to others."

I hope you have a lovely weekend and I wish you well,

Debbie

February is fast approaching! (Includes notes about using a picture schedule) - Jan. 24 post

Dear CCP Family,

     Just a few days of January left! February holds so many special activities.  Be sure to read this letter and all communication from your child's teacher so you can participate in the fun.

     Our Whales and Ducks will go to the Planetarium on Wednesday, Jan. 30.  Whales and Ducks, please remember to arrive early that day!  You will walk to the bus at 8:30 sharp!  I hope you enjoy this special day.

     The CCP Admissions Committee will hold the 2019-20 class placement lottery on Friday, Feb. 1.  We will email as soon as possible with the results and then you will receive a followup letter with all details.  We will do our best to honor as many first choices as possible.  (Frog families, hopefully you read and understood the letter about class placement.  I know most of you want the MWF Ladybugs, but we can only accommodate 12 children in that class.  If your name is not pulled in the lottery for MWF, you will be placed in TTH.  If any movement occurs after the lottery, we will try to get you moved to your first choice.)

    Sometimes you've just gotta' dance! Please join us in Ascension Hall on Friday, Feb. 1 for the Family Valentine Dance!  Bring the whole family anytime between 6:30 and 8:30pm.  There will be lots of dancing, a photo booth, and some sweet treats.  All ages are invited - from infants to in-laws!  Last year's dance was so much FUN!  Put on your dancing shoes and let's boogie!

  Save the date for Pancakes and PJ's - On Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 12 & 13, our students can wear their pajamas to preschool and enjoy delicious pancakes and fruit at 10:00 in Ascension Hall! (Ducks and TTH classes will wear pj's & eat on Tuesday.  Whales and MW(F) classes will wear pj's & eat on Wednesday.)  More info to come... 

     From Dr. Bailey's Feeling Buddies Curriculum, "Much like adults create written to-do lists and record appointments on a calendar, picture outlines of everyday routines provide predictability and safety for children.  Instead of expecting them to remember, visuals provide developmentally appropriate tools to help them remember."   You have probably noticed that each of our classrooms has a picture schedule of the day.  The teachers refer to it during the day to let the children know what comes next and how they are progressing through the school day.  Some classes even have helpful visuals to remind children of toileting and hand-washing routines.  You can post pictures at home for how to clean up toys, the steps to feed the dog, how to brush your teeth, or even how to get dressed in the morning!  You can also put these pictures in a little book that you can "read" anytime you are preparing for the event.  You can easily find little pictures online.  I wish you well!

Have a lovely weekend,

Debbie

Substitutes, Applications & Conscious Discipline (Jan. 17, 2019 post)

Dear CCP Families,

      Many of you have said how much you appreciate the Conscious Discipline tidbits I share with you. I’m so glad! I can honestly say that Conscious Discipline has changed my life. It began as a way I interacted with children, but it has become much more! I have now internalized the strategies and the language of C. D., so that I actually think in these terms. I use these skills professionally, but also personally in my life. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks!!

Your 2019-20 applications for currently enrolled students and siblings are due tomorrow, Jan. 18th! Thanks for getting these to me so I can evaluate where we stand with current families before giving consideration to new applications.

I know many of you have been frustrated with parking issues this week. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. A program called Shared Learning, who offers classes for seniors, is renting space in the church office building. This was their first week to meet, so many were confused about which building and where to park. Hopefully it will soon settle down a bit, but know that now there WILL be more cars parked in the area on a daily basis. Thank you for your patience. There is also occasionally ice in he mornings in the back lot. I will try to be aware of that and put sand or salt out on really cold days. Please use caution.

Thank you to all parents who are on our Substitute List! This is a time of year when we often need subs, so we would love to have a few more names on our list. If you’re willing to serve as a substitute teacher, please send me your name, email, and best phone number to use. (Subs do NOT have to have an education degree. The teacher or assistant teacher will tell you exactly what to do. You only need to care about children and have the desire to be helpful in the classroom.) You will even a earn a little pay for your efforts!

Preschool is closed on Monday, Jan. 21 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day.

        Teachers, our next staff meeting is Tues, Jan. 22 at 12:30.

        Save the February date..... Friday night, February 1 from 6:30-8:30 is our annual Christ Church and Preschool Family Valentine's Dance!  This was so much fun last year!!!  I hope you will plan to come.  We danced from serious to silly, took funny photos in the photo booth, had snacks, and enjoyed time with our families and friends.  More details will come, but please mark your calendar now.

Another Feb. date for your calendar….. One of our fav's, Pancakes and PJ's, will take place on Feb. 12 (TTH classes and Ducks) and Feb. 13 (MWF classes and Whales) at 10:00am.  Your parent rep will be sending details on how to participate in this fun event.  Adults and little siblings are welcome to join us in your pajamas!

        Dr. Becky Bailey tells us, “When you are upset, pivot. Say to yourself, ‘If I’m upset, I’m focusing on what I don’t want. Do I want more of this in my life?’ If the answer is no, breathe deeply. Then tell your child what TO DO and why.” (The “why” should use safety language as much as possible.) 

I wish you well,

Debbie

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - January is here and how to be a S.T.A.R. (Jan. 10 post)

Hi CCP Family,

    I know you are happy to have your children back at preschool and in a routine again after the holidays! When families are all together and out of our routines for an extended time, sometimes our “buttons” get pushed. Remember, Dr. Bailey reminds us in Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 22) that “Children learn self-discipline in 3 stages: 1) They find the limits by experimenting. 2) They retest their findings by repeatedly doing what they were told not to (including teasing/provoking & pushing your buttons) to see if the limit is firm. 3) If the limit proves firm, they internalize it.” So, know that your children are just doing their jobs when they test your limits. Keep the limits firm so the children can internalize them.

     Please remember that 2019-20 preschool applications for currently-enrolled families are due by Friday, Jan. 18.  If you are unable to print the application from the website, please pick up a paper copy in the folder outside my office.  Thanks!  

     IMPORTANT blog post reminder:  To respond to your teacher on the emailed blog, you must click the link at the top where it says "To reply to Ms. ____, click here."  Unfortunately, the way it is set up, if you just click "reply," your message actually comes to me.  Of course, I will try to forward your message, but it may not be as timely. Thanks!

     Please remember that preschool is closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. day on Monday, January 21.  (Preschool Board members, our Jan. meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 since the 21st is a holiday.)

There is also a blood drive in Ascension Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Ladybugs, your lunch bunch begins on Wed or Thurs, Jan. 16 & 17! Ms. Sarah and Ms. Amber put a letter in your cubbies explaining what to bring for lunch. Thank you for being aware of our children with allergies and keeping everyone safe when packing your child’s lunch! Pick up on lunch days is 1:00.

     As you know, we do a lot of "intentional breathing" at preschool.  Often we call it being a S.T.A.R. (Smile, Take a deep breath And Relax.) Conscious Discipline tells us "Consciously breathing releases toxins from the body, improves the immune system, balances the nervous system, turns off the stress response, facilitates weight loss, helps release unhealthy memories and stifled emotions, and integrates our brain to engage the higher centers for optimal functioning."   (Feeling Buddies Curriculum, p. 70)  So anytime you feel stressed, remember to be a S.T.A.R!  Three slow, deep "belly breaths" can really help calm you and reset your system.  If your child is too upset in the moment to breathe, then you breathe for them.  Even just holding them close to you and breathing deeply can "download" your calm to them and help them move to the higher centers of the brain.  (Just make sure that you are calm and conscious first!)

I wish you well,

Debbie

Happy New Year & the Top 4 Things about the Brain

Dear CCP Family,

        Happy new year!  I hope 2019 brings us all health, love, and peace.  Though it’s a short week, it is great to hear the children’s giggles and to be together again. 

        Please remember that January tuition is due.  We have extended the deadline to noon on Thursday, Jan. 10.  Ms Melissa is very generous with that deadline so please pay on time so she doesn’t have to send reminders. Thanks for paying your fees on time.

        It is time to register for the 2019-20 school year.  You can find the application on our website and I also sent one by email on Wednesday.  Every currently-enrolled child is guaranteed a place for next year, but we can't guarantee that it will be in your first choice class. We will do our best!  Currently enrolled applications are due by Friday, Jan 18.  Please invite your friends to apply to CCP also!  New families have until Jan. 31 to apply.

        Ladybugs, your lunch bunch begins this month on Jan 16 and 17!  How exciting!  Ms. Sarah will send you all the details and your pick-up time on lunch day will be 1:00pm.

        Hopefully we won’t have anymore weather delays/closings this year! However, January is a good time to review our inclement weather policy from your parent handbook:

If Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools close due to the weather, then Christ Church Preschool will also close.  If Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools delay their starting time by one or two hours, then Christ Church Preschool will open for students at 10:00 a.m.  If CHCCS delay by 3 hours, then CCP will close.  When in doubt, please check your email for an announcement or call the preschool number (919-969-1690) for a recorded message.  In the case of a power outage, listen to WCHL 1360 AM for an announcement. The preschool will not make up or refund tuition for days missed due to inclement weather.  (I usually try to have the announcement about closures sent to your email by 7:00am.)

         Please make sure your child has warm outerwear during the winter months.  The children usually go outside for a brief walk in the fresh air even on very cold days. Even if your child does not wear a coat in the car, please bring a coat and place it in the cubbie for outdoor time. It is helpful to label the loose pieces (hats, gloves, etc) with your child's name.  (The Frog class requests that you send mittens instead of gloves.)  Also, please be sure that your change of clothing in the cubbie is appropriate for the weather.

Here are the top 4 things to know about the brain from Dr. Becky Bailey:

• The brain is pattern-seeking (Consistent routines are helpful.)

• The best exercise for the brain is exercise. (Run, jump, & play!)

• Connections on the outside build neural connections on the inside (Connect with your child through touch, presence, & eye contact in a playful situation.)

• The brain functions optimally when we feel physically and psychologically safe (This is when learning takes place!)

  I wish you well,     

Debbie

Thank you and Gearing up for January!

Dear CCP Families,

Though it is not Thursday (my usual day for updating my blog,) I wanted to touch base with you as we prepare to return to preschool. [True confession - during the holidays, time gets confused and I wasn’t sure WHAT day it was! ;-) ]

CONCERT - Thanks for coming to our Christmas Concert! It was fun to celebrate together as a school family. I am so proud of our children. When you’re a preschooler, it’s a big deal to stand in front of an audience, let alone remember all the words to the songs! Thank you for your love and support.

BACK TO SCHOOL - Students return to school on Thursday, Jan. 3. (Teachers return on Wednesday to prepare classrooms and plan for second semester.)

THANK YOU - Some of you have honored me with lovely Christmas cards, well wishes, hugs, and gifts. Though I sent one note, I want you to know I am still humbled and grateful for your expressions of love. Your generosity is truly amazing! I hope you know how much you and your gifts are appreciated. Christ Church Preschool is like my extended family and I am truly thankful for each one of you.

A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Combining connection and calming is powerful. It activates the attention systems, the motivation systems, and the impulse control systems in the brain. It creates an alert yet relaxed internal state that is ideal for all learning. ~Brain Smart Choices Cubes

As we complete the 12 days of Christmas at epiphany and move into 2019, my wish & prayer is that we can all see the world like children, through eyes of wonder and hope. Don’t worry about creating “perfection” in your family life - too much pressure! Instead, smile & breathe…..have hot cocoa with marshmallows, build a tent from a blanket, snuggle and read together, or take a walk or wagon ride in your neighborhood at night before the Christmas lights are all gone. It’s really these simple, inexpensive things that connect us and create beautiful lasting memories.

This week, I pray that the values from Advent will last all year. I wish you HOPE, LOVE, JOY & PEACE.

Happy New Year CCP Family!

Debbie