July 26, 2023

Wow that was fast!

Our summer session is over and we are preparing for the fall session. The office is closed this week. Next week the teachers will have inservice to prepare to care for your little ones.

Over the next few days would you pray for us as we wrap our minds around the best way to care for the children you have intrusted to us? Pray for health and safety as well as wisdom in meeting the needs of the students, patience, and grace.

We will be praying for you and the transitions that are to come, for health and safety, patience, and grace!

Enjoy your time away from preschool.

 

See you August 7!

​

Blessing to you,

Karolyn

​

June 30, 2023

Here I sit praying that the last week of scorching heat we have had is not a harbinger for a miserably hot summer! I am so thankful for air conditioning!

We have only 3 weeks left of our summer session. We are enjoying special lunches and fun water activities! We even "painted" the church walls! Such fun!

Our Fall session begins August 7. There are very few spots remaining.  

We are starting a Spanish class and hoping to hire a P.E. and Music teacher. Things are really looking up!

God continues to be faithful as we seek His face.

Blessings to you all and a Happy 4th!

​

Always,

Karolyn

​

May 11, 2023

We are in the home stretch! Only 9 more days of our Spring Session! There is so much excitement and so many glorious things happening around here! Watching these little people grow through the year is a wonder of God’s design.

​We understand how important it is for proper development to happen. Physical, social, behavioral, mental, and spiritual. We marvel at the research that is coming out about brain development in early childhood and are learning to implement new strategies to help the children’s brains!

We try to give the kids experiences that will lay the foundational basis for their future, always remembering that each step must be set firmly on the step before. Skipping developmental steps leads to great frustration and the need to go backwards in order to catch up and move forward! There are things that happen ONLY when the brain is ready and cannot be forced. For example, reading cannot happen until the brain sees the letters as a symbol of a sound and not simply a shape! That is why we continually work on these things until the brain "clicks"! While we have a list of developmental milestones that we look for and try to help children achieve, each child will develop on their own timetable. Keep in mind that just as all adults are in different stages, it is truer for children. There will be some who have not achieved the milestone, some right on target and others that have moved past the milestone. It varies as much as each individual child.

​"What can I do as a parent to help my child develop?" 

I am glad you asked! 😉

​Let your child play. PLAY, PLAY, PLAY! Help them experience the world around them. Set boundaries and hold to them! Say "no". God has gifted you with the responsibility of molding these little people. An ounce of discipline early leads to less need for it later. Patterns will be set. Habits in behavior are like learning to throw a ball: repetition, continuing when it gets hard, building muscle memory. With behavior the muscle is the brain! The more we train and model what we want, the more the brain will follow! Talk with your child, not just AT them. Share funny stories of when you were a child. Relate to them. Help them pronounce words correctly. It may be cute for them to say “basketti” for spaghetti, but if it becomes a habit, they will have to relearn how to speak because the brain has learned incorrectly. Show them love. Unconditional love. Lastly, yet most importantly, tell them about Jesus and how He loves them so much that He died for them.

​

To God be the glory,

​

Karolyn

​

​

March 27, 2023

As of March 20, spring is officially here! At least that is what the calendars say! Someone should tell the weather to get in line! 😉

​

There is so much energy in the air, and in the children! There are so many things happening...flowers blooming, birds singing and many new creatures being born. Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth.

 

It is the perfect time to be born again! 

If you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, He is ready and waiting for you! All you have to do is ask. 

His tortuos road that led Him to the cross where he was brutally beaten and died, to the empty tomb proving that He had overcome death and the grave, to His ascending to the right hand of God. It was all for you. YOU!  No matter who you are or what you have done, He is ready for you. Simply call His name.

​

If you are not sure what all this means or if you have questions, you can contact me and I will happily help you through!

​

To God be the glory! Great things He has done!

​

Much love,

​

Karolyn

​

​

​

February 21, 2023

Spring is trying to arrive early!

These crazy temperature changes are keeping us on our toes guessing what to wear to school each day!

​

We wait in anticipation of the flowers that will bloom and the rains that will come and the promise of new life as many animals begin their families. 

​

The best part of spring is the aniticipation of the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Without the resurrection, we have nothing. Nada. Zilch.

 

No hope.

 

Because He lives, we have everything!

​

​

December 6, 2022

I have been mulling over what to write for a few days now.

Something pithy that will catch your eye or touch you in the deepest part of your soul.

Something educational to help you raise your little ones.

I don't have anything like that today.

All I have is the truth.

​

God sent His Son Jesus to earth over 2000 years ago as THE way for us to have fellowship with God. Jesus, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, died to pay the debt for our sins. And then He rose again and is seated with the Father, forever. 

​

I guess that is pithy and will touch your soul and will help you raise your little ones.

​

Merry Christmas!

​

 

September 6, 2022

Our fall session is a few weeks in and we are having a great time!

The students are adjusting to new routines and new rules and we are just days away from the first official day of fall!

As the hours of daylight get shorter, and the busyness of life rolls along, I want to encourage you...

​

--Slow down and watch the sunset (or sunrise if you are an early bird!)

--Take that extra five minutes with someone you love, before you rush out the door

--Tell that person that the outfit they are wearing looks good or that they have a great smile

--Ask someone to tell you something new they have learned or about a book they are reading

--Connect with people

--Listen

--Breathe

--Thank God that you are alive today.

​

​

​

​

August 12, 2022

Wait a minute!

​

Summer session started and ended in the blink of an eye!

Here we are finishing the first week of fall session and I have not written anything Since May 27!

​

Oy!

​

Well, We are rocking along and enjoying our new families and so many of our current families! What a blessing you all are to  me! We have a few new staff members and are looking at hiring a few more. This will get us to a place of full coverage!

​

Keep looking for the best in every situation you find yourself facing. You are not alone, no matter how lonelly you may feel. 

​

Wait a minute!

​

Do you know Jesus?

​

I can tell you all about Him, if you want! Reach out. I am here and SO IS HE!

​

May 27,2022

I am sitting here after our teacher workday in the absolute quiet.

Such a feverishly busy day with my staff cleaning, organizing, and getting ready for our summer session to start on Tuesday. These ladies are the cream of the crop. They have a heart for this work. Some days it doesn't feel like work. Some days last what seems like an eternity. But they keep on loving and caring for the children. These women are my family.

I think of the children and parents that I have known for so many years that are now moving on and I am equally happy and sad.

The CLC parents are a special breed of human. Over the years we have been blessed by their patience, committment, and generosity. I have been through births, deaths, weddings, divorces, unwanted pregnancies, adoptions, CPS investigations, cancer scares, job losses, and promotions with these parents. They have not only shared their little people with me, they have shared their lives with me. I consider them family. 

So, to my CLC family, I love you.

​

March 1, 2022

Here we are! It is March and we are still open!

To most of you that means nothing. But to those of you that are a part of our family or have followed our story, being open today is HUGE!

To recap: February 2020 we had a sewer back up and closed for a bit. Then March 2020. We all know what happened then! (Stupid Covid-19) We were able to reopen in June. Then February 2021. Icemageddon! A major pipe burst during the freeze and the damage to our little school was extensive. We were closed again until June. We are so thankful to be fully operational, serving the wonderful families of South Arlington! I am grateful for the support we have received and love that has been shown through this trying 2 years!

Now, if we could just get some folks hired! 

 

February 2, 2022

Our fervent prayer is that we make it through this month and the next with no water related issues that close us down! Please pray with us!

​

January 2, 2022

Revelation 21:5 "And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

Every new year, I am struck by this statement from God. 

​

These last 2 years have been extremely difficult. From our summer 2019 building expansion, February 2020 sewer back up, March 2020 Covid-19 closure and the February 2021 freeze/pipe burst closure, not to mention the horrific staffing shortage that has plagued CLC since we reopened after Covid, there were so any times that I asked God to show me how it could possibly all be a part of His plan. How could all of this hardship and devastation, confusion and weariness bring honor to Him? How could we continue to serve our community in such a troubling time with the lack of staff and difficult circumstances beating us down? How could all of the personal sacrifices made by my staff, including missing time with their own families to cover classes, be necessary to the plan?  

​

And every day I would walk into CLC and know that there was work to be done, there were families to serve, and staff to support and  encourage. We showed up. Every day. You know who else showed up? God. Every single day. Moving us forward. Giving us glimpses of His love. Showing us that He alone can provide the answers. Keeping us aware of just how important taking care of His children is, not only to the future of our country but ulitmately to His Kingdom!

​

So, no matter what obstacles, or challenges I face, I will continue to look for the will of the Father. I know His ways are perfect and the plan He has set in motion will shine glory and honor on Him. He who deserves nothing less than all of our praise and thanksgiving for who He is and what He has done and what He is GOING TO DO! 

​

Revelation 21:5 "And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”

​

Much love,

Karolyn

​

​

December 7, 2021

Near the end of every year, we talk about how fast the days have passed and how we wish time would slow down. 

This year has been different. It seems to have been a very, very long year. So difficult. So many hurdles to overcome. *Heavy sigh*

Yet, we continue to look to the Savior and His perfect timing as our lives unfold. Praying that each moment be filled with the love and grace He alone can give. There is no other explanation for how we have made it through this year, except for Him. 

Thank you, Lord Jesus!

​

November 1, 2021

The cooler weather has arrived and we are enjoying being outside to play as much as possible!

I am so thankful for cooler weather.

I am thankful for so many things.

You.

I am thankful for you.

Thankful for your trust in our little school and how we care for your precious little ones.

Thankful for your smiles in the morning at drop off.

Thankful for your chit chat at the end of the day.

Thankful for the jokes you tell or the memories you share.

Thankful for your kind words, sweet notes, and goodies you send.

Thankful for the community spirit you bring to us.

Thankful that you share your burdens, and prayer requests with us.

So many things to be thankful for.

Happy Fall!

​

October 7, 2021

How is it October 7 and I am just now updating this month? Whew!

Fall is upon us and we are busy enjoying all that God has to offer with this wonderful weather! We have been on nature walks, extended our playground time, and spent time on the grassy area in the fresh air and sunshine!

We count every day that we are open and caring for God's little ones, a true blessing. 

I pray that you are enjoying your days and may I ask, when you are out in public, please remember that EVERYONE is struggling with something? The way we handle things is an example to our children and that is how they will handle things.

So, let us all be kind to each other.

​

September 2, 2021

Fall session is in full swing and we are having a fun time learning and getting used to our new routines! So many new faces and names to remember! I pray that this fall brings wonderful experiences as we grow together as a community and family. I am thankful for you and grateful for the continued support you show! 

​

August 1, 2021

Please pray for me and my staff as we enter our very busy week of inservice.

We will be training, cleaning, and praying over each child enrolled for the fall.

We still need a couple of afternoon staff memebers and we have a few spots to enroll more children.

Call us if you have leads on either (817) 483-6692!

Blessings as you continue your summer. Be safe!

​

July 15, 2021

Here we are at the end of our summer session looking forward to the new 2021-2022 school year!

It has gone by so fast and there is still so much of the church builidng that needs to be completed after our major catastrophe from February 's freeze. The preschool has been operating wonderfully and we anticipate great things for the fall.

We are blessed beyond measure and thankful for a God who loves us!

​

May 28, 2021

It has been a really rough couple of months and an extremely tough week. 

Pushing hard to get things done and done correctly. Tirelessly communicating the dire situation to so many folks. Waiting for decisions to be made and having to make some very serious decisions that affected so many people. Watching helplessly as so many things were out of my hands and out of my control. Knowing that this situation made the lives of our CLC family so much more difficult was quite traumatic for me.

​

Yet in all of this...yes, ALL of this, I have seen the mighty hand of God providing and protecting us the entire time.

​

Due to the extensive water damage and the subsequent tear out, we found roof leaks, siding issues, electrical problems, just to name a few. Some of those were quite serious and had we not had to tear things down we would not have found them and the potential for them to be dangerous was there. I have seen an amazing group of women rally together and show their serious commitment to our preschool and the families we serve. I am in awe. Complete awe.

​

This week we had a heath inspection, fire marshal inspection, and childcare licensing inspection to pass so that we could reopen after the reconstruction. I am beyond ecstatic to report that the preschool PASSED all three! It will be some time before the church building is completed. Nevertheless, God is good all of the time and all of the time, God is good!

​

We serve an awesome God who loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His one and only son to pay our sin debt. The debt we could never pay. He did it so that we could, if we choose, spend our eternity with Him. It is your choice. 

​

April 7, 2021

Unfortunately, our hope of reopening April 5 did not happen.

Damages were more extensive than we thought, insurance is slowing down the process, and we are not the only ones dealing with water damage in our area. After much prayer and discussion, we decided that the best option would be for us to reopen for our summer session, June 1 through July 23. It is not at all what we wanted for our little school, but even in this we see God's hand of provision and protection. So we will continue to move forward, praising God in everything!

​

March 1, 2021

I really had hoped that this year would prove to be a year of calm and restoration after the difficult 2020 season.

Well, the winter experience of February 2021 has not been kind to CLC.

We had a number of water pipes burst and the entire building needs to be restored. CLC is closed until things can be repaired and replaced. We are looking at April 5 as our reopen date.

Please pray for us. Our little preschool has been through so much since Summer 2019. 

We continue to look ahead and make plans for our future remembering that God is faithful and worthy of all praise!

​

Much love,

Karolyn

​

February 1, 2021

Today we begin Fall registration for current CLC families and members of All Saints Lutheran Church. We are hopeful that the next few months bring a number of wonderful adventures and many new friends to our little community. We will open registration to the public on February 16. 

​

Summer session registration is open to any who would come! Join us for a summer of fun! 

​

January 15, 2021

2 weeks into the new year and we have so many good things ahead!

Be kind.

Be forgiving.

Be faithful.

Be loving.

Be considerate.

​

Much love,

Karolyn

​

December 23, 2020

Sitting here in my office today, 2 classrooms closed due to stupid Covid, many families out because their older kids are out of school...eerily quiet today.

Then, out of nowhere, from down the hall I hear one of my pre k students singing at the top of his lungs "Away in a Manger".

 

"Be near me, Lord, Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in your tender care and take me to heaven to live with thee there."

 

Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times yes!

Today, I again see the love of my Savior, reminding me of just how much He loves!

 

So Dear Ones, as we take a break from preschool, let us remember why.

Jesus.

It is all about Jesus.

His birth. His life. His death. His resurrection.

He came to save us. He came to offer us a relationship. He came to offer us a place with His Father for eternity. He came because He loves us.

All we have to do is accept the gift. It is free. It is available all year long. Whenever you are ready. Call on the name of Jesus.

 

I pray that you all have a very safe and happy Christmas, filled with the Joy of Jesus. I pray that you feel His love and you share it with those around you. I pray for peace and rest for you all. I pray that we all return to preschool January 4 healthy and ready for a year of new adventures and fun!

 

Much love,

Karolyn

​

November 23, 2020

Here we are with Thanksgiving break at the end of the week. There are so many things for which to be thankful. So thankful we have remained open this long with no staff members or children testing positive for Covid-19. Thankful that the children are growing and thriving and having fun. Thankful that our playground has been updated and looks amazing (a few little finishing touches remain but will be completed soon). Thankful that our community has embraced the protocols set forth. Thankful for the kind words and prayers when this gets overwhelming. Eternally grateful for my God, who sent His Son to die on a cross so that I didn't have to pay the price for my sin and that I can spend eternity in His presence! 

Please be careful while you are celebrating Thanksgiving this year. Come back on Monday, healthy and ready for more fun and learning!

Much love,

Karolyn

 

October 21, 2020

Over 2 months have gone by and we are having a great time at preschool!

We are finding ways to connect and continue the work we have always been focused on, loving children and ministering to families. We have had couple of stumbles as we navigate the obstacles placed before us but always knowing the God is sovereign. We will continue to strive to bring Him glory and run the race with endurance the race set before us!

Much love,

Karolyn

​

August 14, 2020

And just like that... week one is done!

We are incredibly blessed to have you as a part of the CLC family!

Thank you for your patience during drop off and pick up! This old girl is really getting in her steps!

The smiling faces and laughter happening from early morning check in, to the sleeping babies and singing 4 year olds in the afternoon make for a wonderful time for us all.

Next week we will have Chapel on Monday and Tuesday beginning at 9:15. We are only having the 2's, 3's and 4's attend and we will be sitting in the pews practicing our physical distancing. Ms. Mara will be leading us in a song and a wonderful Bible story about God's creation.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

August 7, 2020

Meet the Teacher for registered students was a great success! We have the most amazing families at CLC! their support and kindness through this time has been appreciated beyond measure! We want to continue to serve our community in the best, safest way possible for a very, very long time to come!

​

There are a few spots available for the fall session. Registration does not close until we have  filled all the spots in a class. Class sizes are smaller due to Covid but we may just have a place for your child so please call for more information.

​

If you are not a part of our CLC family yet, we would love for you to join us!

​

God's Richest Blessings,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

July 24, 2020

 

And just like that, summer session is done!

Parents, thank you for all of your love and support while we navigated caring for your precious little ones in this very weird Covid time! 

I pray that the next 2 weeks bring you rest and safety.

If you are registered for 2020-2021, look in your mailbox late next week for an envelope with a ton of fall information.

And as always, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns!

 

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

July 8, 2020

​

Hello!

We are making plans for the fall and classes are already getting full! We have waiting lists and are trying to accommodate as many families as safely possible. I hope you are having a fun filled summer because here at CLC, we are having a super-d-duper time!

​

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

June 24, 2020

​

We are doing it! We are in the middle of week 4 and I could not be more proud of my staff and students!

There are so many changes due to Covid-19, new protocols, smaller class sizes, cleaning and cleaning and did I mention cleaning? But we are happy and having fun together. We wear masks (2 year old class and older), we temp/symptom check at the door, wipe down disposable plastic lunch bags and spill proof cups. Our grown up signs us in for the day and we leave mom and dad at the front door, walk in to the hand washing station, walk through the sanitizing mat and then it is time for the fun to begin! Kids never cease to amaze me. They are so ready to learn and love. All of the grown ups in their lives have a huge responsibility to look after them in the best way possible. Here at CLC, we are doing our best to take care of your littlest treasures! Thank you for trusting us!

​

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

May 29, 2020

​

Whew. What a week!

The staff at CLC has been working feverishly all week to get ready to reopen Monday, June 1! We are so excited.

There are many new procedures we will follow but we are still going to have a ton of fun this summer session! Yes, we will be wearing masks. Yes, we will be keeping our physical distance and limiting personal contact but we will still be loving our students and giving them the best we have to offer! There are a few spot available so give us a call to sign up! (817) 483-6692

**********************************************************************************************************************

May 4, 2020

​

Thank you for stopping by to see what CLC has to offer!

​

As we are navigating the Covid-19 situation, we are ever mindful of its impact on our CLC community, the students, staff and parents alike. There are still so many things we do not know and so many things to consider before we reopen our preschool. Please know that when we reopen (hopefully on June 1), things will look different. Drop off and pick up, what can be brought into the center (lunches, clothing, car seats, etc.), who can enter the center, the new standard for staff to student ratios, etc. We are constantly scouring the government websites to glean the information pertaining to preschools/day care. In order to keep everyone safe, CLC will abide by the current directives in place with the full knowledge that those directives can change quickly. There may be times we have to make decisions based on "best practice". These decisions will not conflict directives but may be stricter. There will be constant reminders to maintain social distancing and limiting physical contact. Please consider what the next months will bring as we reopen with new policies and practices. Please be kind and patient as we maneuver these uncharted waters here at CLC. Most of all, please abide by the rules so we can stay open once our doors are reopened. 

 

We want everyone to stay healthy and safe. We want preschool to open again so we can serve parents. We want to see you all.

​

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

April 3, 2020

 

We were supposed to reopen school on Monday, April 6.

Now we are hoping for May 4.

I am sad and missing you all. I know this will end. I believe that God has a plan. I trust Him. You can trust Him too.

Praying for grace and mercy for us all and that this Covid-19 virus would be eradicated so that we can all begin to live our lives together, in person, again!

Consider yourself virtually hugged!

​

Much love,

Karolyn

**********************************************************************************************************************

March 18, 2020

Dear Ones,

​

I have had a number of you ask what you should be doing with your little darlins' during this time away from CLC.

​

Let me first say, let yourself off the hook. You do not need to worry about anyone being left behind academically. We are all in the same boat. I know some of you have to work. I know some of you are without work at all. With all of that in mind, may I suggest the following:

​

1-Pray. About everything. There is ONE certainty in all of this...GOD. TRUST HIM. If you have questions about a personal relationship with Jesus, please message me. I can introduce you!

2-Stay home unless it is for absolute necessities. Keep the kids home. I know it is hard. But you can do this.

3-Stay informed. Make sure the news you are believing (and spreading) is accurate information.

4-Reach out if you need help. If you or someone in your family becomes ill, please CALL a doctor and proceed as they direct. It might save you a trip to their office/hospital only to be sent home for lack of specific symptoms. If someone does become sick please quarantine them at home and follow the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations.

5-Keep the kids moving. Exercise. Play games. Help them learn to entertain themselves with a deck of cards, a bucket of rocks, or an empty box. Read to them. Have them help with the household chores. Let them run and play in the yard. Dig in the mud. Pull weeds. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk. Build blocks/Legos. Call or Face-time relatives and friends. Sort Laundry. Help with meal time.Work on manners and how to treat other people. Help them speak clearly. Not just allowing them to talk about what they are thinking and feeling (which you should) but help them speak correctly. I tell the kids that every letter has a sound and they all need to be heard!

This is a perfect time to do what we educators wish we could do but cannot...give individualized attention to each child for extended periods of time.

6-Learn something new as a family. How does a toilet work? How does milk get to our refrigerator? Learn about each other. Tell them what you do at work. Tell them stories about when you were little and about that crazy uncle we all have! 😉 Ask them what they think...about anything. Tell jokes. Laugh. Smile. Reassure. Hug A LOT!

7- Reconnect with your spouse. You need each other and your children need you.

​

I love you all. My heart is heavy thinking about all that you are dealing with now. This is a hard time for EVERYONE. You are not alone. We all are dealing with decisions to be made and when to make them, fear (our own and our kid's fears too), uncertainty about what the next days/weeks/months will bring. We can do this. WE can!

​

Much love,

Karolyn