graduations...

So... we opted to wait to place H in kindergarten - since he has a late birthday. So H did Bridge Kindergarten at the school I teach at two days a week... and then this year he did the regular Kindergarten program at the same school. In the fall he will attend Public School 1st grade... we are all very excited about this next chapter... H in particular. He loved his Kindergarten year(s) but is SO ready for all day school.

Then there is E... she attended Pre-K at the school I teach at this year... and had pre-K graduation. She will also do the bridge program and then kindergarten. Yes, I am waiting to put her in Kindergarten, too... for several reason. (And I get a lot of questions about this so I guess that's why I fell led to explain.) I really feel like we're only with our kids a short amount of time before they are in school and with others more hours in the day than with their own family... H and E are two years apart in age (2 years and 6 days) so I wanted them to be two years apart in school, too... and honestly... I'm just not in a hurry.

This is such an individual decision... based on each child. I'm certainly not saying all kids should wait to go to kinder by any means... this is a decision based on what seemed best for us and our family...

Emma Grace... FIVE!

Emma Grace… FIVE!

Wow… where does the time go? Seems like yesterday they placed your little body in my arms the moment you were born. Such a mix of emotions that week… with Fossie’s passing and then a few days later you were born. Fossie would have loved you so much… you and your spunky personality. You run or skip every where you go… I’m not even sure if you are capable of just walking. You constantly have a smile on your face. You are up for most any activity and will savor each minute of it. You keep your big brother on his feet and have even helped him break out of his shell al little bit. You simply love animals and your favorite thing to do is be cat or a dog. You love to cuddle and just be with me and daddy. You enjoy people and talking with others with your out going personality. You are a joy Emma Grace and I’m so grateful the Lord gave us you.

I truly pray that the Lord draws you near to Him at an early age. I pray He uses your kind heart and loving personality to His glory. I also pray that he molds your sensitive side in to a Woman who can relate to others with grace, love and dignity yet have the strength to stand firm when needed. I pray that you’ll always appreciate nature and animals recognizing God’s amazing workmanship. I pray also that you won’t care so much what others think… but that you’ll have the confidence of a Woman after God’s own heart. Having His word hidden there to direct you, steer you and encourage you. You are my precious girl… I don’t want time to fly so fast… yet I look forward to the woman God will mold and shape. I love you sweet girl on your 5th birthday… your mommy and daddy love you so much. Love, Mommy

My boy is 7 today...

It's hard to believe you, my first born son, have lived 7 years! I'm so grateful to the Lord that He gave you to me and daddy. God teaches me so much through your little life. You are such a fun and creative little boy. I love to watch you draw and create new things. You have made lots of books this year. You are such a great big brother to your sister... always looking out for her and making sure she is okay... (and tattling, too!) You have an amazing ability to make yourself and you sister laugh such belly laughs at most any thing. You have learned to read so well and enjoy reading fun adventures, anything space and building with Legos. You want to teach your sister about things, too - even if she won't listen some times! But you tolerate playing "animals" with her and even "house". You are becoming an excellent bike rider... riding back and forth down the street.

Last night at dinner you asked about baptism and what that meant. Daddy explained baptism to you. And one day I pray you will become a Christian and love the Lord with all you heart and be baptized to show the world why it's important to be born again. I pray He uses your strong will and loud voice for His work. That He will steer your temper into a passion to serve and glorify the Lord. I pray He uses your sensitive personality to disern and give wise councel and grace to others.

I do not care if you're the smartest nor the best at the things of this world... I simply pray that you love others and have the kindness of a man that follows the Lord. I love you my little boy... growing faster with each passing day. I love you so much it hurts! And now you're 7 -- seven!

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy... Love, Mommy

They grow so quickly... my baby girl will be 5 in another week... she gives me such joy yet I can't help but be a little sad as I'm not going to be the mother of a preschooler any more... *sigh* This time last year we were at the Mother's Day tea...

Em had her ballet performance this past Saturday. The girls were really cute. You can tell they learned a lot about ballet this year. Have some fun craft items and other things to share on the blog soon... so stay tuned.

Happy May Day...

"sanctify them by the truth;
Your word is truth" John 17:17 NIV

... it's the beginning of the busiest time of year for us (right there next to the Christmas season). We have birthdays, ballet performances, graduations, parties, celebrations, end of year teacher luncheons, etc... I know I'm not alone here. It seems that in the busiest of times - that's when I get the most inspiration... when I don't have time to do much about it!

... recently attended a Women's Renewal at my church. Good time in fellowship with sisters in Christ. Helped re-motivate my heart to take up my Scripture memorization again. It's a discipline that I just need to make happen.

... I plan to post more of our activities this month... lots of fun things going on.