Another kindergarten post is about to happen but bear with me because this is a new thing happening in our lives so obviously, it takes up a lot of my thoughts and time.
I've noticed, since she began school, there are things I just won't know unless someone tells me. I'm of the type that is controlling and likes to know everything my children do or experience at all times. While my faith and trust in God is stronger now than possibly any other time in my life; there are still thoughts that creep their way into my mind and make me question things and sometimes fear follows closely behind. With that in mind, I'm thinking on Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." I need to surrender to Christ and let his peace, not my fear, rule in my heart. I'm thankful we live in a wonderful area where we can send our girl to a great public school.
Because I stay home with the kids, I have been near them and have known what is happening most of their life. Even if they go to a grandparent's home or with friends, I usually get a "report" of sorts when I pick them up. Now I know, even then, I don't get the whole story but they are with people I love and trust. It's different at school, I trust her teacher and I know she is well cared for, but there are 21 kids in her class too and I'm getting most of my information from the perspective of my 5 year old. So with that in mind, here is a list of recent things she has told me. Some funny and some I'm glad to have found out.
Things I may not have known, if she hadn't told me...
1. J: "Oh, we had to move seats on the bus today." Me: "Why?" J: "I don't know, I think we were being too rowdy." - She and her neighbor-friend were playing too loudly with their backpacks.
2. J: "I got hurt two times today on the playground." She is just fine but this is what prompted me to write this post.
3. J: "I'm not supposed to whistle anymore at school, only on the playground." Apparently her teacher must have asked her to only use her new found whistling skills outside. :)
4. J: "I got a treat today at school!" Me: "Why?" J: "I went to another classroom with some other kids from class and we took a test. Because I was good, I got a tootsie roll at the end." She had gone to the reading specialist's room for the beginning of year test.
5. J: "We get to go to the library again tomorrow!" I didn't even know she went last week! But I did receive an email update from her teacher this week detailing what their weekly schedule is like.
6. J: "I am supposed to wear colors like the flag tomorrow, you know, red white and blue - but I'm not sure why?" I had to think about this one for a minute but now I realize that tomorrow is 9/11 so maybe they are doing a tribute/memorial of some kind. I also had to explain to her today what 9/11 is and why we should take time to remember every year. I wasn't quite ready for that talk but it went well.
I'm sure there will be many more instances, like this, throughout the school year but I'm glad her teacher is very open to communication and I can always email or call to find out more info if I need it.
God has shown me many things about myself and how I should change throughout every stage of my children's lives. This next stage is probably related to control issues and letting go of my will so I can wait and trust God to work things for His will. There are good things happening for my little girl and our family. I need to be open to seeing what they are and stepping out in faith and thankfulness to God.
Kindergarten
We've made it through the first "week" of kindergarten! My sweet girl is loving her time there. I, as the Momma, am adjusting to the new change better than anticipated. I continue to over-analyze most things but I'm learning, more than ever this year, to trust in God all the time. I am so pleased with her school and teacher. She came home today and I asked her how it went. She said, "Kindergarten is amazing!"
We have embarked on a new phase in life and I pray that I will be more in-tune to God's leading in my life and how to raise my children well - to love and glorify Christ.
2014 I have been trying to reflect on Colossians 3 specifically verses 12-17. This section is my prayer for our family as we become more involved in the surrounding community and grow closer to other believers in Christ.
Colossians 3: 15-17 " And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
I am so thankful to God for all He is showing me in my life and I will strive to make Him known where ever I am.
Miss Bindergarten
Last weekend we went to the Treehouse Museum for the Miss Bindergarten party given for the new kindergarteners of Weber School District. It was a great time with a "circus" outside including activities directed toward skills the students need for kindergarten. I'm glad my mom and sister were able to join us to help out with the kids too.
There were a few reptiles and birds to watch. We learned a sound to make that made the kookaburra talk back. It was cool.
Acrobatics and dress up fun
Letter matching game
She made two in the bucket!
Inside the museum, her favorite exhibit is the hospital/nursery and she would stay all day if she could.
There is a new "Diner car" and even though I'm sure it was full of germs, she had a great time and didn't care a bit about the crowd of people around her.
If he could be anywhere in the museum, it would be downstairs in the workshop or farm area - which is why I need helpers when I take the kids because the babies and the diner are upstairs.
Picture with Miss Bindergarten and of course Aunt Sarah - free t-shirt too!
Group photo - taken by Nancy, thanks!
The Mommas' Birthdays 2014
We have had a great summer. The middle/end of summer is always birthday fun for my mom and Pete's mom. Their birthdays are 10 days apart which makes for a fun and busy two weeks. This year we made a big deal of the birthdays and it was a great time.
~ My mom's birthday is also on a state holiday. When we were little, we often escaped the parades and fireworks for my grandparents' cabin. Near Heber City, we call it Little Italy. So this year my parents were going up there for a getaway and the kids and I joined them. It was a great two nights of mountain air, fine dirt, thrift shopping and parks in Heber, good food, and Rummikub and wine at night. The kids and I slept in the loft - just like when I was a kid. It was nice to see them enjoy the cabin as I did and create memories at Little Italy.
The neighbors at the cabin (ironically named Jeff & Carol just like our friends from church) have a backhoe and forklift. J said, "Take our picture on the tire!" So we did.
I lost nearly every game we played but I won the last game!
She is my adventure girl. I was the one who had to say, "Maybe we should turn around and find Grammy."
The first night was my mom's birthday and we sang to her before the kids went to bed. It was a great weekend. I am so thankful for my mom and the memories she gave us as kids. I'm glad she enjoyed her birthday and made some new memories with her grandkids.
~ The next weekend was Anne's 60th birthday! I don't remember the last time she had a birthday party that was more than just our family so Pete and Carol started the ball rolling on a shindig she would enjoy. It was not too complicated because of the help from friends (read: I didn't do it all on my own) Our friend, Carol, helped me with decorations and she was a great help in talking out the logistics of a party in the park.
The decorations. Jen brought the lovely flowers and the party looked great.
Many friends and family were able to attend. It was a great night; even with the slight rain.
Anne with her parents
Family picture
Our mothers mean so much to us. God has given us great blessings in our families. Such wisdom and laughter from both women. I love them both dearly.
25 year anniversary
Today marks the day that I've always celebrated as the day I gave my life to Christ. I was only 5 years old but I know, since that day, God's Spirit has been working in my life and changing me into who he made me to be. So much change even in this year. I remember a song from my story that is based off this verse:
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
I know that I still try to follow my own way - the sin nature is still trying to come back to life - but I know full well that my iniquity has been paid for and my Lord lives in me! I want to live fully and free in his grace he gave to me and anyone who would call on his name and believe.
If you need details, I wrote a post in 2010 detailing my memories of that night, in the basement of my old church, when I gave my heart to Christ.
Thank you for reading
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