In the spirit of trying to catch up a bit and hopefully start blogging a bit more, I am trying to recount a few of the significant and interesting events of late...
Allee, Jadon and Ben all did so well in school this year and we are so proud of them. It is overwhelming how fast time goes by and how quickly they are growing up!! I keep threatening to stop feeding them or to put bricks on their heads or something, but seriously I just want to treasure this precious time of my children growing up...
Allee~
This girl totally rocked at school this year, despite it being one of the most challenging years she has ever had. Peer issues were difficult and there were many life lessons that she learned through the choices she made this year. She has learned to stand for what she believes in, and has begun to learn that may mean some ridicule/rejection from others. As a mom, I want to just fix things for her but instead I can only walk through it with her and counsel her and praise God that she talks to me about everything and that through it, she has sought the Lord and has grown deeply in her faith. She has, at the same time, been blessed with some precious friendships through it and for that we are very thankful. She is learning to be a leader, to love those different from her (even those who ridicule her for her convictions). I pray that most of all she will continue to draw near to the One who is her strength.
In academics she has worked hard and that has paid off. She was awarded the Cum Maximo Honore Award, which means that she has made straight A's each semester for fourth grade through sixth grade - not an easy task and she was only one of a few students to receive this award. She was also given the Character Award of Courtesy. This fall she will enter 7th grade at the same school but it should be a much easier year for many reasons. We are thankful for all that she learned this year! She has matured into a delightful young lady, is such a joy to be with, and is a blessing to each of us!!
Jadon ~
My sweet boy is growing up way too fast!! I really can't believe that he is 8 years old!! How did my baby get so big. Jadon has a sensitive heart and a determined spirit. He is blessed with a incredibly wonderful group of boys. All of us moms of these boys are in awe of how God has put them together and is growing them up to be men after His heart. They are such a strength to one another. For now, Jadon is in such a protected environment and is growing and learning so much within that environment. His teacher, Mrs. Puddy, helped to develop a strong love of reading in Jadon. He has taken off in reading and often curls up with a book. This is something that we desire for each of our children to develop. Jadon is typically very diligent in his work, coming right home and doing his homework without being asked. His handwriting leaves a bit to be desired though :) He took so many awards at the end of school that is was almost embarrassing - Reading Award, Spelling Award, Music Award, Spanish Award and the Character Award for Joyfulness. We thank God for how He has gifted Jadon and it is our prayer that he will use them all in ways that glorify the One who made him.
Jadon's diligence sometimes also becomes a point of struggle - he will become so focused on what he is doing or on what he wants to do, that he has a hard time moving on to what else might be necessary. But he has such a tender heart and is learning to put other's needs before his own. I love seeing the Lord working in his heart - it is so precious.
Benjamin ~
Oh my baby boy is not so much of a baby anymore!!! I can't believe that he is really six and will start Kinder this Fall!!! Benjamin has the most tender, kind heart. He knows when I am sad and is always quick to give me a hug and tell me how much he loves me. He melts my heart every time!! As much as I would love to keep him little forever, it has been a joy to see him mature so, so much this year. We can look back now and see that it was definitely the right decision to wait a year to start school. He has needed this year to mature and is now very ready for school. He will have a wonderful group in his Kindergarten class, including his bobsey twin Ella. They are still as inseparable as ever - too cute!
Ben continues to love all things electronic and the best days are those when I have a broken clock, phone, dvd player, or anything else that he can take apart and 'figure out'. He also loves the outdoors and catches new creatures (usually with Nastya by his side) on a daily basis. Here is his preschool MDO graduation (with Ella of course! :)
I am about to combine the two blogs, but for now I posted Katya's and Nastya's end of school achievments on the other blog. They did wonderfully this year as well. It was a great year but we were all tired by May and are now LOVING summer!! I guess I'll be ready for school at the end of August but I'm not sure - I really do enjoy this time of slower pace and fun family times without the pressures of school and activities. A season for everything....
