...i am thankful...

KINDERGARTEN!

The first week went off without a hitch....

Well...

Actually...

 ...there were several hitches.

We accidentally planned our week summer vacation the week school started.

In a cabin 1 1/2 hours away.

And so he and I woke up every morning at 6am and headed to town.

But we made it there every day,

we had good talks in the car,

and made memories.

And I am thankful.

The school Maddox attended last year for pre-K had to close.

Too expensive and economy sucks.

But his closest friends ended up at his new school too,

and we are getting to know these families even better,

and they share our values, love of life, and are super fun.

We get to do school together as a community.

And I am thankful.

Maddox had a rough 2nd day of school.

He broke the rule and ran when he wasn't supposed to.

He fell, and bloodied up his knees and elbows.

He didn't want to get in trouble, so spent the rest of the day hiding his owees

and keeping in his emotions.

He cried and cried when I picked him up.

But he got to work through how to handle the situation.

We got to talk about rules, and learning, and grace.

About asking for help and how we all mess up.

We got to pray against shame

and talk with his teacher.

And I am thankful.

God loves my kids.

Even way more than even I do.

He is with them

even when I am not.

He is in control

and knows whats best

and keeps them safe.

And I am thankful!

...the kid is growing up before my eyes...

O gosh.
It hit me.
My oldest little guy is going to Kindergarten.
(or is it Kindergarden?  I think its with a t?  I should figure that out.)
Let's call it Kinder!!

Entering "school."
Entering the next 13 years that will be such a big part of his childhood.
Starting the growing/independent/becoming the person he will be phase.

WOW.

Its funny with a first kiddo too.
I see how once you have a kid in school, the next ones are old hat.
You know the school, you know the process.
You know whats important, what to expect, what to prepare for.

With this first one, its all new baby.

He is going to a public school...
We kinda wrestled with that.

He did a private Montessori school last year for pre-K
and we L+O+V+E+D it.
The philosophy of learning, the environment, shared values with everyone.
Was goooood.
But it closed due to funding. 
What a bummer!

So we prayed and explored going to another private options.
But our funds are limited, and private schools are spendy.
And that combined with the fact this little school is the smallest school in district,
and located outside of town in country setting on beautiful rolling green hills
and we got lots of feedback from other family members and friends who have had kids there
and some of his classmates from last year are going to last here too
and after lots of prayer, this all combined to give us a peace about this school.

So....
Already thinking about FALL.
Already getting ready for school and schedule and organization (the hope of organization!)

Wowza.

Can I call a TIME OUT and sit in August a few more months please???????????