How Fast They Grow!

As of yesterday, we officially no longer have an elementary student in our house! At the old school this day would have happened last year but here, the elementary buildings go to 5th grade. Kaleb did it! It was a proud day. The school held a lovely ceremony filled with awards and pizza.
As early as kindergarten, Kaleb has verbalized his dislike of school. I'm not sure what is not to like about reading, coloring and snack time but he told us just about every day that entire year that he hated it. I remember many tear filled mornings. For him and for me! At first I thought it was the teacher and that first grade would be better. It was, instead of the daily reminders we only got them several times a month. On the whole, I will say we have been very fortunate in the teacher department. Sitting still for hours on end is just not the best solution for any boy! It probably wouldn't shock you if I told you gym and recess were his favorite parts of the day. "Boring" was a frequently used word in his vocabulary. It took pretty drastic measures on my part last summer to banish that word, well, it's almost banished!

Learning doesn't come as easy for Kaleb and math is a not a favorite, to say the least. His teacher has said consistently that he shows great effort despite his troubles. She is very encouraged by his perseverance and is hopeful that soon it will all "click". That is our prayer. I know one day all those hours of quizzing the boys with math facts in the car will pay off. He is a great writer though and always has been. In first grade he would write 3 pages while the others kids were barely writing one. He has a great imagination. His classmates would get mad at him because the teacher would use him as an example of what they should be doing. God gifts us each uniquely, doesn't he?

Add to all that the fact that our move has probably been the hardest on Kaleb. He is a very social being. He had a few really good buddies in Rochester and after 2 years, he still hasn't quite found that here. We still arrange get togethers with his old friends and he emails and phones them, but he needs those roots here. His teacher tried to help steer him in the direction of a couple of boys and we are so grateful for her efforts. Our hope is that the middle school will afford him greater opportunities to meet kids since there are more than double the kids in 6th grade.

Mom is good to remind me that these are the days that bring us to the feet of Jesus. They sure do!

At the ceremony yesterday, he was given the Most Improved award for music as well as the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Those were unexpected which made it all the more thrilling! I told Kaleb he is obviously a better student than he thinks he is! That recognition gave him a bit of a boost. Us too, I think.

He is growing into a fine young man and I know God has special plans for him! He is loving and creative. He has a funny sense of humor. I love his giggle and his hugs. I love that he is becoming discerning. He is crazy observant!! He notices the smallest of details and remembers things way longer than I wish he did, lol! He is passionate over certain things, right now it happens to be hockey and Tech Decks. He brings us great joy!

Here are the proud parents with the newest 6th grader!

Ack!! There's a Teenager in the House!

Joshua is officially a teenager today. I can hardly stand it, there is no way I am old enough to have a teenage son! I distinctly remember being 13 myself and it doesn't seem all that long ago.
When Josh was born, we were temporarily living with Mom and Dad on Hallock Rd. We were in transition, changing careers and finalizing our plans to move to Ft Lauderdale. There have been many miles and memories since that day! I remember Greg holding him like a football when he was born and now he is about to overtake me in height.
Josh is a wonderful boy, um, young man. We know this all on our own but we are also constantly reminded by others. He leaves an impression on people everywhere he goes. He has a love for children and they respond to him in a special way. We call him a kid magnet! He is kind and thoughtful, looking for ways to help others. He is an encourager, like his dad. He is Greg's right hand man at the Saturday evening church service, running the power point program. He is smart to boot! (that he must get from me, lol) He was recently named a Wilson Winner by his teachers for his good academics and character. We are so very proud of him!
Thirteen is a bit of a milestone and we wanted to mark the day in a special way. Last night for the teens weekly meeting, we had a pool party at the pastor's house and turned it into a bit of a birthday bash. Today, after school we piled everyone into the van and set out for Gander Mountain. Josh has turned into quite the sportsman, he really enjoys fishing and hunting thanks to Uncle Chris. My brother is tickled to have infected our son with the bug! It ties in well with many of the things Josh is learning in Scouts as well. He had outgrown the bow my brother had gotten him a few years back so it was time to upgrade to a more serious one. Chris directed us to a good option but it required a fitting as well. So, we surprised him with a little shopping trip. Chris and our friend Lynn helped out so we could get all the extras. Josh was thrilled to say the least! We took a couple photos when we got home.

Here is one with father and son...

Before you know it he will be driving, graduating and making his own way in the world. We are trying to soak up all the time we can. Greg and I are keenly aware that God has given us our children for a time and we are trying our best to train them up in the way they should go. We are intentional about teaching them skills and things they need to know to be successful in life. On top of it all, we are praying hard that God's grace covers us when we fall short. He does! He has richly blessed us with two wonderful boys and we are thankful!