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!