Teacher Gifts

Almost finished with the gifts!
(And I cannot get these photos to rotate... ugh.)

Beach Bundle: beach towel, water bottle, flip flops,
& sunscreen

Just need to add some flowers

Mason jar filled with M& M's

School Days

Concentration!

The boys only have 7 more days of school. Technically, there are 10 more days but they will miss the last 3 because we'll be in Nashville for our appointment week.

Last night we started work on a gift for Daniels' teacher. I recently joined Pinterest, and found some really cute gift ideas on there.

William's teacher is getting a 'beach bundle': beach towel, flip flops, & water bottle, all tied with a cute ribbon that has a mini sunscreen bottle threaded through it.


Daniel's para-pro is getting a mason jar (we're talking about Pinterest, so something HAD to involve a mason jar, right?) filled with M&M's. It has a little poem attached about all the different colors and how she's his M&M - his Marvelous & Magnificent teacher :)

This is the photo we're using as
inspiration for Daniel's teacher gift.

The project we started last night is for Daniel's teacher. I haven't taken another picture since the painting was completed, but it turned out really cute. He did a great job with the painting, and I finished drawing on the 'ruler' just before I went to bed. We just need to put some flowers in it & we'll be good to go!

I'll try to get pictures of all the finished projects before they give them next Friday.



First Week of School

Sorry I haven't posted sooner (and thanks to Marcie for the sweet reminder that I should do an update!). The first week of school has gone well. Daniel was a very nervous boy Sunday night. He had a very hard time going to sleep. But come Monday morning, he was excited.

We drove to the park near the school, and the four of us walked to the school from there (the traffic the first week of school is insane!). 

Daniel at Open House last week

Excited about Kindergarten

Our big Third Grader

  

We took Daniel to his class first. We walked in through the doors he'll be walking into every morning. We showed him to look for the monkeys on the wall (yes, his room is a monkey theme - how perfect is that?!?!). And then he went in the room. He said hi to his teacher, hung up his backpack and filled up his water bottle. He found a place to sit and do his morning activity (coloring a picture of yourself on the first day of school). He sat down with another boy and said hi, and quickly got to work. Zack and I gave him hugs and I told him I loved him. He smiled, and then quietly went back to his work.

We then walked down to William's class. He walks through the place like he owns it. Everyone seems to know him, and everyone seems to like him. No surprises there - I have sometimes referred to him as our future politician :) We got to the door of his room, and he said bye. I asked if he wanted us to go in with him or stay in the hall. We were told we could leave. Oh well, at least he let us walk him to the door. By next year, we probably won't even get to do that. My big third grader...



William with his teacher
(taken during open house)



As we left, we had to walk back by Daniel's class, so we looked in. He was now sitting with about 3 other boys, and they all seemed to be having fun, doing their work and chatting.

Zack and I went on to work, and I got home about 5 minutes after their bus. They were already in the living room with Zack, telling him about their days. Two very excited boys. One very happy jack russell terrier (Zack said she looked for them all afternoon). And one very relieved mommy.

Daniel was thrilled to ride the bus and to get to take a drink in his lunch (they only drank water at preschool). We looked through their backpacks and talked about their days. And they both seemed excited to go back.

By Tuesday afternoon, things were continuing to go well. William walks Daniel to his class before proceeding to the older kids' side of the building. William gets on the bus and immediately makes sure that Daniel has made it safely (kindergartners get to go to the bus first). I love how he takes his big brother role so seriously!

By Wednesday night, our Gremlin hit the wall. He'd had another really good day at school. But he was weepy at dinner, and couldn't hold his head up. School was obviously wearing him out.

Last night he almost fell asleep at the dinner table (at 6:00!). We told him that today was the last day for the week. He cheered "the last day of school!" and we quickly reminded him that he gets to go again next week, too! Didn't want him thinking it was over that fast! Thankfully, he seemed okay with that, as long as he could have a couple of family days (that's what he calls the weekend) in between.

I got to talk to his teacher this morning. She was calling to discuss something totally unrelated, but I asked how he's doing. She said he's doing really well, just sometimes has a hard time controlling his body. I almost laughed out loud, because I knew if there was anything she'd say, that would be it. Nothing inappropriate, he just tends to swing his arms around in line and things like that. I appreciate the feedback because it gives us something to work on.

William has had a great week. He's had homework every night, but nothing too extensive. They are doing projects this year about their family's country of origin. He's going to do his on Ukraine. I sent an email to his teacher and briefly explained our situation and how it relates to the project, including the fact that we told him he didn't have to share anything he didn't want to. She sent an amazingly supportive reply, and even shared the fact that she herself is adopted :) I love how God works things out like this. William is so excited to get to do a report on Ukraine, and I'm excited to see his enthusiasm.

So one week down, and a lot more to go. But both boys seem to be excited about the new school year. And with a Gremlin on the loose, that elementary school will likely never be the same again!



Countdown to Kindergarten

Our little Gremlin starts kindergarten Monday.

And this Mommy is struggling. Why?

1. The school is huge, and Daniel is small.
2. The school has tons of kids, and Daniel sometimes wanders aimlessly.
3. The school day is long, and Daniel's four-hour preschool class was a lot for him.
4. This Mommy is just nervous for her little guy.

But I'm also thankful. Why?

1. For the first time, both boys will be at the same school. (less running around, and no more tuition!)
2. William's teacher volunteered to let him go each afternoon and get Daniel before going to the bus. Daniel's teacher thought that was a great idea.
3. William has told us he's going to watch out for his little brother.
4. Daniel is super excited about kindergarten.
5. Daniel's teacher seems incredible. She'd already talked with Ms. Moore (William's former speech therapist, who will do Daniel's speech therapy) and gotten all the info on Daniel.
6. Ms. Moore - she's fantastic, and has been working so hard behind the scenes to get Daniel into the right class. I love that we already have some at the school advocating for our little guy! Plus, I know she'll help him make even more progress with his speech.
7. Daniel's teacher is known to be super fair and strict, with structure and clear expetations, and won't put up with things that some teachers might. Perfect for Daniel!
8. His kindergarten room is decorated in a monkey theme. I can't think of a better theme - Daniel was thrilled.
9. His para-pro also seems to be really great. She knew William and was also totally on board with him helping Daniel.
10. William got in a super third grade class, too. His teacher seems really nice - and she's a Christian!!

While we wait...

As we continue to wait for word on our appointment date, I thought I'd share with you some thoughts and scriptures I've been mulling over.  Hopefully they'll speak to you, too. But if nothing else, they'll be here as part of our journey, so that one day when this blog is turned into a book like we did with William's blog, our child(ren) can see how God was speaking to us and working to bring us together.

I won't bore you too much with my own personal dialogue and thoughts on what I've been reading, but will stick mainly to the passages and thoughts I came across. But those of you who know me well - or those of you experienced with & passionate about adoption - can probably guess how some of this is speaking to me right now.

Rick Warren posted several things on Twitter yesterday that really stood out to me. 

First I read this: Short-term delays & difficulties won't defeat you if your vision is long-term. Live in light of eternity. See 2 Cor.4:17-18
So I looked up this passage in The Message translation...

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I then looked at some of his prior posts, including...

~ Ability means responsibility: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,when it is IN YOUR POWER to act" Proverbs 3:27
~ The global purpose of God has always met resistance from the comfortable people of God. (a re-tweet from another pastor)
~ We often delay obedience by seeking advice. Just do it.

In studying Proverbs 3:27, I also came across James 2:16 (New International Reader's Version)

Suppose one of you says to them, "Go. I hope everything turns out fine for you. Keep warm. Eat well." And you do nothing about what they really need. Then what good have you done?

As we await our appointment, I've been praying that God would clearly speak to me - through things I hear, read, etc. I'm praising Him for reaching me in very real ways right now. And I'm waiting with an expectant heart on what (and who!) He has in store for us.

First Grade

Life is good, but life is busy. I'm struggling to find the time to blog these days, especially given the new school year and the fact that I started a new job last week (after having 7 weeks off this summer).

William started first grade. This is a big year for him: going from his tiny private half-day kindergarten, to the great big full-day public school.

On August 6th he and I went to meet his teacher.









We found his desk, explored his classroom, and looked for other things like the library, the playground, and the cafeteria.










On August 10th, he woke up happy. He enthusiastically got dressed in his new Matt Ryan jersey, and posed for pictures before his breakfast.























Zack and I drove him to school and he asked if we would walk in with him.












Here he is in front of his classroom. There's a smile, but can you tell it's a little forced? This is where the nerves kicked in. He froze at the door, fearing we were just going to leave him there and walk away.












We walked in with him, and I encouraged him to show Zack his hook on the wall and his desk.





















We said our good byes and gave some hugs, and he began his first assignment as we left. He looked nervous, which made it a little tough to leave.









It was a long day, but at long last the bus arrived.









And he came bounding off with smiles and laughter.









He ran to us for hugs...









And gave Adie a pat on the head (she missed him a lot, too!).

As it turns out, first grade is actually a lot of fun. He loves it, and is doing so well!

Mother's Day Tea and Art Show

On Tuesday I got to attend a special Mom's event at William's kindergarten.








When I arrived, William gave me a flower, took my hand, and escorted me to my seat. I had a handmade vase filled with flowers waiting for me. He then brought me a drink and a plate of food. He even cleaned up for me afterwards - what a little gentleman!




We had a great time, and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be this precious little guy's mommy!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

William did an excellent job in his school play a couple of weeks ago. In addition to a moving performance as 'wheat' in Little Red Hen, he was awesome in the Three Little Pigs. Here's an excerpt...

Not sure if you can see it in the video, but he was so animated, making the funniest expressions!

Here is William with one of his best friends. He told us he'll marry her when they're 20.

I can't believe kindergarten is almost over - only one week left and he'll be a first grader - wow. He has graduation this Friday night, complete with caps and gowns!

Back to Life

As of 6:42 AM ET this morning I have completed all course requirements and am finished with grad school! All that I'm waiting on now is my diploma, which should arrive in the mail shortly (we're forgoing the long drive to Virginia for the ceremony). Zack's already selected a nice spot in the den to hang it up.

So after 2 1/2 long years (which included a lengthy break during the adoption), I'm a master. My grandfather asked me "A master of what?" and I'm not going to share with you the smart-alecky answer that Zack provided :) It's great to be finished and to re-join life and freedom.

I want to publicly say thanks to my ever-supportive husband and best friend. Zack, you kept things moving while I was bogged down, and you cheered me on when I wanted to throw in the towel. You inspired me to do my best, and I am so grateful for you love and support!

And thanks to my little man for being so patient on those nights when I was busy and stressed. William, I'm finally finished with school, so we can play Sorry, Legos, and Cooty to your heart's content!

I should be able to once again blog on a regular basis. I know our parents would be glad to see some more frequent pictures if nothing else.

Playing Catch-up

I finally uploaded a bunch of pictures off the computer so I can put some more recent stuff on here!

Here’s a pic of the yummy borsch we made back in February.

Valentine’s night at the Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game. Yes, the ice was pink.

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A trip to the Brick the last time we were in Milledgeville

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Eric & Michaele’s baby shower

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Brayden Nolte’s baptism this past Sunday – William went to “big church” with us to see this important event.

Snow in Georgia

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This week has been Dr. Seuss week at school. William was sad that there was no school on Monday (due to snow & ice) so he couldn’t wear his backwards & inside-out clothes for Mixed-up Monday. But he wore Zack’s silly hair-hat for Top Hat Tuesday (here’s a picture of him wearing it last night)

Yesterday was Wacky Wednesday and they wore silly socks (no picture). Today is Tacky Thursday, so here’s the outfit we put together. Pastel plaid shirt, John Deere t-shirt, brown pants, some of my striped socks, and soccer flops.

Tomorrow is Fun Food Friday, and they'll be sampling Green Eggs & Ham!

Long time, no post

I'm a terrible blogger! Life is hectic these days. William is back to school, Zack and I are busy working, and I started back on my classes last week. The good news is this is my last semester and I'll finally have my MBA. And I will NEVER go back to school again :)

Nothing too exciting to report... William is doing great in kindergarten. His reading continues to improve, as does his writing. And his math skills surprise us constantly. He & Zack were talking about the temperature the other day. Zack explained that smaller numbers mean it's colder (we won't get into negative numbers - we live in Georgia after all!). So then he started quizzing him, giving him 2 numbers and asking which one was colder. He got it right every time!

We did have a big moment of excitement last Saturday. We went to our lake place to clear some land . We'd started a fire to burn some brush. All was well and good until the wind caught it. We're guessing that close to an acre was burned, but thankfully no one was hurt, it didn't spread to any lots where there are houses, and the fire department came fast. But it was a bit scary for a little while! William kept saying again and again, "How did this happen?"

We're looking forward to a low-key weekend. We have no big plans, other than hopefully doing some spring cleaning around the house. What are your plans for the weekend?