Meet Joy

Wednesday night for AWANA, Beth had to dress a piece of fruit for "Fruit of the Spirit Night". We remembered about 30 mintues before we had to leave for church. I think we did pretty good for finding things in the craft supplies at the last minute. Turns out, Beth won 2nd place!!!! Certainly brought lots of joy home that night!

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

By having Jesus in our hearts, these are the qualities Christians aim to exhibit. Some days some are easier than others. When we fail in these fruits, God still loves us. I am glad to serve a merciful Savior!

2nd grade

Well, my big girl is a 2nd grader. Today completed her first week, and she loved every minute.

We ordered uniforms and picked up some at a local store (limited choices). I bought size 8/10. She's so tall- the long legs she got from me! She's starting the school year at 52 inches tall and 64 pounds. We got some new shoes- size 1 and 1.5 (thanks for the sparkly ones, Popi and Yaya). We got all the supplies on the list (Jamie, shop the sales and use coupons!). We got Beth's hair cut. Mrs. Ashley cut 5 inches off and thinned it out some. I think that's only helped Beth's wave and fullness come out more.

About a week before school started, we found out she would have Mrs. Archer as her teacher. Previously, Mrs. Archer has taught PreK4, so this was a big change, but we were pretty excited. All but one student from last year has returned. Beth is still in a combined class of 1st and 2nd grades, a total of 13 kids. We went to Meet the teacher night last week, and Beth was just giddy with excitement to be heading back to school. I love that joy in her!!!

So, day 1 of second grade. She woke up early, tried a couple things for breakfast, I packed her lunch, we rolled her hair, and she put on her new uniforms. She really wanted to wear her pants the first day, but it's still over 100 degrees, so I knew she'd be too hot. I think she looked adorable! Jacob also got new shoes, so he wanted in the picture too.

We all took her to school together. She was so happy to sit in her desk for a picture. She's right up front for now. Then, she was into the chapel for morning assembly as we left. She was so excited that she didn't so much as look back.

Jacob was so ready for me to go pick up Beth when school was out. He'd sure missed his sister! She was a tired girl, but had a great day. They had 3 recesses and learned about the rules and stuff. To celebrate the first day of school, Beth chose dinner at Peter Piper Pizza. We all had fun playing games and spening time together.

Already this week, her class had visited the library, started review seatwork, and had lots of recess (inside and out). Next week, she's already looking forward to "Mexican Monday" in the cafeteria.

Time is sure flying by fast! It won't be long before Jacob will be starting school. In the meantime, I'll keep teaching him things at home. While he gets bored and distracted easily, he does love to do "lessons". I hope that joy of learning stays with him.

Beth's year in review

During first grade, Beth grew 2.5 inches (from 48.5 to 51) and gained 9 pounds (from 54 to 63). Wow! It must be all that ranch dressing and bread and butter!

Beth and her teacher Mrs. Robles on the last day

The thing I like best about school...

math time

Who are your best friends? What do you like about them most?

Emma, Tatum and Faith

They like to play with me every time we had recess

Why do you like your teacher?
'Cuz what she does for us.

Like what?

She gives us recess, she helps us when we need help

After school, I like to...
play outside at home

My favorite book is...
from school- Kind and Brave

not school- Boxcar Children

My favorite tv show and movie is...
tv show- Jake and the Neverland Pirates

movie- Space Chimps

My favorite cartoon character is...
Big Baby (on Toy Story 3)

Some of my favorite songs are...
Lord's Army

Amazing Grace. We worked on that at school. I can sing the whole thing.

Glorious Day

What makes me laugh is...
at school- When Asher does funny thing and makes us laugh.

not at school- Daddy

My favorite hobby is...
reading, watch tv, drawing

I amaze everyone when I...

show them my writing (cursive)
Oh, and I also amaze everyone when I show them I can balance on one foot for 100 seconds.

On weekends, I like to...

go to church and play in the (little) pool

What was your favorite thing that our family did together this year?

going to Disney World

What are you looking forward to about second grade?

helping grade papers, writing on notebook paper

Dallas Aquarium

Sorry, I hadn't realized it's been so long since my last post. Oops!

Last month, Jacob and I got to join Beth for a field trip to the Dallas Children's Aquarium. Fair Park in Dallas is where there hold the Texas State Fair, but also an essential museum district. Man, I want to go back to check out some of the other museums over there.

The museum was just right to look at all the animals fairly quickly. However, there were a few other schools at the same time. Our group was 1st-6th grades, about 40 kids. The favorite part of the museum was the Stingray Touch Tank. Oh, every single kid could have stayed there all afternoon! Beth kept her hand in the water until a stingray came close. Eventually, I convinced her to touch one, and it wasn't so bad.

One of the things I love about Beth's school is that little siblings can be included in field trips and school activities! I wouldn't normally get to enjoy those moments with Beth if Jacob didn't come along.

There was a spot around the tank that had higher standing places and lower "ocean floor", increasing the chance of touching one. While Jacob and his little buddy Levi were busy playing in the water, a stingray swam by, brushing his hand. He was thrilled that he touched one!

We ended the trip with a picnic on the lawn and then home for a nap. What a fun day!

Birthday Fun

For our birthday girl's 7th birthday, she really got to stretch out the fun. On birthday day, we started with a sprinkle donut and a candle (her request). We had made chocolate chip/M&M cookies to share at school, which she proudly shared with her friends and the school staff. She had to wait until after school to open her presents, though. She got just what she was hoping for- a pink Nintendo DS. Hard to believe she's outgrown her Leapster already.

Then, her dinner choice before church, Peter Piper Pizza. We all had fun with that one!

Then, a couple weeks later, we had her friend party. She chose a My Little Pony theme. With a huge invite list, and only half coming, we still had tons of people celebrating Beth's 7th birthday with us. She requested a bounce house in the back yard. We got lucky and found a pink/purple castle, then the company said they had a My Little Pony banner they could put on it too. With the trampoline and a table full of ponies and accessories providing more fun. The kids all had a great time and wore themselves out!

Then, after all the party friends went home, Grandma, Grandpa, cousins Emily and Gracie, Yaya and Popi stayed for dinner and more presents. Kevin grilled burgers for us. Then, Beth got to open MORE presents from family. That was really nice to get to visit with each other away from the craziness of the party. I look forward to making this a birthday tradition!

All in all, this birthday celebration was a success. She's already looking forward to the next one and making plans. I'm just looking forward to summer (4 weeks left of school)!

To my little girl

My sweet girl,

You are 7. Despite trying to keep this day from happening, here it is, just like you said. The closer your birthday got, the more I thought about the day you were born. I have looked at you in amazment that this once little bitty baby has turned into such a precious big girl, and it happened so fast. Seven years ago, you took your sweet time coming into the world, arriving early in the morning after a LONG labor. Must have been a sign of things to come. You take your time doing things and love getting up early in the morning.

I love seeing the new things in you, too.

Your art class has been such a fun experience for you. You've always loved drawing, but this class has opened you to trying to draw new things. I'm proud of you for trying new things. I know how nervous that makes you.

Your perspective on God is precious. We can talk about just about anything- how great something is, how big something is, how smart someone is, and you remind us that God is greater and smarter and bigger than anything. I love this stage and wish that I had that same childlike joy and awe again. Grownups forget that too easily. I enjoy our nighttime prayers, hearing what is on your heart. Lately, you pray for missions and people who need Jesus. I hope you always have a heart to share and help others share Jesus with the lost. Maybe that means one day you'll be a missionary.

I am so thankful that you are my daughter (Daddy's too). You are such a precious gift from God! Thank you for being such a good helper, wanting to be helpful and wanting to learn how to do things. Thank you for the sweet moments when you still act little, wanting to sit in my lap and snuggle with me. Thank you for being such a sweet sister to Jacob. Nothing warms my heart more than hearing the two of you playing nicely together.

I see so much of us in you. Of course, you look like Daddy. But, you have my long legs and my wavy hair. I see my love of learning and reading. I see Daddy's competitive side. I see my need for independence and alone time. I see Daddy's need for conversation when it's quiet. And yet, I still see you becoming your very own person. I look so forward to seeing how you will grow and change every year.

So, here's to another year of you looking forward to another birthday while I hope to hold it off as long as I can. I love you, my precious big girl. SO much.

Love, Mommy

Budding Artist

Last year, Beth took gymnastics. She wasn't interested in continuing that. We looked into piano lessons for her, but she wasn't enthusiastic about that. We thought for a while before we came up with the idea of art lessons. Beth LOVES to draw and color. If she wakes up before her alarm in the morning, we will either find her reading or doing art stuff. So, we looked around and found a couple options. After talking with Beth, the choice, with full enthusiasm, was a drawing class- "Young Rembrandts". Tonight was her second class. She is loving it! The teachers walks them through step by step to complete a drawing. Last week, Beth even drew the same picture on her own, a couple days after class. What a memory she has! So, here are her first two signed masterpieces. I can't wait to see more!

Everybody likes a good ghost story

Who am I?

First Day of First Grade

We'd already taken her supplies on orientation night. Found her new classroom- it's upstairs, super exciting. Found her desk and who she sits by. There were workbooks in the desk! Beth's teacher told us the general plan and how it'll be different from kinder. Beth was thrilled to hear she'll get to take tests and have spelling. I love that girl! A long wait over the weekend (with plenty to do, though) until school started on Monday.

The night before, we picked out her clothes (after a few decision changes). She chose her new black polo and new khaki skort. That skort is a size 8, and I'm not sure the length will make it all year. She's so tall! I like to take her measurements to see how much she grows over the school year. She's starting at 48.5" tall and weighed 54 pounds (I'm not so sure that's right, but we'll go with it).

Bright and early, excited to be starting school. Kevin and Beth have breakfast together while I get her lunch packed and make sure her backpack is ready. Of course, Jacob is up early, too. We got everyone dressed and out the door to arrive just in time. Every morning they start out in the gym (1st-12th grades) with pledges and a prayer. Then, they head to their classes. All these grades are in the same building, less than 75 students total.

Waiting to go upstairs- Beth and a few of her church buddies

Here's Beth's class, all 9 of the first graders. Only 1 is new from kindergarten, but Beth knows her from church. Because of the small, close-knit school, 1st and 2nd grades are together in one room, same teacher. The 2nd graders, 5 of them, are on the other side of the room, facing the opposite direction.

Beth had a great first week. Her classroom job was to feed the pet turtles, and she loved it. While they started with water bottles at their desk, that only lasted a week. Too many trips to the potty! They've started a little work, but she's ready for more. She's come home absolutely worn out- all day with no nap is a big change. I know once her body adjusts, she'll be fine. We're trying to get naps on weekend to catch her up. All in all, we're looking forward to a great year!

Jacob had a hard time on the first day, missing his sister. But, now, he's fine with "just Mommy and Jacob" hanging out.

Big girl moment #2- Loose Tooth

When Beth was 4, she started asking about when she would lose a tooth. I told her when she was 5, probably while she was in kindergarten. Well, 5 came and went, still no loose tooth. Kindergarten started and finished, still no loose tooth. Poor kid. A couple weeks ago, during her dentist check-up, they told her she had a tooth that was a little loose. Oh, the excitement! Every day, she'd ask me to check how loose it was. We told her to try to be patient, that it would some out when it was ready. I said it would happen before she went to Popi and Yaya's house. Then, the closer her trip got, the more I worried that I'd miss it, that her tooth would come out at Popi and Yaya's house. I didn't want to miss that moment! This last week, she checked out a book at the library about the tooth fairy, wrote the tooth fairy a note (who also wrote one back, telling Beth she would see her soon). The anticipation was too much! While fixing her hair for church Wednesday night (before they were leaving for P&Y the next day), she showed me how she could wiggle it with her tounge. OOOOO!!!! I gave it a wiggle. Yup, it was coming out! I gave it a tug, then Kevin worked on it. That little tooth is so tough to grab with grownup fingers.

Finally, out it came! She didn't whine about it one time. Meanwhile, Jacob says he has a loose tooth, too. Once we got the bleeding stopped and her mouth rinsed out, she couldn't stop grinning. I don't think I've ever seen a smile so big.

We got her tooth ready and into the special tooth fairy bear. Grandma gave Beth that bear, I think when she got her first tooth. That night, we tucked the bear under the corner of her pillow. We talked about how much she might get and that it was the first tooth, making it extra special. She was ready to get to sleep!

Sure enough, the tooth fairy came through! A $5 bill! Lucky girl! She was so proud and excited that she got $5 for her special first tooth. She's looking forward to loosing another one already. It won't be long- the next tooth over is already loose.

Big girl moment #1- The Sleepover

Kevin and I have talked for a while about when Beth would be old enough to have a friend sleepover. We decided to give it a go. I talked "what if" with Beth- who would she invite, what would they do, would they be nice to Jacob, etc. Little did she know I already made plans for her buddy Faith (who she would have chosen to invite). Faith's mom talked to Faith about keeping it a secret and about sleeping over. They worked out what she would bring- her sleeping bag so she didn't fall off the bed, lots of blankets and pillows, her little game player, etc. Finally, the day arrived. I had Beth clean her room extra good, I kept telling her "no" to getting involved in this or that, all while we were waiting for her friend to arrive. FINALLY, the doorbell rang! I let Beth answer the door when she saw who it was. She asked Faith, "what are you doing here?". Faith had to tell Beth twice that she was staying the night. The look on Beth's face was priceless!

It didn't take long before they were off and playing. Jacob loves all his sister's friends, so I asked the girls to play with Jacob a little, too, and I would give them alone time later. They kindly obliged. They had so much fun playing together. Once they got just girl time, they played each other's game things, made pipe cleaner crafts, got their sleeping bags ready and got jommies on. I settled in with Jacob for a movie, and they eventually came to join us. Faith looked like she was about to crash, so bedtime for all. Even after stories and lights out, the girls giggled for at least an hour. It was so hard to fall asleep for them! Despite the late bedtime, they were up before 7am. I was already looking forward to naptime! I made pancakes for breakfast- they each got their first initial for a pancake shape. It wasn't long before they were full and ready to play. It's a long time of togetherness, all three kids were being testy with each other, so I knew it was time to take Faith home. They really did have a great time together and look forward to another one. Next, Beth will spend the night at Faith's house. Such big girl stuff!

The best decision, ever!

About a month ago, Beth made the best decision she will ever make in her life, an eternal decision. In Sunday school, the teacher asked anyone to raise their hand if they needed to make this decision, and she did. Her heart has been tender to it for a while, knowing that she loved Jesus. It took her asking Jesus to live in her heart to assure that she'll spend eternity in heaven.

For the next few days, out of nowhere, Beth would start singing "I'm saved!" My heart just swelled with pride. She understood it, she meant it with her whole heart, she'd be in heaven one day. How awesome! The first step in obedience to Christ, in her salvation, is to be baptized, to show others that she'd made that decision to be a new person with Jesus in her heart.

On Father's Day weekend, it was her turn. She was a little nervous, but Bro Jim talked her through it. The water was warm, and she got to hold her nose. After church, lots of people told her congratulations, and she liked that. We're so proud of her, with her tender heart, asking Jesus to save her.

Yes, she'll still sin and make choices that don't please God. But what a wonderful God we serve, that He will forgive her. I hope her heart is always tender to listen to God's teachings, to grow in a relationship with Him, to see Him as a friend and wonderful heavenly father. Regardless, I love knowing that when we die, I will see her in heaven, as we praise Jesus together!

The age of accountability, different for every child (or person), is reaching the point where heart and head match, knowing it's more than just saying you love Jesus and singing songs about Him. It's making a choice to follow Him. It doesn't matter how kind or obedient or loving you are to people. God wants us to make the choice to invite Him into our hearts. He's in charge of heaven, and without his permission you don't get in. You can dress and act the part, but you have to be a member. Sounds simple, right? It is! If you want assured membership into heaven, here's what you have to do:

1. Know that God loves you. Above all else, no matter what you've done, no matter what you'll do. He's a Father that knows no bounds of his love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Could you imagine letting your own child die, just to save others? Me either. But, that's how much God loves us.

2. Admit you are a sinner, you've made bad choices. It doesn't mean a criminal, it just means your human-ness is there. "For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Tell God you know you're a sinner. Talk to him like you would a friend.

3. Realize that sin has a price. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. Our choices, our sins, will come payment-due. Thing is, Jesus paid for them, for OUR sins, with his life. It was a gift, and all we have to do is accept that gift. It's not a strings attached deal. It's ours, for free! "God commandeth his love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

4. Just ask! Ask Jesus to be your savior, believing that he forgives you, that you will have eternal life! "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13. Tell him that you know you're a sinner and should pay the price for it. Tell him thank you for loving you and for paying the price for those sins. Tell him you choose to have him live in your heart and change your life for eternity.

If you have more questions about this, please send me a message. I'd be happy to talk to you about it!

A science story

Beth recently made this science story from some things she'd learned in school. Enjoy! Of course, as usual, it won't rotate the pictures.

My sience book. My faveret sience things

God gave us our nose to smell

God gave us our skin to feel (touching the bark on a tree)

God gave us our tung to taste (eating broccoli)

God gave us our eys to see