I love fall, y'all

Ok, maybe it's the fact that the a/c was running a little too much this morning and I woke up freezing. Or maybe, because I was freezing, it's because I made coffee for the first time in several months and used my new Cinnamon Bun coffee creamer.

Or maybe it's because Clemson football kicks off tomorrow night.

Or maybe it's the Farmhouse Apple candle I lit in my kitchen this morning.

At any rate, I can feel it...fall is a'comin' and I LOVE IT! Oh how I love that slight nip in the air and the sound of the rustling of leaves and the changing colors. Granted, I know that hasn't all started yet and it's going to be in the 80's all next week, but still...it's all about the anticipation.

Kindergarten news and prayer for "A"

Ok, so it's been over a week now since school started and Jonah is settling in nicely. Every Thursday the teacher sends home his "communication folder." One side contains items to be kept at home and the other side contains items to be signed/checked/filled out and returned to school - along with his weekly progress report. They are given either an M (Meets Expectations), a P (Progressing) or an N (needs help) in Literacy, Math and Behavior. On the progress report that was sent home today, Jonah received a P for all three. Now, for behavior, this is completely understandable, but I have no clue what type of assessment the teacher has done regarding literacy and math this week. So, in the parent comment section that I will be sending back tomorrow, I asked if there is anything I can work with him on at home to improve his literacy and math. I'll be interested to see her response. As for the behavior, her comment was "We are working on not calling out." I almost laughed out loud when I read it because I know EXACTLY what she means. He's got the whole hand-raising thing down pat - it's just that he doesn't quite grasp that he has to WAIT to be called on. So, basically, he raises his hand and immediately starts talking. We had a discussion on how he has to wait patiently to be called on before he can speak. Hopefully, with daily reminding, he'll improve - I'm sure he will.

Now, let me share with y'all a sweet prayer request from Jonah. For the past few days I've been hearing daily stories about a boy in his class who is "not nice." The boy who is "not nice" has hit and kicked several students (including Jonah), called the teacher "ugly" and today - he hit the teacher. Oh - and he is also sometimes referred to as "the boy who cries every day." Jonah finally found out the boy's name today and for privacy purposes, we shall call him "A". Together through some really mature discussion on Jonah's part, we have determined (as if I didn't already know, but am SO pleased that Jonah figured it out) that the best thing we can do for A is pray for him. So we have added A to the top of the prayer list because, obviously, A needs to be bathed in it. You know, A doesn't know it, and probably never will, but his misbehavior has given me an opportunity to share a powerful lesson with Jonah about forgiveness, prayer and loving our enemies. So, although it sounds strange, I am thankful for A. Although, I have to admit, I will be even more thankful if poor A can learn to keep his hands and feet to himself. Thank God that I know that with Him, and through the power of prayer, it is entirely possible.

In closing, if you don't mind, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd lift up a prayer of your own for little A. Thanks.

Laminin

Ok, I'm sure you just read the title of this post and said to yourself, "huh?" Laminin - what in the world is Laminin? Basically, Laminin is a protein molecule that holds our cells together. It's the "glue" that holds us together, you could say. You can read more about it here. However, before you get all blown away and think I've gone off the deep end, just you wait. Today in our morning worship, our pastor shared with us a video message by Louie Giglio. I've included a portion of it below. However, I would highly recommend adding this DVD message to your home library. You can find it here. I just can't even begin to describe the impact this message has in it's entirety. In a word, it is truly awesome. Ok, now for the video clip...





"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God!" -1 Corinthians 1:18

Hopeful Parenting

Now that school is in session, every afternoon at approximately 2:00 I get the joy of waiting in the car line to pick up Jonah. To some that may sound like pure torture, but I've taken advantage of the 30 minutes or so I sit waiting to catch up on some reading. Back in May on Mother's Day when we had Isaac dedicated at church, we were given a book entitled Hopeful Parenting: Encouragement for Raising Kids who love God by Dr. David Jeremiah. I've only read the first 2 chapters so far because I'm really taking my time absorbing all he has to say and all he shares the scriptures have to say about raising children.

One of the issues I've come across on more liberal blogs out there is the idea today that parents should allow their children to choose for themselves what they want to believe. I really like what Dr. Jeremiah has to say about that kind of thinking. As parents, it is OUR responsibility to instill values and morals in our children. As a Christian, it's even more important that those values and morals reflect the teachings of Christ. What Dr. Jeremiah says is right on the money - if we do not influence our children and shape their values, someone else will. I don't know about you, but to me, that is an extremely scary thought.

Proverbs says to train kids in the way they should go, but society says to give them the freedom to choose their way. What’s the right way to raise kids?

Some say we ought to let children choose their own values and make their own moral judgments, thinking children will then grow up with a spirit of independence and become who they really are.

While that may sound wise and noble, such thinking contains at least two fatal flaws. First, when we neglect to teach our children values and sound moral principles within the family, we violate clear teaching from Scripture. We are to train up our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), which means to train them up in the nurture and admonition, the counsel and instruction, of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). As parents, we are to dedicate our lives to teaching and cultivating in our children the values we have received from God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:7). We’re to get God’s commandments inside our kids, to talk about them wherever we are.

Second, such a valueless approach to raising children makes no sense. If we do not influence our children, someone else will. If we don’t shape their values, others will. We have a God-given responsibility and privilege to provide critical input for our sons and daughters, and we dare not shirk it.

He did it!

The first day of Kindergarten was, in his own words, "Great!" His favorite things were playing the rhythm sticks in music class, playing at the blocks center and playing outside twice. My child likes "playing" of all kinds, apparently. His least favorite thing was having to rest after lunch. This kid stopped taking daily naps when he was 3, so it's no big surprise. The best part of MY day was when he was coming down the sidewalk at dismissal. I will never forget the way his face lit up when he saw me and his outburst of "MAMA!" It's good to be loved.

The Kissing Hand

Tonight's bedtime story was The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This is a wonderful story of a mother's special way of showing her love for her son before sending him off for his first day of school. You can bet Jonah will go to school tomorrow morning with my kiss in the palm of his hand!!

Clap, clap, clap your hands!

My little man and his latest "thing." Sorry it's so dark, but I think you can get the gist of it. Please ignore the episode of "Bob the Builder" in the background.

I wish I had longer

School starts on Wednesday. My baby - my first baby - will be headed off to Kindergarten. Please pray for him. Pray that his heart will be protected and that he'll remember the things he's been taught at home. Pray for his teacher. Pray that she will be kind and patient and good at her job. Finally, pray for me. Although he's been in "school" of some kind for the past four years, this is still a big change for both of us. I know it's so cliche, but time really does fly. Those of you who have little ones - enjoy every single minute. I leave you with an excerpt from one of my favorite books - one that I cannot seem to get through without my eyes welling up. It is Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury.

Long ago you came to me,

a miracle of firsts:

First smiles and teeth and baby steps,

a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away

and leave to me your past

And I will be left thinking of

a lifetime of your lasts...

8 months old

A Father's love

I've seen a few of these Visa "Go World" commercials during the Olympics. Tonight, though, I saw this one and it just REALLY got to me. I mean, great, big, crocodile tears got-to-me. What they don't show on the commercial is that several people (officials, I'll guess) tried to stop the father from helping his son. I guess technically he wasn't supposed to be on the track, but he was not deterred. I can't help but think about how I compare to that runner in my walk with the Lord. Sometimes I run really well and then sometimes I get a really horrible cramp and fall down. It is then that He comes along and picks me up and helps me continue the race. I say "continue" because I am no where near finished. I am so very thankful that my God is ALWAYS there for me and that even in my most undeserving moments, He is there to pick me up and help me run in this crazy race called life.

My little helper

I just have to take a moment to brag about my 5 yr old. He has absolutely fallen in love with....you'll never guess....emptying the dishwasher!! HALLELUJAH!! (sung in my best operatic voice). Just out of the blue one night he actually ASKED me if he could help. I gave him the job of emptying the silverware basket and now he has moved on to stacking the other dishes on the counter as the cabinets are too high for him. He has also recently enjoyed learning how to fold the laundry. After emptying the dishwasher this evening he actually came back a few minutes later and asked "Are there any more jobs we can do?" To which I gladly replied that the dryer would soon be done and he could help me fold his father's underwear. Do you know what my child did in response to that? Seriously? Are you ready for this? He pumped his fist in the air and shouted "YES!!" Alrighty then. From now on, I am never again folding another pair of male underwear.


Yeah...right...I know....just let me bask in this moment a little while longer, will ya?

My poor baby

Is it bad when we get a laugh at the expense of our kids? No? Good. Here's my little Isaac all yearbooked out. As a point of reference, the pic is the same one from my title. Enjoy!

1956

1968
1976
1988
1994

Don't worry, when I get a little more time I'm coming back to do Jonah's. Mmmwwwhahahaha!

Beijing 2008

Tonight the Opening Ceremonies for the Beijing 2008 Olympics begin at 7:30pm EST on NBC. I.AM.SO.EXCITED!! Ever since I was a little girl, I remember being allowed to stay up and watch the opening ceremony! In 1996, just a few short weeks after we were married, Chad and I were able to be in Atlanta for some of the summer games. It was the most awesome feeling in the world. I think we saw the Chinese women's basketball team playing Japan and the Brazilian men's volleyball team playing...um....some other country. Yeah, good memories...haha! At last, my own flesh and blood is finally old enough to appreciate the excitement of this event! So with popcorn in hand, we will be tuning in to watch this moment in history. I have no idea how long he'll make it or if he'll even enjoy it, but I sure have talked it up enough! My favorite events are swimming, diving and gymnastics. Oh....and beach volleyball is always fun, as well. I hope this is just the beginning of a special tradition in this household. And oh, by the way, GO USA!!

Fireproof

Our friend and media geek at church, Greg, has the movie trailer for Fireproof over on his blog. It's by the same people who made Facing the Giants. I haven't actually seen Facing the Giants - unless you count one very intense scene that our pastor used during one of his sermons. However, I watched the trailer over on Greg's blog and I have to say that it's definitely on my "must see" list. Go on over and have a gander. Greg will be glad to have you stop by for a visit.

The decades of me

Ok Dianna and Ashley, I'll bite. This is too hilarious not to share! Go here to have as much fun as I did!

1950s - Oddly enough, not bad!

The classic 60's look

1974 - The year of my birth

1980s - Aqua Net, anyone?

1992 - High School graduation

Well, that was certainly good for a laugh...or five...!!