As you go to kindergarten...

Titus, 

I recently read what I wrote to Caleb before he went to kindergarten and thought I should write you too.  

 For months now people have been asking me what we were going to do....would we send you or keep you home? Our plan was always for you to go to public school as your big brother did when he was 5.  But the world is so different now than it was then.  Your kindergarten year is going to look very different than his....we can’t walk you in on the first day, I can’t volunteer at your school right now or come eat lunch with you. Things look so different too with teachers wearing masks and setting up their classrooms in a way to try to have social distancing. We wonder if we are making the right choice and if you will be safe.  We wonder if schools will shut down again and you will be learning at home.  So many questions and unknowns!  

I knew that in 2020 you’d turn 5 and go off to school in August. I never could have imagined all the changes and uncertainty we face daily.  I feel like we were robbed of our “lasts” for the things we did together.  We didn’t know in February it would be our last zoo class or ladies Bible class.  We didn’t know we would have 5 months at home with Caleb and Daddy! I will say that was a special time, but I did miss our routine of our days together just you and me.  

Through all of this I have learned that I am not in control, God is.  And we need to always make the most of each day because our reality could change overnight. 

I am excited for you to begin a new adventure. I look forward to your stories and all the things you will learn.  I pray that you will be a friend to the kid who is lonely or scared.  I pray you will be brave and remember you can do hard things.   I pray your teacher will be nurturing and encouraging.  

I will miss you when you are at school.  Things I will miss: sleeping late, playing Words, quiet time, my laundry helper, lessons, reading books, going to the library, hearing you laugh with Caleb, your humming, seeing you ride your scooter around, your questions, the funny things you put on your sandwich at lunch, so many things about you being here my sweet Titus.  

You are such a sweet boy. Today you got a back to school note in the mail from Gramma. Then you went to your room and wrote a note for me. You asked me how to spell some words. You put a Paw Patrol valentine card with Rubble on it cause you know he’s my favorite. You told me when I miss you tomorrow I can look at that note.  Then in the afternoon you boys wanted to go get a milkshake. You insisted on buying them with your own money.  Sweet memories I want to remember of our last day of summer.

We went to kindergarten blessing on Sunday. As you held up your finger and sang “This little light of mine....” it almost made me cry. I know you will shine for Jesus in your classroom. 

I am proud of you Titus. Do your best in school and all you do.  I love you sweet boy. 

Love, Mommy

Have a day of blessings! 

 Bethany

To my sweet Caleb as you finish kindergarten

I wrote to Caleb at the beginning of kindergarten so I thought I'd write to him at the end of kindergarten too!



Caleb,

Back on August 24, 2009, we started a new chapter of your life together as you began kindergarten. Now that first year of school is already coming to a close. Today is your last day of school and it's time for summer "veecation" as you say it!

My heart is bursting with happiness and pride for the wonderful boy you are. I prayed for many things for you the year before you went to school. One of those things was for it to be a smooth transition for you. It has been. I didn't know what it would be like for you after being at home with me for five years. But you did great! You have been a confident, happy boy. It makes my heart happy that you are so confident as you get out of the car each morning and head off into your day. I love that you will blow me a kiss or tell me have a good day or give the teacher at the door a greeting some mornings as you go inside.

Academically you are doing so well and have grown so much. It has been exciting and amazing for me to see your progress in your reading through the past few months. I love hearing you read and sound out new words and recognize more and more all the time.

I knew sending you to school that you would be exposed to things that we had protected you from for your first five years. I prayed that you would make good choices about your friends and be a good example and light to those around you. You have done that. You still give me that special look we share whenever you hear something you know Mommy doesn't like or a word we don't say. You share things with me about your day, and it is my prayer now that you will always do that.

I prayed that you would obey whoever you were with and you have done that too. I remember the first few weeks of school I'd check your folder first thing every day to see if you had a "color change." I haven't seen anything but green all year!

Last week you got the "pleasant & friendly" award at the awards program. That made me smile too!

I am looking forward to summer with you.....food pantry days, HEB trips, library summer reading program, stay home days, and just having fun as you say.

I'm so thankful for the year you have had in kindergarten. Daddy and I are so proud of you!

Love, Mommy



Have a day of blessings!

My dream come true :)

Last night I told my hubby I was so excited for today because it is Caleb's pumpkin party at school. I told him it is like a dream come true for me. It might sound silly, but this is what I always dreamed of being able to do. This is the first party they have had, and I'm so thankful and happy I can be the room mother and be there and be part of it.

We had a fun time this morning. I loved walking down the hall and hearing the buzz of happy kids in their classrooms. It was fun to see Caleb in the school setting, sitting at his table doing what the teacher said, with his classmates.

We played "pin the nose on the pumpkin." My Mom reminded me we played this in my kindergarten party! There is a picture of me somewhere, I hope to find it to show Caleb. Then we passed out treats. One Mom made cupcakes. Caleb asked Gramma to make pumpkin cookies so he passed those out. Plus some others brought juice and candy. Then after eating the kids made little jack o' lanterns on little foam pumpkin shapes. They seemed to enjoy that. We took a class picture at the end.

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend with my boys! We're going to a football game tonight and tomorrow will be some fun activities with Caleb the clown. He makes the cutest little clown! (See my FB for pictures!) Hope you have a great weekend too and be safe!

Have a day of blessings!

Rainy Monday

How was your weekend? We went to the Light the Night Walk. This is our fourth year to participate in memory of Peepaw. We raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was a nice evening for the Walk. My aunt, cousin, and Mom come and go with us. We always have a fun time eating out together and then going to the Walk. My husband drives us. This year was the first year we didn't push Caleb in the stroller. I was proud of him for walking the whole way. We made two laps around the park, and he didn't seem to mind walking!

Sunday I was very tired and took a nap in the afternoon after church.

Today has been a rainy Monday morning. I have been home doing laundry and ironing. I have a full week the rest of the week, so I'm doing what I can get done today. Tuesday I'm going to a continuing education class. I hope it's an interesting one! Wednesday and Thursday I'll be at the food pantry in the morning and then Thursday I have to get my permanent crown put on my tooth. I had no idea they were giving me a temporary one when I went to have the work done two weeks ago. Then on Friday is Caleb's pumpkin party at school. I am the room mother and need to email the other Mom's to remind them of what they are bringing. We are playing "pin the nose on the pumpkin." I have pictures somewhere at my Mom's house of me playing this when I was in kindergarten. Also we will make little foam jack o' lanterns from a kit from Michael's. My Mom made pumpkin cookies too and someone else is bringing cupcakes. Then Saturday is Halloween. We don't make a big deal out of it, but Caleb is dressing up as a clown. (You can see a picture of my cute little clown on Facebook later this week!) He said a long time ago he wanted to be a clown so Gramma made him a costume. (I was a clown one year too and need to find that picture also to show him!) We will probably take him to one of the festivals or "trunk or treats" at one of the local churches. There are a few ladies from church who would like to see him also so we might go visit them.

Do you have a busy week ahead? October has been busy for us! I'm looking forward to November and the holidays.

* Also, I am having a book giveaway on Tuesday so go sign up today if you are interested in a great book with a great message.

Have a day of blessings!

To my kindergartener, Caleb...

I remember in July 2004 when I couldn't imagine what it'd be like to not feel you move around in my belly and how much I'd miss that.

I remember when you were days old when I couldn't imagine how we'd ever figure out your cries or know what you needed.

I remember when I couldn't imagine any other morning than our routine of an early morning feeding and then a nap on the couch together.

I remember when I couldn't imagine not getting up in the night for Daddy to change you and then give you to me so you could eat.

I remember when I couldn't imagine being able to go out of the house for extended periods of time with you.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what you'd look like with teeth and thinking how I'd miss those cute little gums.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like to see you move from crawling to walking.

I remember when I couldn't imagine how it would be to move you from the rear facing car seat to facing forward.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what life would be like when I no longer was breastfeeding you and how much I'd miss that.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to wear diapers anymore.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to try to say words instead of just cries and baby noises.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to be scared of the doctor.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to not sleep in your baby bed anymore.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you started drinking cow's milk and eating baby food.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to eat table food instead of baby food.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you took just one nap a day.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to not come to me in Daddy's arms to give me a kiss all bundled up in a towel after your bath.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you not to want to wear your little faded black cowboy pants with a long sleeved shirt every. single. day.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to no longer drink so much milk that we had to buy multiple gallons every week.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you didn't cry when we took you to Sunday School.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to be able to dress yourself.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you no longer needed to take a shoe off to sit on the potty!

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like when you no longer rode in the basket at the store and were big enough to walk beside me instead.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to do your own seat belt instead of me clicking you in your seat.

I remember when I couldn't imagine what it would be like for you to tie your own shoes.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to go to HEB without you and feeling your little hand in mind.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what I will feel like the first time I go to the food pantry without you.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to have a schedule every day and not be able to stay in our pajamas all day long, just because.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what it will be like to not be able to go to Gramma's house when Daddy goes on long trips.

Now I'm thinking I can't imagine what kind of routine I'll have without you in my day singing your sweet songs, coming to the rescue when I make a mess, giving your wonderful hugs and "Mommy I love you," and playing your creative games.

God gave us to you five years ago as a little newborn baby. We knew then that this day would come, even though back then it seemed oh so far away. You have brought so much joy to our lives. We are so proud of the boy you are. Today you begin a new chapter in your book of life as you go to school for the first time. I know I'll miss you like crazy. But at the same time my heart is filled with thankfulness....thankfulness that I have a beautiful boy....thankfulness for our loving relationship....thankfulness for the way you have such care and concern for those around you....thankfulness that I was able to stay home with you these past five years..... thankfulness for your good health....thankfulness that you have grown the way God made you to grow.....thankfulness in knowing that God is going to be with you as you go to school just like He will be with me as I will have a new routine. And although today and maybe this week I really can't imagine how different our life will be with our new schedule, I know that through every stage we've passed so far, the next stage has held new wonder, new excitement, new specialness. I'm excited to see all the things you are going to learn. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Remember you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Do your best and let your light shine.
Love,
Mommy

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #34

Here is the new memory verse for this week.

Proverbs 18:5--"It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice."

Do you have any prayer requests this week? Here are some requests I'd like to share:

~ those heading to school, especially my sweet little boy! (And Mommy while he is at school! I have plans and know I'll adjust to our new schedule/routine. I have a special post about that tomorrow.)

~ our friends and their little boy Orion. We've been able to visit with them over the past few days as they've been in the hospital with him. He's had a couple days of radiation and they are hoping they'll get to go home on Monday or Tuesday. Then they will travel back and forth daily for radiation treatments.

~ our sister-in-law who is expecting their first child. She is getting close to her due date.

Have a great week as we are close to finishing the month of August!

August is here!

I have shared previously that August is often a hard month for me, filled with mixed emotions. I would appreciate your prayers this month. Add to the other things listed our boy will be starting school this month. I'll be sharing more feelings on that in the future as it is a time full of many emotions for me as well.

Last night I was reminded of a song and a verse that fits so I'll share it today. I've posted the song before here when I was doing "Friday Favorites." It is "I Will Lift My Eyes" by Bebo Norman.

Psalm 121:
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

This is my prayer. I will look to the Lord, He is my Helper and Comfort in the coming days.

Weekend

It's been a very different weekend for us. We visited the in laws on Saturday who took their camper down to the lake. We ended up coming home in the middle of the night because Caleb's allergy to the dogs/pet dander. He was itching so bad and couldn't sleep. After already doing the preparation things I knew to do beforehand (showering him off before bed and a dose of med), Mommy tried everything I could think of to help him be more comfortable. We decided it would be best to go home. We got home about 3:30 and all rested peacefully after that until about 9:30. We were about to eat breakfast when the doorbell rang. It was my Dad who was passing through. He expected us to be at church so it was funny how things worked out that we were there and got to see him for a few minutes. Later in the day we went to eat lunch and pick up some 1 cent pencils and 1 cent pack of copy paper from Staples (you have to do a rebate on the paper, but you can't beat a ream of paper for a penny!). In the evening we went to pick up some of Caleb's school supplies (Caleb who will be FIVE years old one month from Sunday!). I was excited to do this and didn't want to wait till after my husband recovered from his surgery so we went ahead and got most of them now. Then went to a camp reunion service. It is always fun to hear about the week the kids at camp and sing the songs with a room full of people.

This week is VBS at our church. Caleb and I will also be going to the grocery store to stock up on some things for my husband during his recovery from his tonsillectomy. It is on Tuesday. He has had trouble with sleep apnea. Since the cpap machine hasn't been helping him rest we are hoping this surgery will help give him relief. My Mom is coming to take Caleb to VBS in the mornings, and other fun things are planned as well!

Also, on Sunday I watched a wonderful video posted on Marsha's site. I highly recommend that you watch this skit. It is well-worth the time and you will be blessed I believe.

Have a great week! I appreciate YOU!
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"Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning." 2 John 1:6

You're Gonna Miss This.....Moment #6

Today I'm linking with Pam for You're Gonna Miss This...moment.

On Tuesday this week Caleb and I were walking into HEB to do our grocery shopping. As we got out of the car and walked to get a buggy, I felt his hand clasped securely in mine. I felt myself getting tears in my eyes as I thought to myself, "how many more times will we have this?" We go grocery shopping every two weeks and I know time is coming close when my boy will be in school. I really love going grocery shopping with Caleb. We have fun together and he always makes me grin when he can spot a fire fighter down any aisle it seems! We seem to always end up at HEB when the fire fighters are shopping and Caleb always tells them hello.


I could look at a calendar and count how many more Tuesday shopping trips we have, but instead I decided to just enjoy that moment, that feeling that little hand in mine and having my little helper along for the grocery shopping.

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"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." I Corinthians 3:16, 17

You're Gonna Miss This......Moment #4

Friday was full of fun moments with me and my boy. I like to get most of the chores and housework done earlier in the week so I have less to do on Fridays. Friday morning started out cloudy and rainy so it was the perfect day to be lazy in our pajamas. Caleb was watching a video and I warned him that we might lose electricity but if that happens we'll start the video again later. He looked at me one time and said, "Um, is it still daytime?" It got really really dark right before it poured rain. His comment made me laugh how he said it so innocently! He got his flashlight and got on the couch with me to read books. Later he wanted me to be a dog so I made doggy noises and he had to take me to the vet. He covered me with a blanket and gave me a pillow and curled up beside me. I said, "Do you like curling up by a doggy?" At that moment I was thinking it is just a couple more weeks till we sign him up for kindergarten. I emailed my Mom to tell her what we'd been doing and she said it made her think "You're gonna miss this." Oh yes, that is what I was thinking.
Click here for other moments!
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"Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone." Zechariah 10:1

Take a breath Bethany!

I remembered to check online to see if the calendar for the upcoming school year was approved at the last board meeting. It was....August 24 is the date my boy will go to Kindergarten. It gives me a weird feeling to think about....very mixed emotions for sure! I guess I'll now have a "kindergarten" label for my posts!! I called a couple weeks ago and found out the registrations will be the beginning of May. I showed Caleb and he hugged me and wanted me to tell him what the color-coded days meant so we found which days he'll be off for holidays.
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"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Philippians 2:14-16