Oh My...

I never thought that my first time being asked to stay after school to talk about one of my children would be for...being too affectionate!!! Yes, my adorable little boy loves the girls and has been seen kissing them on the arms (thankfully not on the face, though!) Although it seems that these little girls don't seem to mind, the teacher thought we better intervene just to make sure it doesn't get out of hand. Those of you who know my little Brady, know that he is such a little lovable guy. He is always kissing and hugging me, along with any other lady who will let him. I guess I never thought much of it, I acutally kind of like it as his mom!

Well, our talk about appropriate behavior at school happened with him in KINDERGARTEN!!! I couldn't help but laugh with the teacher, but inside I was thinking...great, my kid the kisser! Anyway, after Brady sat for our long discussion (me and J) I thought he would really understand. After Jason got off the couch, he leaned over to me and said..."hey mom, soooo can i have a girlfriend in first grade?" I thought I would die right there! I did my best to keep my composure, but had to excuse myself to the bathroom for a breather! I think we may have our hands full with this little buddy of ours!!!

Thank You Lord for My Children

I woke up this morning annoyed. Yep, I didn't want to do the same schedule like yesterday or the day before. I was up several times in the night calming Madison down from a bad dream about snakes. Actually, about the third time of being tapped on my shoulder, I was annoyed. I finally told her to go and lay by her brother, he would protect her. What?!!! I was pawning my kid and her fears off on her little brother! You know sometimes I just want to slap my own face. Why must I get annoyed by a sad, scared little girl? Anyway, I think the Lord placed my bible study for today to shape me up. Jason and I are reading a book together called "Hopeful Parenting" by David Jeremiah. Today was about teaching our children that they are special. I sure hadn't taught Madi that she was special last night...I just taught her that she and her fears were annoying me! Man, sometimes we fail, don't we! I am so thankful that we serve a Lord who disciplines us when we need it. I am also so thankful that I can repent and move on...til the next time I need disciplining!!!
Thank You LORD for my children.

Farming with Grandpa!

My Brady just loves farming! I think this whole farming thing skips generations because Jason really had no interest in farming, but Brady lives for it. Grandpa Doug is just starting to harvest beans for the year and Brady is right in the mix of it all. He begs us everyday to call Grandpa to see if he needs some "help" on the farm. Thankfully Grandpa loves having him ride with him, so Brady gets lots of tractor time. I thought this was a cute picture of Brady, cousin Hunter and Grandpa.

my girl the cheerleader...what????

This is very strange to be writing about my little girl the cheerleader. Although I am somewhat "girlie", I was NEVER into cheerleading. I was always a sports girl in school. Madison begged us to let her do a cheerleading camp last week after school. This was a conversation that Jason and I never thought we would be having, but we decided to let her give it a try. Last night she had the chance to cheer at the Bad Axe Homecoming game. Our girl was just beaming from ear to ear! We were so proud of her and loved watching her. I even looked over at Jason as one point and he was so proud just watching his little girl have fun. I know he would NEVER think he would be watching this, but he did so good. It is amazing how proud you are as a parent to watch your child really enjoy something. I don't know how far this cheerleading things will go...but it was so cool for last night!!!

I am exhausted...but in a good way!

We are now in the third week of school and I am exhausted, but in a good way. I planned on helping in the school, but I really didn't think I would be a full-time volunteer. Forget about my quiet coffee time, peaceful laundry days or relaxed shopping days, I spend all day at the school! I love seeing my kids all day and I think they like to have me around, too! I know I am in the right place and I have already met so many kids and parents. Some great and well behaved and others, well...I find myself praying for them and my attitude toward them. It has been such a change for us moving back here. The school we were at in Grand Rapids, was a lot different. They had so much parent involvement that we actually had to have a schedule as to whom was helping each day!!! Things are very different here. I volunteered to help and now I don't think I am getting out!!! I have met some very nice Grandma's raising their grand kids, some very young moms, and some very active moms like me. It is such a variety here. I also have met some very loving kids who just love to get a hug every time I see them. I have a feeling that school is the only place they get hugged. Today I got a little sad missing how easy the other school was. I even asked the Lord, out loud "why here and why me?" My kids are doing good and really don't look around and notice anything different about any of the kids. They can't see who has a mom and dad at home, or a grandma raising them, and definitely how much money their family has. They just enjoy playing on the playground with them, learning in class with them, and laughing at lunch. I pray for a good night sleep so I can go in the school and give hugs, open milk cartons, listen to reading, dry tears and just have fun with these kids. I want to look at these kids like my kids look at them. I just want to love on them and make an impact in this town for Jesus. Someday I will get my house organized...just maybe not for the next 15 years!

Flashbacks!

I was looking through some older pictures on a memory card. I came across this picture and it pretty much sums up how I have been feeling since we moved back here. It is so strange to look at this play set with my kids swinging and having a good time, only they are 3 years younger. When we moved, so did the play set. Well now it is back in the same spot, 3 years later, and I watch my kids swing and play again. I honestly feel like we were just on vacation for a few years. I looked through other pictures of my kids sitting on the porch, swimming in the pool, and playing basketball. They are just smaller! I have had such a crazy life! Not many people can say that they sold their house, moved away, and then bought the same one back! I really feel so content with our life. Jason and I sat on the couch this morning doing our bible study and just stopped and looked at each other. We were thinking the same thing...how blessed we really are. We were studying about the adulterous in Proverbs...not sure how it relates to our thoughts, but anyhow...we stopped and just enjoyed the moment of contentment and thankfulness. Even with the constant cow manure smell, no target or mall to shop at... I can say I am completely blessed! Wow, how I have grown! Thanks, Lord!

Moving into a new stage...

I worked this morning on lunches, made sure backpacks were filled correctly, took tags off new gym shoes, and layed out two fresh new outfits...it's the first day of school. I go into this day with mixed emotions. This will be the first day that both my children will be off to school full-time. I am excited for them to meet new friends, establish a routine, and hopefully learn lots of new things. I am also sad because it is the end of a stage and into another. I have been home with my babies from day one. Although I can't say that it was always easy for me, it was such a blessing. It will be so strange to be home alone. I know I will be at the school daily, volunteering, substitute teaching, etc., but this will sure be different. People keep asking me what am I going to do with my time? I do not consider this "done" with my kids...just a change. Please pray for Madison and Brady today. Please pray for me as I watch them walk into those classrooms. Please pray for the teachers, students and staff at Greene Elementary. Please pray that the Krohn
Family can be a light in the darkness and show Christ in our every action!