School Days

Okay, it doesn't seem possible, but my baby is going to be in high school next fall. I've been in denial for quite some time, but it's official now. We attended the 8th grade promotion last week.
Mikaela finished middle school with high honors and gave the opening prayer at the ceremony.



After the ceremony, we had a small celebration of flavored cheesecakes, raspberry punch, and chex mix. We're proud of you, Mikaela!

(Notice the dress didn't last long)

This week Joseph's 4th grade class performed a play about Paul Bunyan. Joseph played "Logger #6" with his usual flair. All of the kids did such a nice job, and Maimie and I enjoyed the afternoon.

Mother's Day

Afternoon on the porch

Here are a few photo highlights of our last two weeks. At the risk of sounding sappy, I have to mention Mother's Day. God has so richly blessed me as a mother. I have the joy of teaching, helping, serving, and nurturing my fantastic four. I get the pleasure of watching them grow and mature into amazing young people. Every day is not perfect, but I am grateful for the difficult days, too. I am only sorry that I have made so many mistakes as a mother. Sorry for the short temper, the words spoken in anger, the times I tore them down instead of building them up, the selfish moments of indifference when they were excited to share something with me. Despite my failures, my children have been the greatest joy of my life.
The video clip at the end shows Maimie singing with the other kids at church on Mother's Day. Although she went to the Christmas program, she didn't sing then. This time was a little different. Enjoy--I certainly did!
{After spending countless hours trying to increase the clarity on the video unsuccessfully, I decided to give up and just post the low quality edition}

Mikaela & Jacob at Awards Night

Spring Band/Chorus Concert

Buddies Brandon and Joseph



Storytime with Joseph

Letters

Wearing Daddy's old boots

Move over baby doll, it's my turn.

Jacob gives the best horse-back rides

For the last month or so Maimie has been fascinated by all things alphabet. She notices letters everywhere and has to identify them. The toilet paper dispensers in public restrooms, billboards, all around the house. It's so cute. She was scribbling on a coloring book and drew what looked like a "P" and ran around showing each of us, excitedly yelling, "P!". She can identify almost the whole alphabet now. More and more she is phasing out her signs and making an attempt at speech. The sounds aren't always decipherable, but it's a step in the right direction.
Maimie is such a good helper. She loves helping me with laundry. When I mention that I'm going down to the basement to do a load of laundry, Maimie yells,"ME!!!" and runs for the stairs to come with me. She pulls clothes out of the dryer to fold, transfers wet things to the dryer, and hands me hangers. I tried to show her how to fold wash cloths, but she still needs a little work there. I can remember Mikaela, Jacob, and Joseph folding wash cloths at about her age. Maimie picks up toys, puts laundry in the hamper, garbage in the can, etc. She tries to unload the dishwasher, but we don't encourage that yet. I generally give her a sippy cup, but she loves to drink out of the little bathroom cups after having her teeth brushed. So, I've been giving her regular cups without lids to drink from occasionally. Let's just say that I'm not ready to throw out the lids yet.

Joseph, Troy, & TJ

This past week Joseph played his recorder in the Spring Concert at the grade school. The kids did such a nice job.
Mikaela and Jacob finished their Scholastic Bowl season at the speedway. What a great time!

How long till Mikaela turns 16??!!

Jacob preparing to launch a waterballoon

Joseph coasting down after the big climb


Can I have a playhouse, too, Daddy?

Maimie on her new Dora bike