Life as a Leach

Abby's first day of kindergarten Favorite thing about school so far:  centers (especially the playhouse) Abby has the same wonderful teacher and assistant Caleb had in kindergarten, so we are thrilled as can be!  We also hit the jackpot with her one-on-one, who is the perfect fit for Abs.  We are so thankful for all they have already done to ensure that Abby has a safe and positive kindergarten experience! Caleb's first day of 4th grade Favorite thing about school so far:  math because we get to play games Caleb has two excellent teachers who are both very experienced in the subject areas they teach.  I know he will do well under their care.  He has made a few new friends and is enjoying being with one of his closest friends again this year.  He says the day flies by because they are working and having fun! The kids are riding the same bus that picks them up from our driveway and Caleb is taking really good care of his ...

Tomorrow will be the start of a new chapter in Abby's life.  I am absolutely thrilled with the teacher and one-on-one she will have.  It is the perfect situation and we are so thankful for these wonderful ladies! The magnitude of this milestone is not lost on me.  For a little girl who was never supposed to get out of the NICU, she is loving life and proving all of the doctors wrong. So if you see me crying tomorrow, know that they are tears of joy, thankfulness, and unbelief that we made it this far.

Caleb's teacher (and the whole school, from what I can tell) has been talking a lot about filling each other's buckets.  Basically, doing and saying nice things to others fills their invisible bucket.  Doing something mean makes a little spill out.  So, be a bucket filler, not a spiller! Can I just tell you how much this simple concept has changed our home?!?!  Caleb has completely embraced the idea and talks often about ways he can fill the buckets of others.  Tonight at the grocery store, he plotted to fill the bucket of the checker who was putting our groceries in our cart! I'm pretty sure the guy's bucket was a little fuller when we left.  :)  We have also been sure to let Caleb know when he has filled our buckets.  He craves praise, so he absolutely loves knowing that he has filled our buckets up. I never  thought that Caleb would be this excited about school!  He LOVES it!  The boy is ready to go a half an hour before the ...

I'm finally able to write about Caleb's kindergarten experience!   Orientation was a little rough...the bus was a little scary and he was a little overwhelmed in general.  I was nervous for what the "big day" might bring... But I didn't need to be.  He woke up in a great mood and was excited to go to school.  He even cooperated for some pictures! We hung out at the bus stop with our neighbors.  The girl is in 2nd grade and the boy is in kindergarten with Caleb.  They are in the same class and becoming fast friends!  It's really nice to have some kids Caleb's age on our street now.   And here's the big bus entrance!  He did great! Caleb's teacher is wonderful!!!  He adores her and talks all night about things they have done in class.  She has already taught them a lot about having good character and being kind to your friends.  It's going to be a great year!

Happy Very First Day of School, Caleb Boy! How in the world did we get here?!  Wasn't I just giving him his first bath yesterday?  In just a few minutes, I'll be putting my boy on the bus for the first time (which was never in my  plan...he was supposed  to ride to school with me , and hang out in my classroom until school started...but my plan was overruled by God's plan!) and he will officially be a Lion.  *sigh*   I'll be excited to hear all about his day when he gets home, but right now I'm a little sad.  

I'm registering Caleb for kindergarten today!  When did this happen???  Wasn't he just born like three weeks ago??? When in the world did he get so old???