Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Baby Starts Preschool!!

My baby started preschool!!

I cried when I dropped my oldest child off at preschool.
I cried AFTER I dropped my second child off at preschool.
I CELEBRATED when I dropped my baby off at preschool!

The differences in my emotions have a little to do with the personalities of my children, and the fact that I am comfortable with my children being at school, away from me, and learning wonderful things that they can only learn from other people!

I love my children, and miss them all terribly while they are at school.
However, I have a newly found sense of self, now that I can do what I want to do for a few hours every day. I don't have to worry about anyone, other than myself! What a new feeling! At least it feels new.

It has been over 8 years since I have been able to focus on my own wishes and desires. My daughter just started her Third Grade year, and I am excited, yet sad, that she is so big!
I have a son in full-day Kindergarten! My baby boy is in preschool three mornings a week.

Three mornings, all to myself!

What to do???

Well, I am going to pray, blog, and attempt to discover what God's plan is for me in this next phase of life.

I am also going to take a few naps, because after school I am running my children from school to dance lessons, soccer practice, and feeding them. We almost have enough time for baths before bedtime!

My mornings will have to be my quiet time.

Wow - it's been a LONG time since I've had quiet time!!

SHhhhhhh......

~Kristen


"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" Psalm 37:7

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Wordless Wednesday - "King of the World"



~Kristen


"On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords." Revelation 19:16

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

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~Kristen


"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:3

Mixed Emotions as My Kids Start School

I wrote about my princess starting 3rd grade last week.
My oldest prince started FULL-DAY Kindergarten last week as well.

He was SOOOO excited, but also a little nervous. I can't blame him!

This is my child who will sit back, and observe any new experience, making sure he can be safe and successful BEFORE he will even participate in any way.

Luckily, we had a bus ride under our belt, from the open house trip, where the entire family got to climb on the school bus and ride together!

He had met his teacher, and a couple of the kids in his class.

Yet, I could tell he did not know quite how to feel about this new adventure.



I have been praying for him, and have visited the school a few times just to check on him.

He has been doing a FANTASTIC job of playing nicely at school, and is excited to get up and go to school every day. He is learning, and his teacher says he seems to be enjoying being at school all day.

I, on the other hand, do not enjoy missing him all day long, and knowing that my 5-year-old is away from me, learning from someone that is not his Mommy!!

I am NOT a supporter of all day Kindergarten, but I know we are truly blessed by WONDERFUL teachers who know how to support our children and help them learn, all day long!

I continue to pray for my children as they learn and move forward on their educational journey.

~Kristen


"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24

Friday, September 7, 2012

First Week of School, New Routines

So, we are at the end of our first week of the new school year.
I am enjoying the stages each of my children are entering this year.

My princess is in the Third Grade.


She has a male teacher this year, which is a first for our family.
I was worried at first, that a young, male teacher may not be well equipped to handle the drama of little girls who are eight or nine years old. Well, my daughter won't be the only one having these emotional roller coaster days. This teacher will learn quickly!

I prayed, and prayed, and prayed for all three of my children, as they start school this year.
I especially prayed that they each be placed in a class where the Light of Jesus can shine bright through them, onto the teachers, students, and everyone they meet.

My prayer also included that they be challenged and learn life lessons at school that will help them become more like Jesus.

The teacher in each classroom helps to form a part of each student!
It is very important that parents remember that teachers are people too, with their own lives, beliefs, and standards. Students should be taught to respect everyone, but especially their teachers, as they are important role models. Children spend more hours in a day with their teacher, than with their parents during the school year!


Dear Lord,
Today I lift up all teachers, as they help to mold our young children into what you have designed them to be. May teachers and parents work together to bring Glory to You, Lord, through our children. May Your light pour out through our children, as well as their teachers, Lord, as they teach each other important life lessons in school.
May all teachers see our children as important, wonderful, and beautiful miracles, and treat them accordingly. Please help all parents to trust their childrens' teachers to be appropriate role models, and guide those teachers to lead our students down Your Paths of Righteousness.
AMEN

Monday, September 3, 2012

Bless the Workers on Labor Day

As the summer draws to a close, I am reminded of how hard my husband works to provide for our family.

I am very blessed to be a stay-at-home mother to our three children, while my husband designs new products as a mechanical engineer.

There are so many choices we make that effect our family, and today I lift up all working parents.

Dear Lord, Please bless these mothers and fathers, as they provide for their families with all you have sent to bless them. You, Lord, have provided them with jobs to support their families in our world. I pray that all parents may be blessed and thankful for Your love and support. May their performance in each of their jobs reflect back upon Your goodness, as well as provide strength and support their families. AMEN

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15