Headline: Justice is Served

Yesterday marked the last day of fourth grade for Thing 1, who was not at all amused that Thing 2 was out a full day earlier (one of many half-day-kindergarten perks). This injustice was righted by heading directly to Subway and the skatepark with buddy Brandon, and there was much rejoicing.

~ Caleb's buddy Brandon ~

~ watching some stunts in "the bowl;" hopefully they won't pick up the language too ~

~ note the older girls watching...?!? ~

Mile-Marker

~with friend Leila on field trip to the farm~

The morning of Meghan's last day of kindergarten. An undeniable mile-marker in the relentless march of time: my baby... so big! It makes my heart ache, but I've learned that if I allow the melancholy-me to follow that emotion, time just marches on without me. Better to remember Flor's wise words in Spanglish: "One tear -- just one! -- so make it a good one."

What has this year of kindergarten taught Meghan?

She is a highly motivated learner -- eager and bright, with little patience for mere busy-work. She reads astoundingly well for her age. She is a fast-friend-maker and more often a leader than a follower (standing out from the rest of our family in both regards). Sometimes big transitions cause her anxiety, but with patience and time she adapts, and then thrives.

What has it taught me?

She is a treasure not to be hoarded unto myself.

Time passes quickly,

and little moments become some of the greatest memories.

Imperfections

"There is nothing new under the sun."

Yet round and round and deep within I've looked...

wrestling and resolving to make myself new.

Oh, but "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!"

Moment by moment and eternally,

Receiving renewal.

Righteousness for sinfulness.

Peace for anxiety.

Beauty for ashes.

And so I am learning to view it all,

including myself,

through God's graceful lens.

Imperfections...

in perspective.

~Ecclesiastes 1:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Happy Mother's Day!

And how could it be anything but happy with a delicious brunch, the kids' one-mile-fun-run in Old Town, a trip to the local nursery, some perennial plantings, and a backyard picnic?

Meg's Piano Practice

Caleb's Tenth - April 22, 2010

Where has a decade gone? Not lost, but sealed away in memories of baby-snuggles, play-pool-splashes, train-tracks, library trips, games of UNO, zoo days, hot-wheel-strewn-floors, swimming lessons, reading on your own, bikes, boards, homework, friends, and family. Tears are tempting, but instead I'll recognize with joy how the past year has seen you grow...

out of Calvin and Hobbes,

and into The Chronicles of Narnia and Percy Jackson

bolder in trying new things (from lacrosse to rock-climbing!)

enthusiastic about piano

into getting your own band-aids

and "brusing off" scrapes and bruises

out of hugs in front of friends,

and grow up to the point that I can rest my chin on your head

(do you know how often I used to stoop to sniff that sweet-baby-smelling head?)

I can't explain how much of a comfort it is to sometimes stumble upon you pulling out your "old" hotwheels, or sitting in the floor building legos... still my little boy but don't worry, I won't tell....

You're growing up. That alone makes every sleepyheaded snuggle, every shared laugh, every opportunity of every kind... precious.