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“To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends…”

NYC-Bryant Park, September 2012

Brian and I just enjoyed a very beautiful and wonderful time in NYC.  It was a retreat that led to many reminders of how very precious the gift of our home, family, and sweet children are.   I realized for the millionth time how quickly the time passes and how fleeting today is.  I am thankful I love a God who is constantly drawing me back to Him so patiently and lovingly.  I am grateful He draws me to my earthly home, filled with so much love and happiness, and that He will ultimately bring me to my heavenly home one very joyful day!

Joshua, 4 years old

Mary Claire, almost 18 months old

First day of school

Well, it’s arrived. Joshua is officially heading off to school. Other than the Kingdom Club at church, this is the first time he will be away from home during the day. I really can’t believe that the period of homework and Meet the Teacher and packing lunches has begun. I am excited and a little nostalgic for his baby/toddler years all at the same time. It’s the end of one season and the beginning of another. Joshua is growing up.
One thing is for sure—he is ready. Joshua is very excited to be in Mrs. Green’s class (he prayed for her tonight and I know Brian and I did, too!) and to start Kindergarten. As a family, we are looking forward to learning more about the classical model of education. It’s all very serious and scholarly right from the start. From the uniform to the three homework assignments before the first day to the procedures of girls unpacking their backpacks first so the boys can practice being gentlemen, the emphasis on respect and order is clear. I am excited to see the effect of this kind of instruction on Joshua during the year.

But tonight as Joshua practiced tucking his shirt in and unpacking his backpack properly, I saw the glimpse of the young man who is now still just a little boy. With each task his clumsy four-year old self attempted, he was determined to get it right! Over and over again on his own accord he practiced presenting his “All About Me!” page, introducing himself, and entering the “classroom” (AKA our kitchen). He was joyfully persistent in his efforts. Tomorrow he’ll probably be like most Kindergarteners, getting suddenly and adorably shy and having to rely on the teacher to coax him through the whole deal, but tonight he worked until he was satisfied and it was fun as his parents to watch.

And then as he went off to bed, we heard him singing Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and Brian and I laughed together, wondering if he’d bust out with that at rest time and how that might fit in to the classical model. We’ll add to our prayer list that he picks “Amazing Grace” or “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” when he’s at school. Either way, we’ll be smiling and hopefully Mrs. Green will be too.

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