School Days--Conner is in Kindergarten

I was looking forward to September because I knew a new routine was going to be so good for us. The craziness of the moving season was winding down and we were all ready for a good schedule! The last week of "Summer break" was great as we headed to Orlando for our family vacation. We returned on Saturday with Conner starting school on Tuesday.

The craziness of school decisions was finally over, at least for a little while. We had planned to homeschool this year, as I had really homeschooled "K" last year but not "formally" so we were going to be more formal this year. However, once we decided to move this Summer and being pregnant, God just seemed to be leading us towards Covenant Life School--our church school. We knew how wonderful the "K" teacher is and knew that you, Conner would love school--the question was how would you behave in school. When we met Mrs. Goodling, the teacher, I told her I'm going to expect the worst but hope for the best!

Conner, you were very "chill" with school fast approaching. You seemed to have no apprehension and yet, weren't overly "excited", just looking forward to it. You enjoyed school shopping with me for your supplies and were excited to get a Spiderman lunchbox. The first day of school came and we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast and you happily got dressed in your uniform and posed for a few pictures. Thankfully you were able to get in the afternoon session of school, which is what we wanted, so we could have family time in the morning together. Since "K" is only half day, except for Tuesdays, we don't even have to leave for school until 11:45.

We arrived at the school and walked in and you enjoyed finding your name on the wall for your backpack and going in to the class to read while you waited for all the students to arrive. Daddy came for a brief few minutes from work just to see you there on that first day. You were so cute. You had the biggest grin on your face. You looked so much older that morning!

Since that morning...it's been almost a month now, you still have the cutest grin when I drop you off for school. You absolutely love it. I think you feel so "big" walking in there by yourself. Praise God, we have had great feedback about your behavior at school, not only from your teacher but classroom helpers, as well. You have been encouraged for being a servant, diligent, enthusiastic, obedient, and one person just said they were just so "impressed" by you. I am so thankful for the encouragement and praise God for the grace! We are thankful to be seeing fruit at home too. You have grown in thinking of others, being a helper to me and your brothers, seeking to be a peacemaker, being quick to ask for forgiveness, and really leading your brothers in games and play. It's been great to watch! So thankful!

With the start of school also came the beginning of violin ensemble through the Music Academy at our church. You are in the beginners ensemble group with three other kids. We were encouraged to enroll you so you could experience playing violin with others and learning in a group context. It has really been fun for you and you are learning a lot. You also switched violin teachers. This was hard since you had been with your teacher since you started at 4 yrs old. However, between having your brothers and school, schedule was tight so we had to go with a teacher who lives closer. You have made the transition well and seem to be enjoying violin more! It helps that we also practice in the morning now and not in the afternoon when you are more tired!

I must say the past month has just been a huge blessing. God has been so kind this month in so many ways! I'm very much encouraged! As our big b-day season starts next week (Conner in Oct, Eli in Nov, Jacob in Dec., along with the holidays, and a new baby coming, I needed the encouragement, thank you Lord!

I'm sure there is more I could write but that's it for tonight!