End of School 2019

The fact that year is over already blows my mind. I say that every year goes fast but this one seemed especially quick. I don't know if its because everyone loved their teachers so much, or if it was because we stayed so busy but man, time seriously flew.

Our sweet Rowan is off to Middle School. This was a year of growth and maturity for Rowan. He became much more responsible and organized. He completely handled his work on his own. He didn't need any reminders to do his homework, complete projects or study for tests. He asked for help when he needed it but otherwise, took full responsibility for his school work. Rowan continued to grow in his kindness, compassion and empathy and he was well loved by all the Kindergarten girls for it. He is sweet, thoughtful and goofy. His determination and passion for things that interest him are two qualities that I so admire in Rowan. I also admire the way he learns from his mistake and rarely makes the same one twice. We are so grateful for an amazing fifth grade year full of growth, learning and fun. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store for our Rowan. He's a special boy and I know he will truly impact the world for Christ. 

Rowan was given the Passionate Heart award. This was perfect for him. He truly throws his heart and soul into the things that he does. I loved the verse that his teacher chose to go along with this award. 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27. That's our prayer too. That Row would always use that passionate heart to lead others to Jesus! 

I think the absolute best year was had by Cruz. In previous years, Cruz has had a hard time getting up for school and was prone to not wanting to go. I did not hear that much this year and I credit that greatly to his sweet teacher. Cruz grew so much this year academically, socially and spiritually this year but where I truly saw Cruz grow was in his confidence and in his empathy towards others. Our shy, quiet boy blossomed. He performed in school programs/plays, he approached new friends and he stood up for himself and others. Cruz also feels deeply when people are upset and he is the first one to not only see those in pain but he's not afraid to share in that pain. This year I also saw Cruz enjoy reading just a tiny bit! He actually picked up several books on his own and read for fun. Cruz knocked out multiple, learned to write using paragraphs AND improved his handwriting. Cruz has also grown in his trustworthiness this year and I'm now able to give him bigger chores or responsibilities and I know they'll get done. 

Cruz was given the character award for Contentment. I love this award for him. The verse that his teacher gave him to go along with his award is "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" Philippians 4:11.

Cruz getting his award!

Mrs. McKown was a one of a kind teacher. Multiple times this year, Cruz told me how fun she is, how encouraging she is and how she was so full of grace and second chances. Thanks to her, Cruz LOVED third grade. She is definitely a teacher who made an impression on his heart.

Our little Kindergarten graduate grew so much this year as well! So much growth takes place during the Kindergarten year and it's my favorite. Cora is a reader now! She actually enjoys reading too, which I love and I hope that continues for her. Cora likes math but loves recess, lunch and any other time she can socialize with her friends. The monkey bars are her favorite. Cora worked so hard this year on slowing down and doing her best handwriting. She's very excited about learning cursive in first grade. She has also worked incredibly hard on using her leadership skills for good and was described by Ms. Hope as an "inclusive friend". She continues to be a graceful and talented little dancer and we are just so proud of her!! 

I'm so excited that summer is here and I just hope and pray that it goes by slow and that we are able to enjoy sweet, relaxing days together! 

Kindergarten Graduation- Cora Grace

The fact that our last baby is a Kindergarten graduate is hard for me! When she started Kindergarten she still seemed so small but now that she's officially a reading, writing, math doing first grader, I just can't believe it! 

Mrs. Branson, the elementary school principal, spoke about how proud she was of this group of kids.

The Kindergarteners shared the three pledges that they do each morning before school- the pledge to the American flag, the pledge to the Christian flag, and the pledge to the Bible. 

They also sang a couple of sweet songs. 

Each kiddo got the chance to walk across the stage when their name was called.

They got to cross the "kindergarten bridge" and listen to Ms. Hope award them with a special award. Cora received the "Caring Award" for seeing the needs of her peers and helping them without being asked. We are so proud of how far our sweet girl has come.

Cora and Claire


Piper, Cora and Claire


Both boys absolutely love Claire's little brother Tye.

All of these moments in the past few weeks where all five of us were together are even extra special to me after being apart so much when Roger was sick.

This is what happens when I ask for the boys to give her a kiss. Ha. 

Love my Coco!

She has grown up so much through her Kindergarten year at school. She has grown in her love for her friends, her fierce love for her family and most of all, her love for Jesus! My sadness as this little girl steps into elementary school is only overshadowed by the joy that I know she is fully known and loved by Jesus and He has GREAT plans for her. 

Congratulations, Coco Bean! 

Life Lately

Marfa:


I had the opportunity to get away with some girl friends to Marfa, TX towards the end of April. It was a fun weekend of shopping, eating and relaxing. Unfortunately, Roger got really sick while I was gone so it was hard to enjoy myself as much as I wanted to knowing that he was at home miserable with the kids.

Roger's Health Adventure:


Poor Roger has been through the wringer health wise this past month. His intense stomach pain, joint pain/swelling and rash earned him three ER visits, three cat scans, seven days in the hospital, five IV's, two endoscopies, three different antibiotics, a gluten free diet, steroids, blood pressure medicine and three specialists. Fortunately or unfortunately, a diagnosis of Vasculitis with an unknown cause is about is close as they can get right now. Roger is feeling SO much better thanks to the steroids. Our prayer is that when he is weaned off of them in the near future, his symptoms would stay away! Our kids, family and friends were SO amazing through out this whole ordeal. Thank you so much to everyone who called, prayed, texted, watched our kids, brought us food, cleaned the house and countless other things. We are so grateful.

Roger's Birthday:


We made the best of Daddy's 36th birthday in the hospital! We sang and ate popsicles and gluten free chocolate ice cream!


As Roger felt up to it, he redeemed my gift. We spent a fun morning having breakfast and visiting Goorin Bros. hat shop in downtown Nashville.


This day was so special and so normal which was exactly what we both needed after the crazy weeks before.

Spring Musical:


1st-5th grade put on their Spring Musical called "The Principle's List."  The skits and songs all revolved around principles of godly living. The boys did a great job!


Cruz is in the back, on the first row of risers, on the right.


Rowan is in the back, top row, on the left.

Fifth Grade Blessing:


This sweet boy had his fifth grade graduation ceremony. The fifth graders sang, played their ukuleles and were celebrated for an elementary career well done. GCA also gave each student the gift of a book (which just so happens to be on their required summer reading list, ha!)


The best part for this kid though, was the fact that Daddy was feeling well enough to come and be a part of this celebration!


I just love him so much- not too cool or too old to wave at mom and dad (okay, probably most dad!)


I loved this so much! So proud of Row for learning a new instrument.

Math Olympics:


Rowan made the Math Olympic team again this year! Last year he made the Computation category but this year, he was chosen for the Reasoning category. He didn't end up placing this year but still had a great time.

Company Try Outs:


Cora's dance teacher encouraged her to try out for her dance school's competition team. After much discussion, thought and prayer, we decided to go ahead and let Miss C try out. She made it!


Best part is, her good friend made it too! I have a feeling it will be a fun year.

Baby Shower:


Coco and I headed to Chicago for a day to celebrate Aunt Nicole, Uncle Randy and Baby Baum! We are so happy we got to be a part of this special celebration and we can't wait to meet our new nephew/cousin SO soon!




We even got in a little cousin time before we had to head back home!

Creek Day:


Creek Day is a fun third grade tradition at GCA. Cruz and his classmates spent the day getting muddy, throwing mud, making mudslides and splashing around in the creek at the back of our school's property.

Dr. Dolittle Diorama:


LAST project of the school year! Thankfully daddy was feeling well so he and Cruz took this on together!

Field Day:


Rowan enjoyed his last elementary field day and I enjoyed the ONLY field day that all three kiddos will have together.

Kindergarten Zoo Day:


The day after Kindergarten graduation (more on that later), we headed to the zoo to celebrate! We rode down with Claire and her mom which made it even more fun.





Okay, I think that catches me up on all the miscellaneous things we've had going on! Today was our last day of school so more pictures of that and Kindergarten graduation are soon to come! 

Happy 60th Birthday, Grandpa!

The day after we got home from Meet in the Middle we headed to Florida to surprise Grandpa for his 60th birthday! We pulled up to the house and he had no idea we were coming- Deona was in on the surprise! Uncle Randy & Aunt Nicole decided to come down and surprise him too! It was so much fun to spend time together celebrating such a big milestone. 

The boys had fun racing Grandpa on rafts. 

And racing each other on the kayaks. 

Sweet Coco entertained me on the dock while she waited for her turn.

We chatted,

played ping pong,

and enjoyed relaxing in Grandpa's fantastic backyard.

The kids also painted some canvases which are now hanging up on the walls of Grandpa and Deona's house! 

On Tuesday, we spent the day out on the boat.

The boys "maybe" spotted a lot of things, haha.

Relaxing with Uncle Randy on the back. 

Grandpa let each of the kiddos drive! 

On Saturday evening, we all got dressed up and went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for Grandpa's official birthday dinner. 

We headed home after breakfast on Wednesday but not until the boys got Corvette rides! 

Thanks for letting us celebrate with you, Grandpa!