Friday, September 10, 2010

My Baby's in Kindergarten!

She started school this morning,
And she seemed so very small
As I walked there beside her
In the Kindergarten hall.


And as she took her place beside
The others in her class
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as
She first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When she began to talk.


This little girl so much absorbed
In learning how to write.
It seems as though she must have grown
To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar her first big day.


Oh how I longed to stay with her
And keep her by the hand
To lead her through the places
That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew she would no longer be
A baby by my side.


But she must have her chance to live
To work her problems out
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl
With friends and work and play;
She's not a baby anymore -
She's in Kindergarten today!



-Author Unknown

Faith = 3rd Grader

I don't know when it happened. Faith is all grown up!

In some ways is seems like just yesterday I had a chunky little sticky-uppy-haired baby girl . . . and all of a sudden I have an "upper elementary" kid. Unbelievable!

Last week Faith started her journey as one of the "big kids" on the DSC Elementary Campus. I can't believe I have a 3rd grader!

The big deal about being a 3rd grader is that you get a locker! Faith was very excited about this and spent lots of time crafting her own magnets to go in it!

Here's her crazy class! I'll be praying extra hard for their teacher this year!

Faith and her teacher, Mrs. Woltjer

We are so grateful for DCS, for the community of Christian teachers, parapros, parents and kids that are partnering with Mike and me in raising our beautiful girls!

I pray that God will bless you richly this year, Faith. I pray that you will mature in your faith, work hard at "loving your neighbor" and being a good friend, grow more confident in who God made you to be, discover your gifts and have a blast doing it!

I love you, Faith! Here's to a great 3rd grade year!

Thursday, September 09, 2010

Summer Continued

As summer came to a close, we squeezed in as much summer fun as we could . . . including LOTS of time on the slip-n-slide!

One night in particular, I had my nephews, Blake and Jared over to play. The kids got really creative and weeded out the sleds from the barn attic to play with on the slip-n-slide. I figured I should document that the sleds were used in the summer too, cuz all too soon it will be winter! Ugh!

Jared trying out summer sledding

Lucy didn't want to be left out!

Action shot of Faith biffing

My crazy daughter!

Three crazy kids!

Did I mention that these kids are crazy?

Blake - making sure the slip-n-slide stayed wet

4 cousins having a ball!

Another thing I squeezed in before the close of summer was the "promised" playdate! I can't believe it took me to the end of August to have the girls invite a friend over to play . . . but it did! Unfortunately, the day we picked was a rainy one, so instead of playing at our house, I took the girls and their friends to the Grand Rapids Museum.

Faith, Kayla, Bella and Natalie

Faith and Kayla

Bella and Natalie






Who needs school when you can take your own class trips?