the first day of school- first grade

As impossible as it is to believe, John Mark started first grade on Friday.  He's at a new school this year, but in typical John Mark fashion- he wasn't phased by it.  To quote my friend Jamie- "that kid could make friends with a tree stump."

Thursday night, we said prayers for the first day of school, discussed making good choices (aka, STOP TALKING ha!) and turned out the lights extra early.  Friday morning he bounced right out of bed, excited to meet his new friends.  After a yummy breakfast, we were off to the new school.

We  walked into his classroom, dropped off his supplies and found his desk.  I talked with his teacher while he walked around and checked out his new classroom.

At this point in the morning, he was ready for me to go.  He wanted to go play with his new friends and do it on his own.  We gave him one last hug and walked out the door.  I stood in the hallway and watched him play for a few minutes.  He was putting together a puzzle and talking nonstop to the kid next to him. 

Lucy moped around the house for most of the day.  I think she was sad to have her bubba gone after a fun summer of playing with her all day.  She was very excited when we picked him up. 

His first day of school report- "Great!"  His favorite part- "everything!"  I'll take that as a successful first day of first grade.

John Mark- 6 years

*I wrote this on his actual birthday, but am just getting around to uploading pictures/blogging it...*

Dear John Mark-

Today you are six years old.  Words cannot begin to sum up just how much I love you... how much joy and life you breathe into my heart everyday.  It seems like yesterday you were a little bundle, wrapped up in my arms for the very first time.  And now here you stand, a running, swimming, reading big BOY.

When I was pregnant with you, I remember praying many things for you... asking God to make you healthy and strong... praying for Him to draw you to Himself.  One specific prayer I remember praying that I see played out in your life everyday was a prayer for kindness. 

Once we saw just how BIG of a guy you were destined to be, my heart always cried out for you to be kind and gentle.  OH how the Lord has answered that prayer.  Your heart is so tender and you genuinely love the people in your life so purely it takes my breath away.  Whether you're leading your younger cousins around, helping a random toddler up the slide at Chick Fil-A or chasing one of the teenagers you love so dearly, your heart is ENORMOUS.  Now, I'm not saying you are perfect.  We have our fair share of battles on any given day.  But I am so very proud of the gentle, loving heart that the Lord has given to you. 

I love that you are so easy-going and laid back.  You weathered a huge battering of change and hurts over the past two years, and somehow you came out just fine.  I pray that the truths you heard from us, the actions from those around you, will continue to draw you to a relationship with the Lord.  That is my prayer everyday.

You love your little sister more than I could ever put into words.  In fact, the thing you get in trouble for most frequently is picking her up, hugging her, kissing her, standing her up... basically smothering her with your love.  You told us the other night that you will always protect her and keep her safe.  You love to read her books and hold her in your lap- both of which are more difficult now that she's on the move.

In the past year you learned to read like a little champ.  Seriously, something totally clicked and you took off with reading faster than I ever expected.  You flew through the summer reading challenge at the library this summer, then read 20 books to earn the Star Wars Operation game you had been begging for.  Your daddy and I both love reading, so I hope that we are able to pass along a love for books to you.

You're into Star Wars (you've actually seen the movies/played the xbox game now), Legos, Super Heros, Mario, swimming, and PBSKids.org (that's what you call it whenever you ask to play...).  You love to eat snacks, but eat so many that you fill up before supper.  Your favorites are yogurt, applesauce, wheat thins, cheetos and string cheese.  The one supper you ask for over and over is Cheesy Broccoli Chicken.  I think you would eat that everyday.

You are still a giant- wearing a size 8 slim in jeans, 6-7 in shirts and size 3 shoe.  Last time I weighed you, you were 56 pounds.  I know you've shot up over the past few weeks, so I don't know how tall you are.

I love you more than words, and am so thankful everyday that God picked me to be your mommy.  I hope you never, ever forget how much you are loved- by me, your daddy, Lulu and the rest of our family and friends.  You're a light and a blessing to everyone around you.  Happy birthday, buddy bear.

Love you forever-
Mommy