Love this research about play!

Just caught this clip from this morning's edition of the Today Show...It's a must see...Less really is more...

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26421059#26421059

1st Day of 1st Grade...

The BIG day arrived! We've entered 1st grade public elementary school...All in all I think it was a good day. Ethan talked my ear off for an hour after walking home. The highlights for him were P.E., playing on some sort of play equipment they brought in just for the day, having the responsibility to 'care' for the lunch boxes when necessary and asking his desk neighbor (Jack) to be his friend and that he accepted :)
The worst part of the day happened at recess...It seemed he looked around and could no longer see his class or teacher. Thankfully a Kindergarten teacher saw him in tears and took him by the hand back to his class. Not something I want to hear about...my critical self couldn't help but wonder why Ms. Hubbs didn't assign buddies to everyone?? And doesn't she remember that this is all new to him and should be treating him with extra care? (a little tongue and cheek on that last one) Lots of boys in the class - 16 out of 22. So...I'm looking forward to getting to know Ms. Hubbs along with the other kids in his class. Some PTO volunteering will be in my future...
A couple of highlights for me today...First, Ethan just seemed like he was blindly ready for it all, so mature. Second, it occurred to me that my faith will be stretched and challenged far more than if I were homeschooling in the comforts of our four walls. I still and will always recognize the advantages/perks of homeschooling but this is not one. It's that releasing and trusting my child to others that will draw me closer to God in providing me the needed comfort and peace. I've already been on my knees more in prayer and it's only the first day! Lastly, Ethan came out of his classroom with a smile...

Lincoln Art and Balloon Fest

As part of celebrating my Mom's birthday, we all headed to the balloon fest on Saturday night. It was a little iffy at first whether or not the balloons would lift 'off' due to some rain clouds and wind. After 6:30 though, all was clear and calm. It's amazing that the general public is allowed to be up close and personal with the balloons and pilots. Most bring their lawn chairs and sit in the distance to watch, but we all loved walking around in the midst of it all. So fun!

A big week...

This past week has been jam packed with activities...Nolan turned 4 on the 19th, so we celebrated 'Wall E' style. Wall E shoes, Wall E cake with Wall E decorations! All cute just like he is :) One of the cutest things he said (there's many but this is my favorite) was on the morning of his birthday...after giving him a good morning hug, I reminded him that he was now 4 years old. He grinned and slowly looked down towards his feet and after a few seconds slowly looked up and said "I don't look like I'm four." ...I guess he somehow had it in his head that on your birthday you have a growth spurt of some sort. So the days were followed with playing hours on end with his new Lego people set and transformers (throw in some good army dress up time, too).
Next...We took Ethan out on Friday morning to Panera Bread for a sort of 'Last Breakfast' out before school started on Monday. He just seems so at peace with going to first grade...it goes without saying that comforts me. The fears are creeping up on me in my own head...Will his teacher accept and connect with him? Will he be right there with the 'rest' academically after a year of homeschooling? Will his teacher think outside the 'box'? Will he eat his lunch? And the list goes on...

A great book to challenge your faith...

Looking for a good book to read? Put this one on your list...You'll chuckle, cry, be challenged to walk the talk, and get a glimpse of true unconditional love. It brings to the surface, "What do you want to be remembered for?" So...not exactly a light read, but truly inspirational.

A couple of cards...

These were both created using the NEW Close to My Heart Fall/Winter paper and September stamp of the month set (Treasure Life). Just a little eye candy for ya...

Dirtbike roots being passed down...

Ethan just got his first dirtbike on Saturday...After months of watching for one on Ebay and Craiglist, Josh found one near St. Louis that was available and at the right price. It was a total surprise to Ethan. As we pulled into the owner's driveway, the lil honda was just off to the side waiting for us and Ethan's eyes got really BIG.
After arriving home, Josh pulled it around back to give Ethan his first lesson. Having not really thought too much about getting one,etc...I wasn't expecting to be moved by the father son(s) dirtbike riding session, but I was. Josh was so very patient in teaching Ethan about where and what all the parts were on the bike and how to lean side to side. Ethan was a little intimidated at first and Josh was so good at calming his fears and bringing out a smile. I kinda stepped outside of myself and reveled in watching the two of them interact...seeing the joy/peace in Josh as he was sharing his knowledge of riding a dirtbike and watching Ethan's apprehension turn into trust and excitement...understanding, for a moment, how the 'wild side' of a boy's/man's heart needs to be fed...
And then I came back to reality and my thoughts went to wondering how many ER visits we'll have in our future...Mothers of boys surely have more gray hair?!