First Day of School

It's hard to believe, but tomorrow is my first day back at school! It has been an incredible summer, and I've felt so blessed to be able to stay at home with Cooper for at least a quarter of the year. I'm returning to teaching kindergarten (which I'm thrilled about!) at a different school in The Woodlands. The school zones were re-drawn this spring and I was chosen to transfer to Galatas Elementary School, which is less than 5 minutes from my parents' home and 10 minutes from Coop's school. I'm looking forward to getting settled on my team and in my classroom.

The kids come tomorrow! I have 20 adorable five year olds in my class (including 13 boys - WOW!) and Monday is literally their first day of school - ever! I imagine there will be a few tears (probably mostly from the moms...) and I'm already praying that God would give me an extra measure of kindness and patience on Monday. Would you join me in praying for my school year?

Please pray:

* For each student that has been assigned to my class, including the ones that are hurting, missing home, and feel lonely.

*For my attitude to be Christ-like and my words be filled with grace. I have a huge responsibility to share Jesus with my students and co-workers through my words and actions.

*For Cooper as our routine changes and he spends more time at pre-school. Please pray that our time together would be sweet and that I would have patience and energy from the Lord to love on Cooper even after a long day of work!

Rain, Rain, Time to Play!

We've had a pattern of stormy and rainy afternoons this summer in Houston. It has been almost too much to ask a 3 year old boy to just watch all that rain and mud from inside the house - so I decided it wouldn't hurt to play a little! : )

The first thing out of his mouth when we got outside (other than a squeal of delight!) was, "Mmm, water! I'm thirsty!"

You can almost hear those joyful squeals in this picture!

"Uh oh - Funder!" (thunder)

What a happy boy! I wouldn't have imagined Cooper's joy in running in the rain. I guess it's the little moments that he'll treasure as childhood memories!

Sweet Owen B

While Owen and Sarabeth were here visiting, I couldn't resist taking a few (okay, a hundred) photos of such a precious little boy. His blue eyes are penetrating and his sweet smile will just melt your heart! Here are a few of my favorite shots:

Thank you, Owen, for letting me take your picture! Your life is so precious and you are an everyday reminder to your parents of God's goodness. I pray that the Lord would do great things in you and through you as you grow up. I love you!