Faith

Faith~Noun; Defined as:

1. A: allegiance to duty or a person: Loyalty b(1): fidelity to one’s promises (2): sincerity of intentions
2. A (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b(1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust
3. Something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially: a system of religious beliefs.

Faith is what I told Brad Monday night I needed to have. Faith that we have done what we needed to do, as parents, to give our children a strong foundation to stand on as they get older and gain more independence, and we as parents lose a little control. These are some of the things I am realizing as Kaylee heads to Kindergarten.

Montessori is a familiar environment for me. Generally any time of the day I can look at my watch and know what they are doing. If I need find out something, have a question, want to check in, whatever I could just text her teachers. Now the game has changed. Now I don't really know what they are doing when I look at my watch, I can guesstimate based on time of day, but it's not the same. I can't just text her teacher. I can call the school or even email her teacher but again, it's not the same.

I do like Kaylee's teacher. I think she will be a wonderful Kindergarten teacher and a tough act to follow for Kaylee's first grade teacher next year. However I don't know what happens if someone hurt's Kaylee's feelings? If someone leaves her out, picks on her on the bus or doesn't play with her on the playground. I know all of those things will happen eventually. Maybe not in Kindergarten, but eventually they will. Eventually she will have friends that I don't like or think are good influences. Eventually Kaylee will make choices that I don't like. It's part of growing-up.

So I have to have Faith that Brad and I have instilled values in her that will help her in these situations and will help her in the choices she makes. I remember those times when I was a kid and was picked on or just felt alone. I have to have Faith that in those times she knows she is not alone.

Brad and I don't necessarily see eye to eye on Faith or it's importance, but for me, while challenging to always have Faith, it helps. I know there is a plan that was set for her and I have Faith in that plan. I will continue to have Faith that Brad and I, as parents, will continue to do our best and giving her the tools she needs to be successful.

All these thoughts continued to go through my mind this morning as I watched her get on the bus, for the first time (not only on the bus but in any veichle not driven by a family member), and not riding with any family member.

But I had Faith and will continue to have it a pray for strength and guidance as the journey down these roads continue. God IS good!

More School Days!

Today, Ainsley was on her way to Montessori! She was so excited! For the past several weeks she has been saying "My Montessori". I have to say that transitioning from her baby sitter to Montessori was hard. Karen started watching Kaylee when she was 5 1/2 months old and started watching Ainsley when she was 7 weeks old. She has been a part of our family for 5 years! She took such wonderful care of our children and I know we can never fully repay her for that. She was such a blessing to us!! She and Ainsley especially had a close bond. Friday was a hard pick-up, as we knew it would be our last. Needless to say there were many tears shed between Karen and I. However we will definitely stay in touch with her and visit.

Ainsley was up and ready to go this morning and ready to head out for her "First Day" photos.

This is pretty typical of Ainsley. She is very much a "class clown"!

Ainsley in front of Montessori, ready to get inside!

Not before a quick picture of her and Daddy!

I was teary leaving Montessori. I can remember working there and being pregnant with her, and Kaylee. I remember Kaylee's first day at Montessori like it was yesterday, and here we are with Ainsley. She is very ready for this new journey and I'm excited to watch her. While I have been a teacher at Montessori being a parent of a Montessori student was a different experience. I know Ainsley's Montessori days will be different too because she is different than Kaylee. I am excited she will be in Kaylee's old room with the teacher's Kaylee had. However one of the very fortunate things about Montessori is having worked there and really feeling comfortable with all the teachers as I worked with most of them and we are still friends.

So my new job title as Kindergarten and Preschool Mom has officially taken over. I couldn't be more proud to be called that!

The time has come...

The first day of school got here in a flash! Kaylee has been anxiously awaiting this day since March when we went to preview. I have been trying to avoid this day since May 17th, 2005 when she was born. Don't get me wrong when she was born I would wonder what she would be like at different ages, however the whole actually seeing that has come much to quickly thus far!

We have been gearing up for this day for some time. Mostly me mentally preparing myself and Brad wondering exactly when the breakdown would take place. I knew the first day would be a bit easier as it's only an hour and we got to go with her. She picked her outfit out the night before and we were ready.

Everyone was up and ready to go on Monday and we had plenty of time for some photos.

Ainsley was going to hang out with Paw-Paw while we took Kaylee to school. However she wasn't going to let that stop her from being a part of the photos.

Me and my girls! It's hard to believe that the time as come for these "Firsts". Weren't we just doing first words, first haircut, etc?

We took Kaylee to school and everyone gathered in the gym and Mrs. Jennsen the principal opened the year. We then went into her class and put her supplies away and the kids got to have some free time. Kaylee knew one student prior to school but she quickly made some new friends. Mrs. Lancaster gave us some information and answered questions. I have to say I have heard wonderful things about her. She seems SO laid back and warm. After we were dismissed we told Mrs. Lancaster good-bye and took a quick photo (I think Kaylee was quite annoyed with my photos at this point but she was a good sport about it).

After school we went home and got Ainsley and then went into town. Kaylee picked Steak-n-Shake for lunch. We played at the park and then last night for her special dinner she chose salmon, couscous and salad (this is one of the ways she is most like her Dad), and we had some DQ for dessert.

She was pumped to go back the today. I'm so excited for her. I know she is going to do great things in this world!!!

Twas...

Twas the night before the school year and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The children were nestled, all snug in their bed, while visions of school and new friends danced in their heads.
Their school bags were hung by the door with care. Everything was ready to start the school year.

Their Daddy was excited for them and for him. As now he had only one weekly fee to pay, rather than the two that for the past 3 years had been given each Monday.

Their Mommy was excited but a little sad too. As her two babies were moving on to bigger things. Kindergarten and preschool were their new places, while she saw them now, she remembered their baby faces.

Kaylee

Ainsley

How did this day come so quickly? So fast? Where had the time go? How could their infant days be so far in the past?

She knew they were ready so excited and filled with joy! All the new things they would learn and concepts to explore. The new friends they would make and new stories to tell. Things were sure to go well.

Mommy knew that it was her who was now taking the baby steps. Slowly letting go, a little more the bigger they would get. The Mommy also knew no matter how big they got they would always be her babies and she would always hold them near.

So tomorrow will come and new adventures will begin. She will shed a few tears after she has said good-bye, but also smile because this is far from the end!

When we work together....

What one person does on their own may be small or unnoticed. When a person bans together with 179 others what an impact it can make.

It can cause a fire truck to wait for you and lead you into town with its lights flashing and sirens blaring.
It can cause people to stop and look and even come out with signs, water, fruit and lots of cheers.

It can create a place for people to come and rest and replenish energy to continue their quest. A place that is technically a strangers home with the exception of the first Saturday in August when this generous woman, and her neighbors, have opened their homes and prepared food for this growing group over the past 25 years.

It can bring an awareness to children, starting with their parents, of why it is important to help others and what great things can be done when lots of people have the same goal.

It can bring extended family and generations together such as a mom, cousins and second-cousins, to all contribute their time, energy and talents to aide in reaching a goal.

When we work together we can achieve great things, like running 56 miles and raising $250,000, for the 25th anniversary of the run, for St. Jude.

Thank you to all of you in joined with us in your thoughts, prayers, time and/or donations. You were a big part of this group too!

Tomorrow's the BIG day!

We have been preparing for this since last year's run was over. That's right the Bloomington-Normal to Peoria St. Jude Run. The weather has been so much warmer and humid this summer and has made training much more challenging, at least for me. Brad always seems to have an easier time pushing through. I'm sure it's due to his mental toughness being much greater than mine. Our goal, as the Bloomington-Normal Team, this year is to rains $250,000!!! If we achieve this it will be such an amazing gift to give St. Jude. I know from our fund-raising first hand how many incredibly generous people are out there! To those of you that have supported us with your generous donations thank you! Many of you have given every year and it's so appreciated. Each year when we compose our letter and get ready to send it out I think here we go again, but every year you come through! Every little bit we can do makes such a huge difference in a family's life.

Why the passion for St. Jude? I say, "Why not?" The things that St. Jude does to help families whose children have had or have cancer are amazing! The St. Jude children are truly inspiring. Each year when we start the build-up for the telethon I'm touched by all of these children and their families. Their strength, faith and courage are unbreakable. I can't even fathom being in their shoes. Every day I feel blessed to have 2 amazing, and healthy, daughters! I always say St. Jude is the greatest place that you never want to have to check into. In this me,me,me-my,my,my society that has been overtaken by sensationalism journalism, athletes/celebrities, that are far over paid, and all the "Woe is me...." attitudes it's nice to have some focus on things that are inspiring and important. This cause matters and these kids matter! Thanks to all of you who have supported us with your prayers, kind words/thoughts and donations you are helping us fight childhood cancer and support a place that is able to help these families like no one else can.

Tune in to WEEK on Saturday and check out the telethon! Will be on sometime Saturday night presenting our check.

Thanks again!