School Daze

Jonathan and Aaron attend one of the best schools in our state and are learning lots. Their teachers keep them engaged in fun, yet educational, learning activities, and provide an environment where parents are strongly encouraged to be a significant part of students' experiences. Though the school is not a Christian school, Christian values and morals provide the background for the leadership and faculty. We feel very blessed for our kiddos to go to this school, and we even enjoy supporting and participating in many of its activities.

The following pictures are from Jonathan's Valentine's/Grandparents' Program. We also took video, but I'm trying to figure out how to shorten to just the highlights of the production.

Earlier this year, Aaron's class took a field trip to the Children's Museum of Memphis; and Jeff captured some of the fun on camera.

And today, Aaron's class had another field trip to the Memphis Zoo; so Jeff and I tagged along with Levi and Caleb in tow. After the first hour, the bottom fell out of the sky; and down came the rain. Before the flood, we saw lots of the zoo and had a great time with Aaron's friends we were assigned to chaperon, Jerryun and Adam.

Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun!

It's been almost 2 months since we've updated our blog, and so much has happened since then! We've celebrated Thanksgiving, my 28th birthday, Nana's 50th birthday, Jeff's 29th birthday, and Christmas. With all this going on, we've attended numerous parties and parades, baked dozens of cookies, and travelled thousands of miles. Hopefully soon, this blog will be completely up-to-date with all our new pictures and stories of our many, many exciting adventures.
Here are just a few random pictures of where we've been and what we've been up to . . .

While back in our hometown for Thanksgiving, we were able to join with Jeff's brothers and sisters to throw a surprise 50th birthday bash for Nana. All the grandkids-12 last time I counted-had fun gathering around the table and helping blow out the candles.


The week after we returned home, it was my turn to have a celebration. The boys took me to Spaghetti Warehouse in Memphis; and after dinner, we dug into a huge brownie topped with ice cream, of course! As you can see in the picture, Jonathan, Aaron, and Caleb were enjoying the finger-lickin' yummy dessert!

As soon as all these birthdays rolled by, it was time to start preparing for Christmas. What better way to get ready for Christmas than to meet some of our favorite wintery friends. Caleb's school was fortunate enough to get a visit from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. To top this off, the kids boarded a winter train and took a short ride to a petting zoo full of live animals. They thought this was so much fun and weren't quite ready to end their day, although hot chocolate and cookies were waiting inside for them!

Caleb's class wasn't the only one gearing up for Christmas. Aaron and his buddies from school had activities every week it seemed. We made a stocking at home to hang on the fireplace in the hall at school. His class also made ornaments and painted Christmas t-shirts to wear for their party. Many other moms and I volunteered to help with painting so I was able to capture the moment on camera. Aaron loves for me to come to his school to help, and I love to be such a huge part of his Kindergarten experience! So it works out well.

Jonathan's class didn't get to play quite as much as the other two. He's in second grade, and they have a little more work to do; so I don't have any pictures of him at school. He did, however, have a Christmas party; but, much to my utter disappointment, the camera's battery was dead when we got ready to snap some pictures.

I hope these pictures will suffice for now until I can get the time to post again soon! Keep checking back for more Christmas pictures and for our vacation pictures.

Down on the Farm. . .Again!

Caleb's class took a field trip to the farm last week, so he and I were able to experience the excitement again. Here are a few pictures of Caleb on his first school trip!

Ol' MacAaron Had a Farm

A few weeks ago, Aaron's class learned about farms. To end the unit with pizazz, they had a big farm breakfast. They feasted on eggs, biscuits, bacon, and sausage. And if that doesn't sound fun enough, they all dressed up like little farmers. I took a couple of pictures of Farmer Aaron.

Walkin', Talkin' B-I-B-L-E

It's been 2 weeks since Caleb started pre-school, and he is making us so proud. Everyday, he comes home with a sticker for the day, which means he hasn't gotten his name on the board. He's coloring, writing, painting, singing, and learning scripture at school. Each week, he recites a verse and is rewarded with a "treasure" from the treasure box. He already knows 2 verses by heart, so we thought we would let him share them with you. Hope you enjoy!

Off to School

It was a sad day this morning. No, not for Caleb, but for me. I have to confess, I teared up a little as I dropped him off at the door of a new beginning of the next 14 years of his life. On the way to his very first day of preschool, he kept asking what it was going to be like, what he was going to do, and what they would eat for snack. I kept assuring him that he was going to make new friends, learn lots of new things, and eat yummy snacks that he would love.

Little did he know that deep down inside, I was probably way more nervous than he was about this new adventure he gets to be a part of. Maybe it's because he's my baby and now all 3 of my boys are in school. I've always known that this day would surely come, but so soon?!?!

Anyway, I guess the butterflies in his tummy flew away; because as soon as I pulled up at the door and the teacher let him out of the car, he bounced right out and into the school without even turning around to flash me a smile or wave goodbye. So, I had to drive off, leaving my baby in the care of his teacher, just hoping she would help to instill a love for school and learning in him. Well, Mrs. Lester definitely did her job on the first day. Caleb came home beaming with stories of some of the fun he had at school, but "forgot" a lot of what his first day held. Now we're looking forward to many, many more stories as he progresses through the year; and hopefully, they'll be as positive as his first day!

I hope you liked the pictures. Caleb insisted on taking a picture of him turned around so you could get a good look at his new backpack that he's so proud of. We call him "Turtle" because it looks like he's wearing a turtle shell on his back!

Back to School Update

Jeff, Caleb, and I visited Jonathan and Aaron for lunch at school the last two Friday's. We've decided to try and make this a regular thing. I took a couple of pictures of the cuties eating and thought this would be an excellent opportunity to brag about them a little.

Aaron is absolutely loving Kindergarten. He has told us he's made 4 friends. One of his best buddies is Lucas, who is sitting beside him in the picture. His class has been learning how to write the letters "C" and "S," and I must say, Aaron has beautiful handwriting. His teacher always writes "Nice Work" on his papers, and he is excited to make her so proud. He has learned several new songs, which he enjoys singing to us at home. He's even teaching Caleb! Aaron's also reading a few words already. He takes much pride in the work he does, and wants to keep everything; so I guess it's time to stock up on scotch tape and make room on the walls to hang up his brilliant masterpieces!

Jonathan feels grown up in Second Grade, but is learning that it's not quite all it's cracked up to be. He was excited at first about bringing school books home and doing homework. After a week of the full experience, he's decided that "homework just wastes his time when he could be playing." As much as he's despising homework, he's amazing us with his genius brain. Last year, he was referred to the "intellectually gifted" program at school by his teacher. After several preliminary tests throughout the year, we were just informed last week that he was accepted. He far surpassed the necessary score to be eligible. His score actually falls within the range of scores designated as SUPERIOR and exceeds the performance of 97% of kids his age. WOW! Jonathan is looking forward to starting the SPOTLIGHT program in a few weeks, and we are so proud of him!

This next week holds a lot in store for Caleb. He'll be starting Preschool at a little church, and attending only half a day everyday. We think this will be a great opportunity for him to make his own friends. He's been moping around a little since both of his brothers started school. We'll post later about his first week. In the meantime, be praying for him, us, and his teacher (and her sanity!), as we enter this new stage in his life.

I could go on and on about these guys, but mostly anyone who knows them understands how special they are. So enjoy the few pictures and stay tuned for more stories, because our lives are about to get even busier.

1st Day of School

Last Friday, we visited Jonathan and Aaron's school for Back to School Nite. We looked at their classrooms and met both of their teachers. The boys were excited to start Monday morning, while Caleb and I were left feeling a little empty inside! They have had a really fantastic week and are both enjoying meeting new friends and learning new things. We are so extremely proud to have such brilliant little guys!

Back to School Nite

First Day of Kindergarten and 2nd Grade!

Notice, they are sporting their Louisiana pride!