Christian Starts Kindergarten

It had finally ARRIVED!!!  The day he was waiting for with every ounce of his being. . .his first day of school.  The excitement was contagious to say the least.  He had been talking of this day for a year now and he was so excited.  He almost jumped out of his bed when he woke up that morning.  Ava was not quite as excited but she wasn't upset either.  We started the day cuddling with mommy in Ava's bedroom. I think this meant a whole lot more to my heart than to theirs but it was a special moment to all of us. We also have a picture below of Pappy the night before when he came to wish Christian luck as he went to school.  Pappy couldn't come the day of because he was taking his kids on the bus to school.

We had laid our clothes out the night before. .. outfits they had helped to pick out for themselves.  We knew what we were having for Breakfast because daddy had taken off work to see Christian get on the bus on his first day of school, so he of course spoiled us and made some awesome yummy pancakes.  We got dressed, ate and brushed our teeth and out the door we went for mommy's famous photo shoot.  Grandma came to see the kids get on the bus too, so she was snapping pictures too and some of the pictures were form our friend Beth.  We took pictures of everyone and then headed to the bus stop.  :)

 

 

We were more excited this year because even though he was our baby and he was going to school, we were excited that he was excited.  He couldn't wait till the time came and it was here.  His excitement seemed to help his big sister along a little too.  I have to say, daddy and I both felt that this year was easier than last year.  The kids were so happy to see Meaghan and their new neighbor and friend Ryah.  :)  Before long, the bus came and the best picture is when the bus is pulling up and it came to a stop.  Before the doors were even open the whole way, Christian was stepping on the bus.  HE WAS ON CLOUD NINE!!!! 

 

The goodbyes were short and sweet and then as they pulled off and waved the entire time until they were out of sight, Micah grabbed me and gave me a big hug.  He said, "well, honey. . .you ready to celebrate your retirement?"  I love that man and his heart for always knowing how to make me feel better.  Then he took me on a date and we spent the day waiting for our two little Huskies to come home and fill us in on their big day!

 

Answered Prayer That was NEVER Prayed

With Ava's Anxiety last year, there were many hard days for her as she got on that bus everyday. She cried, and in turn I cried.  Her daddy even had hard days watching her have to face something she was so anxious about. I understood her anxiety because I too struggled with hating having to go to school when I was a little girl. I can remember the yucky feeling in my stomach.  I remember crying silently on the bus as I was leaving my mom and heading off to a place I just didn't want to be. I always liked my teachers and Ava liked her teacher last year, but it didn't take away the pain and frustration of the just simply not wanting to be there.  School is out of her comfort zone, just like mine.  She hated leaving us in the morning and would worry about what she was missing out on while she was gone.  Now, I know this year was much easier on her since Christian would be along with her, and she had someone to "BE WITH" at school.  She had a purpose!  I had actually requested Christian to get Ava's teacher from the year before because I loved her and knew she would be great with Christian, but I knew nothing about the first grade teachers and I knew nothing about who to ask for her to have, so I left it in God's hands.  The night of Ava's open house, I was amazed at what we found.  We found out who her teacher was and as we were walking to her room, Ava noticed it was close to her classroom last year.  When we arrived at her room, she was overjoyed to see it was the room directly across from Mrs. Boward's room that she was in last year!!! She was soooooooooooooo excited and the relief on her face brought tears to my eyes. 

Was this a little thing that we were making a big deal out of or was this a huge GOD THING?  Let me share what I saw this as. . . . a way that God was showing ME he cared about my kids and HE was in control, NOT ME!!!  The reasons are as follows:

1.) Ava wanted to walk Christian to his class everyday so she could say hi to Mrs. Boward and because she wanted him to "not be scared" :)  This would have been difficult for her to do depending on where the classrooms were located in this rather large elementary school.  But now, she stops in EVERY day to see her Mrs. Boward and to drop off her brother. :)

2.) Ava's anxiety needed to be put behind itself to have a purpose and Christian is her purpose.  However, he doesn't realize this, but every time she is leaving her classroom and sees him and he waves at her and smiles at her or runs over to hug her (even when that is not allowed) it makes her feel special and loved and though she may not admit it, she LOVES and NEEDS his acceptance and encouragement.  Being directly across from each other, they run into each other more often than not throughout the day.

3.) I knew enough to know I could have a little say in who Christian got as a teacher, but I was ignorant about what to expect in the next grade, so I had no idea who to request.  Then, the night of open house, I walk in to meet her teacher and here it is the lady I ran into last year at Field Day and we struck up a conversation and had talked for about 15 minutes. I didn't even know that day what grade she taught or anything. I would have requested her that year if I had known but I didn't even catch her name that day last spring.  However, when I walked in and she recognized me and I recognized her, again, Ava's eyes lit up.  She even ran over and hugged Mrs. Brubaker. 

 

I could go on and on but the main point I am trying to say is, GOD knew all of this and knew what my kids needed more than I did.  He masterfully planned out this LITTLE DETAIL and made it happen for Ava, for Christian and for daddy and myself.  Micah and I walked away realizing one major thing.  I could have tried to orchestrate all of this, but it would have taken a lot of time and caused more stress and who knows if it would have worked out or not.  But When God wants something done, it happens and NO STRESS on my part.  And if HE cares about my kids that much as to work out these Kindergarten and First Grade issues, then someday when things are hard in their lives, I know to remember this moment and trust He is working on their behalf.  Then I need to leave it at that and thank HIM for being GOD and knowing what it Best!!!!

Back to School Parties

 Back to school festivities begin, as we celebrate the fact that the kids are excited about school.  Last year was our first year to go to Red Robin with the Hunsberger side of the family as Reece and Ava started Kindergarten.  Then we decided to make it an annual event.  Now this year, Christian starts Kindergarten and he is so excited.  We had to go and get his book bag and lunch box and of course Ava had to get new ones too.  Sofia wants so badly to be a big kid going to school too.  I love the one group picture on the bench as the kids are each showing their own little personalities in true form.  :)

Margaret and Harry usually have a back to school party every year, but this year has been a bit busy and crazy, so we couldn't get it together.  However, Grandma did manage to take a few of the kids shopping to pick out the items they wanted for back to school.  Ava got her lunch box and Christian got many tissues, so he won't have to pick his nose. ;)  We will see if it helps. :)  Then we had a small pizza party and lured all the grand kids to Grandma and Pappy's house for our annual picture on Pappy's Bus. 

Christian's Kindergarten Open House

Wow, what a crazy day this was.  The date was on August 21st and we were looking forward to this much anticipated day for a long time now.  Christian particularly was counting down the days, though he lost count often and so we ended up helping him count the days down over and over again. In fact, one thing I will never forget is the same question he asked me every night before bed, for months on end, "am I going to school tomorrow mommy?"  No Christian, not for such and such days. :)  The excitement was a bit contagious I have to admit.
  Anyway, so we were supposed to be to the school by 6:00 that evening so we could see the school, and meet his teacher and the kids that were to be in his class.  He ended up having lots of friends in his class this year so that worked out really great for all of us.  When we got there, he was so excited to see his name on the list under Mrs. Boward's class.  Ava had Mrs. Boward last year, so of course, he HAD to get her for his teacher.  When the kids saw Mrs. Boward, Ava and Christian both ran up and gave her HUGE hugs to say hi.  She handled it well, considering there were numerous kids around her and she had these two munchkins distracting her. :)  I am not sure if teachers are even allowed to give their kids a hug anymore, because of stupid rules, but they didn't really give her a choice. :)
The first part was of course the cafeteria and learning where to go through the line to get lunch and where to come out the other end.  They each get a number they carry for their entire school years, even through high school,  and they have to remember it so they can get lunches at school.  This was a great part to the kindergartners since they get a little fruit snack at the end of the cafeteria line as a treat for orientation.  Then they all get to sit down QUIETLY ;) at the cafeteria tables for a minute or two while they are given some rules and instructions.  Mrs. Boward also handed out the name tags for them so they would be able to get to their class in the mornings when they get off the bus.  Christian was excited because he remembered Ava having her name tag last year and he wanted one so bad.

After the cafeteria rules it was time to head off to the classroom.  Ava of course, was more than happy to lead Christian right where he was going.  Actually, though slightly annoying at times, Ava was so helpful and motherly that she informed Christian of EVERYTHING he needed to know before it was ever addressed by the teacher.  She showed him where the class was, where the bathroom was, where he should hang his book bag and where his desk was.  She told him what to do in the cafeteria line and you name it she told him or showed him.  She was being really helpful and we thought he did well just listening and soaking up her attention. :)  She was so happy that she could be of such assistance to these kids that had NO IDEA what to expect. :)  I do believe she has a massively direct calling on her life to be a teacher or mentor of some sort.  Below are some pictures of him at his desk and with his friend Anna at the cubbies for their bags.

And finally Mrs. Boward ended the night with a cute poem and bag of treats for each kid to take along home with them and a few words to encourage them to come ready to learn on Monday. :)

Ava's First Grade Open House

Mrs. Brubaker happens to be the teacher Ava was placed with this year.  When we walked in the room, Ava was excited because Mrs. Brubaker knew her name when she first saw her.  She was also excited that there were a few kids from her kindergarten class last year in her class this year.  Trevor, her little buddy, being one of them. :)  Ava was much more confidant this year getting ready to go into school, but before we showed up for her open house, she was a little nervous.  Once she met her new teacher, she was really excited.  :)  It seems she is a big one that hates change and the unknown.  Open house helped to take care of her first day jitters.   Below is she is checking out her desk with her daddy.

 

Movie Date with My Buddy

 I know I am constantly posting about our dates and how much fun we had, but I guess it is because of how special these moments are to me.  I love this little guy here and he makes me laugh all the time.  He loves movies and big screens and anything to do with watching T.V.  So when I suggested that last week before school started, that I wanted to take him and Ava to the movies.  He was so excited.  Ava doesn't really like the movies and so when she was offered to stay with Grandma and Pappy for an overnight stay instead, that was what she chose to do.  This left room for Christian and I to have a special movie date.  So, off we went to watch "Mega Mind" which we both loved by the way.  We each got our popcorn and drink and we laughed so hard.  He even let me hold him for some of the movie and I am pretty sure that had to do with the fact that he doesn't weigh quite enough to make that movie theater seat stay down right.  It takes quite a bit of effort on his part, so when I asked if I could hold him on my lap, he was more than happy to oblige an emotional mommy that was trying to be okay with saying goodbye to the baby of the house.  :)  We did have a fantastic time and definitely want to do another date soon.

Shopping, Pottery, & Painting with Aunty One-L

 

 The kids and I decided to head out to visit Aunty One-L to do some fun things before school starts.  The kids really wanted to hang out with Aunty One -L and I had promised a day trip there before the summer was over, so off we went.  We left in the afternoon and started on our road trip to visit Michele and Andy.  When we first got there we decided to order food "IN" that evening because the kids were a tad hyper after being cooped in the car for about two hours.  We ordered Chinese food in and then we sat and watched Bonnie Boo Boo and Toddlers in Tiaras with the kids until we all got too tired.  Then we headed up to our beds and turned in for the night, knowing we had a great busy day ahead of us the next day.  Aunty One-L had a whole lot of things planned for our day. :)
When we awoke the next day we started to the mall first  We had intentions to shop at one store as we were  searching for a dress for the rehearsal dinner and the upcoming bridal shower.  However, needless to say, with two woman shoppers and two kids shoppers we didn't all see eye to eye.  At some points we separated and one went with Aunty One-L and the other went with myself.  This did seem to work better for awhile.  Ava did really enjoy shopping for herself and she chose a dress that she bought for the rehearsal dinner and she was so proud that she carried her bag the entire time. After a few hours of shopping and looking around, we found the dress we were looking for and we were ready to head to our next adventure.  We got some pizza and then headed to downtown Annapolis for a fun filled pirate ship adventure cruise. Here we are in the parking garage before heading into the mall.  Then I have the other picture of Ava holding her new and exciting purchase in bag.

 So after our very long but successful adventure to the mall, we headed off to find more entertaining adventures for the kiddos.  We found out the pirate cruise was booked until the last one, so we had a time restraint.  Aunty One-L decided to take the kiddos and treat them to a special pottery painting store where they each picked out an item to paint and decorate.  Then you leave it there to be fired in the kiln and then pick it up a week later. This was most def. Ava's favorite part of the day!  We have not seen the finished results yet, but it was a fun experience.  Michele made a mug for her fiance and she did  a fab job.  The kids and I had our own little adventure in the bathroom and it was rather embarrassing but we survived and then left as quickly as possible.

Okay, so we had mentioned early in the morning to the kids that we may be going on a pirate ship adventure cruise.  This was ALL Christian talked about all day.  If he wasn't listening all you had to do was threaten the Pirate Cruise and he would shape up.  SO we had to take him on the cruise before the day was over or he would be crushed.  The cruise was actually so much fun, I would go again.  I wish I had known about this sort of thing when I was a teen, I would have worked on one of these things.  So much fun!

When we first arrived, the kids were already excited.  After we paid and used the bathrooms, we were to go out on the balcony and get our TATTOOS on. . which was face paint on the arm or face.  Christian got a mustache and something on his arm too. Ava got a Mermaid painted on her arm.  Then we bought them each an eye patch so they looked more the part and they used the costumes out of the big costume chest to finish dressing in the pirate attire.  After they looked the part, they were gathered over into a huddle and the leader was telling them what was about to happen. She asked them if anyone knew how to talk like a pirate. There was a huge group of kids and they were all shaking their heads no and all of a sudden you hear this loud little voice say, "YES!" in a funny deep sort of piratey voice.  Yup, it was Christian.  Michele and I got a laugh out of that one. 

Once aboard, the young pirates were informed of the rules.  Then at sea aboard their pirate ship they were given a treasure map to find their sunken treasure. A message in a bottle floated by and the children discovered that Pirate Pete, the smelliest most rotten pirate on the seven seas, was lurking nearby. He had something that our crew was told we needed.  Off the pirates went into battle with water cannons! The ships Name was Sea Gypsy and the kids did end up defeating Pirate Pete and finding the treasure and the pirates drink.  They even went over the pirate lingo and how pirates talk, they had secret pow wows and lots of heaving and hoeing.  Christian was made a guardian of one of the keys that later he found went to the sunken treasure chest.  Then they each got to grab one handful of the treasure to take home with them.  The best part was the way that Christian really thought it was all real.  They were really defeating a bad rotten pirate and they were really searching for the treasure and actually found it.  They had to put the battle flag up when they went into battle and he was right up front helping to get the flag up on the ship.  The look on his face the entire time was amazing and at one point, yup, you got it.  I got emotional.  Surprised?  I was just so moved by how real it all was to him.  He enjoyed it so much.

 

 

 And after a VERY FUN DAY of Adventures. . . .we were heading home to Chambersburg. I am pretty sure no one was happier the moment we left to head home than Bailey and Max themselves.  I think they had pretty much had their fill of hiding from the kids in the house.