32/365: Teachers

These are my oldest daughter's 5th grade teachers. In a word - amazing! 5th grade is such a year of growth and these three women helped to ease the growing pains. I truly believe that God handpicked them for that school, for that grade, for those students. They are truly called by God and serve Him by loving and pushing the students that grace their doors on a daily basis. They strive to light a fire in each child, not only for learning but for a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. They do not just teach, but they live their lives before their students and model a walk with Christ. They lift their students up in prayer, they hug them, they listen to them, they instruct them, they laugh with them, they cry with them, they ask their students for their prayers, they challenge them, they celebrate with them, the love them.

31/365: Graduation

My daughter graduated this past May. I know, it was only from elementary school, but it was a milestone in my book. Half of her grade school career was spent in elementary school. We are at the half-way point (insert look of shock here). She has spent seven years in school and in seven more years we will be seeing her walk across a stage getting her high school diploma. She is moving out of girlhood and into teen world (frightening). The dolls are not played with, the Barbies have long ago been passed down to younger sister, the Polly Pockets and Littlest Pet Shop are only looked at when she's feeling generous enough to play with her younger sister. My little girl is not so little any more. And yet, I see such an innocence in her that reminds me that she has far to go. She is still a little girl in so many ways. She still cries for me to hold her when she gets hurt (physically or emotionally). She still thinks her Daddy is the strongest, most handsome man in the world. She still has fun when she does play with her sister (but would never admit it). Yes, we have entered the world of crushes, girl drama, clothes issues and body changes but they are also mixed in the world of little girl things too. I will stay in this world for as long as we can.

29/365: Crud Wars

What a mess! The oldest daughter recently graduated from 5th grade (more on that later) and her school has a traditional day of 5th grade Crud Wars. Yes, it is as messy as it sounds. They begin with a water balloon fight - innocent enough. Then, comes the flour, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and cereal. She was disgusting. They all were. But that was the most fun I have had in my daughter's elementary school years. It was hilarious!

25/365: The Wall

Ok, I couldn't pick just one. I had to show the massive climbing wall they have at Pine Cove. This is the youngest daughter working her way up. By the way, the zipline platform is at the top of this wall.

I know I've posted about 5 pictures from all in one day, but I'm OK with that. This is my blog and I'll blog my way. :) At the end of it all, I will still have 365 photos in 365 days.

22/365: Cross

This is what the oldest daughter chose to have painted on her face at the face painting table at Pine Cove Family Fun Day.

21/365: Zipline

Oh, I had such a hard time choosing just one photo for this. We all went to Pine Cove Family Fun Day and the daughters did the zip line they had there. They climbed to the top of a 3 story platform and then "zipped" across the lake. The youngest daughter was pretty scared but she faced it and went. The oldest daughter I'm sure was afraid as well but she didn't show it. When they were both finished they were so excited! They couldn't believe how much fun it was. This is the oldest daughter flying across the lake.

19/365: Sweet

My middle child. Is it difficult being the middle child in a family of three kids? You are not really the baby but not quite as independent as your big sister. I see your internal struggle at times, wanting to be both. You see sister and how neat and exciting things are for her and you can't wait to be her age so you can do all of the things she does. At the same time, you see brother and the attention he gets sometimes simply because he is the youngest, and you desire some of the same attention. Do you feel as though you get enough attention from me and Daddy? I pray that you do. I pray that you never doubt your place in our family. You are not your sister nor your brother. You are you. You are a part of what makes our family complete. God has a special plan and a purpose in placing you in the middle. You are the only one who knows what it's like to be a younger sibling and an older sibling. I see a natural compassion in your heart. I pray that you will allow God to grow and use that compassion to further His kingdom. I pray that you will run after God and the joy that only comes with a relationship with Him. You have a beautiful heart, and that beauty is displayed in your smile and the way you treat others. I love you, my sweet middle child and I thank God every day for the blessing of you.

10/365: Sweet Sight

She loves to read. This is my middle child, my youngest daughter reading. This sight is so special to me for many reasons. I love to read as well, and when I was her age my nose was always in a book. Also, we homeschool. The feelings I get when I see my children reading on their own is unexplainable. She loves to read.

3/365: Heap

After months of keeping these fringed, sequined, bedazzled costumes on hangers, covered in plastic and out of harms' way - this is where they end up. In a heap on the floor. I hear both a sigh of relief and a whimper of sadness come from the girls.

2/365: Dancers

The girls had recital last night and after a whirlwind of costumes, hair, makeup and a celebratory Blizzard at DQ afterward we didn't fall into the bed until midnight. My new blog was neglected, so today - double post! Yea!

This was taken just before recital began. Aren't they sweet. I love them to pieces!