Ready or not middle school here he comes!

He will never let me stumble, slip or fall. For he is watchinh, never sleeping. Psalms 121:3-4

My oldest son will be entering middle school next year and I have to say I am terrified. He will be entering the unknown sort of like a twilight zone. I don't know of anyone who says "Oh to be thirteen again" or "My middle school years were the best years of my life." No, most people remember those times as painful. A struggle to find out who you wanted to be and normally not finding it. I remember how vicious other girls were to each other at this age. This past weekend he had several boys over for a sleepover in a tent in the backyard. Most of these boys I have known since they were in preschool and kindergarten. I have seen this group of boys grow up together all going to different schools in different districts. There is one common factor though, they all have been brought up in strong Christian schools. I believe that this has given them a foundation to build their identities on. They know that they are loved by not just their parents but God. These children have a head start in finding out their purpose in life.

Band concert and growing up.

My son and his sixth grade band had their competition yesterday and they did a fantastic job. Mitchell's band made a 1! I loved seeing them all celebrating together. I remember going to this same competion when I was in Sixth grade and how excited we were when we scored a 1. Sandy Lake has not changed at all in the many years and I mean many years since I was their but it was so much more fun sharing this time with my son.

I know that the time is fast approaching when he wont want me to go on the school trips. Just today he asked if he could walk home rather than be picked up. It seems like just yestureday he went to kindergarten and next year he will be in middle school. Gosh they grow so fast. I wish I could turn back the clock and spend just a little more time cuddling with him when he was little.

He made 1

Let me celebrate my son's accomplishments. He made a score of one on his percussion solo. He also made a one on his ensemble! We are so proud of him.

My son's decision

Today was a great day in the journey of parenting. My oldest son professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at church today. He had asked my husband and I on several occasions if he could be baptized but we kept putting him off. I was baptized very early in my life. My mother can remember the event but I do not recall it as vividly as I wish. I really don't believe I understood what I was professing at the time. With this background I knew I wanted my own children to really understand what it means to publicly announce that you are a Christ follower and the desire to live for Him.

You look back at the milestones in your child's life. First tooth, first steps, riding the bike without training wheels, going to kindergarten, going to middle school.... Nothing compares to seeing your son begin his journey to grow closer to God. I caught myself filling with pride at his decision but really the pride is not for me to claim. It is a loving God who created my son and who will continue to be his heavenly Father. It really was an extraordinary day.