Will's Baptism Day

Will had been waiting patiently for his baptism day. We had postponed it from November when my Grandma Miller had started to really decline. He had been looking forward to this day, and we had spent a lot of time at home talking about baptism and the covenants we make with our Heavenly Father. Will had some very special people come to his baptism, and some of them traveled pretty far just to be there. His Great Grandma Mary Hitchcock, Two of his Great Aunts, Terry and his cousin Mariah, and Great Aunt Marsha and Uncle Mike. His Aunt Julee and Uncle Dan drove all the way from VA to be there, and they brought two of his favorite cousin friends Ceseley and Natalie.

 A couple weeks before his special day, Will decided who he would like to speak and what music he would like to sing. I made a program in photoshop (I had never done that before, big learning curve for me!) and he approved it. :) He also asked me to make a few of his favorite cookies to share with everyone for after the baptism, devils food cookies, lemon chunk, and chocolate chip. 

It was a simple and beautiful service. Will's feet popped up and he had to be immersed twice--something he had said he hoped wouldn't happen. His Nonna spoke on why it's important to be baptized and that when are we are promising to do our best to be like Jesus and help others. And his Pa talked about how it feels when the Holy Ghost talks to us and how we can recognize those good feelings and warnings and know who those promptings are coming from. When the Primary President gave Will a chocolate bar with a red pencil scripture marking pencil. She asked if he knew why we marked our scriptures. Jack raised his hand and he said, "So you know which ones you've read, and you never read them again."  It was pretty cute and funny. 

 We are so proud of him and the good young boy that he is. I know the Lord is proud of him too. Will is very caring and wants everyone to be happy and safe. He is almost always smiling and he really does try very hard to do his best and make good choices. Love him to pieces!

 Love these two best of friends

Brothers

This one just makes me smile. I love how Will is holding Sam's face to look at the camera.

New Cub Scout in Town

Will had his first cub scout meeting tonight. He had been looking forward to getting to go to scouts for awhile before his 8th birthday. When he was finally able to start going though, he was already committed to basketball and practice happened to be the same night as Scouts. Sam and I went and picked up all his cub scout stuff today...can I just say $$$. Wow. Anyway he looked adorable and was excited and nervous all at the same time. When he got home he told me he LOVED it!

Kindergarten Isn't Gonna Know What Hit 'Em

Jack was sooo excited to start Kindergarten. He asked everyday if it was his turn to go yet. He was really hoping he would get Mrs. Ledwell, but was placed in Mrs. Jill's class. I met her at Parent Night and knew Jack was going to love her! When I broke the news he was less than thrilled! I tried to convince him otherwise, but if you know Jack, you know that's basically pointless. He comes around when he comes around. Thankfully by the next morning, (his first day of school) he had came around.

Jack insisted they have their picture made together. Will sweetly complied. 

We loaded in the van and headed to school. Jack wanted me to walk him to his room. So with 3 boys in tow, off we went. All with good attitudes...Hallelujah!!!

Samuel wanted to be just like his big brothers and wore his backpack to school, too.

Jack and Mrs. Jill

I love milestones. I'm not usually too sentimental about things, but my heart does shed a few tears that they are growing and this time is passing quicker than I realize, but mostly I'm just so thankful that they are able to have these opportunities to learn and grow and become who they become. The experience of watching Will struggle to learn and just be a little boy gave me a new perspective. I'm so so thankful Jack gets to go and meet his sweet teacher, make new friends, and learn new things! It does help that I still have a little one to keep my attention on.

Some of us were a lot sadder about leaving Jack than others: 

So So SAD!

But he cheered up when he got to walk up the "secret passage way" to the cafeteria. 

 It won't be long!! That thought does kinda make me teary!

I was so excited to pick up the boys! Jack had a wonderful first day. He decided he loved Mrs. Jill very much and that she was "the best!" She was doing the car rider pick-up line and came over to talk to me while the boys hoped in the car. She said he had a great first day and that she was in love with him already! Well, I wasn't surprised a bit. Love that kiddo!

1st Day of 2nd Grade

I have a big 2nd grader, and I can't even believe it! So proud of this kid and he has accomplished and overcame.

 Can you tell his favorite color is blue??

I was tucking Will into bed and asking him about his day and his new teacher. He said, "Mom, she said we were going to have fun, but then she just forgot." I got a little chuckle out of that.

I really felt like his first grade teacher, Mrs. Staley, was exactly who he needed. He learned and loved school so much! And I was so grateful she provided that for him. All Summer I prayed Will would have the best teacher for him. After meeting Ms. Hill, I feel confident that that prayer has been answered. She has been teaching elementary school for a long 20+ years and knows children are different and thrive in different ways. Very grateful for good teachers who are passionate and kind, but expect a lot from their students. So far at Eagleville, we have been blessed with the very best of teachers!

Preschool Grad

Jack graduated from preschool last night.

He had told me he was nervous when they first began practicing for graduation about having to be on the stage, but after a few practices, he decided he could do it, and that was that. The night of the graduation, he said the prayer before dinner. In his prayer he asked Heavenly Father to help him not be nervous and do a good job. It was sweet.

On the way to graduation something happened. MENTAL BREAKDOWN.

He informed us he would not get on the stage, and that he would be sitting with us. We did our best to alleviate his nerves, but nothing worked.

You see, when Jack decides he can't or won't do something, there is nothing you can do. There is not a thing in the world you can say, nor any amount of money you can offer--Nonna said she wasn't going higher than $20-- no delicious reward you offer for indulging in afterward that will change his mind. He is his own person.

When we arrived I took him inside hoping I could still sway him. With the rest of his friends getting their robes on, Jack refused to dress. I pleaded. He stayed firm. Back and forth, back and forth. Sigh. We went to find a seat to watch. Nonna and Pa both did their best to try and get him to change his mind, but it didn't work.

Mrs. Anne, the preschool director, came and asked Jack if he would be willing to just walk across the stage when they called his name. He wouldn't have to sing or even put on the gown or cap if he didn't want to. He willingly agreed like this was no big deal at all, and went back with his class.

He did not sing. He did put on a robe. He did not wear the cap. He did come up when they called his name. And he wants to be an Astronaut when he grows up.

Little Guy, I'm pretty sure you're going to do big things.

Kindergarten Graduate

Can't believe my little Will has graduated Kindergarten. Such a sweet sweet moment. He has overcome so much in his short little life. I'm so proud to get to witness his accomplishments, and watch him as he struggles and thrives. He has taught and continues to teach me so much about life and myself. He is a book reading fool! and loves making new friends. I can't wait to see him continue to grow and learn. So proud of you Will!