We had a VBS at our church right before school started. Emily and Andy had a great time. David and I taught the 5 year old class. That experience gave us a new appreciation for teachers. David often said you can easily tell if a teacher is called to teach. It takes talent and a big heart.
Andy started school first. He was so ready that he had his backpack on every day before it was time to leave.
His teachers just loved him. Two of Emily's last year teachers and one of Andy's last year teachers teach his class. We knew he was in great hands. Andy was a little nervous on the first day seeing so many kids in his class. Mrs. DeLaughter kissed him on the forehead and he went right into his routine. When he was sick a week later, he fell asleep in his teacher's arms for 20 minutes until I picked him up! We are so grateful for his wonderful loving teachers. His teachers told me how well he did at school. His clips moved up to the top several days in a week.
Emily started the public school one week later. She made the wonderful adjustment (she adjusted much better than I did). Her teacher told us that we should be proud of her because she was one of the role models at her class. Her ratings has been "role model" or "outstanding" almost every day of the school. We pray that God will continue to protect, guide, and use our kids for His purpose and glory.
We took the kids to the Lego KidsFestival right after school started. We all had a good time there. Four hours of fun ... we had to drag the kids out for dinner.
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Our church friends gave us some soccer ball game tickets. It was the first time for the kids to watch a soccer ball game. They developed a new interest in soccer ball games since then.
Andy started piano lessons on August 12th. Although he was two months later than Emily, he was only one lesson behind. We are constantly amazed at how much they learned and how well they played in such a short time. Emily already can play some songs by ears! Playing piano has been their favorite pass-time activity.
Andy and Emily love our neighbor Sunny. They asked him to come over to play all the time. Most of the time they would extend an invitation for a lunch or dinner.
Emily and Andy love to help Daddy with the garden. They helped to plant the green beans and other vegetable at our church community garden too.
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I read that the seed sprouts are more nutritious than the seeds. So we started some sunflower sprouts. We re-purposed a used steamer and it worked out perfectly. Within a week, we had some delicious sunflowr sprouts and Andy loved it!
Here are some last basils from the garden. Next time I'll have it in the kitchen for easy access.
David snapped this photo of the kids playing with the shaving cream. No more shaving cream crafts ...
Our small group started a "Basics of Bible" series for the Friendspeak readers who are interested in learning more about Bible. This was the first study. We are really excited about this and hope more students will join us later.
One thing that we wanted our kids to learn at school is "Do what is right despite of what other kids are doing." For example: taking the leftover snacks home instead of throwing in the trash can; saving the sandwich bags to use as utensil bags; eating the healthy food; obeying the teachers the first time being asked; ... Emily came home the first day saying that two of her classmates said her lunch was yucky because she had brocollis. I told her she didn't have to agree with what others said. She could influence and tell them "I like it! It's really good for you." The next morning when I walked her to the classroom, the principle greeted us at the door and told Emily "I LIKED your lunch yesterday! It looked so yummy!" See ... Emily had the biggest smile on her face! I hope she will always remember this first lesson in her kindergarten.
