Happy Belated Birthday Sam:)

Happy Belated Birthday Sam! Although this blog is late, our happy wishes for you and the upcoming year were not. Year #5 was a good one full of fun memories.
You lost your first tooth, well teeth really. Your two front teeth were injured from a fall many years ago. They became infected a few months back and the dentist had to remove them. Although it originally broke my heart when you fell and injured those two teeth, they became a part of you. They were symbolic of the way you fully live life. You, although hesitantly at times, run full on into it with every ounce of energy. I was sad when the dentist pulled your teeth. (You referred to them as your gray tooth and your brown tooth.) I was sad that day because they were a reminder of my little two year-old boy running down the hall with his pacifier in his mouth. You tripped over your blankie and busted your mouth. You cried until a popsicle saved the day. It didn't save your teeth, but it saved the day.
You went to church camp for the first time this summer. You were a little uncertain about it and cried the first day. But you leaned on Will the rest of the week and did amazing. I knew you would:).
You also started kindergarten. I was so nervous for you. Although I knew you would do great once you found your feet, I worried it might take you awhile to find them. Boy, did you prove me wrong. Although you don't enjoy the long days, you have found your groove now. You are making friends and becoming so much more self-assured. I guess I should have known better.
I think that is the lesson I am learning with you boys. I can fret and worry about you, but God always takes care of you. When I think you are already amazing, you manage to come out even better, stronger on the other side.
I love that you climb in the car each day after school full of stories and little tidbits. You seem to have a new friend everyday. You don't always know their name but I guess that is a minor detail for you. Right now, it's about just having fun and learning about life with them. In a day or two, you'll learn their names.
I love the little songs you sing about how to spell the different color names. I love the pride you showed in yourself when you drew your first stick person this year. (You weren't much into art in preschool:)) I love that you think it is funny that your school name tag says, "Samuel Walker" even though you are "Samuel car rider":)
I love that you were Batman for Halloween and for several months that followed. (I got my money out of that costume.:)) I love how much you look up to your big brother, Will, how you play superheroes with Ike, and how you said early on that Peanut (Mac) was gonna be "your" buddy.
I love you Samboy. I love your sweet toothless smile. I LOVE your infectious laugh. I love that you are always honest no matter how much that hurts;). I love that, almost every night, you ask to sleep with me because you just feel less scared there. I love that when you ask for something and are told, "No.", you reply, "Uh, I was just kidding." And even though it can be frustrating at times, I love that sometimes I can ask you a question and get a response totally unrelated because you just got other things on your mind.
I love the emotion you bring to life. Sometimes it is a bit dramatic but really, your heart is always in it:) Your expressions sometimes...craziness!
You turned 6 years-old this year Sam. Your daddy and I are SO very proud of you. We are proud of your soft heart, your sweet nature, your rowdy spirit, and your love for Jesus. Tonight I heard Will say to you, "Sam, do you ever feel like someone is watching you?" Your reply, "Yeah, God is always watching us.":) Thank you Sam for challenging me and making me a better mommy. Thank you for making our family GREAT! Happy Birthday buddy!

Sam's First Day of Kindergarten & Will Goes to 3rd Grade

I am a little, okay, a lot late in writing about the first day of school. Honestly, I am a lot late on a lot of things right now. I am not sure where the time goes. Well, I know it goes toward taking care of my children but they do sleep. Then again, when they sleep, I sleep. So again, I am a lot late on my writing but I am trying to turn over a new leaf and catch back up. So, here goes.

Sam and Will are off to school. Sam was placed in Ms. Norris' class. She was Will's Kindergarten teacher too so although Sam wasn't really interested in getting this school thing going, it is going, it is familiar, and it is good. The mornings are still rough even beginning week #3. Sam has never been one to rush out the door in the mornings. I am sure one day he will be a coffee drinker. He likes to sit and savor that time. If school started at 10:00 am, I think I would get a totally different a.m. attitude. I say a.m. attitude because when I pick him up at 3:00, he is really pleasant and has lots to share about his day. So far, in his 3 weeks, he has decided that PE is fun but tiring and makes you sweat which he is not a fan of. He has seen a child or two vomit which was less scaring to him than it would have been for me. He has caught the eye of a few of the ladies in his class. When teased about it by his brother, his response, "Will, sometimes that happens!":) He is making friends but still a little standoffish to the boy who speaks no English. I just don't think that makes any sense to him at this point. But really, that is our Sam. He is always honest and you can read his face like a book. He is a fun kid to be around and always up for some fun, well except for early morning fun. So, although he is a bit shy in new environments, we knew he would do well and find his place. Go get 'em Sam!

Will began 3rd grade this year in Mrs. Powell's class. She seems to get Will and appreciate the gifts that God has given him even if they are not always classroom friendly. She is tapping into the things that excite him which is a real treat for us. Because this is year four at BYE, Will has many familiar faces in class. Will is a friend to everyone so no one is a stranger. Against his wishes, he is beginning Spanish this year and will continue with Gifted and Talented classes. Really, it's hard not to be excited about a great teacher when he is in class, but so many extras outside the class that the days are always changing. Will was sweet to Sam those first two weeks of school, encouraging, explaining, and walking him to and from class. We are SO proud of the boys. They work together most of the time and really look out for one another. They have yet to realize the blessing that God has given them in each other;) But one of these days...

Here are some pictures of the first day. Mixed in you will find some of Will's first day of Kindergarten. I didn't blog back then but I did take pictures. Even though he didn't have a big brother to navigate the way, Will was also very excited about starting school back then. As I mentioned, he had Ms. Norris too. She took great care of our Will boy which is why he still holds a place for her in his heart. I know she will take special care of our Super Sam too!
PS#2 - You will see Paw Paw in the pictures from this year and Will's first day so many years ago. He just doesn't want to miss that first day of Kindergarten. Thank you Paw Paw for being as excited as we are!