Josiah's 11th Birthday

Apparently, last year's birthday party was a success. So of course, a repeat party was already in the plans. The Friday before Josiah's actual birthday, I had 8 boys at my house ready for a sleepover. 

For some reason I allowed them to bring their BB guns. I was a bit nervous and thought about enforcing safety glasses, but decided to just let them be boys instead. 

They had such a good time exploring in our woods. I believe they played army and war. I love seeing kids using their imaginations. 

We had pizza for supper. They were so excited about playing that they barely ate anything. 

Towards the evening we built a fire and they roasted marshmallows and made smores. I didn't get many pictures because middle school age boys aren't into that. I feared my life taking the previous picture when they all had their guns. 

The tent was set up, but no one was ready for bed. Maynard played hide and seek with them in the dark. They separated into teams and had a blast. Maynard and I went back in the house and I made popcorn for them to take in the tent with them. I shewed them all out of the house and we went to bed. I heard them laughing and giggling until about 2 a.m.

I forgot to mention that Amelia was having her own sleepover at her bestie's house. We didn't tell her until school was over that she got to go home with her friend. She was super excited because she was not looking forward to having all those boys at her house. 

Around 7 the boys were at it again. Already running through the woods. I fixed a big breakfast and this time they were starved and ready to eat. 

It was so encouraging to hear the boys talk about how much fun they were having. Makes it all worth it to me. 

Throughout the day the boys were getting picked up and we had a suprise guest arrive. My mom stopped by to stay the night. We picked Amelia up and grabbed an early supper. Then we came home and everyone went to sleep. Mom said we were the most boring people to be around. Ha ha. We were worn out for partying too much. 

Josiah was out of it and it reminded me of the picture I took of him last year. 

Sunday morning Mom went to church with us. The kids were so excited to have her there with us. 

We took Josiah to eat Mexican so he could have his birthday desert. 

Everybody matched, but me so we took some pictures. 

Mom and Josiah really matched. 

Tuesday was Josiah's actual Birthday. He decided he wanted to bring fresh honey buns from the bakery to share with his class. 

But first, it was present time. 

He got a Nike outfit, Nike wrist and headband, water bottle and a basket ball. 

One of the highlights of his day was that Maynard picked him up from school and took him out for lunch. Maynard had been off work a little while due to a work injury, so he was able to do that. He signed Josiah out and took him to Frisches. 

He loved getting to eat off the bar instead of getting a kid's meal. Then they brought him a hot fudge cake for his birthday. He was so full he couldn't eat all of it. 

Maynard announced he was released back to work and Amelia immediately went to complaining that Maynard wouldn't be able to take her out to eat on her birthday. Ha ha 

I'm glad Josiah had a great birthday. He was my special gift sent from God 11 years ago!!   

Back to School 2016-2017

Just like it always happens, summer break ends before you know it and you didn't even get to everything on your to do list. 

All too soon it was Aug 15th and the first day of school. 

We did our usual pictures by the front door. 

This year there was a twist on things. 

I went back to school with them. I accepted the position as a teacher's assistant for kindergarten and middle school. 

1st day of 3rd grade. 

5th grade. He made it to middle school. They can't wait to get their own "office" and decorate it. 

1st day of 1st grade. 

Amelia's church bestie came to Amelia's school this year. Talk about one excited girl!!!  Her bestie has her back. Amelia was being picked on and her friend took matters into her own hands. Everyone needs a friend like her!!

Last year Amelia only went to school until 12. This year she had to stay all day. She looked sad to me after lunch. I was worried about her. After school she told me the devil was telling her the night before that she was going to have a bad day and something bad was going to happen to her. That's why she said she was sad. After the first day though, she was fine!!!  I hate it when the devil picks on our kids!!!

She went to find her other little friends in kindergarten to make sure they were ok. 

Everyone had a successful week. Except for Miss Princess. 

She was sleeping better than she ever had in her whole life and I kept on waking her up early. Ha ha

So it's been 6 weeks now and school is still going great. Amelia is doing great in first grade. She's learning her scriptures like a champ. She loves school, but is always ready for her the weekend so she can sleep late. 

Titus is also doing well. He had always struggled with learning his scriptures and this year he hardly even needs me to practice with him. He is always so excited to see me at school and will about knock me down to hug me. 

Josiah is now doing the ACE program which is all different for him. He took to it like a duck to water though. He is thriving and loves the challenge about staying on level. 

I am having a blast helping at school. I'll admit it's been hard keeping up at home with my responsibilities and working too. 

I have always loved kids and they make each day interesting. It didn't take me long to love them. 

It's also made me realize how rusty I am on everything. I'm thankful to have score keys to answer some of their questions. Then again, I suprise myself sometimes too. Ha ha. Being at school has made the nerd come out of me again. Sometimes I just want to grab their work and do it for them just because it looks fun. I'm sure they would let me. Ha ha. I'm having to work on the balance of being their friend and also being in position of authority. I want everyone to like me, but I also need to be a rule enforcer which is sometimes hard for me to do. Then again sometimes it isn't so hard. I guess it depends on the situation. 

It took me awhile to figure out the whole PACE process. I'm sure I have asked some dumb questions I'll probably never live down. I was lost for about 2 weeks and then finally everything started clicking !!  I'm not saying I have it all figured out, but I'm getting there. Something they do in the classroom is they have a flag system. If the student needs permission to score their work or leave the classroom they raise an American flag. Then I or their teacher will go to them to see what they need. So with 24 students you tend to see a lot of flags throughout the day. My boys found a flag at home and think it's funny to chase me around hollering "Sis Parker!!  Sis Parker!!"

I am truly thankful for the opportunity I was given to be part of the staff at LCA. It was an answer to prayer.  While being in the classrooms this year, I have been even more thankful that my kids are blessed to attend a Christian school. They get so much biblical teachings every single day. They have the best teachers who encourage and strengthen their faith. I feel like I have drawn closer to God just what time I am there. We are truly blessed with a great school. 

We are looking forward to a great school year!!