for this sweet son of ours, one who is aware of his inner self, one who laments unfair moments, one who needs the outdoors, one who needs people to know who he is, one who loves to be with friends, one who giggles and slaps his leg with laughter, one who trusts his teachers, one who appreciates routine, yesterday was his last day at walton rural life center.

this school changed him.  from thinking of school as “jail” to a place where things grow and animals call and he’d come home dirtier than when he arrived, we are grateful.

furthermore, this school has prepared him.  while there will be hills and valleys, i’m sure, micah anticipates with ease his transition to the 5th/6th center.  we’ve heard wonderful things about the system there (which is different from when naomi was there) and we already feel the support of those helping with the transition.

so, with “thank you” cupcakes for the faculty and staff, we met another milestone for our family.  another change.  another chance to relive memories and dream of the future.

and how grateful we are that eliza will continue on (likely in the same classroom since this year it was a combination 1st/2nd class) as this year.  another chance to learn at a place that “feels like my other home because people take care of me and i have friends and it’s like fun but you have to work but that’s what a home is like.”

again, blessed be and may our hearts be prepared for what it to come.

amazing, amazing.  naomi had her official eighth grade recognition this morning.

unfortunately it was in the morning and jerry had finals so he wasn’t able to come.

i sat with nana and papa and was reminded how grateful i am for them.

watching naomi with her friends in balance with who she is and the ideas she holds brought me calm joy.

there is a lot to be grateful for.

i also left with the tension of knowing there were kids who had no one there for them, kids who never stood once when the principal was calling out activities or achievements, kids who are perhaps running out of steam to keep doing this school thing.

but in the words of the school counselor, you only need to be good at one thing.  find your passion.  everyone has one.  figure that out and life will fall into place.

amen.

just for fun, here is 5th grade recognition and 8th grade recognition.  three years changes a lot!

so yes, 8th grade.  check!

i’ll be the one talking during the sermon teaching time (notice i didn’t say i was doing the sermon or teaching) on sunday…reflecting on the chaotic joy this program is.

i say it every year.  i can’t believe this day has come.

the grown ups sit and talk and make music and practice for winfield bluegrass festival.

the kids play dress up and eat and climb trees and go to the park and throw balls and sit and visit and make music with us too.

the boys, getting older, tried to avoid the camera.

too bad for them i was not giving up.

the kept shifting down to avoid me.

they tried to look casual.

and when a sister comes in with a cheesy grin, you give in.

lovely children.  growing older moment by moment.

“don’t chase it.  
just stand where you don’t want it to go
and that will keep it safe.”

oh my.  it is as if those words came out of my mouth for me.  not as much about the chicks as much as my growing children. i realize it’s possible i’ve chased after them more than i should have.  and now, especially with my oldest, it is probably time to come up with a new plan. so maybe i stand in the places where i hope she doesn’t end up.

maybe that means i’ll meet her there, after the pain of the moment.
maybe that means i’ll be there to help redirect.
maybe that means i’ll simply be there to watch it all unfold.

but i’m thinking of those places.  the places to stand.

our dear naomi put herself out there again and after a week of hard work on many levels,
made the junior varsity cheerleading squad for next year.

i’ll be standing a lot.

{and you’re welcome…anyone else humming a little r.e.m.?}