Wednesday, May 30, 2012

One Down, Twelve to Go

The 10th anniversary of my college graduation passed by quietly this month as I tried not to notice. I would have gotten excited about it if there had been a reunion with the roomies, but since there wasn't I remained in a blissful state of denial.

After 10 years I'd kind of forgotten what it feels like to pine for the last day of school. I've never run a marathon, but the last few miles must feel like the squeeze of the end of school. My boy has had a great experience  in Kindergarten but mama is tired! I've been counting down the months, then weeks, and now days since spring crept in in February. The last day of school is finally upon us and I'm celebrating my kid's accomplishments as well as the end of having to set my alarm for 6 AM. Yes!

Dear God, please let Jackson learn to sleep in. In Jesus' name, amen. 

It's already blazing hot here in Houston during the afternoon, but the evenings are so nice. We've taken advantage of every opportunity to play outside till sundown, to the detriment of our mosquito-bitten ankles and pleasant daytime dispositions. Last week we had to force ourselves to put the kids to bed earlier because we'd been having too much fun and they we were cranky and tired.

But as of 3:00 today, we are free! Free! Free! Free!

Curtis and I are so proud of Jackson. He's a great little reader, he likes math, and he's exceeded my expectations for his conduct and self-control at school. We've had to work really hard on fine motor control, but he's made great improvements this semester. I feel more proud of him because he rose to the challenge than if he'd breezed through every single thing. He had a couple of tough experiences that pretty much every kid goes through at some point, although I never would have expected them in Kindergarten. God saw us through those things and I trust that He used them for His purposes. Jackson has learned so much. Is it possible that I have learned even more?

Soon Annabeth will start a twice-a-week summer day camp that our family has enjoyed the past two summers. Jackson and I have big plans to paint the town together. I'll miss having alone time, but I'm looking forward to making some great memories with my son. He's been begging me to take him to Splashtown since January and I plan to oblige.


First day of school.


Last day of school. 



Happy summer, everyone!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! He has grown taller! Amazing! So cute!

Unknown said...

Enjoy your summer!
We still have another month of school here.
My giggles will be done kindergarten and mr. D will finish grade 1
Time goes by fast!!

Tara G. said...

Look how mature he looks in the face! I can not even begin to get over the change in my own son after his first year of school! We home school and there were days I felt like banging my head on the wall, but he, too, has come so far and the last couple of months were especially fun with him!
Enjoy your summer!!

Skoots1moM said...

looks like he's grown about an inch this year, juding where his ear is now hitting the door. It's awesome going alongside your kids in school...taxing too at times. But God is making his path straight...he's such a cute guy!
have a WONderful Summer!

Lindsey said...

What a BIG boy!! Have a great summer!

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

I l-o-v-e that you are being intentional about spending one-on-one time with Jackson this summer. What a mama!

Kristi said...

It goes so fast. It seems like just yesterday my oldest was that age, and now he's just finished his first year of high school :(.

My family is doing our second summer big trip. One of our stops is Houston! We are going to the Space Ctr. I emailed LPM and Lindsee gave us some good food options :). She mentioned Chuy's and Papasito's. Do you have a favorite? Any other great options for Houston or Austin for that matter? Thanks, I understand I you do not have time to reply :).

Kim said...

Enjoy the time because it seems to go by fast and faster each year they are in school.

Bobbie said...

Enjoy your special time with Jackson!! It will be fun memories for both of you and at the same time the lil Ms will be having a great time with kiddos her age.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Jackson is such a handsome little guy. Congrats on making it through his first year is school!

Anonymous said...

Capt. D & I will gladly accompany you to Splashtown!

Anonymous said...

Look how much he's grown! And you too! Hang on to your hat, the time will now fly by.

Maryellen said...

He is so handsome.
You can see maturity in his face.
Way to go Jackson !

Anonymous said...

Oh, those pictures at the end made me a little sad with how fast he grew in such a short time because my little boy starts kindergarten in the fall. I am not sure I am ready for this stage!

Hope you have a marvelous summer and may you get a little extra sleep!

Angie said...

He's grown so much and looks even more like his daddy! Hope ya'll have a great summer!!

Anonymous said...

I pray every night that my toddler will learn to sleep in past 6am!!!!! My newborn sleeps better..lol.

Jackson is sooo adorable!

katiegfromtennessee said...

I'm glad it is summer too:)!

Katy said...

I feel your same pain. I have a 6th grader whom needs to verbally study for tests. Lets just say I want an honorary diploma and I can beat the game, Are you smarter than a 5th grader!

My youngest is 3rd grade.

Moms look forward to summer just as much as the kids. I never thought that was true but it is.

Enjoy your summer..... The school year doesn't go nearly as fast as summer.

Us northern folks get out on June 13th!

Angie said...

Love the First Day and Last Day Photo match ups! I just finished the year of my last baby graduating Kindergarten! It goes crazy fast, doesn't it?! Enjoy some wonderful summer MOMents!
Blessings,
Angie

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I can't believe I didn't comment on this back when I read it, because - speaking as someone who read your blog when Jackson was itty bitty - this made my heart hurt a little.

I hope and pray you have a FANTASTIC summer with your kiddos. My Mom used to say, once the oldest starts school, everything changes. Sadly, she's right.