Gifted and talented

Yesterday I got a nice surpise in Caden's folder from school.  It was a letter saying he qualifies for the gifted and talented program.  I knew he had been tested, but it had been awhile ago and I had just kind of figured he was not chosen.  He was super pumped and we are very proud.  

When I see how far Caden has come since kindergarten I can't help but smile. Not in an academic since, but in his attitude and drive.  We always talk to our kids about doing their best, whatever their best is.  I have to be honest and say Caden can tend to not give 100% in several areas of life.  We often talk about how anything worth having is worth working for.  Just last night a commercial came on for a quick money making idea and Caden asked me why don't I try that instead of working.  It just so happened I went into our main office yesterday to work and neither of my kids were happy I had to work away from the house.  Lol. It was a great chance to talk again about working for what we have.  Anyways, it is just an example of how Caden can tend to want to take the easy way out sometimes.  

But to see him so excited and working hard to achieve this accomplishment makes me realize some of what we try to instill in him is sinking in.  He is a tender hearted, fun loving, Jesus loving little boy and I could not be more proud of him.  I was looking back at old posts and remembering how worried and stressed out he was at the beginning of the year.  Those feelings seem to have worked themselves out and he is back to enjoying school, having fun with his friends and I can tell he really loves his teacher.  God answers prayers!  

Way to go Caden!!

Everything is Awesome

Friday was Valentine's Day so I decided to take the kids to see the new Lego movie since Jimmy was working nights.  We met Amy and the boys after school to see the movie.  We all loved it and ever since then we can't stop singing the song from the movie.  Everything is Awsome!  Lol. It really was an awsome day with lots of treats and love.

Today the weather was beautiful so we met Amy and the boys again at the park.  We spent most of the day there.  We left to eat lunch and then went back to ride bikes and play some more.  It was really nice to be outside after being cooped up with bad weather.  We are hoping for more awesome days and more beautiful weather!

100th day of school

Today the kids are celebrating 100 days of school.  This was Paige's first year to make a shirt to wear.  She was very excited.  I had grand plans for both of the kids shirts, but with being out of town so much for funerals this week we had to compromise and come up with some easier ideas.  Paige's shirt says I survived 100 days of school and is covered with 100 bandaides.  Originally I had plans for a mine craft themed shirt for Caden but just simply could not execute my idea in time.  So we went with the next best thing.  We found a sticker book that had Lego figure stickers in it.  Caden was thrilled; I mean who doesn't love Legos? I was also happy because that meant less work for me.  They were very excited this morning to show off their creations at school.  I can't wait to hear about their day.  77 days of school left!  

Saying goodbye

I have started this post several times and then erased it. This past week was a tough one.  My sweet Pawpaw passed away on Saturday.  There are so many things I will remember about him.  Fishing    with bamboo poles, playing with his old lawn mowers  and midnight signings at his church.  He was truly a man of God.  Hard working, faithful, and God fearing are just a few ways to describe him.  I remember sitting on his lap and watching their little black and white tv and it never failed he would fall asleep.  He had an amazing green thumb and loved gardening.  He will truly be missed.  It was hard to say goodbye, but like my precious Mawmaw said I would not ask him to come back now that he is healthy and healed in Heaven.    

The day of his funeral we found out our Aunt Susan had passed away very unexpectedly that morning.  Saturday Tami, Amy and I were able to drive to Crocket to attend her funeral.  I was just heartbroken for my cousins.  She was a sweet woman, with a spirit that is hard to describe.  She loved Jesus with all her heart.  

This week has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster.  But as sad as I have been this week, the assurance that I will see my loved ones again gives me a peace.  It definatly makes you remember what is important in life.