The day was finally here...you walk in as a kindergartener and walk out as a first grader. Unbelievable. Here's my middle child before school started.....ready to conquer the world one letter at a time.
This middle child has my heart, he has drive, he has sensitivity, he has passion, he has sweet, raw emotions.
In his class, he's the tall one, the one that's a head above others. I have to remind myself (and others) that he's just six. He plays baseball with Joey and a whole team of second graders as a kindergartener. Joe overheard the opposing team's coach say "What are his parents feeding that child?" (Duh, meatloaf and protein shakes). They mean it as a compliment - they also said "Seriously? That kid is in kindergarten?" Yep. He's badass like that. He plays like an older child, he takes instruction like an older child, he hangs with the older kids, he longs to be as good as his older brother at anything....but people, he's just six. This badass child is the same child who cried to his big brother last night because he missed his mom and dad (we were at a movie!). And, it stung a little to see him graduate from kindergarten. After kindergarten, there's that sense that school starts getting more and more real. We try to not put unnecessary pressure on Maddox. We say the words "no big deal" and "shake it off" and "no worries" to Maddox A LOT. We say the words "That's a BIG deal" and "Yes, it DOES matter!" to Joey A LOT. : ) Different strokes for different folks, as they say.
Ironically, the same reasons I worry about this kid are the same reasons I love him. His determination and love for whatever challenge is put before him is second to none. It may drive him cray cray until he accomplishes it, but he WILL accomplish it. This kid has fire in his eyes and the will to win in his heart. And, he has so much love to give that it overflows. A kid that can fight to the death over a loose ball and cry for his mama because he misses her? Well, I'll take that kid any day. He loves like a mama bear - caring, nurturing and fiercely protective. That's what makes him a great teammate, brother, and cousin.
He's got great things in store for him....I can't wait to see where his life takes him; and what (or who) will tame his heart. He's got so much to give...and on his kindergarten graduation, I saw it all bottled up on stage as he sang about his love for Jesus. God made him just as he should be. I am in awe that God gave him to me - that He trusted ME with Maddox. It's an awesome responsibility.
Joey also moved on to third grade. For me, it's just one year closer to orthodontist bills. : ) Joey received the "Heisman Award" in his class for "going the distance in everything he does in school- math, science and reading."
As you can see, Saylor thought she was the one moving on to second grade. She insisted on being in the photo...and also insisted on where Joey stand, that she holds the sign, how many photos I took....um, I might have to work a little harder on the youngest child taking instruction!
