Number the Stars & Volunteer Dinner & Humble.

Every year our Junior High English teacher leads the 7th & 8th graders through a Drama Production.

This year they performed "Number the Stars"

I was lucky to see Sam with one of the lead roles twice this week.

Can I just say proud mom?  Every parent there was hopefully as proud as I, because every single kid knocked it out of the ballpark.  The hard part for me is realizing that this is the end of my eldest's career of Elementary School.  She is getting ready to embark on the next journey.  It makes me sad, yet excited for her.  I just wish there was a way to slow it down.

The ladies of her play... Sam is on the left.  I my I went through a total walk down memory lane with Brooke's shoulder pads... seriously who else wore huge shoulder pads in High School & College?
I know I was a repeat offender!

Conrad & Sam (he is playing her father)

after the first performance.

I know I have said it before and I will say it again.  I feel so blessed to have my kids at the school they are at.  I love the teachers and the staff.  I love the kids there.  My kids have grown physically, mentally, and spiritually at school.  I would lying if I said there weren't bumps along the way... but the teachers, principal, and kids work together to get everything headed down the best possible path.  I truly believe we are growing kids who will be ready to stand up for Jesus, and make good choices in life.  I don't know about you but my life isn't perfect... so I can't expect everything else to be perfect... but if I place my hope in God I can trust that He will make it perfect in the end.

I can't believe that we have been here for 8 years already... and that my 6yr. old Sam is now 14 and graduating from the 8th grade in one month!  I know I have tried unsuccessfully to slow down time and now it is really happening.  Sam will be moving on to High School.  Judy & I have already talked about the tears that we are going to shed over this event (and no it is not because of the tuition increase... although I do want to cry over this fact!)

I feel a certain amount of connectedness to this particular class.  Maybe because Sam is my first child, maybe it is because I sub so often at the school, maybe it is the fact that I have coached these kids in soccer & basketball, or been the Girls Pathfinder leader for the last 4 years... or maybe it is just being a parent of one of these awesome kids... Who knows?

I just know they will be missed.

Anyway, Wednesday night The school celebrated the Volunteers at a Volunteer Dinner.
It was loads of fun, with picnic food & good company.
We played some "Minute to Win It" games.  It was hysterically funny!
Yes... we all got to play.
My table was even color coordinated on accident... Black and light blue.  Fun times!

 

So you know that I am an emotional wreck right?  This is no secret.  I wish sometimes that it were a secret... but seriously... WHEN DID I BECOME MY MOTHER?  

I cry over practically everything these days...

I see families, kids, couples, read stories, watch TV show, look at fb, blogs...

and you know what they all have in common?  

My tears.

UGH.

I used to make fun of my mom when she cried...

and now my kids are making fun of me when I cry.

So today my hubby texted me and said that someone (you will remain nameless, but my heart screams THANK YOU) read my blog and dropped by the school with a check for Ashley.  Actually a few of you gave $ in support of Ashley... but today it brought me to tears...

 just the power of the moment I guess... the humbleness of knowing GOD alone is in control.

This whole story about Ashley is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and what can happen when we listen to the nudging that He alone can place on our heart.

I was humbled.

Recently our church has raised over $10,000 for a family we don't even know in order for them to bring home a sick child in adoption.   

Humbling.

Last night a parent turned around and drove back to my house in order to grab the soccer cleats my daughter forgot for her game. (Like 14 miles roundtrip to get them)

I watch random acts of kindness take place all over the place.  

Notes.  Phone Calls.  Thoughtful gifts and comments.

All can be inspired to make a difference.  

It starts in our hearts and can overflow to many.

Look at these kids... They donated hair to Locks of Love.  

Do you know how hard it is to cut off beautiful hair by choice?

These kids were inspired by Ashley... and some even wrote her letters of gratitude thanking her for the positive experience they had from meeting her, and that they would be praying for her.

 These guys all buzzed their heads to a "1" which is almost bald in support of Ashley.

There were even some other dads who buzzed their heads as well who are not in this picture.

It makes me wonder, do I miss the moment?

Am I ready when God places that gentle nudge on my heart?

Lord, Thank you for these gentle reminders.

Thank you for people who are ready and willing to serve you.

Help me to be ready when you call.  Help me to teach my kids what it means to truly live for you.

Amen.