Oh Me Oh My Oh May

What do May and December have in common? Lots of activities, concerts, plays, a full calendar, lots of presents, and this year, freezing, windy weather.

I forgot my camera on AWANA Awards Night. I want to blog it because of the milestones. Jared graduated from Cubbies into Sparks. I remember when Aiden went to Sparks I was afraid for his going in there with all those big wild kids. Ah, Jared can you be ready for this? Unlike Aiden, he does not love the 1st 2 Rs (readin' and writin'.) Jared is 5 years old and won't write his name! I continue to offer opportunity and wait until he is ready. I will not rush him. Now the twins will begin Cubbies.

Taliah and her best bud tied for top Sparkies.

Aiden was the only boy in T&T. This was his 1st year in T & T. The books are well organized, challenging and fun. Memorizing is his talent, so he excelled and took home lots of awards. He is working on a couple of other boys to come consistently.

I think AWANA's weak point has always been the external business of memory without necessarily reaching the heart. Having worked in AWANA since 2000, I do appreciate their scope and sequence and their commitment to scripture and keeping it fun. During the school year we study AWANA together before bed, going through each one's book all together, taking turns. That way it's a family discussion, not just cramming. The younger kids do not struggle with the harder books because they've been hearing them every night. About the heart business, I pray for the word to take root deeply and I bring up their verses during the day as applicable. I hope that the kids are rewarded in later years by having these verses in their hearts and that right now the mirror of scripture will develop their character.

The 2 boys played soccer with AYSO this spring. Some days we felt like we'd sold our soul to the (freezing, windy) soccer fields. There's a lot of time involved, but we were blessed with excellent coaches for both teams. We made & renewed some friendships. We froze. The boys worked on their stamina and skills. Taliah wondered how we'd feel about adding a 3rd player to the family.

Next up: Graduations! Families Getting Together! Milestones! And, please Lord? Summer?