Dear Elisabeth…Raise your hand if you’re in Kindergarten!That’s something that you would say. You love to play school, and you love to ask our family to “raise your hand if….”You also love to know what’s expected of you and to know what you need to do to be like a grown-up.You’re already so grown up...Continue Reading
Dear Sam…Wow! Your first day of Kindergarden. You are so ready for this year, Sam. You have learned to write your name. And you have really learned who you are. Throughout this summer, you’ve gotten so much confidence. You’ve been so excited about new adventures, everything from learning new games on Daddy’s iPad to tying...Continue Reading
Tomorrow these two start Kindergarten.They’re ready. They’re excited. The year will be so wonderful.Even though my mind knows all this, my heart doesn’t want to.It hurts this morning, thinking about the busy schedule of the school year. It seems like I haven’t had enough time with them, even though there has been.Lord, help me these...Continue Reading
T-minus two days until the twins first day of school. In an attempt to feel a semblance of control over our lives, we had an ambitious weekend. Lots of baking and freezing those baked goods…because come October, nothing will help us feel calm like banana chocolate muffins.We also went to the beach! This blonde kid...Continue Reading
A Random List of Things…. 1. We have new neighbors! I took this picture when the kids brought a care package of leftover birthday candy to their house. Because they have kids! Maybe the homebuyers read this post? The other news is that another house in our neighborhood is for sale. 2. The kids are...Continue Reading
Nate has really embraced being two. He has embraced the bike. He has embraced being big. Last night we went on a family walk, and he walked. The whole way! No stroller. No bike trailer. No Goggy’s arms. He was determined to walk, and he did it.Unfortunately, our little strong-willed boy has another determination.Trains.You know,...Continue Reading
After hosting more than a dozen birthday parties for the Hergenrader kiddos, we’ve all learned some lessons. Outsource what you can. The activities will take a tenth of how long you think they will (and way less time than you put into them). Avoid opening the gifts at the party, if you can. And it’s...Continue Reading
Today is Nate’s Birthday Party Eve. Not the night before Nate’s actual birthday (last week), but the night before his party. He’s the fourth child, so we party for his birthday when it’s most convenient for the rest of the family.We celebrated his actual birthday on Sunday with church, lunch with dear friends, a DQ...Continue Reading
You know, it kind of seems like our family would be naturals for home-schooling. I’m a former classroom teacher and an educator at heart. We have all these kids, and they all have different homerooms, lunch boxes, book bags and school supplies and everything. Why not just keep them home with me all day? Why...Continue Reading
So, big news! Today is our fourteenth wedding anniversary. In those years we’ve been through about two boats, four dogs, fifteen cars, more computers/iPhones/laptops than I can count, three houses, and four kids. Not that we’re through with the kids YET, but you know what I mean. When I think about all those addresses and...Continue Reading
