Kindergarten to First Grade

I cannot seem to wrap my head around the fact that my first born is finishing his last day of Kindergarten today.
From the first day, he has been eager to learn and happy about going to school. But, he struggled with not being home too. There were many days that he cried the whole way to school. There were a couple of days that his dear teacher, Mrs. Frankamp, had to pull him out of my arms. She did reassure me that he cheered up instantly each time.
He has gone from sounding out letters to reading short books. He has all the skills, but often lacks the confidence to try because he never wants to get it wrong. Hopefully, he can come to see how great we all know he is and gain some confidence!
His teacher has been a true gift to me as it was far harder for me to give up being responsible for him all day than I thought it would be. She is so kind and so patient. My very favorite thing about her is that she gives every one of her students a little side hug at the end of every single day. It makes me smile every time, all 100+ times! How could a mother ask for more?
Here is a look back at Kindergarten.

His version of Starry Night.

 Flower, by Ben.

Self Portrait

The first real book he read all by himself! Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer (our fav)

 

 His final project - an animal research project! He chose to attempt the maximum points and he receive them all! He made a diorama (yes, he did it himself or instructed us as to how exactly to do it) and give an oral presentation to his class.

 

He was so excited to see that he earned all the possible points!

Son, we are so proud of you! You love to learn and always think you are right. You are stubborn and hard headed. You are fiercely protective of your brother, but also the king of pestering him. You are tender-hearted and loyal. Wherever you go in life, know that we are your biggest fans and will cheer you on! We love you. 

Not to be forgotten, the best little school drop off and pick up buddy this mama could ever ask for. He loves getting all the attention from the other parents. He gives Ben a giant hug almost every day when he comes out of school. 

A lot of catching up to do...

I had dreams of catching up after missing the last four months of blogging, but I've decided that I might never catch up so I should just start somewhere. Why not today?

This Saturday began as usual - Ryan got up to feed the kids and I was enjoying my cup of coffee in my bed. My morning of peace! Ryan came in and said something like "I don't want to alarm you, but Nate is complaining his stomach hurts. I don't think he has any fever." I decided to come out of my peaceful room and give him a little hug or something. He had his head down on the table and as I lifted him up he was totally limp. He was super clammy, so I decided to get him out of his warm pajamas and let him cool off a bit. As I tried to change him, he was like a rag doll. He was talking to me, but kept falling back in my arms and his eyes started to roll back. I immediately switched into another gear. Something was wrong! 

I got dressed, grabbed some things and we headed out to the emergency clinic since our doctor's office closed for the Easter holiday. We got all signed into the clinic and Nate was perking up a tiny bit because they had cable tv playing. The nurse called me to the window with all my cards in her hand and said, "We can't see you here after reading why you came in. You need to go to the ER." 

Panic. The adrenaline started pumping so hard that I was forcing myself to think clearly. Nate was on my hip, hanging over my shoulder. Off we went. 

A couple of days ago we had some serious straight line winds come through and knock down multiple, huge power lines right in front of the emergency room entrance! I had to weave my way around a few different streets to find a way there. I went past the "Do Not Enter. No Through Traffic" sign and cones and into the emergency entrance. 

The smiling face asked why I was there. When I explained she shoved a piece of paper at me and said, "Just name and birthday. Don't worry about the rest." 

We were quickly ushered back and they took all his vitals. The doctor pushed on his stomach and thought appendicitis immediately. They wanted to put an iv in just in case they would need it later and took a lot of blood for labs. 

The nurses thought he was so brave when they put in the IV (and he was!) that he got about six stickers which he refused to stick to anything, but kept looking at like a prized possession.

After some waiting and a sonogram, nothing was really confirmed. He slowly began to perk up more and regained his color. He was standing on his own again and said his stomach was no longer hurting.

The doctor advised that we go home and just watch him carefully. The other alternative was a ct scan and he really didn't want to expose Nate to radiation at such a young age unless it was absolutely necessary. So, we are home. Waiting. Watching. 

Ben had an Easter egg hunt while we were in the ER and he brought home lots to share! Nate was immediately enthusiastic about that and was back running around the house in no time. He has continued to look and act totally fine for the rest of the day.

We will keep watching him carefully just in case it is appendicitis that could flare up again and be serious if we don't watch it. 

I have such great respect for parents of children with great health concerns. My body feels like I took a beating after all that adrenaline coursing through me this morning. Decisions to be made. Watching him look so lifeless. Trying to pretend I was brave when I was in knots. It was draining. 

We are so thankful for his love of life and his loud giggle that has permeated the house all afternoon. And for a big brother that cared so deeply for him, but didn't withhold the pestering completely once we were back home.

We even dyed Easter eggs and laughed and chatted and just had a wonderful family time together this Easter weekend. 

Nate's 4th Birthday

Nate had a fabulous Disney Planes birthday party with friends today!

No matter how many times I beg my boys to stop growing up, they refuse!

Opening presents with family before the party. 

 Ben was quite hands on to help little brother.

How many kids does it take to open the door for the party guests?

Singing Happy Birthday

Silliness abounds with these boys. Sweet Emma, the lone girl didn't know what to think!

And they ate all the food in about five minutes tops.

 

Airplane throwing fun.

 

 We read one of the Planes books Nate received as a gift.

 I should have known they would all end up in costume since we hosted the party in the playroom. Thanks to Aunt Candice for the awesome Dusty! It was a huge hit.

  A quick snap with my baby boy! 

Ben Starting to Read

If the title didn't warn you enough, this is a TOTAL proud mom post. People keep asking if Ben is reading yet. He sounds out words easily and is still loving to learn. Although he doesn't love that school is five days a week and he only gets a two day break. I think he wishes it was switched around. He has had a hard time going back after Thanksgiving break, but he's making it!

Sorry that I am terrible with my phone video. But at least you see and hear him :)

He brought this paper home. They were to draw "g" words. I barely guessed any of them. Hilarious. We actually think he is quite talented in art like his daddy. He has brought home some pretty impressive stuff. But, take a guess at these "g" words.

L-R Top to Bottom:

Glue
Girl playing baseball
Gate
Gorilla
Guitar

Redemption in the Mundane

I took my friend a cup of coffee from our favorite place. Well, it was my favorite place until I introduced her to it and got her hooked too. It is a local chocolatier that makes the most amazing mochas. Life changing. I'm sipping on mine now.

When I pulled into the parking spot at her place I had to take a deep breath to hold back the tears. When I knocked on the door I had to steady myself and put on a smile. I was just giving a friend a cup of coffee, but it was so much more than that. She had to stay back and I couldn't cross the threshold. We didn't touch. Just a quick coffee exchange and a few pleasantries.

My dear twenty-nine year old friend has cancer and has had two surgeries to remove her entire thyroid and is currently on a week of isolation following radiation treatment. She can't see her precious two boys for a whole week. She can see adults, but there are tons of rules. After so many hours she still has to be so many feet away... Over time the feet away decreases. It's complicated.

I was supposed to watch those precious boys today so their daddy could do whatever he needs to do, but the baby got sick. So, the least I could do was grab coffee. I had no idea it would be such a complex cup of coffee.

We read to the boys every night from The Jesus Storybook Bible. The subtitle is 'Every Story Whispers His Name.' Through every story, it reminds us that Jesus was always God's plan to rescue the world. Jesus is 'The Rescuer.'

As we approach Advent and begin to anticipate His arrival, I find myself getting more and more excited. This world is hard. Complicated. Sad. But, God had a plan all along. A redemption plan. To right the wrongs. Make everything new.

We don't get to experience that very tangibly on earth, but I find so much joy in knowing that it is coming. This world is not my home. There is so much more coming.

I've experienced my fair share of tragedy and heartache in this world. I couldn't face it every day without the hope of redemption. Nothing is every lost forever. Nothing and no one is worth giving up on. And I love that I get to face it all alongside dear friends that smile when I deliver the most delicious mocha.

Happy Halloween

We had a fun-filled Halloween day! Nate and I joined Ben at school in the afternoon to volunteer at his class party. We helped set up, helped the kids get into costume and just generally enjoyed some fun at his school. I did learn that when they say Bostic parents are involved, they mean it! My guess would be that 2/3 of the students had a parent present and some of them had a parent + grandparent + sibling + entire fan club! There were people everywhere. I will always do my best to attend anything I can so that he is never that child without a parent present. And we will include all the other kids that don't have a parent in our fun! Wow. I've never seen parental involvement like this!

His class.

 The parade.

Ben kept saying, "I wander if we get to march or if we just have to walk." They walked.

 Ben's table buddy was absent, so Nate happily filled in.

 And even got his own treat bag.

 Oh the joy!

Our tradition is to gather at the apartments on our campus and trick or treat all the residents there. Our group is growing!

 Family

  One of the apartment residents set up the golf cart (a kid favorite) as a trick or treat stop. It was fabulous.

 Girlfriends

We went to a local church's INDOOR fun. It was a super cool night. 

I never thought Nate would make it to the top.

 And once he did he sat there saying, "I'm not strong enough!"

He did slide eventually, with a face of sheer terror!

 Batman was not afraid!

 Loved it.

 Best buddies.

 This game made a childhood dream come true.

 Ready to take on the world, together. 

 He made one!

 The MKs. There is nothing like being a missionary kid. The bond they share is indescribable.