Reed's First Day of Kindergarten

We can hardly believe that we have transitioned from a life of four preschoolers to a house with three preschoolers and a Kindergartner.

Abbey got everything ready so that she would be very prepared for Reed's first day of school. We didn't want to be late.


Reed made Abbey promise that she would not forget to wake Reed up for his first day of school.

Will was not ready for the mamarazzi this morning.

Reed was excited but a little sleepy.

Nash took his usual position on the couch. The boys needed some "Scooby Doo" to get the day started.

Tuck has a double ear infection and is getting new teeth. It is really affecting his sleep ... And ours.

Abbey made confetti pancakes for Reed's first day of Kindergarten.

Reed was so impressed ...

After a few bites, he perked up.



Tuck loved the pancakes. Will loved the whipped cream. Nash was not really into either one, but he did end up eating some sausage.

Reed was so excited to be going to school. Last night I was telling him about his teacher and he said "I love Mrs. Sarah." An interesting fact about Mrs. Sarah is that her husband, Mr. Robert was once of Reed's first Sunday School teachers in the nursery at church. Tonight she texted Abbey a picture of when Reed was in Mr. Robert's class.


I was doing really well until Britton came over to tell Reed to have a good day. They have been together all their lives. Flat Reed even went to visit Britton in the hospital on the day he was born. This will be the first time they have attended separate schools.

We are so proud of Reed. It seems like just yesterday we were in Taiwan holding him for the first time and look at him now, going to Kindergarten.

Reed stood in line with his classmates and waited on Mrs. Sarah to tell him to go. I think the little boy in the striped red shirt in front of him became his friends yesterday.

We couldn't be happier that Reed has Mrs. Sarah for his first experience in big boy school. She is going to be awesome.
We left Reed in good hands, but it was hard to walk out the door. I still can't believe he is in Kindergarten.

Abbey made cookies for his first after school snack. He was really excited.

I was so happy to see Reed when he came home from school. He told me that he made a new friend and had a girl friend. I asked him what he learned and he told me that I would have to call Mrs. Sarah and ask her.

Dear Reed

Your lunch is packed, your backpack and clothes are sitting on the table waiting on you. Breakfast has been prepped, and you are sleeping soundly in your bed.

I can hardly believe the time has come for you to enter kindergarten. I can vividly remember the first time I saw you look up at me from the stroller in Taiwan. You knew I was your mama, and I knew you were my son. You gave me the best job in the world, being a mom.

We've spent countless hours together, learning new things as we navigated life as a family. Your first steps, words, and thoughts expressed have all been with me. We've had many play dates, trips to the zoo, lunches with daddy, fun at the park, and time spent hanging out at home cooking, playing, and creating so many memories together.

Now it's time for you to begin a new chapter in life. I know you are ready, but I'm not! You are gaining some independence as you begin kindergarten tomorrow. You are so excited, and you were concerned I wouldn't wake you up in time for school. You are going to learn so much, and I won't be there to experience it this time. You will make new friends and have to make choices without me there to comfort you at times when I wish I could. 

I know you have questions and some unknowns in your head. This became clear when you asked me if you would still live at home when you started kindergarten. You are always thinking and processing.

Your Daddy and I are so proud of who you are. You are an excellent big brother who continues to show more and more care and concern for your little brothers. You are sensitives, caring, and inquisitive. I hope Mrs. Sarah is ready for all the questions you ask! I can't wait to hear all about what you learn in school.

You've taught me and your daddy so much as we've loved being your parents. We love you and are praying for you as you begin this journey. I promise to hold back my tears as you walk into that classroom, and just liked when we met you the first time, I'll even whisper to Daddy, "Get it together, you are scaring our son," if he tries to do the ugly cry.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift, privilege, and the honor of being chosen as parents for Reed. Thank you for his desire to learn and understand more about you and life in general. Be with him as he begins kindergarten. Help him to be an example of Christlike behavior for others. Give him confidence in his choices and his abilities. Allow him to be a good friend and encourager to others. Help him to get along well with all students and help him make friends. Help him to honor and glorify you in all he does. Help him to shine for You and point others to You through the way he lives his life during these school years. Help Jeff and me to be Godly parents who make good 
decisions for our children and honor You in what we do. May he and our family as a whole bring glory to You in all we do. Amen (or Ahmen as Reedy likes to say)
we do.  Amen.