It's a New Year!

Well, today marked the beginning of first grade for our Kendyll!! She was excited, and a little nervous as she headed out the door this morning. When we got there, we took a few pictures and headed to her class. I hadn't anticipated how crazy it would feel to her as every parent (and sibling) at Providence crowded down the same hallways. By the time we fought the crowds, said hi to those we knew as we walked, and arrived in her classroom, she had no words. Her teacher greeted her, and she literally said nothing!! She smiled after a little bit, but still had nothing to say. She found her cubby and literally froze as she stared around the classroom. I helped her put her water bottle away, hang her backpack, and get out her work. She found her seat and was staring at me like this when I left the room...can you see her in the back?

I hope she has a good first day!! I'm sure she settled right in after we left. But, boy, that first day can be hard on a mommy!

Of course, we documented the first morning with way too many pictures...but what else would you expect from me?

Here she is "striking a pose"...

And, posing with Mommy:

And, then with Daddy:

(notice there are no sister pictures. Carlie wasn't exactly in the mood today. :)

We have a picture of our big girl outside the school:

Inside the school:

And, with her new teacher:

I think we covered it all!

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And, in addition to our first day of first grade, with its own big emotions...

Another big "new year beginning" in our family is for my sister, Cailee!!

We spent last weekend MOVING HER IN TO COLLEGE!!! WHAT?! Hard to believe, but it was so fun to be there with her! My goodness, she is going to do GREAT at ACU, and is already making friends and having fun. I know many of you know Cailee, so if you want to keep up with her in blogland, her blog is: http://cdteague.blogspot.com/. If you have time, read her post called "In Christ Alone". The tears were flowing for me as I read about my baby sister's incredible faith in the God that has led her to where she is now. Cailee, I am so incredibly proud of you and am excited to watch this journey you are on. We had such fun being there with you this weekend...I hope you didn't get tired of my "When I was here..." stories. :) I promise I'll cut down on those!

Moving her in was so much fun, and it made me miss college so much. Of course, I love my life now, but freshman year, especially, was just full of memories for me, and they all came back as we decorated her room, got her books, and visited the school store.

Here's the college girl, practicing being collegiate. :)

And, her cute room as we left it (she has done even more since then!)
The girls LOVED getting to see ACU and especially where Cailee will be staying. They are already making plans for their first slumber parties with their college aunt!

Here is Cassie teaching them "The Wildcat". Check out Carlie's face. She thought it was crazy.Kendyll, however, is ready to enroll, I think...

They also "helped" Cailee with her room. Abby Kate tried out her cool chair...

And, ate the decorations...

Here is Kendyll helping Gammy...

And, Carlie trying out the vanity chair. Peekaboo!

Being at ACU made me feel quite old...

...but also made me thankful all over again for the amazing place it continues to be.

Cailee, and Kendyll, such big weeks for both of you, on different ends of the school spectrum. For both of you, I pray this prayer from "The Power of a Praying Parent", about being the person God created you to be:

"I pray that you would pour out Your Spirit upon Kendyll / Cailee this day and anoint her for all that you've called her to be and do. May she not be a follower of anyone but You, but may she be a leader of people into Your kingdom. May the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control grow in her daily. May she find her identity in You, view herself as Your instrument, and know that she is complete in You. Give her a vision for her life, and a sense of purpose about what You've called her to do. May her commitment to being who You created her to be enable her to grow daily in confidence and Holy Spirit boldness."

Love you both!! What a big week! :)