*Roots and Wings*

So...last night Ave and me were walking Lola. She was telling me about a thing at school they are doing to help raise money for pencils for children in Pakistan/Afghanistan who are learning to read and write. She was SO excited about it! She said "mom, we can bring a quarter, and that will buy 25 pencils!" It was too cute :)
She was asked to read an announcement at school this morning...and so as we were walking, she would say her lines. Very monotone of course...
So I was trying to help her be more expressionful. I wasn't successful. :)
We were all excited this morning...heading out for school and for her to read her announcment to the school. And then we got to school, and I was about to park - and she said "mommy I actually don't want you to come and listen. It really isn't a big deal...so why don't you just drop me off at my regular spot." Of course, I couldn't just say "okay" and drive off. I had to have my moment of "oh, really? Are you sure? Mommy would love to hear your announcment!!!!" But she assured me that she wasn't up for me coming in. SOO...being the mature mother who doesn't NEED her daughter that I am...I dropped her off with a quick I love you...and headed to work.
Oh, how quickly they grow. In a way I was sad...she isn't stuck to my leg like the first YEAR of preschool. No, its quite the opposite. :)
She's blooming into a young lady...who still needs me, close...but not that close. And the wider her wing span gets...the more I have to let go.
Phew...and so it begins....

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.

One is roots; the other, wings." Hodding Carter

Fruit Cake & Ice Cream Link

So in January I promised the link to this incredibly touching podcast about God's grace - well, here's the link to buy the message on DVD. You'll have to search for it online a bit more. It use to be free. BUT if you can't find it, you definitely need to invest in it! Its amazing!

http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2559

*kisses for Avery*

This is some SERIOUS Lola lovin'!!! haha! She loves her Avery :)

*Pumas*

So...school is in full swing! Ave is a 4th grader. Can you believe it?
I know, right? I am mature enough to parent a 4th grader. How does that happen?
God is gracious :) Thats how. :)
Volleyball is about to start. And Heidi and me are coaching again this year. We are sort of good cop/bad cop. ha! I am the the "lets have fun - keep you chin up sweetie, you'll get the next pass, etc" and Heidi is the "hey, if you don't want to play ball, sit on the bench." So, we are a PEFECT pair when it comes to coaching.
Avery said she wants to play husker volleyball. So cute! I LOVE big dreams...so Ave, "dream on baby girl!"
We had some girl drama last night. Eesh. I think I'm praying for all boys in my parenting future?! I wonder how God feels about that request? :)
Avery is a delight however. She's so smart. Sometimes I want time to stand still so I can love her more, teach her more, play with her more....
This fall we are JUST doing volleyball for ten weeks and dance. That's it! Nothing else. I'm SOO excited. That means lots of mommy/Ave time. Lucky me!
ta ta for now.
clas