Dearest Ezra,

It was so refreshing to see you praising the Lord, as you do. I am glad that God has a true worshipper in your soul, at church. You listen to the sermon and you are loving to sing for God's glory. Everything that you do, you seem to pursue with your whole self, at this age.
You do somewhat remind me of your father, who is very exuberant and my father who was also very exuberant. Your father loves God and goes at his faith with his all.
My father was discouraged, at the loss of his grandmother, at 12 years old and never talked to God much after that. I hope that never happens to you. I hope that in spite of the things that happen and the losses that you are sure to have in life that you will always know that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. Some people call it free will and then stick their foot out to see you fall down and see if you will get back up. Others, mark the way for their young people to follow, in faith so that they won't get lost. Sometimes the intimate knowledge of the fathers ways and what made them do what they did, can help you in your determinations. I do hope that it will.
People love you and now you are in a season where all of the nest is hear and at home. You have a constant barrage of love upon you, but they are all sure to go their ways and things are sure to happen that will also discourage you. God never means for you to be lost in discouragement, just because we are fallible in our attempts to raise you right. We will be here as long and as much as we can, but when we are not here, God is here and He is more dependable than the hugest of family ties. I love you and would not see you depend so on your pillow of family love which seems so fluffy right now. Life batters the pillow and it will get crumpled in time and not hold your head the way that it does now. But don't forget that God is always there. In your discouragements and when you have no one left with you and no other encouragements, God is there. I love you

Happy Day

My first second grade teacher's meeting. You are growing and learning and doing the second grade stuff. That is always a pleasure to hear. You are busy and unfocused sometimes and respectful to your elders, when you remember to be. I can't ask for much more than that. I am glad that God is letting me be your mother.

Dilli, dilli dumpling, my son Ezra...

went to bed at the crack of dawn,
Fell asleep in science and didn't do his work well.
What is a mother to do? I know that he will listen and get to bed on time. I know that he won't embarrass his mother anymore like that. The next day, he feel asleep and missed supper. All because we haven't scheduled in cubscouts correctly.
Well, it doesn't rhyme, but its true.

Early to bed early to rise, makes a boy feel healthy, wealthy and wise.

This morning we looked back at the first blogs.

This is a year of alot of changes and growth. My teacher, Ms. Hicks is teaching me how to follow directions, the first time. I seem to have a knack at messing up and getting a correction or two every day. I hope that I will learn to keep my behavior above the line. Following directions, Talking at appropriate times. etc.

The Bebe's made it to the bus on time and with a minute to spare...

I love the look on his face when he tasted the grits. This is really good! MMMMM. Do you like them? Yes, I'd like them better if they were cream of wheat. Don't complain.
Today we happened to have the right amount of cheese and the right amount of butter to make the grits the right consistency. In the old days, mommies used to have to use the crock pot to cook the grits all night to have them ready for the children in the morning. Aren't you glad that God allowed the microwave to be created so that we can have fresh old fashioned grits in no time. I don't believe you mother, said my "Bebe's". It is true, I reasoned. I cannot imagine somebody cooking something all night, just for breakfast. They did.
Now let me comb your hair and lets have a conversation about this talking in class. Neither of these were to his liking. He fought me combing the hair and he fought me discussing his talking. It was just a warning, he reasoned to me. I know, but you have to pay attention and stop the chatting. Okay. I love his talky spirit. It is so far from me to imagine this. We were shivering in our boots if anyone even hinted that we might be talking in class. Fear of death came over us. I love the look on their faces as they consider the consequences of love or more love. I love that mischevious cheshire cat smile when they consider their ways and know that they will stumble again today. Not a hint of fear of death is in them. Even after a spanking there is still that look of, I know that you love me and I may want another spanking later, just to prove it. I don't know if that means that they will be well behaved in life or not. I know they won't be paranoid about it.

Ezra is in Second Grade Now!

We went to open house and met the teacher. He had a difficult first day. His face said, I don't know if I am going to do well in second grade. I thought I had this learning stuff down pat, but the first day of second grade has me convinced that I don't know what I thought I did. He had unbelieveable questions on his face. He got into bed with me and just looked at me. I had to be corrected, today, he finally confessed. I guess so, I responded. I am not sure, if I can do this. Everybody makes mistakes everyday, son. Keep going, it will become clear after a while. Okay, mom, he said. I think he will stay in school. :)

First Grade is over.

Now, class with Ms. Beasley is only a memory. What wonderful memories we have of a year full of learning and growing and doing. Coordination is developing, mind is sharpening and you are getting to be a delightful young fellow, blooming out of the happy and greatly loved toddler years. We have kept you a toddler for as long as we could and now you are a "squirt".
Time for more chores!:)