It’s done. Our first year of school. Lydia graduated from Kindergarten last week. *sniff* I am relieved to say I didn’t sob all the way through the graduation. Nor did I have terrible visions of an 18 year old Lydia leaving for college. In fact, it was a beautifully fun evening celebrating a big milestone for my little girl. (And I decorated, so that was fun, too!)

I wrote a post at the Tommy Nelson blog today about her graduation and what my heart was treasuring on that day. I’d love for you to see my cute girl and hear what you think about when your kids graduate from season to season in their life! Click over to read the full post!

 

Lydia got her 3rd report card yesterday. And as with the last two report cards, I am busting my buttons with my smart and thriving little girl! She received all E’s for Excellent in her classes. And the most important part to me–E’s in her behavior.

I don’t know what normal report cards look like, but I love that her school values things like obedience and self-control. And if you’ve been around around awhile, you know how self-control has been a big deal for us and for Lydia. Self-control has been something we’ve memorized scriptures about, prayed about and talked about for years. Self-control has been the cornerstone of teaching her about fear, obedience and anger.

So to see (and for Lydia herself to hear) that she has shown EXCELLENT self-control at school is beyond encouraging. It’s like we’ve come to the place we never thought we’d get! I know she’s only 6 and this is only kindergarten. She’ll have plenty of opportunities in her life to struggle with self-control but for now, this is a victory for us!

I wish you could have seen her when she got that first report card. When I read “Self-Control: EXCELLENT” she was practically hiding under the table she was so shy/proud/stop-looking-at-me-embarassed! It also taught me a big lesson. Sometimes I get so focused on what she does wrong (trying to help her, etc.) that I forget to praise her when she does it right or conquers it!

I was thinking it would be fun if we made little “heart report cards” for our kids sometimes. Maybe when we see they are doing good, give them a little card that says, “You are showing EXCELLENT self-control!” or “Your obedience is OUTSTANDING!” or “I can see that you are WORKING HARD to be brave!” or  “A++ for LOVING your family this week!”. What a fun affirmation and gift for your kids!

I found this cute blank report card online this morning. I just printed it out and am going to think of some specific (and funny things) to “grade” the kids on. I’ll set it at their places at lunch today and see what they think. Check the Facebook page later today to see how they liked it! And if you do one for your kids, show us on the Facebook page, too!

How can you encourage your kids in Godly conduct?

one, two, three,

four, five…

and SIX!

My Lydia is six years old today! We’ve already played her new game (Trouble …you have to get a SIX to get your game piece out of home!), tried on her new light up boots (they’re too little! *sniff*), ate pancakes with apple butter (her fave) and are hoping to get school knocked out in a couple of hours!

I thought I would mourn every year on my kids’ birthdays. I was afraid I’d miss their baby-ness from the previous years. But I actually love my kids’ birthdays because my heart grows with them. This past year has been a big one for Lydia since she started Kindergarten. I love seeing how she’s matured. It only makes me all the more excited for Six!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!