off to a great start

What a great week so far! Every day, every week a fresh start, just as God promises. :)

Logan started preschool on Monday. He was nervous in the beginning, so I stayed for about 35 minutes while he got acquainted with his teacher and classmates--5 others, all boys. Once circle time was done and it was time for the first activity, he was all smiles and grins, waving furiously so I would leave. Yesterday, he couldn't get out of the car fast enough to join Mrs. Nelson! And when I picked him up, she had such great things to say about him! She praised his quick pick-up of the classtime routine, never mind the fact that Tuesday is nothing like Monday. She was impressed by his leadership skills, gently reminding fellow students of the teacher's request to move to the yellow table, to use quiet feet, or to sit with quiet bodies. (Not surprising for the child labeled the "alpha male" in his orphanage!) She loved his enthusiasm and his correct, on target responses. She said he was a joy to have in class. And he LOVES it. My concerns are long gone, and I'm thrilled to see him doing so well. Praise God for His provision in the face of my fear!

Ryan yesterday kept asking me if it was time to get Logan yet. This is a huge thing! They fight like brothers, and Ryan's frustration with Logan and his irritating behavior has escalated a bit. To see him truly missing Logan is awesome and fun, and a great reminder that bringing Logan into our home in part so that Ryan had someone to grow up with is a good thing. They may not always get along but they ARE friends. For that we are grateful! Again, we see God's provision...

And yesterday was my birthday. We started celebrating Monday night with a family dinner at Olive Garden. I think it's the first time EVER that we've all been out to dinner as a family, all 6 children plus Jim and me. With Brent in Boise the last 2 years it just hasn't happened. But Jim went up to UW to get Hailey so she could join us, and we had a wonderful, fun dinner. Such a joy to see all those faces around the table! And so much fun to see others around us try and figure us out: "hmmm...the biggest one looks like both adults; some of those girls look like him and some like her, and those little ones keep calling them mom and dad...maybe they really are a family!" :) Yesterday was fun too--I got some "chick flicks" from my big guys, a new lens for my camera, a new sweatshirt, lots of little boy kisses, tons of birthday greetings from friends old and new, and a promise of a gift and get-together from a longtime friend I rarely see. THAT was a surprise, and a bonus. Now, to find the time to get together! I had a quiet peaceful morning at work yesterday (rare in my class, and unheard of this fall!) and even had the opportunity to chat at length with one of my moms to see how we can help her little one better while he's in class. All in all, I think it was my best birthday ever!!

Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings. It's going to be fun!