Progression

Over the past couple weeks, we've noticed significant "growth" in William's writing along with increased detail and purpose in his drawings.

He came home one day last week, and for the first time we noticed the addition of mom and dad on his paper and lowercase D's. 

"Dod" became "dad"

"Raindrops"

And this week, "mam" became "mom" and he his beginning to write lowercase A's.

Love is...

The focus of William's preschool chapel program this year has been the "love" section from 1 Corinthians 13.

(4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

(5) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

(6) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

(7) It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(8) Love never fails

Each week, Mrs. Jamie teaches a verse, or portion thereof, to the children and uses a bible story to help illustrate the verse.  For example, they've talked about Jesus washing the disciples feet (v4d), Jonah (v5b), the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers (v5c), the prodigal son (v6) and, this week, God's protection of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea (v7a). It's been amazing to see how these truths are taking root in William's heart and we always enjoy hearing him recite back what's on the "love train" in Chapel.

This week, when I asked him what he learned about love, he replied, "Love always protects.  God's love protects us from the bad guys, not robbers.  Bad guys kill.  Robbers just take stuff without asking - like 'snatch'."  Comments like these (from both Thompson and William) are always insightful as to how their young brains are process life and connecting the dots.

Next week...love always trusts.

NC State Chess Tourney

Beginning last fall, Thompson often expressed an interest in participating in the NC State Chess Tournament in Raleigh this year...and so we said yes.  And let me just say it was a chess-filled weekend with over 700 students in attendance!  Thompson played 4 games Saturday and 3 games Sunday, plus he replayed each game with his chess coach Mr. Harris, watched Mr. Harris review others' games and played chess with other kids in between matches.  Coach Harris reminds his students he doesn't care whether they win or lose, he wants to see them using the skills he has taught, learning from their mistakes, and improving with each game.  Thompson was all smiles throughout the weekend, and every time I asked if he was having fun (and I asked often) he'd always reply "yes".  In the end, he finished 1-5-1.  His trademark "happy-sad" emotions got the best of him after having his last game reviewed by Mr. Harris.  I think he was mentally fried and a bit disappointed he didn't finish with a win while simultaneously being proud of himself for participating and having Coach Harris confirm it was his best played, most aggressive game of the weekend ... A+.  And the fact that before we even got to the car to return home, Thompson indicated he wanted to return again next year.  (He was excited too that we purchased a new chess board, like the ones he uses at school, to practice on at home and to help teach William.)

Selfies & Usies

W had a "sleepover" at the "City House" this weekend while T and Avery went to Raleigh for the State chess tournament and Bobby stayed home to ensure his new office is good-to-go for next week. Mamere took her first selfie (or should I say usie) with William and sent it over. 

T and I responded to the call from downtown Raleigh.

Graham and Bart followed suit on their way to Central Park for a run.

Bobby wanted in on it.  So here is his "my body hurts" selfie after a morning bike ride and afternoon of fishing. 

 And last, but not least...Papere in 5J (with G&B) awaiting the snow

Now to get Annie and Poppy...