Levi and School... an unexpected decision

If you know us, or around us, you know that we have been discussing school and Levi's formal education for a long time, and most days, I still don't feel like I know the answer.

2 weeks ago, if you would have asked me what Levi was doing for school, I would have told you that we were leaning towards sending him to our local elementary school. We live in a great district, and most people don't bat an eyelash at sending their kids. For reasons, we can't explain (though, NOW, we can) we weren't settled in our hearts about it. Our other option, was to homeschool, and we also haven't felt settled about that either.

So, rewind to maybe 3-4 weeks ago? Mike and I were travelling to the Kalamazoo area for a birthday party, and miraculously, all of our kids fell asleep. We talked a lot about school that day, in particular, in regards to me teaching. During that conversation, we hit on this idea, of me teaching later in the evenings which would eliminate our need for babysitters, which is a HUGE expense to us every year. Feeling good about that decision, we decided to change that up for this year.

Maybe 2-3? weeks ago, I was talking with a woman about schooling options, and lamenting the cost of Jackson Christian to her. At the end of this conversation, she said to me, did you know that I'm on the board at JCS? I had NO idea (clearly!). I would never have given her my unedited opinion if I did.  I had been saying over and over to Mike, if I could choose 100% what I would want for Levi this year, it would be to do 1\2 K at JCS, but it was just out of the question, it was just too expense, oh, how God delights in amazing His children.

So, last week, the kids and I went to play at a playground and it was crazy busy with a daycare, so we left, and we ended up at JCES playground. The kids played for quite a while, and I sat down on a hill to nurse Maisie. I can't tell this story to someone without getting goosebumps, but as I sat there feeding her, this INCREDIBLE sense of peace came over me, and I just felt like I could send him there, and be completely at peace about it, something both Mike and I had not felt at all in regards to school. That night, I told Mike about it, but mostly felt sad thinking there was no way we could send him, but, oh, how often the Holy Spirit has to speak to us a few more times to get us to pay attention!

So, this past Sunday, the same woman I spoke with before said to me at church.. I spoke with JCS and they want to speak with you about school for Levi. I kind of laughed at her, but I told her I would. Tuesday afternoon, I spoke to JCS for the first time, and, truly, all I can say is that God has had his hand on us, and on this situation.  One of the huge factors was finances, and the decision Mike and I (aka the Holy Spirit) allowed us to make over a month ago in regards to teaching freed up money that we could use to help pay for school for Levi.

In less than 24 hours, we had applied, received more than we ever could have dreamed of in financial aid, and today I picked up his school packet at school?!?!? I get goosebumps when I type it, because I still can't believe how much the Lord has laid his hand on this process.  When this whole thing started at JCS on Tuesday afternoon I said to Mike... if it's of the Lord, I know the doors will fly open and there will be no question in our minds what we are supposed to do, in case you're wondering, we have no doubts. We are humbled, grateful, and thankful to the Lord that we are being allowed the privilege of sending Levi to a Christian School.

Did I mention Levi starts Monday?!?
We are excited for this new adventure to begin.

All Glory to God!
We are thankful.

Maisie at 3 months

My sweet Maisie-girl, you are already 3 (more like 3 1\2) months old already. It seems nearly impossible that it's been that long since you became a part of our family.

At 3 months you

• have taken a bad turn for night sleeping. You were sleeping from around 7-4 or even 4:30, but lately, it's been more like 2 or 3, and here and there, you will even wake around 12 or 1 to nurse as well. I try to tell myself it's a growth spurt, but, goodness, those nights are long, and tiring.  
• after 3.5 months, Mama has FINALLY figured out how to get you to nap, not on me.... you, my sweet girl, like pacifiers! You are the first of our kiddos to like them, but if I give you a pacifier, and rock you for a few minutes you are out fairly quickly and will actually take a good nap. We are thankful for that discovery. 
• eat about every 3-3.5 hours.. it depends on how well I can get you to nap, but now that I've discovered you like a pacifier, things are looking up.
• probably the most important thing that happened at 3 months is that we had you dedicated at church.  Pastor Mark always says, a baby dedication, is really a dedication of the parents. Such a simple, but true reminder as we move along this parenting journey. We were able to write a statement of commitment for you on the day we dedicated you.  The following is our prayer of blessing over you.. 

Maisie,We are so thankful the Lord chose us to be your parents.  We prayed for you, waited for you, and were overjoyed when you joined our family.  We love you, and continue to pray for you, Maisie, that you would grow into a woman who seeks the Lord, wholeheartedly. We pray that you would grow strong in mind, body, heart, and spirit in order to fulfill the path that God has laid out for you, and that you would use the talents He has given you, for Him.  Our promise, for you, is simply a prayer of blessing that comes from Micah 6:8, that God would show you what is good, Maisie, and what He requires of you, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.  May you learn to love Jesus and others deeply as you grow up in Him. 

Those words still speak volumes to me, and I pray these things for you every single day. 

• have yet to roll over, but, really, Mama isn't very good at making sure you have consistent tummy time. Sorry about that. I'll try to do better, I promise. It really is for your own good, the bigs don't always pay attention to when you are on the floor. 

• giggle, smile, and laugh every day. You think your brother and sister are hilariously funny. I don't blame you, they are pretty entertaining. 
• I have no idea how much you weigh, but your chubby little cheeks, and your little baby thighs.. gah! They are just so ridiculously cute, I can hardly stand it. 
• You've been to the zoo a couple of times, on countless park, library, and dahlem center visits, and enjoyed your first trip to the fair. I wear you almost everywhere we go... Your Papa likes to wear you sometimes as well 

• We said goodbye to our delightfully wonderful friends who moved to Colorado. We miss them everyday, and while I know you don't even know them, it makes me sad a little that you and little miss L never had the opportunity to become good buddies. 

•  I really hope you always make funny faces like these.... they remind me so much of Levi.

We love you baby girl, and we are so thankful for the joy you bring to our lives.