Thursday, September 1, 2011

Boy Child


I am thrilled to have a second today to post about my sweet boy child, Collin. Collin just started the third grade at school. He is growing up and is not my little boy anymore, but I do love the big boy his is growing into! He has a great sense of humor; he is very sensitive; he has some hilarious and great dance moves; he is amazing with Kami; he is an amazing soccer player; and most importantly, Collin loves the Lord. What a great catch for future ladies, hu?! :)

Collin has reading homework daily. He often chooses the Bible to read as a nonfiction choice. It is so awesome to see the things he writes down about what he learned from his daily reading assignment. Collin and one of his best friends, Andrew, were separated this year. They have been in the same classroom at school for both first and second grades in addition to being in groups together at church. These two boys are so sweet! John and Andrew's dad grew up together, so it is especially endearing to watch Collin and Andrew's friendship. Needless to say, the moms were disappointed that the boys will not be in the same class this year. I try to trust God with all my kids' school placements because I have prayed over them each year, and I know that God hears those prayers. It occurred to me the other day that perhaps God needed to spread His word and love out a bit more...I am holding to that as the reason for Collin and Andrew's separation! The disciples didn't get to always stick together, right?

Collin has been enjoying spending time with our cousin Magan who is beginning her freshman year at UK. These two have always been close, and I am thankful to have her nearby now. With her starting college, Collin has begun pondering his future college choices. He relayed a sweet conversation to me the other day about his thoughts. Collin and his best bud Joshua were talking about college and where they might each go. They decided between UK and Asbury. Joshua informed Collin that they probably wouldn't have any classes together at UK because it is so large, but he thinks they would probably have class together if they both choose Asbury. How sweet is that for an 8 year old boys' conversation! I can't wait to see how the Lord uses these two boys!

I have to give Collin a shout out for his patience and love. Kami has been quite the challenge in many ways. She and Collin have definately adopted typical sibling roles. He wants to be a leader figure to her, but she thinks she is as old and as smart as he is and does not like being bossed by him. She has been quite a terror to him at times: wrecking beloved Lego structures, sneaking around in his room, refusing to let him look out her side of the car window, and even leaving some pretty bad bite marks on his arms! He shows her great compassion and grace. He keeps loving her with total abandon, despite her behavior. Last night, I so enjoyed watching him play Candyland with her. We had tried it earlier in the day, but little Ms. was not cooperating, so we had to put the game away. Collin stepped up and offered to play with her again later that night. He did such a marvelous job of teaching her how to play. His loving manner and encouraging words were truly an inspiration to me!

Thank you, Lord, for my sweet Boy Child!!!!