A Whole New Beginning...

September 2nd began a new time in our lives. Chris started 7th grade at a new school. It seems like yesterday we were walking him into his first nursery school class, yet that was nine years ago. Each and every year since, we have waited for another child, and now for the first time, Chris was able to take his first day of school picture, as a brother. So much healing our sweet Kate has brought to our family.

So far Chris is liking his new school. He has made a few new friends and loves having a locker. He really likes his homeroom teacher and enjoys having several different teachers throughout the day. He also got a nice surprise, his 'old' first grade teacher and our friend Amiee transferred to his school this year too, and is now his computer teacher! (click her name for her adoption blog!)

He has math, English, vocabulary, spelling, literature, American history, science, and Old Testament every day. He also has to memorize two Bible verses each week, has band, gym and computers 2-3 times a week, and model building and art once a week. He is doing quite well academically, we are very proud of him. He is loving his literature class, I am so happy he is being introduced to all types of literature and enjoying it. But most importantly we are thrilled that he is in the Word each and every day. I just love that he a few weeks ago he was in charge of lunchtime prayer and also lead his class in devotion one week.

He is less than thrilled about having to abide by a dress code, yet he looks so nice when he leaves the house! He has to get up at 6:30 but is home around 3:15, leaving plenty of time to do homework. His gym class this year is a step up from last year, complete with running laps, sit-ups and push-ups! He has actually lost a little around his middle and went from only being able to do 5 push-ups to now 20!

He is almost finished earning his Star rank in Boy Scouts and thinking ahead to his Eagle. He was elected Patrol Leader for his Patrol this year and still serving the Webelos den at his elementary school as Den Chief. He and Jim are eagerly anticipating the National Jamboree in Virginia the summer of 2010. I keep reminding them, we need to get to China first!

He is just growing into such a wonderful young man, I am bursting with pride.