Madelyn Update

I feel like Madelyn has been a little neglected on the blog, so I'm doing a Madelyn Update. Kindergarten is going well. She's pretty tired by the end of the day and it tends to lead to some headbutting with me, but she really loves it. At bedtime we share what our favorite part of the day is, and she always says "going to school." We should probably start digging a bit more and ask what her favorite thing at school was. We had "back to school night" a few weeks ago, and I really like her teacher and the aide. They seem to love their jobs and the kids.

The school is doing a Serve-A-Thon next week, and they focus on the importance of serving others because Christ was the ultimate servant. Her class will be planting flowers and picking up trash at the school and planting trees at a nearby park. Madelyn's initial comment to me about Serve-A-Thon was, "But, I'm gonna get all dirty." I reminded her that Jesus would want us to stop thinking about ourselves and to focus on who we are serving. I think she's changed her attitude a bit. At first, I was frustrated with Madelyn, and then I realized that she was just being honest. I feel that way, too, sometimes, when it comes to helping others. I'm just conditioned to not voice my true feelings. A good lesson from a kindergartener!

She's also taking dance lessons this fall. She really wants to play soccer, but I think that dance is very important, too. I think we'll compromise with soccer in the spring.

AWANA has started back up at church, and she loves that, too. She's in Sparks this year and feels so much more grown up than when she was in Cubbies. (I'm always amazed at how easily kids can remember Bible verses. It really does seem easier for them than me.) Plus, in Sparks, you earn "shares" which is kinda like money, and you can use it to buy Sparks awards. She's put a down payment on a nail polish kit. It's also pretty cool because you earn jewels to put on your vest after you've completed a section in the book. What little girl doesn't want jewels?

Madelyn's newest adventure is being in the kids' choir at church. It's nice because it meets during regular church hours, and she will get to sing for "big church" a few times throughout the year. You're all invited to see the choir perform on Oct. 24:-)

Oh, she would probably want me to tell you that she's dressing up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz for Halloween. I'm sure you can guess what her favorite part of the costume is--ruby slippers!