Ava's First Day of Kindergarten!

We've been talking about Kindergarten since Pre-K graduation in May, it feels like forever ago. We've spent all Summer long continuing to help her learn and grow as a student. And now it's here. Ava started kindergarten this week. 

I can hardly believe my little girl is old enough to go to school. It makes all my emotions as a mama run high and gives me all sorts of glimpses into the future. I'm a planner, over thinker and sharer by nature. Already my mind is thinking about all the things she'll learn and do as a kindergartner. I'm already thinking about how we'll be involved at her new school as a family. 

One thing is certain, we are in a new season and new phase of life for sure. 

As we prepared all summer, as uniforms were dropped at our doorstep by the postman and as I took my two little ones to buy school supplies it all became so real in those moments that this was happening. 

I'm not wishing it away, I love watching her grow and learn new things. I was more emotional dropping her off last year at Pre-K than I was this year. This year, it's so different. She's so confident, she's so ready. 

She's taking on her role as a big girl and owning it. And I couldn't be more proud of her for being brave. Being brave at a new school where she knows no one, and making new friends. Being brave to leave the comforts of being at home at day for school. 

When we drooped her off this week on the very first day she confidently walked in, sat at her desk, smiled and waved bye to me and her brother. 

As we were walking away Zane burst into tears screaming " I miss Aba." My heart melted for him, but I knew her home coming at the end of the day would be just as sweet for him and it was. He missed her so much that first day and the next he kept asking when we were gonna go get her. So so sweet. 

So now as we enter a new phase of life, of parents of a school age kid I look forward to all that it will bring. I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows this year. I'm looking forward to being involved in her school and education. And feeling extremely blessed to have her at the school she's at. 

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Ok, mamas. Who sent their kiddos back to school this week? Tell me your stories in the comments below. Any other kinder mamas out there? 

Back to School Eve Dinner

Ava started Kindergarten this week (more on that tomorrow) so the night before we had a little 'Back to School Eve' dinner in her honor. 

This is an idea I saw from fellow blogger Erin of Bringing Up Burns. Erin's been doing these for years for her children and every year I read about them I'm so inspired and couldn't wait to one day do this for my own children. 

The basic idea of this dinner is to pick a theme for the school year, host a dinner and spend time together as a family talking about the upcoming school year. You can see all Erin's posts about Back to School Eve dinners here. 

I took the time to plan out a table scape using everything I already had in my home. Book pages lined the center of the table. I used some letter, number and color flash cards and layered them on top. And then placed two apples on cupcake stands. 

We had a simple dinner, drank sweet tea and chatted about the theme for the year we choose for Ava. 

We choose the theme: BE BRAVE.

This Summer she's been so brave. Learning to swim, holding her breath under water and swimming, going down the slides all by herself at the water park. It's been a summer of transition for our family with a new home and a new church and she's handled all of them with bravery and grace. 

We talked a lot about this concept and how that will help her as she enters kinder this year.

We also took some time to speak some words of encouragement over her and prayed for her as she was starting school the very next day.

I also made this fun little sheet of questions and we took the time to ask her each one and write down the answers. I plan on making the same list of questions each year and keeping them all in a binder to look back on during high school graduation. I'm sappy like that! 

Our simple back to school eve dinner turned out to be so much fun, and we can't wait to add this to our yearly traditions. 

What are some of your favorite back to school traditions? Tell me in the comments below. 

A Day in June.

It's been a while since I've shared a day in the life video! We filmed this video a couple weeks back, one of our first days at home since Ava completed school and is out for the Summer. We're for sure spending our days lazy this summer with little to no agenda. 

Couple things to note; I'm in my workout clothes much of this video, even after working out. I'm not wearing any makeup because that's how I roll on days at home.

What are your days looking like this summer?

Happy 5th Birthday Ava!

Today our sweet baby girl turns five. I can hardly believe that this milestone is already here for her and our family. Five years ago today, she made me a mama. She made us parents and what a joyful ride it's been.

She's kinda, smart and sweet. She is sensitive and caring towards others. She loves people deeply already. She is strong willed and one day I know she'll change the world. 

She loves Jesus. She has shown me even more these last five years how deep the Father's love for us is, and she doesn't even know it. Sometimes I think she's taught me more than I've taught her. 

Happy 5th Birthday Ava! from Andrea Worley on Vimeo.

I'm so glad she's ours, and we're so proud to be her Mommy & Daddy. We love you Ava, Happy Birthday! 

Papia Family Adoption Fundraiser

Today is a very special blog post, I get to introduce you to a family that is near to my family's heart. Jessie is a friend of mine from college, who just happened to meet and fall in love with one of my Husband's really good friends. You know that moment when two people you love start dating each other, it's like the most perfect thing and you're just excited that you all get to be friends forever. This is one of those stories. I love their story, and I love how God has used them and how he's called them. 

Jessie is one of my oldest friends. She was in my wedding, and my husband and I were in theirs. We were pregnant together with our first babies, and have promised them in marriage to one another...... I kid. Sorta.

She has walked through some of the toughest times in life with me, and I am proud and very lucky to call her friend. 

Jimmy and my husband went through a discipleship program together called Master's Commission, they were also college roommates. This friendship runs deep. 

I invite you to watch this quick video, and hear their hearts. 

They are called to adopt from the country of Haiti and have been in the adoption process since early last year. When Jessie first told me of their adoption plans, I was thrilled for them. Admittedly at the time I really didn't know that much about the adoption process, but their family  has taken all of us on a journey with them. I found myself cheering for my friend as I would with any other life event. Praying for them, and asking the Lord how I could help. God is so clear in his word about taking care of widows and orphans. 

I know adoption is huge calling, one maybe everyone won't have. However just because you aren't called to go through the adoption process and bring a child into your home doesn't mean we aren't called to care for orphans. Because I love the Lord and my desire is to further his Kingdom, I am called to care for orphans and help those who do. God revealed this to me one day during my prayer time. 

Over the last few months I've been praying and asking God for a way to help. Here's what he put on my heart; to use my social influence and my blogging connections for an auction. So that's what I ran with. 

I've put together an auction with 20+ amazing shop owners, 100% of the proceeds with go to the Papia family.

This auction will take place February 25th at noon (mountain time) and run through Friday noon. On my Instagram account, follow me at @andreamworley if you aren't already. You will have a chance to bid on many items during that time frame. Winners will be announced and invoiced. 

I would love for you to share this with your friends, family, co-workers and anyone you wish. Help me spread the word about this wonderful family and this auction to help them. If you are a shop and are interested in donating please email me by Feb. 22nd andreaworley@live.com