Warrior Soccer Camp

First week of summer is underway at our house.

Claire and Charlotte are attending Warrior Soccer Camp at school.

This is Claire's first introduction to soccer. . .

and let's just say, judging from the first day -

it is safe to say she likes it. . .a lot!

94 degrees didn't slow her down!

She's home by noon for an afternoon of

swimming, popsicles and reading a good book.

We heart summer!

Baylor University Visit

Meredith and I were up early today for a drive to central Texas.

Some of the scenery we enjoyed:

wide open fields, cows at pasture, picturesque windmills, 

winding backroads and horses under huge shade trees.

I even let Meredith play her country music. It seemed appropriate.

We had a campus visit at Baylor University.

We had a wonderful time which included an hour with a nursing school advisor.

The information we gathered was very helpful and confirmed for Meredith

that this program indeed positions her well for her long term nursing goals -

becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Two years on the Waco campus and then two years in Dallas at the 

Baylor medical center in the nursing program.

And then, a job/internship in a NICU for 12-18 months.

After two years of that experience, she can enter the program to get her specialization

as a neonatal nurse practitioner.

Of course that could all change, but if it doesn't, this is the place that can help her get there!

The campus was lovely.  The people were friendly.  Texas friendly.

She liked the big university amenities with the small college feel.

I had to agree. I could see her on this campus. All the students we met

and interacted with were very impressive and much like Meredith.

And we already know they have a vibrant RUF ministry on campus

(reformed university fellowship)

The pastor is great friends with our pastor!  That is a comfort.

And the sight of boots in the bookstore was pretty awesome, too!

Praying for God to continue to lead and guide her 

as she considers the options and makes some decisions.  

Hard to believe she'll be cranking out those college apps and essays THIS SUMMER!

Bolero

Meredith is wrapping up her first full year as a senior company member

with the Houston Repertoire Ballet

Just as soon as Cinderella was finished,

the senior company started learning Bolero -

a more contemporary piece with a Spanish flare.

They performed this at the Barry Center

as the finale for the recital for the Houston Ballet Center.

It was beautiful.

So proud of our ballerina.

She will attend the summer intensive with guest teachers this summer

and we are all looking forward to a new season starting in August.

Sailing Into Sixth

Today we celebrated Charlotte's graduation from 5th grade.

It was a beautiful luncheon marking the end of elementary school.

And the beginning of middle school.

Sigh.

The theme of the luncheon - Sailing into Sixth

We enjoyed a nostalgic slide show, inspiring addresses from administration and 

lunch was served in darling sand buckets

Students, parents, grandparents, special friends rejoicing together in God's faithfulness.

Each teacher spoke personally to each student

and gave them a biblical character trait that

they have seen God grow in each child.

Charlotte's was 

AVAILABILITY

making her own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those she serves

(based on Philippians 2:20-21)

Then they were prayed over and commissioned for a new chapter!

You would never know Charlotte was not with these these girls since kindergarten.

She has been so welcomed and enfolded.

Loved and nurtured.

And these two godly teachers have poured into our girl

with excellence...and patience...and passion

They are amazing and we're so blessed that they touched Charlotte's life

as she passed through the fifth grade in her life's journey!

So now these precious friends look forward to a summer of fun

with anticipation of sailing into the sixth grade in just a few short months.

After the luncheon, the 6h grade teachers gave them a tour of the building

they will be moving to.  They are carefully and purposefully separated from

elementary and the rest of middle and high school.

6th grade is a nurturing year.  A preparation year.

And we're so excited to see what God has in store!!!

Blueberry Pickin'

What a glorious day we had picking blueberries!

We went with another family who knew right where to go.

I've always wanted to pick blueberries.

I was giddy with excitement.  

This morning we read my favorite book - Blueberries for Sal.

The bushes were full and oh so beautiful!

Everyone had a great time.

Enjoying God's beautiful creation

And being together!

Everyone worked hard to fill their buckets! 

And we sure did our fair share of sampling, too!

Kirplink, Kirplank, Kirplunk. . .

Together, we picked 57 pounds of blueberries.

Yes, you read that correctly.

57 pounds!

This is the 32 pounds brought in by team Achterkirch --

If you've got a favorite blueberry recipe - send it our way!

Best way to cool off - snow cones!

 Everyone came home hot, and tired and dirty.

Best kind of tired ever!

We'll be up bright and early for church

and blueberry pancakes tomorrow!!!

Projects, Parties and Programs...Oh My!

The month of May is always full.

Full of wonderful end of the school year activities and festivities.

Last week, the kids each participated in their respective 

Awards Chapel.

Meredith was honored as 

Student of the Year

from the departments of History and Bible.

This award is given to the student with the highest overall rankings

in two combined departments.

Peter was awarded the eighth grade

Joshua Award

The eighth grade faculty votes for the student who best exemplifies

Christian character and the school's primary pillars of

academic excellence, biblical principles and cultural impact

We're so thankful that God planted our children at CCS
That He always makes a way, financially, for them to be in Christian education
That He has put faithful men and women in their lives
to educate them, nurture them and disciple them
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankful, too, that in our first year in this new place,
we have seen our kids blossom and excel.
That is grace upon grace!

Next week is finals week....
But before the grueling study week that lies ahead, we can enjoy

BLUE AND WHITE SCRIMMAGE NIGHT


Peter will take his place (on the sidelines as a rising freshman)
with the varsity football team for our spring training
football scrimmage.

It is a great tradition and the whole family is going.

Football in May - yeah....we're in Texas now, remember ?!!?!

Performance Day

Today was Performance Day in music class.

David and I went to Mr. Mason's room for the second grade presentations.

Here is Claire introducing her piano piece -

Aloutte

She did a fine job.

At one point, she even glanced my way in the middle of her song

and gave me a little smile as if to say,

"Im doing great, huh, mom!?"

Yep.  She did great!

Using our gifts to glorify God - Mr. Mason sure uses his

to teach this to our precious children.

So grateful for teachers

who teach our children about the covenant way of life

Charlotte and Holly

Charlotte was disappointed that her horse show

had to be postponed this past weekend.

A few of the lesson horses have injuries, so we will wait

until the fall for the kids to have their friendly competition

and exhibition.

She still got to go out and ride Holly.  

It truly is the joy of her week!

She has really grown in her riding skills and horsemanship 

over the course of the past year.  

Not only that, but the relationships she has developed

at the barn are a blessing.  Miss Nancy and Mr. McDonald are precious!

Not to mention Holly - she is the best lesson horse

and Charlotte and Holly work beautifully together.

Makes my heart happy to watch Charlotte ride.

The smile tells it all!

Beautiful Holly . . .

Sweet friends!