Two weeks ago...

It's crazy how time flies by me. I was just commenting to Michelle yesterday, that summer is already zooming past! Or at least it feels like it. In reality, it's only been two weeks.

Two weeks since Ellie finished kindergarten.

Two weeks since the BIG dance recital.

Two weeks since Janelle's baby shower.

Two weeks that I've been meaning to blog about all of the above!

I'll start with the first one today...

She's a kindergarten graduate! I never thought I'd see the day...

Oh, I kid! I was nervous though, when Ellie started kindergarten last fall. I wasn't emotional, or even all that sentimental, just nervous. She's a unique girl, with many great qualities, and many difficult qualities. I feared for her, her teacher, her classmates, and myself. I prayed that she would get the teacher she needed, that she would learn how to handle herself better.

And you know what? She did! She got a teacher who managed her well. A teacher with a quiet voice, but enough firmness to keep Ellie on track. We had a few rough patches, but nothing that lasted.

After spring break the real change occurred, and it seemed like a switch flipped in Ellie. She seemed able to catch herself before a meltdown happened. I was able to reason with her. She seemed happier and more at peace with herself. The reason for the flip? She accepted Christ! I have never seen such a tangible change in someone before. Ellie started asking deep, pointed questions just after Easter. We began having some talks, and she said she wanted to be a Christian. I, however, questioned her. Did she really understand? Was she ready? She's only six! But as I prayed, and did a little online research, I realized that she DID understand, as much as a six year old can and should, and who was I to hold her back. So we prayed, and she asked Jesus to live in her heart, forgive her of her sins, and to help her grow into a strong Christian girl! I am so proud of her, so excited for her! Since that day we prayed, she has been happier. Happier with herself, with me, with life. Not perfect of course, far from it. She still makes bad choices sometimes, still loses her temper, still gets very frustrated with me and her daddy and her siblings. But the anger she had, the extreme anger, is gone. And in it's place is a Peace! One week from tomorrow she plans to be baptized at our church, in the big swimming pool outside. Unconventional? Yes! But OH so special!

Life with our strong willed girl is still not easy, but it is much easier. I have always known that she needs to grow into her personality, and now it seems like she is starting to. We are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were just a few months ago. I am excited about first grade! Not nervous! Okay, a little nervous, but a good nervous.

She's a work in progress, my Ellie, as we all are!