Last night, Alexander and I began what was to be our first annual back to school tradition. We climbed into his bed, minds set to read Chapter 1 of a 16 chapter book called The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, recommended as a parent summer read-aloud for children finishing Kindergarten at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church school. We were going to read one chapter each night until time to go back to school, for a special end to the summer. In the past, we have read two other chapter books aloud to him, one chapter at a time, and it has been enjoyable for all! Well, last night was different. An hour later and looking at the words, "Chapter 12", we agreed that we were really serious this time..."Only one more chapter and then we have to put it down until tomorrow!" Today, as SOON as Reagan was bedded down for naptime, WAY before bedtime thought about creeping around, we finished it. If you are looking for an excellent read, no matter your age or stage, this comes highly recommended. We laughed, I cried and he tried not to, a surprise was around every turn. The ending pleased us much and we could truly sit down and read it all over again, TODAY! Alexander is such a good boy and I love when we get a chance to have a special moment, even if 16 days was shortened to barely 2. We still hope it will be a back to school tradition, one we can include Reagan in as she grows, but we started with such a wonderful book, others have a lot to live up to! We had a chance to discuss excitement, disappointment, wonder, grief, death and life and I was impressed at how much Alexander understands...beyond his 5 little years, if you ask me! This is a little boy who loves his family and Jesus VERY much and serves so willingly. Oh, how I pray times like these continue even through his teen years...that he comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus and serves Him all his days, sharing Him with others all along the way! Thank you, God, for such a sweet time with my precious son!
