My precious son is starting his first day of Kindergarten tomorrow. This does not seem possible as I can still remember all of the wonderful and anxious feelings, the sweet and not-so-sweet smells, and the delightful sounds associated with bringing this adorable bundle of cuteness home from the hospital. Our son is the happiest child you will ever meet; he is so full of life and laugher and love. One of the things that I prayed for him since he was born was that God would give him a joyful heart. When we lost our first daughter in 2008, I heightened that prayer and prayed that Jaythan would not be affected by our grief but would continue to possess his heart of joy. God not only answered that prayer through our son, but He also gave us a daughter (named Joy) who rivals her Big Brother with her JOYFUL spirit. They are always smiling, always laughing, and always showing love. We are so very blessed.
This morning, I spent some time covering the children in prayer-specifically Jaythan for his first year of school. I recently read the books, "The Circle Maker" and "Praying Circles over your Children" by Mark Batterson. I HIGHLY recommend these books. I wrote this prayer for him and it was so healing to express my heart of emotion to my Heavenly Father.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My precious boy starts Kindergarten tomorrow, and I am just a mess emotionally. Time has passed so quickly, and he has grown up so fast. God, forgive me for the times that I have failed as his Mommy. Help me to show him grace and love at all times instead of impatience and anger.
God, walk with him tomorrow into his school. Hold his hand, take away any and all fears and anxieties. Bless the relationship that he will develop with his teacher. Give his teacher joy, compassion, patience, and love for her class. Place children in his path who will become great friends of his. Help him to remember that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13).
May he taste and see your goodness and find joy in trusting you as he starts this adventure of Kindergarten (Psalm 34:8). Give him a compassion for others and help him to show kindness and love to everyone he encounters.
God, thank you for his joyful heart! Fill him with complete JOY as he learns and trys new things and makes new memories.
And, God, please strengthen and comfort my saddened heart. Give me wisdom for parenting in this new phase of life. Thank you, Father, for your love for our children-for going before and beside them.
I am eternally grateful for your sustaining presence, grace and love,
Your daughter
I feel SO very blessed to be Jaythan's Mommy, and I pray that his first day and first year of school is full of exciting new adventures. I asked my sweet boy what he would like for his after-school snack on the first day, and he requested chocolate chocolate chip muffins. I found a yummy and healthier recipe than I normally make on one of my favorite food blogs. I adapted the recipe just a little bit and posted it below. He just sampled one tonight and declared it the "yummiest chocolate muffin I have ever eaten". I can't wait to share a muffin with him tomorrow afternoon as he tells me all about his first day of Kindergarten.
Healthy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients:
1 box Devil's Food cake mix (I use Duncan Hines ALWAYS)
1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin puree
1/3 cup applesauce (I used a snack-sized cup of cinnamon applesauce)
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet chocolate chips)
Directions:
*DO NOT follow the instructions or use the ingredients on the back of the cake mix box.
Add the cake mix, pumpkin, and applesauce to a large bowl. Mix well either by hand or with a hand mixer. When thoroughly blended, fold in chocolate chips (if using). The batter will be pretty dense.
Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray each liner with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon batter into each liner until it is about 3/4 of the way full (I was able to get 12 muffins). The shape of each muffin will be a little irregular because of the density of the batter.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the middle of muffin to make sure the middles are done.
The Original Recipe can be found here: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/08/chocolate-pumpkin-muffins-only-3.html
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