"Mom, Jesus gave me money!"

The boys are attending Vacation Bible School this week. On Sunday night as we tucked them into bed, we told them that they are finally ready to go to school and that tomorrow morning we would be able to take them to Vacation Bible School. Gabriel was so excited he hardly went to sleep, and Michael, just like he always does, went with the flow as long as Gabriel was okay with it. Even though the boys are willing and excited about the school idea, I still woke up on Monday morning with a bunch of nerves making a nest in my stomach.

As we arrived at the church and got them checked in, the time had finally come for them to leave my hands and go into the hands of a VBS school staffer. I was nervous and almost teary-eyed to see them go without me, but I put on a strong front and said "Have fun boys and make sure to listen to your teacher". They were only going to be there for 3 hours, I should be able to make it at least three hours without Jarrett or I being by their side. With every step Gabriel and Michael bounced with a strut down the hall to their classroom, and just before they walked in, they turned back and yelled with a wave and a smile, "Bye Mom!" Everyone else dropping off their kids laughed because they yelled loud enough for everyone in the whole place to hear.

Thankfully, their cousin Alicia is their Bible school teacher and they are in the same class. When I think of two close brothers, I now have a vision of Gabriel and Michael. For so long they were each other's sole protectors and only cheerleaders. They have come to rely upon each other for safety and security it is hard to imagine one without the other being right in tow. So, for their first experience in school, we thought it would be best to put them together.

On Monday late-morning when I picked them up, each of them came running out to greet me and said, "Mom, I like school, can you bring me back after lunch?" Well, honey I can't bring you back after lunch but I can tomorrow morning. Gabriel then retorted back, "No mom, my teacher said I could come back after lunch and have more fun." I guess he didn't realize I know his teacher is and we talked before they did. Nice try Gabriel, I like the excitement though honey.

On Tuesday when they woke up Gabriel's first question was, "Mom, lets go to school now" Honey, we should probably eat breakfast, take a bath and change from our pajamas before taking you to school. Thankfully he agreed, but couldn't wait to get out the door. On Tuesday when I picked them up they were just as talkative and excited about all that they were learning. When I asked them what they do at school Gabriel replied, "Mom, we learn a lot about Gog'd" (aka God) as if I should have already known the answer to my silly question.

Yesterday, when I got them up and ready for school I asked them to sit on the couch and read some books while I quickly showered and got dressed. After what has become my 5 minute getting ready routine, I checked on them to see to make sure they were okay. I peered around the corner to see that they had gone and picked up their Bibles, which were sitting by the front door and were both sitting on the couch, completely engaged in the stories inside. When I asked what they were doing they said, "Mom, we are reading about Gogd. You mean God right Gabriel? "Yes Mom, that is what I said."

And what has to be one of my favorite memories from this week's Bible School happened yesterday late morning when I picked them up. Gabriel and Michael had been given small prayer coins with a Bible verse and a pray on each side. Their teachers must have told them they shouldn't lose them and that they were about Jesus. Arriving right on time, and not my normal 5 minutes early to get them, the lobby of the school was filled with other parents. The greeter at the front saw me and went back to get Gabriel and Michael. Just like the two days before, the boys came cheerfully out of their classroom, but this time, instead of walking, they sprinted down the hall while shrieking at the top of their lungs, "MOM, GUESS WHAT?" "Hi Gabriel and Michael" I said in a quieter, calmer tone. No change in volume or excitement on their end, "MOM, JESUS GAVE ME MONEY!" and immediately punched their arm out toward me to show me their precious coins. By that point everyone in the lobby, and probably everyone else in the school had joined in a chorus of laughs. I have to admit, it was pretty funny and I couldn't resist joining in on their excitement. They went on to tell me (and everyone else on our way to the car) that Jesus gave them money because he loves them. I just love how little minds work.

This week has been a very exciting time for the boys as they went to their first school. I will forever remember the excitement on their faces as I pick them up each day and how excited they are each night as they say their prayers and talk about going to school tomorrow. Tonight, we will get to go and watch their Vacation Bible School performance. I haven't decided yet if they are going to be shy and refuse to sing or if they'll be those kids in children's performances you see on America's Funniest Home videos, that shout the words to the song and make the whole event about them. We'll see, but one thing is for sure, either way, they'll have more than just each other cheering them on as they take the stage.

Until next time,
Angie