August

August was a month of firsts in the Rice Household. Elijah started his first day of preschool. Jeff started his first day as a second year teacher. Thad lost his first tooth.

The month began with a time of friendship. Leigh Ann was able to go away for a night and spend with her friends Laura, Beth, and Laura. They went to a dinner theater in Little Rock and saw The Music Man. It was an awesome night filled with much laughter. After spending the night at a hotel, they embarked on a shopping trip around the city. It was a wonderful reprieve from the children and a great time to reconnect with friends!

Then Jeff started back to school. This year he is teaching Chemistry, Physics, Yearbook, and Physical Science. He is enjoying the classes and his students. He is also in full gear with the second year of his teacher training program. He suffered from some health problems the first week of school which was really difficult but he is better now. Thank the Lord!

The following week Elijah started preschool. He was super excited and LOVES it. He is going on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-2. He has art, music, literacy, and chapel every week. His teacher is wonderful. The biggest problem is getting him to leave...he never wants to! He has learned quite a bit already and just loves being with the other kids.

Fall programming started at church as well this month. Our small group had our first meeting two weeks ago. We are really excited to start this new year together. We have a group of wonderful people and look forward to studying James together this fall.

The final "first" belongs to Thad. He fell last Sunday evening and hit his mouth. When he got up his front tooth was sticking straight forward. After Thad's first trip to the E.R. he was minus that tooth. He took his first trip to the dentist the next day. Thankfully, there was no damage done to any other teeth and he will not need anything further done. He will be toothless until the adult one comes in sometime around age 7. His smile looks goofy but it adds to his charm. An amazing thing happened in the midst of the chaos of that evening. Elijah asked Jeff if they should pray for Thad. Thank you Lord for Elijah's love for his brother!

We hope that you all had a great August and that as the new school year starts you remember to thank the Lord for his many blessings. We are so thankful for a great summer (albeit a HOT one), a healthy family, and the beginning of a new semester of school. Thank you Lord for family, friends, a job Jeff loves, and a home of our own!

This free photo slideshow customized with Smilebox