Jack and Mary Kate got up early with me to help set up at the Farmer's Market. They were so excited!!! They drew chalk drawings to encourage people at other ends of the park to come check it out. We decided to sell the chalk for 50 cents a piece and then sell bottled water for $1.
I thought it might be really hot but it was just gorgeous. We didn't sell too much water but boy did we decorate the park!!!
Here are a few pics from the day...
This is a pic of my dear friend, Lonna with Mary Kate, and her cute heart drawing.
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A329347%3A4ot1lsi
This was our motto for the event. Mary Kate painted the sign.
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A32935%3B%3C%3Bot1lsi
This is Patrick with one of his best friends, Ned. They will be going to kindergarten together.
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A32934785ot1lsi
Here's John's chalk art...you can't see it very well but it is so full of love and happiness.
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A32934796ot1lsi
Here is the amazing Barney that my mom and dad drew. Yes, my adorable mom brought a kneepad and a coloring book to use as a guide and created a darling picture perfect Barney!
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2323%3D%3B24%3D38%3A%3D3232%3B24299589nu0mrj
Here is Jack's drawing of the Peanuts gang...so cute! That's my neice and MK with him as well.
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A329347%3A7ot1lsi
I cannot begin to tell you how amazing this day was. Truly, there were several miraculous events. The best one for me personally is about Patrick starting school. Patrick has been feeling really good lately which means he is full of beans! I have been so worried about him starting kindergarten without an aide. A woman from our church offered to be Patrick's aide months ago. Guess what? When I went to speak with her about it recently, she hesitated and I got the definite vibe that she didn't want to do it. So, in a panic, I was looking for someone to help Patrick transition for the first two weeks of school. A dear, dear aide from Patrick's special ed preschool came to the celebration and we were talking about her moving and I realized that she might be available for the first two weeks of school. She agreed to do it!!!!
This is such a gift! First of all, Patrick associates her with school so she will be a comforting presence in an entirely new situation. Secondly, she will be able to tell me after the two weeks her honest opinion about the program and with all of her experience her opinion will really help! Lastly, she knows Patrick really well. She knows how to push him and how to help him in the exact right way. She will unknowingly be a good teacher for Patrick's new teachers.
Truly, a divine intervention!
Here is her chalk drawing!
http://images.snapfish.com/344727%3B923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2329%3D484%3D528%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A32936249ot1lsi
You can tell she is a special person just from that.
Anyway, we were blessed by the loving presence of so many friends and family members that have supported us through this whole thing. It was great to have a light-hearted day. Many strangers also joined us and their touching drawings were amazing too!
What can I say? I highly recommend chalk drawing in a park to life your spirits! Both Jack and Mary KAte asked if this could be an annual event. Maybe!
We love you!!!! Thank you sooooo much for all of your love, support and encouragement. Your Chillin' With Chalk pictures have been such amazing gifts to all of us! My kids and John just can't believe it. Of course, I'm used to the loving-kindness available here from all over the world.
Right back at you, friends! Beth
