First off, a tribute to an awesome lady, Miss Elise. She left for college yesterday and will be GREATLY missed by our family...not only because she was a world class babysitter, but she was in incredible example to our kids (and us) of generousity, patience, and humbleness. She actually gave us a going away gift and said, "Thanks for everything!" It's us who should be thanking her...for 'everything!'
We love you, Elise, and wish you all the best! See you at Christmas!
There are probably a lot of parents out there who are glad that the school year has started. In a way, I am, too. Our family just runs a little smoother when we're in a routine...and because of a small (or maybe not so small) case of OCD, I also like the precision of a schedule. However, in light of what happened last weekend at the Fair Grounds, I wasn't ready to let my babies start the school year. I actually went to bed on Monday night, hoping that my life would become the movie 'Groundhog Day,' and I'd wake up to Monday all over again! Of course, that didn't happen, so we started the school year with the charge of a 4 year old..."Since the calendar says it's the first day of school for Nate, he better go!"
August 16, 2011
He was eager to start 3rd grade. He even asked me to set his alarm so that he could wake up on his own and before bed, he wanted me to review what the procedure was before school (he gets that from his Mama). I peeked in at him about 10 minutes before his alarm went off and he was lying, quietly, but eagerly waiting for that buzzer!
I always take him to school on the first day. After kindergarten, I chose not to request a picture of him by the school sign, but I do take one just before heading out the door, every year! They'll make good pictures for his Senior scrapbook...boys do that, don't they? We were headed down State Road 36 and just before pulling into the East Elementary parking lot, Nate said, "Make sure you pull into the 'drop off' line." WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I WAS NOT PLANNING ON DROPPING HIM OFF! I was continuing tradition...I ALWAYS walk him to his classroom on the first day. What is happening to my baby boy? Oh yea...he's in 3rd grade now! The good news is that his bus number changed this year so I convinced him that I, AT LEAST, needed to walk him into the office so that we could double check the bus number. After the bus number confirmation, he took off! I thought to myself "Should I ask for a hug? Ummmmm.....yeah.......sure! Can I have a hug, Nate?" He gave me one, but with little enthusiasm. That's okay...at least he didn't reject my request :)
I had some errands to run with the younger two kids after dropping him off at school...I cried all the way to the store!
Yesterday, we also got to visit Gabe's school and meet his new teacher. Mrs. Etchison already knew him and he felt quite comfortable walking into her class and making himself at home. I was already a little emotional, but after he saw Mrs. Rayl (his teacher from last year), and gave her the biggest most joyful hug, EVER, I got a bit choked up again! I'm so glad he loves school...
I hope that doesn't change :) I also couldn't be happier that we chose to send him there again.
Off the bus with a joyous smile and Nate quickly informed me, "No homework." "What was your favorite part of the day, Nate?" "Recess." Figures...
He later informed me that they actually made him write something on the first day...WHAT? How ridiculous! "It's like she was in the wrong grade, Mom. We aren't 4th graders. She should have taken it easy on us. I also had to sharpen, like, 50 pencils (sigh)." It's going to be a LONG year!
Just for fun, here's a picture of my 1st baby heading off to preschool in September of 2006! Wow! Check him out with little Thomas the Tank Engine backpack...now it's Mario!
Gabe's turn!
August 17, 2011
I love that this picture shows his personality so well...and the fact that he made his own shoe choice. His Crocs "arent proopriate for school. I should wear my Sketchers and my lucky Cat and the Hat sockies." Okay...I don't want to start the first day with a battle :)
Adri and I spent some time alone this morning at the library, a few antique stores and Starbucks!
I picked Gabe up, seeing nothing but a smile on his face (and some icing from the cupcake had, celebrating a classmate's birthday), and the first thing he said when we got in the car was, "I'm hungry!" Home, lunch, nap! Gabe and Adri both slept for 2 1/2 hours...it's hard getting up at 6:45 when you've been sleeping til 9 all summer...for Mommy, too! I fought the urge to nap, though, and did about 6 loads of laundry and read a little.
My heart still breaks for what the Voss/Vellinga family is going through. I know that prayers are going up all over the world, asking that God work in her life...and I'm certain He will. Because of this, however, I'm still holding my chickadees a little tighter and a little longer...trying not to take for granted the time I have with them.
I'm including a link to the site where her brother is posting updates on her progress as well as the link to a site listing information about making donations to her and her family.
Take care...and COUNT THOSE BLESSINGS!
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