Kindergarten Cutie

Janessa, I never want to forget the way you flourished this year with your teacher, "Gorgeous, Brainy One."

 Your kind heart made so many friends!  Your amazing brain learned so much and you worked so hard!

There was so much to see and do each day.  You loved school. I love that you loved it so much!

 I can't wait for our field trip to the zoo!  We are going to have so much fun!

 Your clay frog was super cute. Your bee was pretty bee-autiful too!

 I have a thing for fireflies, and I'm excited you do too now.

The thank you bulletin board for the volunteers was the cutest I have ever seen!  I should be thanking you, your teacher, and the class!  My Tuesday mornings were the best days of the week!  I loved being in the lab with you, reading stories, and testing you for AR.  The pleasure has been all mine!

I guess it wouldn't shock anyone that I had to get a grip and hold it together because I really wanted to bawl my eyes out.  For years we have visited the kindergarten classrooms to see what was going on and to prepare for your first year in school.  Now here we are.  It's almost over and you thrived.  I never needed to worry about you in school.  It was me all along that had to come to terms with my baby growing up.  And you are, baby bird.  Yes, you are!

School is Back in Session. . .

And I'm not really sure what I think about it yet.  After tonight, all we will have left is one more Back to School Night to get a grip on this whole high school thing.  The routine hasn't been too hard to get re-acquainted with.  It's the me here in this house alone that boggles my mind.

The first day of school E took off work to walk all the kids to school.  I thought there might be tears.  There weren't.  Grandparents and Godparents thoroughly surprised us on a quick visit on their way to the airport for a ten day vacation.  Seeing them helped my heart.  Nessa's nino came by with an offering of donuts and chocolate milk that was met with hugs and more pictures.

My last little was heading off to school and I was sad but determined to be strong so she didn't have any issues.  And she didn't.  We took some pictures, said good-bye and were on our way.  It was so strange!

 We celebrated a successful, short day with sushi, of course.

Then we went to visit papa, at his new home while his caregivers vacation.

He was pretty happy to see us and tell us about the ladies who are giving him all kinds of attention! Janessa included.

And the week has been a blur of supplies and letters and schedules. . .it's a lot to keep track of with 4 kids at 3 different schools, but I think I've got it.  Nothing is going to feel "real" until a long awaited vacation happens and my writing classes begins.  I have added another class to teach  and I'm really  looking forward to it.  It's just the strangest week with everyone in school.  The house has not been this clean in a long time. . .and it has only been three days!  We're talking windows!

Walking to school with her bff makes the day off to an even better start! 

Day 2, on my first day home alone, I came upstairs with laundry and poor little lambie, was just sitting on the floor waiting for Janessa's return.  It was the saddest sight.  I couldn't decide who was missing her more. . .

There has been plenty of time for afternoon swims. . .and it sure has been hot enough to demand our attention!

Four days in and this one was uncooperative in the picture department.  She also asked when it was a day off.  School is tough to get used to, but thankfully all of the kids have adjusted well and seem to like their teachers.  This year is going to be full.  I've already met with the school counselor to get our Character Ed program off the ground on the 31st.  I have 2 teachers who are eager for weekly help, plus my MOMS group at church. . .schedules fill up but with the things that matter most to me.  This is a dream come true. My dream.  I feel so incredibly blessed and want to always remember these days.