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H insisted on taking all of her school supplies to the first day of first grade. With such a heavy backpack, she had trouble walking straight. On the drive to school she asked me if I was her best friend. I miss her already even though the sisterly bickering was driving me crazy. I try not to imagine someday dropping her off at college.

Her school is in a new building this year and I wouldn't say the district made it a smooth transition. I know the staff did their best with the time they were given. It was nice to think back to last year, where we knew only Anna and now this year we know at least one family in each grade and I have had play dates with several of the teachers and several of the parents. I knew lots of people to greet and hug. It felt good even though the building is new. H's teacher already knows her name, from the halls last year. Another new beginning.

Next week K starts preschool. T starts a new semester tomorrow. Both girls start a new soccer team tonight, with T as coach of both. I start a new season of mothering. I haven't been taking many pictures lately but we've enjoyed the last two weeks of summer: bike rides,2 Delta faculty picnics, playing with friends and relaxing. We need to reenter the busy school year so we can appreciate our next vacation. And have you noticed? There are red, dry, crunchy leaves gathering at our curbs. Fall is coming.

Lord, give our little ones the discernment to recognize the things and behaviors in their days that do not please you and the steadfastness and self control to resist them and follow your words we have carefully taught them.

School days

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

School starts in less than a week. Last week, I was excited, dreaming of the time alone I would have each week. Since Sunday, I am anxious. I keep repeating, " Train up a child in the way she should go and when she is older she will not depart from it." Emotionally, I am clinging to this verse, willing myself to stand on it in faith.

H will be in first grade this year. Not a huge jump since Kindergarten was all day last year. K will attend a public preschool nearby. Once again my control is slipping away. I won't know how much of their lunch they ate, won't approve each video or read-aloud book, can't counter the nasty remark of some child, can't correct the snotty behavior of my own. The world isn't a nice place and it is painful for me to send them into it. I could home school, the answer of choice for many. With all its flaws, we feel committed to public education for now. There are definitely good things to be learned and experienced in the public system. I can't predict where our future philosophies will end up.

To add to my anxiety, H has been chosen as a friend by the third grade girl on the other side of the block. H loves her new friend and all her fancy pretend games. The third grader is polite, thoughtful, not too bossy, and receives any of my rules with a great attitude. But whoa is me, she has married H to her second grade brother and always gives each girl in her games a boyfriend. I would like to keep pretending the world of the opposite sex is all about who is nice to whom and nothing more. Suddenly, the sleepless nights, the poopy diapers, the worries about if the baby is eating enough or gaining enough weight, all seem easy and straightforward compared to helping my little girls navigate the world. Oh I will miss summer and the long snuggles on the couch as we watch Curious George in the morning. I will miss the out-of-control silliness and the joy of watching the girls settle into peaceful play for the afternoon. I will miss all the impromptu field trips and game of Go Fish. I should go wake up the girls,we need to practice our school schedule!

Milestones

H made her first goal in soccer last night. YEA! I was more excited than she was. She said making a goal made her feel like she was getting better. The bummer: it was the one of the games they scheduled when Tom was teaching so he missed it.

Kindergarten is over. So much learning. H wasn't excited. She doesn't like getting older. She doesn't like change. She cried because she will miss her teacher. I spent the afternoon helping Mrs. Suchocki pack boxes for the big move to new-old building. It will be farther away---thank goodness for car pools (and the much-loved Jack). The day ended by giving each kindergartner a sheet of bubble wrap and then they all jumped at the same time. They laughed and giggled, but the sound was defeening and made my ears ring! Here are pictures of H on her last day. The face painting is from last night's ice cream social at school. Note to Grandma: if you click on the pictures, a bigger version will appear.