School Daze

Get up with my alarm. Shake the girls awake. Change clothes. Drink coffee (me, not the girls). Eat Breakfast. Drink coffee (again, me, not the girls). Send off to school. Do what stay at home moms do. Pick up from school. Homework. Dinner. Bedtime. Repeat. This has been more or less our routine for the last 8 weeks and I am just now getting around to posting about it. In fact, we are gearing up for Parent Teacher Conferences and our Fall break is already next week!

This year, we had two kiddos to send off to school. For some reason, in my mind, Taryn doesn't age. I thought it strange that I needed to send my 3 year old off to kindergarten. Wait! News flash! She's already 5 1/2! WHAT? How did that happen? 

The school year started off like any other school year with pictures, pictures and more pictures. I asked Taryn if she would like a picture with her new teacher. She responded, "I am done taking pictures." Alrighty then. Hug, hug, kiss, kiss. Hurry up and leave before mommy loses it.

 The obligatory first day of school pics:

Why is it that every school year is so anticipated by most parents, but when the time comes we have a hard time leaving them (at least for the first day)? I remember the thoughts that I had when I brought Annika to her first day of kindergarten. I think those same thoughts every year. What will this year be like? Who will be your friends? Will you be loving, caring and generous? Will you still love to learn and create?

How often I wish I could be a fly on the wall in their classrooms for just a day. To see how they respond to their classmates, how they make decisions, and to see if they can demonstrate God's love to those around them. 

The beginning of each school year seems so much more of a big deal than the start of the New Year. New routines, schedules, relationships, etc. Whereas, the New Year is just another day except now we have to change the year when we write out a check....even then it takes us until February to do it right.  With the start of the school year, I think I make more resolutions than I do at the start of a New Year:
This year I will get up before the kids so it's not so crazy. 
This year I will make lunches the night before.
This year homework and chores will be done before going out to play.
This year I will be intentional about setting time aside to work with Landon so he is ready for preschool.
This year I will have a time of devotions with the kids before they leave the house.
This year I won't wear my p.j.s until 11 a.m.

And, just like New Year's resolutions, they are all broken before the third week of school.

However, there are a few "resolutions" I am determined not to break (and so far, 8 weeks in, we are going strong):
I will enjoy these moments when school is exciting, friends are sweet and teachers are cool.
I will enjoy the "little" amount of homework because essays and exams will come soon enough.
I will enjoy the short time that I have with the boys at home.
I will enjoy the innocent questions, and the fact that they still accept the simple answers.
I will enjoy this season of life and not wish it away.

Hope you are enjoying your school season...whatever stage you are in!!