Back to School-{Braden, Taylor, Ella}

I don't even know where to begin.  I feel a little lost right now.  Summer is officially over and the kids are back in school.  All four kids are in school this year!  Braden at Jr. High and the 3 girls at elementary school.  We had a great summer together and it was the first summer that all the kids had the 3 months off.  We've done the traditional/year around school combo for so long that it was so nice just to have a break from school.  Heavenly really.  I have to remind myself every night as I'm trying to plan out the next day in my mind that wait, the kids have school again!  I'm not used to it.  I would homeschool my kids in a heartbeat if I wanted to be completely selfish.  And believe me.  Most days I want to be selfish and keep them home with me but for now, public school is best for them.  I hate sending them to school but I'm not the kind of Mom that cries dropping her kids off.  My heart stings watching them grow so quickly but at the same time I love who they are becoming and it make me happy.  This parenting stuff isn't easy and for some reason I thought it would get easier as my kids get older.  It doesn't.  It gets harder and the time flies by faster.

It's a big year for us as Braden starts Jr. High and Lily starts Kindergarten.  Braden was excited but a little nervous.  It's all foreign to me with this A day, B day business but we're getting the hang of it.  He got robotics for his elective and is really enjoying it.  He rides his bike to school and comes home completely sweaty from riding his bike up the huge, never ending hill to our house.  He has adjusted better than I thought he would and has come home everyday happy and loving school.  He likes having 8 different classes and said he doesn't miss recess like he thought he would.  It's been a huge sigh of relief for me.  I was worried about his transition to a new school with no friends but it seems to be working out great so far.  He has made new friends in all of his classes and is spreading his wings.  Taylor is in 4th grade and loves her teacher.  She didn't know most of the girls in her class but has quickly made new friends.  Ella was very nervous about starting 2nd grade.  Both of her best friends aren't at the school anymore and she didn't know a single girl in her class.  My heart hurt for when I read the class list posting because she is so shy.  But it has turned out to be good for her.  She has come home with 2 girl's phone numbers and has a play date next week.  I think it will be a great year for her as she gains confidence and spreads her wings a bit.

Andy gave the kids Father's Blessings for the start of the new school year.  It was special as he blessed each one.  I can't believe another school year is beginning and will be over in a blink of an eye.  The days are long but the weeks fly by.  It's going to be a great year!