Tuesday, August 26, 2008

First Day Of School...

Even as a parent, the first day of school stirs up a level of excitement and anticipation. Yesterday when I sat down to get all the supplies organized and into their respected backpacks, it brought back memories of my first days of school - having new clothes, new school supplies, and wondering who your teacher was going to be that year and hoping that you got the "best" one. You know, the one that was everyone's favorite. I loved getting my school supplies ready. Even then I was an organizer, so I loved the task of getting everything into my school box (remember when they were cardboard?) and into my new school bag. My favorite thing was when my mom would splurge and get me the 64- count Crayola crayons with the built-in sharpener. Wasn't that the best?

Today, I welcomed a new school year through the eyes of my children.

Our daughter, Jessica is a senior this year - her final year of high school. I remember when she was finally a freshman, and she would talk about the day she would be a senior. It is here now, and it has come so quickly. I know that she will be counting down the days until graduation, and I will be sharing her excitement. At the same time I will be doing my best to prepare myself for letting go. Her days are going to be filled making memories with her friends, studying, and working. My days are going to be spent making the most of every minute I have with her knowing that before too long, she will be on a new journey of her own.




Sam is a 6th grader in middle school. He wasn't at all the least bit nervous as we stood in the driveway waiting for the bus. I am very proud of my son. He is going to a new school, will have new friends, new classes, and a new level of responsibility. There are going to be situations to deal with that we didn't have to deal with in elementary school. He's with the "big" kids now.

Finally, there is Ben. He is a 5th grader this year, and he too is in a new school. He's a little more nervous and unsure. Ben often has a hard time finding the positive in certain situations. So, when he came to me last night and told me he was a "little" excited about school starting, I knew that he was going to be okay.


Every year we take the famous "back-to-school" picture. Time has gone so fast when I see the pictures that have been taken year after year. It's so easy as a parent to find yourself saying things like, "I can't wait until they can crawl, I can't wait until they can walk, I can't wait until they can drive, I can't wait until..." When I look at my children, I want to embrace and celebrate where they are right now. I don't want to move time faster than it already comes. There's too much to enjoy right now. I want to be a mom that is present, not just physically but mentally and spiritually with my children. I want to know their needs, encourage them, teach and guide them, pray for them and love them well. I'm not saying I don't look forward to the things to come, I do. I know that God has a plan and a purpose for their future, and I eagerly await watching His will unfold in the lives of my children.

I just want to enjoy who they are now, today - to know that this is all part of a bigger picture, and it's just a step along the way.


18 comments:

  1. Wow!! A senior?! You definitely will have to give me tips and advice on how to make it through jr high and high school. Do your kids go to public school?

    Our town's high school abbreviation is BHS too!

    The kids looks excited for their first day! I hope they each got the "best" teacher(s)! :)

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  2. Just over from Sarah's. You two are so sweet and look like twins yourselves! Loved your comment there today. So true!

    Your children are darling. I'd love to borrow the sign idea! Too cute! We start Sept. 2nd.

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  3. I love the signs ~ smart move!

    A senior?!?!? It went by fast didn't it???

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  4. We take first day of school pics every year, too.

    Since our oldest is at college this year for the first time, I tried to convince him to take a pic of himself for his first day of classes yesterday. He gave me "the look" and I knew it wasn't going to happen. So, we'll just have the two in a pic this year...our senior in high school and our 7th grader. It DOES go by quickly and while it was sad to send our oldest off to college, God is (every day thankfully!) reminding me of just how awesome a kid he is. I take little credit for it...it is all a God Thing!

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  5. Your kids are so beautiful...really. I love the first day of school excitement! I can't wait to share it with my kids but then, like you said, I don't want to wish away this pre-school time either. Now we are into Sesame Street and reading board books, and I don't want to miss a moment of that, either!
    -Carrie

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  6. lets stop taking pictures at 6:30 in the am!

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  7. OH HAPPY...HAPPY...HAPPY first day of school.

    You truly have a BEAUTIFUL family!! God has BLESSED you beyond measure.

    So tell me Mamma...what's on your agenda for today...your "first day of school?"

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  8. I love seeing what the pictures will look like every year. It's fun to remember all of the "firsts" in their lives and I'm so thankful to be a part of it. I love you all!

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  9. I'm always grateful for reminders like this to appreciate each day with my children and not wish away any of it. Thanks!

    I hope your kids all have an incredible school year!

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  10. I love, love, love everything you wrote. You put exactly how I feel about my kids into words. What wonderful back to school pics. Don't you love the new shoes, outfits, and the backpack full of new supplies and the big smiles on faces that are anxious, a bit nervous, and excited~ all rolled into one? Loved your entry today. It really moved me...Happy day wishes to you! Les

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  11. I love the homemade posters. Very cute pix. I just started homeschooling my preschooler this week...very fun!

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  12. Loved Jessica's shirt, Michelle was telling me about the link leaders today. Now your house is all quiet, huh

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  13. What will you do with yourself during the days now??

    The kids are precious. Jessica looks so much like you and your sister. Oh, I read a little of her blog today..wow, you must be so proud. She seems precious. (You know my son is a senior this year too, ha)

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  14. Oh, the lovely back to school pix! At least yours are smiling LOL!
    Thanks for sharing your feelings. They do grow up SO fast!
    Enjoy the week ...
    Sandy

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  15. Oh, I loved getting organized for school, too! Something about everything all fresh and new ... so much promise!

    I pray that all three of your children have a blessed school year.

    "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

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  16. christy :) You and Jessica need to remember to "sign out".. I don't think that Jessica really just left me a comment...lol..

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  17. What beautiful children you have! What fun to look back on all those first day of school pictures. You are so right to enjoy the moment and the stage you are in. Even though it's hectic because all of the sudden....one day it becomes quiet. We just sent our last one off to college. Enjoy reading your blog!

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  18. They are all such cute stinkers...mine still has a few days of freedom...makes me sad. I love to have him at home. He will be a big 5th grader...WHERE does the time go? We went school clothes shopping...he is getting to where he wants to pick it out himself....sigh. cherry

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