i've been counting down since last Dec 26 ... are you ready? me neither!!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

school: our home away from home

I stepped outside this morning to fog. I took a deep breath and gave myself over to autumn. Summer is over folks ... school started today! To quote my good friend and fellow blogging mommy, Colleen, "I am no different." I have uploaded and am now going to chronicle this the first day of school - such an exciting event! I thought about the title of this blog all day and even as I upload my own pictures of the day I haven't decided ...


Abi was off to first grade and I drove her to school this morning. We located the blue helium balloon as promised from Mrs. Maule (sounds like 'molly') and a few friends and the bell rang and she was off. She was so happy to be going and I was so happy to see her so happy ... and yet I cried the whole way home. I am happy she's growing up and learning quickly, she loves school! I cry because this is the first year she is gone ALL DAY - she is getting to be so grown up and now she spends 6 hours under the influence of the world. I pray that all the love and direction we have given her will be enough. Now it's up to her to remember all the things she has learned at home and stand up for herself and her standards. I am confident she will be a great example and friend to all the kids in her class!

Elyssa started kindergarten today! She is in Ms. Smith's afternoon class and gets to ride the bus with all the other PM Kindergarteners!! She was so excited this morning that she wore her backpack all morning ... even though she didn't have school until 12:40! We went up and waited for the bus then drove to the school to make sure she got there alright ... The bus driver was new to the route and was late and so she didn't get to meet in the kindergarten corral with the rest of her class ... but she was happy to be there and said "Bye mom!" and off she went. She's going to do great! I was happy to see her so happy ... and yes ... I cried the whole way home - again.

They wanted to ride the bus home ... not my first choice but maybe it will grow on me.

My babies are growing up - my mom told me that this would happen when they were born, I would blink and they'd be off to school - I didn't want to believe her but time really is flying and Ferris is right "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop to look around once in a while, you might miss it." (to steal another quote from Colleen - she's got a lot of good ones! It was this one or "time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana" ... Ferris was more appropo)

I am confident that they will both have a great year - we're so glad to still be at Silver Firs where we feel at home.

ps. Elyssa told me that I didn't need to come to her school tomorrow - 'I can do it mom ..."

7 comments:

Chelle said...

Oh my, this was heart warming. I especially love that your daughter wore her backpack all morning. So sweet and tender and I loved reading all about it. Hooray for children that love school. It does lessen the sting of seeing them go, don't you think?

Tara said...

Wow...These kids are growing up way too fast!! What happened to those 2000 babies? Your girls look so cute! I cried last year pretty good for Ty...going to kinder ALL DAY!! My kids get to be under the worlds influence for 7 1/2 hrs a day!...so I know those feelings! Can you even believe that next year all ffour of mine will be in school ALL DAY!! I will be in a totally different mom stage!! It's weird! Anyway...glad first day went well...see ya next week!! I'll call when I get there...oh maybe email me your # to make sure I have the right one!

Megan said...

Kids do grow up way to fast! I don't know where all the time went. At times I still feel like a kid wanting to run around and act crazy...I feel like...don't really have all that energy anymore though! I am glad your kids love school, it makes it easier to see them go...at least you know they are happy!

Anonymous said...

Em! Your girlies are darling! I positively love this time of year! None of us are going back to school, but I just kind of want to buy some college ruled paper and #2 pencils...to be festive!

Colleen said...

I COMPLETELY know how you feel. So bitter-sweet! Your girls are going to be so great, you have raised them well!

Mrs. James Quigley said...

So exciting for your girls and so sad. They will do great!!!

Amy said...

My little one is just 14 months old and yet I teared up reading your post just thinking about when she goes off to school. What an exciting time in your family's life.

P.S. Don't forget to embrace these moments. Before you know it they will be in high school not liking school.