It's That Time of Year Again!

Our summer is beginning to wind down and I'm beginning to get those back-to-school, got-so-much-work-to-do-before-school, did-I-make-the-most-out-of-our-summer, my-kids-are-one-year-older jitters.

I've gone through last year's school uniforms, salvaged what we could and bought what we needed-a few shirts, new shoes, socks and undies. I have one set of school supplies left to get.  I haven't gotten Lylah Grace's supplies yet.  I will get those on Monday.  But even if I didn't her mommy teacher would let it slide for a couple of days.  Yep, I get to be Lylah Grace's teacher this year.  I taught Alyssa when she was in 3rd.  But then we only had one third grade class so it was kinda the only way.  This year, though, we have two classes so we weren't sure how that was going to go over.  So I went to my awesome principal and assistant principal and asked them if she could be in my class and explained that it was the only opportunity that I get to teach my own kids and how we had both been looking forward to it.  And they said, "OK".  We are super excited.

On top of that, I have a middle-schooler this year.  The way our small school is set up, the elementary is on one side of a courtyard and middle and high school has been "on the other side".  Another teacher(who also has child/children Alyssa's age) and myself have been joking about our kids going "to the other side" as if it's some dark, dangerous place.  Completely joking, of course.  But in a way it is completely new territory for us and for them.  Things are different at this age and on.  I can't believe I'm the mother of a middle school student. Ugh, how do mom's do this...watching their babies growing up and getting ready to be adults.  It's hard for me, I have to admit.  But I better suck it up because I have a feeling it's going to get harder before it gets easier. 

And then there's David.  He is going to be in Pre-K.  He will soon be coming home writing, and reading.  Our 4 year olds know how to read pretty well before they enter Kindergarten.  By our, I mean our school/preschool.  He had already begun putting simple sounds together in the 3 year-old program so I am so excited to watch him blossom this year.  I have a feeling that at this time next year, I won't be quite so excited to watch him go to Kindergarten...sigh...I can't even think about it *tear*. 

And lastly, Ava.  I was getting letters from her teacher last year that she was being sassy, and not obeying.  We tried to work on obedience over the summer, and I hope that we made some progress.  But (and I'm definitely not one to make excuses for my children) that child has a personality unlike any of our other children.  She's precious, of course.  But she's also...uuhhmmm....spirited...yep, that's what we'll call her.  So I look forward to seeing what this year holds for her as well, as the three-year old program is much more structured than the two-year old class she was in last year.  Nevertheless, they all have teachers who love them and I know we are all going to have a great year.

Now, I'm off to write lesson plans, paint classroom walls, hang bulletin boards and various other tasks to get my room ready.  I had to change classrooms this year....blech!!

Common Ground

I didn't get around to sending out a "Happy Independence Day" post.  I know, bad blogger.  But yesterday I was reminded of what this holiday is all about.

The kiddos were at my sis-in-law's house for the afternoon, so Cecil and I decided to go out for lunch together.  We stopped to get gas on the way and as he was pumping gas, an older gentleman approached him and reached out to shake his hand. 

 He said, "Happy 4th,7 years US Army." Cecil shook his hand and said, "Happy 4th to you, 14 years Army National Guard." The gentleman said, " Good deal, I'm proud of you". 

Cecil hears "Thank You for your service" all the time when he's out and about.  He has had kind, appreciative people offer to pay his lunch bill when they see him in restaurants. But I can imagine (and I haven't asked him about this) that there is something special about sharing a handshake and exchanging words of thanks with a fellow veteran. 

These guys know the feeling of something, I will never know.  Of serving this wonderful country.  They didn't serve together, they weren't even serving at the same time.  But their purpose was the same.  To defend and protect this nation that we should all be proud of.  And that puts them on common ground, ground that spans generations. 

When he got back in the car and told me about the exchange, I looked at him and said, " I'm proud of you, too".  He smiled put his hand on my leg and said, "Thanks".  And I realized that I don't say it nearly enough.

I love this man, and the country he defends.  Happy late Independence Day!