Cereal

Erica is going to eat some cereal.

What do you think Erica?

The spoon doesn't taste as good as the cereal does.

Yummy!

So cute!

All done.

First Day of School

I know, I know, couldn't I think up a more creative title?  But there it is.

The first day of school has come and gone and I think it was successful. whew!
Last night I checked the weather and found out it was going to be rainy and only in the 60s today, so first thing in the morning I had to break the news to the girls that they couldn't wear shorts, capris, or skirts.  Of course they all had some cute outfit picked out that did, "NOT go with pants, Mom." But even the clothes downer and the rain didn't dampen the mood.  Everyone was so excited.

Elizabeth left first for the bus stop for middle school.  (ACK!)  The bus stop is further from our house--and I cannot see the bus stop from my window. (yes, i am spoiled.  i have been able to see the bus stop from my house for 5 years).  But being the good middle school mother that I am...I did not even ask to walk Elizabeth.  Luckily Eric called as he passed by the stop on the way to work and let me know she was there, and she didn't miss the bus because there were lots of other kids there too. 

  
Maire left next with a short walk to our neighborhood school.  She was excited and still seems so small.  But she is so ready for Kindergarten.  I did not cry---I was too busy thinking about getting back before the next crew left.

Sarah and Rachael left on the bus last.  They go to the school with the Advanced Academic Program and their bus comes later.  I got back in the house in time to wait at the stop with them.  Sarah is starting 5th grade and Rachael is starting 3rd grade.  This is the 3rd school that Rachael is going to, so she is nervous about making new friends-again-this year, but Sarah is being a good big sister and promised that Rachael could sit next to her for the first 2 weeks on the bus.

And Erica stayed home with me.  She walked Maire to school with me.  Well, actually she rode in the stroller and fell asleep.  She slept in the stroller and then while I did some errands.  I didn't get a lot done today--mostly because Erica was adjusting to the new routine.  But it was fun and peaceful at home.

Everyone came home saying their day was great.  Well, except for Maire.  She was crying.  But after a few minutes she kept telling me about her day and she was just fine.  I think she is just not used to being gone for so long and wanted to be home.  But I asked her if she is going back tomorrow and she said she is.

Day one--DONE!

Happy New Year!

I love this time of year!  It truly does feel like a new year in September.  Even when my kids weren't in school there is a sense of 'renewal' in September.  Perhaps is stems from when I was in school, the possibility of new classes, making new friends, maybe even new roommates...it is that time of year when you can 'throw off' the old person (or at least the parts you don't like) and start fresh. 

And so it is with this year. The past week has been full of 'hustle and bustle,' and the poor baby can't seem to find a calm moment to take a nap when I wasn't about the go another place to another store or appointment or to take someone to just one last playdate before the summer ended. I met teachers, roamed school hallways, practiced walking to school with Maire, cheered as Elizabeth opened her locker and bought gym clothes for the first time. 

But as this craziness merges into the craziness that is 'the first week of school' I get to create and keep NEW goals of how I am going to help the girls keep on top of all their work this year; how I am going to take time to talk with each of them on their own throughout the week; how I am going to get up before they do and be dressed and ready to greet them and get them out the door; and most of all  I am going to prepare for Stake Conference, the General RS Broadcast, and General Conference. 

This past year (Sept 2010-Aug 2011) has been such a physically draining year.  I was so sick for the first part of my pregnancy and very tired the rest.  Getting up in the morning was always a chore (and it still is with a nursing baby).  When the baby came, still I was drained.  But, I am just now starting to feel the 'drag' and 'weight' lifted and energy enter my body and mind.   I am  so thankful for another opportunity to start again and refresh my life.  I am thankful for the start of school so that my energy coincides with opportunities to meet new people and make a good first impression after 12 months of making a 'dead mommy' first impression.  And, I am thankful for my Savior because it is only through His atonement that fresh starts are even possible.  I can feel the Holy Ghost pushing me out of my slump and reminding me what it is like to have energy and to seek to improve and do more, do better than I did before.  That feeling is exciting. 

What a great way to start off a NEW YEAR!

Marbles

One of my  friends on facebook posted the following:

"The thing about summer is that my kids drop EVERYTHING on the floor.
The thing about summer is that they stay up way late every night.
The thing about summer is that my house is filled with constant noise and my mind feels like it's filled with marbles smashing loudly 'til I can't think.
School can't start fast enough."--Angela Felsted (Facebook post August 20, 2011).

That is me.  My brain is filled with marbles now.  I feel I have absolutely NO time to think and get my bearings.  I go from being completely exhausted trying to remember to do everything I need to so that I can wake up the next morning ready for the new day.  But instead of being ready for a new day I am  

--I wrote this like, 2 weeks ago--didn't even have time to finish it.  I can't think of a better way to illustrate how my life feels during the month of August! 

But I did give the girls haircuts :)

Sarah before

Sarah after

and another view of Sarah's hair in the back

Rachael before

Maire, I didn't get a 'before' picture

Rachael after