The most wonderful time of the year

First day of school. Katherine is so excited to be in Kindergarten finally!! She has literally been crying each morning she woke up and it wasn't a school day yet. So finally all her dreams have come true. She has Mrs. Sorenson, a new teacher to our school, but an experienced teacher who really seems to be on top of things. Many of Katie's friends from church and Joyschool were placed in afternoon, so there is only one girl in her class that she knew before the first day of school, and one boy. But she sees it as an opportunity to make new friends. Our Katie is really quite relentlessly cheerful.

Elizabeth is in second grade and I don't know a child more eager to please her teacher. She wrote at least 3 letters to her teacher before she even met her. Mrs. Pritchard seems to be very organized yet relaxed. I think this will be a great year for Liz.

JR is in 5th grade. Because the new school will not be finished until after Christmas break and the current school is too small for the # of students, the 5th grade is being bussed out to the intermediate school where there are some available classrooms. So JR thinks he's pretty cool to get to ride the bus twice a day to and from the elementary. He also has many new kids on his class. None of his friends (all boys) are in his class, and their recesses are weird out there because there is no playground. We are going to make some extra effort to make sure his friendships stay strong this year. He ended last year at the top of his class and has great expectations for this year. His teacher, Mrs. Chantel Browning (formerly Mertlich,) is a former student of Russ', but as she was a great student, there is no conflict in that. (Someday we will run into a disgruntled former student. I hope it won't be too bad.)

Sarah is at home with me. We decided not to preschool this year. Mom just wanted to have some Sarah time. Being the youngest of 5, I think sometimes she really doesn't get to see mom and dad one-on-one very much. She can preschool or Joyschool next year. This year, we'll just have fun together.

Aubrey is back to school in 7th grade, which is a lot like 6th. No dad for a teacher this year, but other fun things. Choir, for one (lots of concerts and activities), and algebra (good thing she has her dad to help with homework!) Her friends are a year older and acting like it. Back to school for 2 days and she wants me to let her wear make-up. The next few years will be challenging!!

Russ, of course, is back to school also. He agreed to take a 7th period this year, which means a little extra money but no prep period during school, so he's probably going to be home a bit later each day this year. His eyes are acting like they are in their 40's (surprise) and he's needed reading glasses for the first time this year. All in all, though, I think the back to school transition for him has been fairly easy.

We are blessed to live where and when we do. I love that I can send my kids to public school in our small town and trust that they are learning appropriate things. I'm glad homeschooling is not a challenge I have to take on at this point in time.