Back to School

So today was the day! Back to school. Landon and Haylie had no trouble getting up this morning after the lazy summer, but I have a feeling the enthusiasm may wear off. Landon is in 5th grade and Haylie is in 3rd. They both have really wonderful teachers that suite them both perfectly.

Landon is in Miss Matlock's 5th grade class. This is the year of "the movie". This is quite unsettling, but that is Jeff's department. (I of course am in charge of Haylie a year or two down the road.) They are also required to wear gym clothes and bring deodarant to P.E. Does anyone else have vivid memories of what the locker room smelled like after 15 girls sprayed deodorant and body spray everywhere. Good Times. I am sure the smell after the boys are done is comparable. Anyway, Landon will have a great year. What a wonderful young man he is becoming.

Haylie is in Mrs.Ray's 3rd grade class. Haylie is already sold on Mrs. Ray because she put Haylie's name on a purple name tag and has purple pens in the classroom. Haylie says she has lots of friends already in her class. Haylie can find the good in anything, she blooms wherever she finds herself. I think she will indeed have a wonderful year. Haylie is, by the way, almost as tall as Landon and can fit into his shoes, much to Haylie's delight and Landon's horror.

I did drive the kids to school today, for my own selfish reasons (some of you may remember the empty styrofoam cup analogy). Both kids informed me it was unnecessary in any way for me to be there. I promised Landon I would not kiss him in front of his new class, and promised Haylie I would let her lead the way to her new class and if she saw her friends I would let her walk with them, so they reluctantly agreed I could tag along. I was a bit teary leaving the school without my children, but I was also grateful that they are both confident, and happy, ready to take on a new year.

I am also eternally grateful to my righteous husband and father of my children. I know the kids do not yet fully appreciate the tender blessing Jeff gave each of them last night, but as their mother it's the last line of defense I feel like we as parents can give them as we send them out into the world.