There are so many pictures, stories and adventures from the last two months I haven't even opened up our blog because it felt overwhelming.
So, I might have to do a top 15 list another day.
Today was the start of a brand new school year. Every year it feels to me like what New Years used to feel like. I want to makes goals, try new things, start new things, clean, organize, etc.
Robbie started first grade with Mrs. Fournier and Aubrie started 3rd grade with Mrs. Heath. (One more year in elementary for Aubrie after this one. I can't believe that.) They were not looking forward to school starting and nor was I because we had such a fun summer. We'd already bought all the school supplies, gone to orientation, etc and it still didn't seem real. Until last night.
I love FHE before school starts. I remember I liked it growing up too.
I was thinking during the day yesterday of how hard it is sometimes to feel like strangers get to spend all this time teaching our kids. They spend a lot more time with them then I do during the year. And I have no idea who they are. I want our kids to really thrive in school since they are there so much of the day. Last night I told them there was 3 things we wanted to talk to them about--1. We hope they really do well in school. They have up till now done well and really enjoyed learning and we really hope that continues. That the way they learn now will effect their studies in high school and that will effect where they go to college and decision for the rest of their life. They are learning the important fundamentals and process of learning HOW to learn. 2. To be kind to their teachers and other kids. There are a lot of things they'll hear, experience and see at school. Be good examples of being kind to everyone. We told them that we pray for their teachers a lot. 3. We talked about how to make new friends, they thought of things they could ask other kids and what they can do if they feel shy to talk to someone that they don't know (count to 3 in their mind and then just ask the ?). I felt like that took me such a long time to learn because I was shy growing up. Then, Ryan gave the kids all a father's blessing. And we all felt the sincere and real power that comes from using the Priesthood. It was so neat. The kids were quieter and more tuned in then they have been for months. It was a really good reminder for Ryan and I and a great start to their school year. Ryan is an amazing father.
It's a little hard to have them be gone alot of the day and makes me sometimes feel anxious about the things they will learn from everyone around them. But it's been great the last few years and I think it will be this year too. This is Hallie's last year at home since she starts kindergarten next year so we are doing mom and Hallie preschool. And she is so excited. I really like doing it too. It was a great one on one time with Aubrie and Robbie and I am glad to have it with Hallie. She is a sweetheart and has her own unique personality.
