School Beginnings 2014

Sammy started 3rd grade!  WHAT?  I know it's crazy to see our kids grow and get older...and each year it's crazier and crazier to think our kids are movin' on up.  But with Sammy, it really does blow my mind (almost literally...I must always be cautious), because she doesn't grow too quickly.  She's been with the same teacher and in the same classroom, doing the same curriculum...basically...for the past 3 years!  And talk about physical growth...I pulled out our family growth chard (that's been packed away for the past year) and the last date I have for Sammy is 12/17/12.  She has grown 2 inches since then.  So, my little twerpy girl, moving up, it seriously boggling...and heart wrenching.  3rd grade.  In a new school...a new school district in fact...new teacher, school therapists, aides...but same students!  Eight of her classmates moved with Sammy to this school.  They make up the entire class, so I'm pretty excited about that.  

I so love this little girl.  Oh Sammy.  What would I ever do without you?

Sammy getting much needed beauty sleep.
If you look closely, you can see some of her hair against the wall.
She's cozy.

Ready and waiting for the bus...with her new braces and kicks.

And this was her after school report....
She liked it.

Callie started school today.  And I'm telling you, I had a hard time keeping it together.  There are so many things swirling around in my mind with this school year.  I've really considered pulling her out of school and homeschooling (another post some other time).  She liked the idea actually.  But Callie...oh dear Callie...watching her grow and develop is so overwhelming.  It's happening too quickly.  She's finding her talents and becoming this little person with whom I'm so happy and immensely in love.  She and I, I think, are a really great team.  We laugh a lot.  Play.  Cook.  Work.  If it were last year, I would have picked her up from school already and we'd be having lunch.  This morning, before leaving for school, we read scriptures and knelt down to pray.  I cried during the prayer.  (sigh)  I love her so much.

This year Callie moves to 1st grade with Ms. Borreli, her Kindergarten teacher.  She is so excited about it.  I love Ms. B and she loves Callie.  We've gone up to school a few times and Callie has given her big hugs.  The other week, as I chatted with Ms. B, I had an overwhelming confirmation that this year Callie would be good.  That my decision to keep her in school this year was the right now.  I find peace in that.  And so...first grade, here we come!

Callie getting her beauty sleep.
She came into our room at 4:37 am.
"Callie, is everything alright?"
"Is it time for school yet?"
She was really excited!

She loves the small rose bush we have in the front.

And she was happy I let her wear a pair of her church shoes to school.  Only because it's the first day though, She does have recess this year, and I fear for those shoes!

Must do a goofy shot

This about says it all.