first days.

i seriously don't know where my summer went.

it feels like school just got out and now

BAM

 it's september again.

funny how during the summer, school sounds pretty awesome.

and then all of the sudden, it's the day before, 

and all you want is for summer to keep going 

so you can keep your kids home with you.

this year was big for us.

jackson is starting first grade- 

which means he's there all.day.long.

and isabella is starting preschool.

two kids at school.

one at home.

crazy.

i admit that i was beginning to have some anxiety about school.

last year was pretty rough for jackson,

and being at a new school,

i was afraid of repeating last year's experiences.

then i remembered how awesome god is,

and how he took care of us finding this house.

so instead of worrying,

i just prayed for my kids.

for their teachers, their friends, their education.

that god would have his hand of protection over both of them

as they started these new chapters in their lives.

i am so grateful to say that both kids had awesome first days.

big smiles going in and coming out.

awesome teachers that greeted them with handshakes and kind words.

my mommy heart is so happy.

jackson started on wednesday.

he was a little nervous as we waited in line, but no tears.

then his new teacher, mrs. garcia, came out to meet each child.

i literally almost cried as jackson happily met his teacher-

such a difference from last year.

he was so excited to find his desk with his name on it! 

he sits at the 'south america' table.

he sits across from owen, who (apparently) is his best friend.

sounds good to me.

all smiles!

a bit nervous as he waved goodbye, but he did great.

we already love mrs. garcia!

yesterday, bella just had a one-hour orientation with kids and parents,

so today was her official first day.

she's going into the transitional kindergarten program.

the state is moving back the deadline for entering kindergarten one month

 for the next few years.  

(so this year it went from december back to november 1st, and eventually it will be september 1st).

for all the kiddos that fall in the time that got cut-off (i.e. nov 2nd-dec 5)

they are offering a transitional kindergarten class- 

basically two years of kindergarten. or preschool.

however you want to say it- she gets free school this year.

and that is my favorite price.

this little girl is SO ready for school.

she has wanted to go for awhile, and it just didn't work out for our family.

she seemed a little nervous on tuesday night,

but after our orientation on wednesday,

she was just plain excited.

today she basically skipped into class,

a huge smile on her face.

(did you happen to notice that the kids are at different schools?  

that are, like, 20 minutes apart.  

and both start at 8:00am? 

 insert total crazy mornings here)

charlotte insisted on wearing her backpack and hanging it up with the other kids'. 

 her teacher, mrs. w, wrote the pilot for transitional kindergarten

and seems totally awesome.

bella already loves her.

she has also asked to be called 'isabella' now.

what a big girl.

i am so grateful for these past two days

and how god has (once again) faithfully answered our prayers.

i am confident that we have teachers who will love our children

and seek to advocate for and teach them the best they can.

we continue to believe that we are called to partner with teachers to work together 

in order to best serve our children.

i am praying for a great year.

the person having the hardest time is little charlotte.

she is both angry at being left out

and sad while missing her siblings.

she has insisted on bringing her backpack with her to drop-off and pick-up each day.

i love this little girl.

and i am happy she still has a few years to go with me.

i still can't believe i have two kids in school.

and that one is in first grade- that feels so old!

i guess we officially are not 'new parents' any more.

everyday i realize more and more 

the importance of praying for my children.

my tendency is to worry and try to do things myself,

but i continue to realize that i absolutely cannot do this on my own.

i pray for their hearts, their futures, their friendships, their health,

and that someday soon they'll ask jesus into their hearts.

it's hard to believe that anyone loves these little people more than i do.

and i'm so glad that the guy who does has them right in His hands.