*sigh* first day of school

Well, it's the end of the first day of school. When is bedtime? Uh, maybe as soon as I finish this post. 7:40 comes e arly. 6:30 (wakeup time for this mama) is even earlier! That wake-up time may change, depending on the day! I cannot believe my firstborn is in first grade. She had a great day and loves her teacher! I am very pleased with who she got. We are so blessed. I literally thought of her all day. I remember my mom telling me when I would get home from school that she thought of me and prayed for me all day. And I remember sarcastically thinking, "Yeah, okay...all day. You can't think of me all day." But now I believe her. I understand what she meant. Today I was folding laundry while the boy was napping. I had like four loads to fold, so I just prayed the whole time. I asked God to give her some good friends. I prayed that she would be an example to her friends and that she would be a light in this dark world. I asked the Lord to protect her mind, her heart, her ears, her eyes, her whole body from the things of this world. It's scary just letting go and putting her out there and not being able to protect her from what she sees and hears. But I have to trust that the Lord will protect her and shield her from the schemes of the enemy. I know she is going to hear a bad word. I know she's going to see someone being mean. But I just pray that she is mature enough to know what is good and what is right and what is not good. Oh, thank you, Lord, for your strength! (And I also have a peace of mind knowing that my mom is right down the hall from her! Not that she can protect her from anything, but it still gives me peace.)

And guess what?! I didn't even cry! Walking in, as we turned down the hall, my eyes filled with tears when I saw a teacher standing there wishing everyone a 'good morning', but I took a big breath and gulped them down. They did not fall down my cheek, thank goodness. I was brave! ;)

You seriously do not know the effort that went into this picture. This little first-grader did not want a first-day-of-school picture taken. What in the world?! Already? Seriously. First Grade.

I walked her in this morning all the way to her classroom. She asked me this evening when she could walk in by herself. *tear*

Putting away her backpack.

With her teacher

It's good to be back to the blog. It was a good break. A much needed one! Summer flew by! I was happy when school time got here though. My kids were whiny, fighting, and bored. The girl was SO excited about school and I know the boy will be ready for preschool when it begins after Labor Day.

I need some advice...what are your tricks for getting your kids to tell you about their day? I feel like I had to ask so many questions to find out about everything from today.