Starting School

The first day of school came way too fast. Baylie was very excited, Jalen was nervous. I was a little heartbroken. I think David just took it all in stride. 

On Sunday, David gave the kids father's blessings. I love this time of year when he exercises his priesthood to bless our children. It brings a special spirit into our home. Afterwards he gave me a blessing too. When he was finished with mine, we were surprised to see that Jalen had tears in his eyes. He said, "I'm glad you got married." It was very tender.

We asked the kids what they were most excited about. They both said they were excited to do school work. We asked what they were the most nervous about. Baylie said she was nervous about making friends. She tends to have social anxiety. Jalen said he was nervous because we wouldn't be there. It broke my heart a little.

We woke up early to be sure and have time for pictures and videos. David likes to do a brief interview on video before the first day of school. Baylie's video can be viewed HERE. Jalen's can be viewed HERE.

The traditional picture on the porch.

They are really happy with their lunch boxes.

Baylie was very excited to get Mrs. Price. We know some kids who had her last year and the kids and parents love her. Plus Baylie already has some friends in the class. It's going to be a great year.

Jalen had met Mrs. Roberts over the summer when she came to our home to work with him. We knew right away that she was the perfect teacher for him. As an added bonus, Mrs. Chambers in the kindergarten aid and she was the aid for Baylie as well. We already love her. He is in the best class possible for him.

Mrs. Roberts even sent us pictures of him during his first day. I was so grateful for that. His smile is a little forced here.

But this picture put my heart at ease because my little boy loves to play.

They both loved their first day of school. I have to confess that I liked having the house stay clean. There was no arguing and no one asking me to do anything. It was strange. It reminded me of when I first got home from my mission and didn't know what to do with myself. When Grammy asked them what their favorite thing was, Baylie said writing and Jalen said recess.

Kindergarten is all day here, which I think is kind of brutal. They only start half the class at a time. Jalen had school Wednesday, but then didn't have school on Thursday when the other half of the class went. So we went to the zoo. It was fun spending one last day with just me and my guy.

We like to start on the garden side and catch the train over to the zoo side. There was hardly anyone at the zoo.

We rode the carousel a few times.

We fed the birds. (Jalen chickened out at the last minute.)

I can never understand why my kids seem to be more interested in the fake animals than the real ones.

It was a fun day, but Jalen was ready to go back to school on Friday.

There was a back to school activity a little before the first day. The kids got to go inside of an ambulance, fire truck and a tank. I had never seen inside a tank before. It was pretty cool!

It's been a long time since I wrote a poem, but I wrote this one.

First Day of School

Take your time, they said.

Enjoy every moment.

It will be over before you know it.

They grow up so fast.

I tried, I really tried.

I held her all day. Every day.

I hugged him.

And filled his life with adventure.

And still the time passed

Too quickly. Way too fast.

My house is clean. And quiet.

And I find myself missing chaos.