Book

I'm currently reading Puff, which is classified as a comic novel. Let me tell you, a comic novel it is. I have laughed out loud repeatedly, and I am so glad that Shea let me borrow it! I haven't had time to read like I normally do here lately, so I am happy to be enjoying my favorite form of escapism once again!

New month, new season, new budget

The weather isn't the only thing changing. Life is changing around here. We now have a school girl and a suddenly extroverted Lola running around this joint. I am loving it. Another way that life is changing is that I am starting a new budget this week. Being more accountable for my spending. Watching what I buy so that I don't waste money. Being more conscious of how much we blow on wants instead of needs. I think it will have a great impact on our family. I am excited!!! Yes! I am excited!

I am officially signed up to be a room mom.

The past few days have been an emotional roller coaster! I've felt elated that my studious little girl was finally going to start kindergarten because I absolutely know that she thrives in a stimulating environment, but I've also had moments of completely inconsolable sobbing at the notion of letting go. Today was the day. She started kindergarten.

She wore a precious little brown pleated hem A-line dress from The Gap with her new high tops and little bow barrette. She carried her Baby Bambi backpack and she colored her morning work like a champ. I know she will do so well in the world of academia. It just takes some getting used to when you've taken care of this person from the time they were a little 5 lb peanut until now...virtually every single day.

Here you see Miles listening to "The Kissing Hand" just before we left.

When I picked her up, she came bouncing to the car, exclaimed what an awesome day she had and asked if she could return tomorrow. That alone made everything all better. It isn't that I don't want her in school yet. In fact, a big part of me is overwhelmed with relief. I love my girls and we have a ball, but disciplining your child is heartbreaking, and when you stay at home, you discipline, discipline, discipline all day long sometimes. Some days, I am ready to strangle someone by lunchtime. My children are generally well mannered, and maybe that is why I stress so much over bad behavior when I see it. Staying at home is a huge blessing and I wouldn't trade it for anything but it is a job that allows no breaks or lunch hours, so you can imagine how trying it is; furthermore, at times your 'customers' at this job beg and pull on you left and right whenever they please.

I am not good at goodbyes, so the thought of taking her in and leaving was extremely hard for me. I have spent the last almost six years taking care of her every need, going to story time, treating her to the zoo and lunch at 'the pizza parlor' and celebrating birthdays at Walt Disney World. For every stressful moment at home, there has been one of pure bliss. Just about the only way to describe ending your time as the hands on care giver for a child is bittersweet. You are relieved to no longer have to handle everything but you are in a panic that you won't be handling everything!

When we arrived at school, we happened to walk up just as Miles' cousin was walking in. What a God thing! It took my mind off of wanting to cry and it made Miles' day!

All in all, the first day is over and I made it without crying again all day! We already have our clothes ready for tomorrow and our game plan set for the morning routine. Wish us luck and pray for success at school for Miles, please!