Simply Suzanne's AT HOME: September

Summer is officially over for us.

I shared my thoughts about it recently, here.

We traded our flip flops, beach towels, and sunblock . . . .

. . . . for new backpacks, lunch boxes, school clothes, and 'real' shoes.

Our 5- and-6-year old started school last Thursday.

I was so proud of them both. They did great!

Our oldest daughter had a rough time when she started Kindergarten last year. Crocodile tears every day, for weeks . . . as well as many sleepless nights; but not this year.

I smiled (and choked back big tears!) as I watched her walk to the 1st grade line with confidence, bouncing curls and all.

And for our little guy, he joined his new Kindergarten classmates with a smile. I could sense a little apprehension in his eyes, but he was so brave as he followed the teacher to his new classroom.

I managed to hold it together until I got to my car, and then tears streamed down my face all the way home. Last week was rough for me. I missed them like crazy (and still do).

I love spending time with my kids . . . teaching them, cooking & baking with them, dreaming up fun craft projects. We discovered the library recently . . . and all the family activities they offer. It's so fun taking them to check out books. Do you remember doing that as a child, too? I noticed that all our books are about pumpkins and Halloween (fun!).

The house was quiet this morning, except for the pitter patter of our little Lauren Jane's feet.

Without her older siblings to keep up with every minute of every hour, she was my sidekick.

She had me all to herself, which is new for her and me.

As much as I miss our big Kindergartner and First Grader, I know that time apart allows for a new kind of growth and a greater appreciation for one another . . . for me and for them.

Sometimes this 'growing up thing' is hard, even for Mommies like me.

~ an apple for Teacher ~