And They're Off . . .

The first day of school found the kids wide awake, their clothes having been laid out the night before, backpacks ready, breakfast eaten, and smiles on every one's faces (yes, mine too). Jalen Andrew and I escorted them to school, Jalen, having to be like his older siblings, holding tightly to the pink lunch box that he picked out for himself (we offered him the Lightening McQueen one, but the pink won out).

After the students disbursed, flooding into their classrooms, and leaving the halls quite empty and quiet, Jalen turned to me and asked, "Where's my class?" He's missed the kids, but has also enjoyed the quiet of the house, and his Mom's undivided attention. He has been my helper boy, and with great gusto has helped me sweep outside, wash the laundry, hang the laundry, fold the laundry, clean the bathroom, and sort through the layers of summer build-up in the house. Then after all that work, he sits down and enjoys the lunch that he packed in the morning. +++ Second day of school. A little more sluggish. Yes, it becomes all too clear, to everyone involved that "we've been there - done that before." Lots of paperwork - check. Lots of homework - check. Come home feeling famished - check. Way tired - check. +++ Joseph falls asleep most nights before even putting his pajamas on himself. James has to expend so much concentration at school that when he gets home, he does a lot of zoning, and has a hard time focusing in on his homework. Christine started off the school year strong with lots of homework (no getting to bed early, for her), and to top it off was named one of the three captains for Color guard (great opportunity for her, but exhausting at the same time). Rebekah seems to have had the easiest transition, and is eagerly awaiting volleyball tryouts.