Kindergarten Quotes

After school Staley was reading aloud some very simple books that I checked out at the library today.  I exclaimed, "Staley, when did you get to be such a good reader?"  Staley responded, "Maybe I learned it at Kindergarten." 
#bigfirstday
#calculusbychristmas

At dinner tonight, Zach asked Staley what the best thing was about her teacher.  Staley's response?  "She had a beautiful hair-do."

When Zach got home from work, he asked Staley how Kindergarten was.  Staley told him, "Kindergarten is AWESOME!"

Zach took Staley out for ice cream after dinner.  He asked her, "So what was the best thing about today?"  Staley said, "Reading library books with Mommy." 
#Ineededthat

First Day of Kindergarten

My baby started Kindergarten today.  She was so excited.  She popped out of bed the minute I woke her up.  She posed for pictures.  She skipped and pranced the entire walk to school.  She happily lined up with her class in the gym.  No tears.  No clinging.  Just one happy little girl who was so excited to start her school journey.

I took my baby to Kindergarten today.  I woke up at 5:30 and couldn't get back to sleep.  I laid in bed, thinking about how quickly these past 5 years have gone.  I prayed.  I prayed for Staley...for confidence, for friends, for her teacher, for her day.  I enthusiastically helped her get ready for her day, walked her to school, and kissed her good-bye with a big smile...and then walked out of the gym and cried.

Did I miss Staley today?  Yes.  Did my day with Adelie and Briggs seem so quiet?  Yes.  Did I take Adelie and Briggs on a walk to stand at the corner of the parking lot and spy on Staley at recess?  Yes.  Was I so excited to go pick Staley up and hear about her day?  Yes.

Staley had so much to tell me about her day.  About her new friend and her 3rd grade buddy.  About how they are making a classroom book and how she got to make her own page.  About how she had a choice of white milk or chocolate at snack AND lunch...and how she chose chocolate both times.  About how she had a corndog for lunch but didn't eat any of her veggies.  About how she has twins in her class.  About how they did calendar and weather and art projects, but didn't really learn anything.

Staley loved school.  I knew she would.  Her teacher had us fill out a piece of paper at Meet the Teacher night, asking "What is your wish for your child this school year?"  My wish for Staley is to love school, to make friends, to learn lots, and to have lots of fun along the way.

If her first day is any indication, I think my wish will come true.

Over Already?

Usually the start of the school year doesn't mean much to us.  We always looked forward to the other kids going back to school so that all our favorite places and parks got a little less crowded.  But this year I've been trying to cram in all our end-of-summer fun before Staley starts Kindergarten.  For the past few weeks, we've been going, going, going.  On all my days home, we've been going to the zoo and the parks and the library and the museum and swimming.  We've been riding bikes and playing outside and enjoying summer treats.

Outside fun

Hanging out at the park

Enjoying a popsicle on a hot day

Zoo time fun

Playing outside

Showing off with her big girl bike

We've been getting together with family and friends.

Kids Run for Fun with cousins

Even the littles got in on the running fun

The almost-kindergarteners ready for their run

Adelie and Aunt Carrie running with the 3 year olds

So this morning, on Staley's last official Mommy day before she starts school, I offered her lots of options.  Should we go to a new park?  Head to the Children's Museum?  Go swimming?  And, for her last day of summer before school, Staley asked if we could just stay home.  She wanted to make a card for her new teacher and make a first day of school sign to hold up in her first day of school picture.  She wanted to just stay at home and play.  So we did.

Staley's card for her teacher...

...letting her know that she can't wait for Kindergarten.

Reflections on Age

After Staley got her new haircut, she made this observation:

"My new haircut makes me look so much older.  Like when I look at myself in the downstairs mirror where you can't see how tall I am, I look like I'm in second grade."

So the hair is second grade worthy, but apparently her height is a dead giveaway that she's only in Kindergarten.

Love this girl and her second grade haircut

Kindergarten Checklist

1.  Kindergarten shots?  Check.
2.  Eye doctor and dentist forms turned in?  Check.
3.  Registration fees paid?  Check.
4.  New backpack?  Check.
5.  School supplies purchased?  Check.
6.  Cute new haircut?  Check.
7.  A mom who is ready for her baby to start school?  Not even close.

Staley (and her new haircut) are all ready for school.

Her mom is not.

Realization

I used to baby-sit a lot when I was younger.  There were those families that I'd always get excited about baby-sitting, and then there were those that I sort of dreaded, where I knew I'd be earning my money...and then some.  I'm realizing that my family probably falls into that latter category.

St. Jude Run

Yesterday, I ran 28 miles. 

Yesterday, I spent time with old friends.

Yesterday, I made new friends.

Yesterday, I was surrounded by amazing people.

Yesterday, I cried. 

Yesterday, I laughed.

Yesterday, I thanked God for my 3 healthy children.

Yesterday, I prayed for those who are not.

Yesterday, my heart broke for those who have lost.

Yesterday, I was so proud of the way my husband's tireless efforts over the past year came to fruition with another flawless run day.

Yesterday, I was thankful for the way my town supports its members.

Yesterday, I was humbled by the amazing generosity of our family and friends.

Yesterday, I was a part of something so much bigger than me.

Yesterday was the St. Jude Run.

I cheered for Zach when he ran for 3 years from Washington to Peoria.  I watched him pour his heart into planning the inaugural Eureka to Peoria run last year.  I rejoiced with him when Eureka set a record last year for the most money earned EVER by a first year team.  I listened as he made changes to make the second year of the run even better.  I knew what the St. Jude Run was all about.  But all my knowledge didn't prepare me for the experience of the day.  My muscles were sore, but my heart was full.  So very full.

Together, Zach and I (with so much support from our family and friends)...

Ran 53 miles and raised $15,000 to help the Eureka run raise $119,000 which contributed to all the runs raising $5 million which combined with the telethon to raise $9,832,035...all to help the kids of St. Jude.  I am so thankful that I could be a part of that, and am already excited for next year.