Emilee's first day!

Emilee's first day of school went very well! She was excited about all of the new kids and seemed to enjoy herself.

Her first day was technically the 2nd, which was only a half day. Her first full day was yesterday. She was even able to ride the bus home to Grandma Linda's, which she thought was awesome.

I'm about to head off to pick the kids up from school so I must go. It's back to EMT class tonight. I'll update when I'm able.

My Precious Daughter, Emilee

My Sweet Baby Girl,

If you were reading this right now, I would be undoubtedly tossing and turning as I anticipate your very first day of school. You have gone to bed hours ago and hopefully, you are sleeping peacefully. I'm writing this letter to you the night before your big day since I know we will be very busy tomorrow morning.

The last five years have seemingly passed in the blink of an eye. Tears fall as I think back to the day you were born, so innocent, so tiny, so early. For five years, I have been able to guard you, keeping you tucked just slightly under my wing. I have learned to let you explore while still having a tender grip on those tiny little fingers of yours. I have been there to witness so many of your firsts, your first steps, your first words, and now, your first day of school.

Even though I know I am releasing you into capable hands of your teacher another mother, the tug at my heart is still there. No longer will my mornings be with you, snuggling with me, surprising me with your hugs and kisses. Your mornings will now be filled with learning, loving and laughter. You will discover a whole new world. A world filled with new friendships as well as new responsibilities. A world filled with adventures, journeys, goals and dreams all for you, my child.

It has been my honor to help guide you thus far and it is my hope that this year head of you is one filled with wonderful memories. I do take comfort knowing that you are taking this big step along the side of your very best friend, Miss Paige. It helps to know that the two of you have each other to share this experience with. If your ever sad, Mrs. Arnold will know just what to do. After all, she's a Momma too.

Although I am a bit sad, I am excited and anxious to see what the future holds for you. I realize that this is just the beginning of letting go and letting you grow. For you, my child, have so much more growing to do.

I hope that you have an exciting first day of school, Emilee. I love you from the tips of my toes to the tip of your nose.

Love,
Momma

The BIG day is approaching...

Life as we know it is about to change, yet again! Tomorrow morning, we will send off three of our five children to begin another year of school. Our fourth child will begin in a few days and our fifth will be home, alone with Daddy, all day long! The poor child isn't going to know what to do without the commotion from his older brothers and sisters. Frankly, neither will we.

This last week has been filled with shopping trips for last minute school supplies, taking end-of-summer photos (see above), a trip to the urgent care, and starting to get the wood piled up for winter. Speaking of photos, I hate the quality of this program! If you'd like to see the photos via email, just send me your address (becsbunch@aol.com) and I'll pass them along. They really do look awesome! The kids are excited to start school again but are also dreading it too. The worst part is just getting back into the swing of things, for all of us!




Tim received the opportunity to get into and drive the racecar this weekend. He's been working on it all season long but hasn't been behind the wheel yet. He claims he wasn't nervous at all and the car made it several laps around the track without crashing. So, I suppose it was a good night for him! Now we will see how long it takes before he decides he wants a car of his own! Gasp

Jacob will begin the 5th grade this year. I'm amazed that he is this old already. When did that happen? I'm not particularly fond of him starting the fifth grade. Maybe because he will be in the middle school. Or, maybe its because I remember vividly what 5th grade was like. I worry about how he will handle peer pressure that will, for sure, become more of an issue over the next few years. I hope that we have provided a firm base for him so that he may stand on his own two feet instead of following his peers. I hope he finds us approachable, no matter what it is that he's faced with. We have been sure to reiterate that fact to him several times over. The idea of my child starting middle school just weirds me out! Perhaps it's the whole concept that middle schoolers are having sex and using drugs that scares me to death! I would like to think that it is not happening in middle schools around the country but unfortunately, it is. And to think, when we were in school, it was the high school students that parents were worried about when it came to these issues. What the hell happened to our children just being children?!?!


I will begin my third week of class (second full week) tomorrow as well. So far, all is going perfectly. I'm trying to remain focused and positive. The focused part is what I'm finding difficult, especially with five children and a jam-packed schedule. I keep reminding myself that this too shall pass.



Katelyn's shiner is starting to turn pretty shades of purple and yellow. She still giggles when someone mentions her eye. She's not one bit embarrassed at her clumsy self. Infact, she thinks having a black eye is comical and cool. Several people told me to just use eyeshadow and make the other eye look similar. However, I don't think a first grader should be wearing eye makeup. Even if it is to cover up her mishap. Silly girl!

Jacob will have his first football game of the season in a few days too. I'm excited to see just how well he will do. He is playing a totally new position this year.

Austin will also have his first game in a few days. He is playing tackle this year instead of flag football. He still has alot to learn about the sport but he's trying and he enjoys it. As long as he is having fun, I'm okay with it. There is nothing more discouraging to see than a child who is being forced to participate in a sport or activity that they don't like. And why? So that their parent can selfishly live out their own dreams? That burns my butt.

The kids are not wanting to sleep tonight. I'm sure it's the anticipation of school beginning tomorrow but for petes sake, please children, go to bed! Daddy is in there now trying his magic on them! I realize my thoughts are scattered this evening. I've tried to put words down to express what I'm feeling but I keep catching my mind wandering. My fingers just can't seem to keep up. So, if I have scattered, random thoughts...that's why. :)

For now, I shall scurry on down to my bedroom to put in some study time. I hope you all had a fantastic Labor Day. If you are reading this and have children starting school tomorrow, I wish you luck. Good Night all.
-Becky