Jack's Artwork....

I found this on the front of Jack's door the other day....anyone else think he is trying to make a statement here?

Maren Goes to Preschool!

It was probably the impending move to Springfield next Summer that motivated us to send Maren to preschool this year.  (We had made up our minds we weren't going to send her until she was four.)  We loved Jack's preschool and teacher so much, we just couldn't stand to think she wouldn't get to experience it.

Surprisingly for me, it was a lot easier the second time around.  I remember the tears shed when Jack went, but this time it was just exciting for all of us!  (Maybe because when you are sending your eldest to school all day everyday, a couple of hours two days a week doesn't seem that long???)  Either way, she was ecstatic to be following in big brother's footsteps.  She loves her teacher and has already been telling us about her new friends.  Go Maren!

First Day!!!

It finally arrived; the first day of Kindergarten!  You'll have to pardon my emotions this morning.  I am so excited for Jack and his year to come, but the Mommy in me is struggling a bit too.  I found myself welling up with tears driving to Jack's school this morning.  Suddenly something hit me, how did we get here so fast?  It seems like just yesterday I was holding a new baby in my arms and all I could think was, "He's just so perfect."  It seemed like we would have forever together before he started school.  Like jumping into a pool of freezing cold water, it hit me today that those five years flashed by in the blink of an eye.  I know I'll "warm up to the water," and get used it to it, but today it's really hard to imagine my boy is so big.  It's yet another reminder in my life to cherish everyday.

On the other side of it, I must admit I am overwhelmed by pride in our family.  I remember when Craig and I started talking about having kids.  We knew we wanted to have me at home with our kids, but like most families, weren't sure we could do it financially.  We took a big leap of faith and prayed we could make it work.  What a great feeling this morning to know that we made it.  We've made cuts here and there, but we've never been happier to make them.  I feel so blessed and fortunate that we could give this to our kids.  

We are so happy to have Jack in a school we love so much!  I am always amazed at everything they do to "love on" their kids.  Today Jack had a picture of his family on his desk in case he missed us.  His preschool teacher will be in his room to help the kids transition, and his teacher handed me the most beautiful poem to read on my way home.  It is the most comforting feeling to know and trust his school and teachers so much.  I know he will love his knew teacher (we already do) and have so much fun in the upcoming year. 

Jack surprised me this morning, he's usually always my kid waving me out the door...."see you later Mom!"  This morning we got ready to leave and he looked me and said, "I don't want you to leave."  Bless his little heart.  Moments later he was better, but I think he's got this whole "school" thing figured out now.  I'm already anxious to pick him up and hear how the first day went.  I'll post soon to let you know.  (Thanks for letting me get all those emotions off my chest.)

Kindergarten Bliss

Jack has received two "care packages" this week in anticipation of Kindergarten.  One came from Miss Jen and one from Aunt Erin, and both have helped to get him excited about Kindergarten.  For a bit, Jack became worried that he would be away from home for so long during the day.  He wondered what Maren and I would be doing without him.  It's been a topic of discussion many a night in our household.  After he opened his "care packages" yesterday, the fears seemed to disappear.  Just wanted to say a big thank you to Miss Jen and Aunt Erin for your thinking of Jack; we love you both!

Minnesota Ventures!

Ready to Fish!

Every year when we pull away from our cabin in Minnesota, I'm always sad to know my kids will be a year older the next time we come.  It seems so far away when you are leaving, but passes so quickly each year.  As usual, we had a blast this year on our trip.  Despite some pretty hot and sticky days to start the week off, the kids played in the water from sun up to sun down.  Jack and Maren both fished this year, and Jack even saw Papa prepare the fish.  I enjoyed my morning runs along the lake roads and Craig got a chance to play a lot of golf with his Dad.  More than anything, the fun of Minnesota is getting to see all the family for a nice length of time.  We're already considering a two week stay next year!