Macie's First Day

I love the quote by Elizabeth Stone that says, "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body".

My heart boarded a bus this morning... And in the words of her dad, "the big yellow bus that may as well have been taking her to prison". Now, we of course, know school is a wonderful place and a great adventure for Macie that she will love. But...when her face went from smiles, to nervous giggles, to all out tears, the bus sure did feel like some strange torture mobile.

Just as I was offering to drive her, she took those steps with the help of her big sister and was on her way. I am sure she did great today. I am sure she loved kindergarten. And I am sure Jamie and I will be okay, too. But I am counting down the 20 minutes until that little, adorable piece of my heart comes home and I get to hear all about it.

New Beginnings

It has been an emotional week--all good emotions, but emotions nonetheless. It started with the open houses and then hit complete wreck on Sunday night when Tori and Isabelle (along with our dear friend Alex) were baptized during our church's gathering. I could not think of  a better way to send them off for this school year. We have had a great summer and I am so proud of them and excited for what God has in store for their 4th and 6th grade years.

Tori and Isabelle headed back to school today and once again they proved how very different they are. Tori was up an hour and a half before her bus came to get ready and make sure everything was set for her day. She had chosen her outfit the night before and had me iron her shorts so she looked just right. She was nervous, but mostly excited. Her eyes had that glimmer in them just like when she went to kindergarten for the first time. She kindly asked that Jamie and I NOT walk her down to the bus stop to which we kindly told her "not a chance". I have no doubt she will do embrace middle school and all its new adventures and possibilities, except the boys, she can completely avoid the boys. :)

 

Isabelle, who started school an hour later, did not make the Tori-bus goodbye as she was awake (barely), but definitely not mobile. Tori had woken her up with a loud, gonging bell that our friend Heather gave us to help with the transition back to school a little before she left and Isabelle looked up, gave a not-so-happy face, and covered her head again with the covers. :) I asked Isabelle yesterday what she wanted to wear for her first day and she replied, "What is the big deal...it is just another day". And so it is. I love to make a big deal of little things so I sort of want to dress her up like my little baby doll, but I also love that Isabelle just doesn't really care what people think of her or what she is wearing. She picked out one of her usual outfits, put her hair in its usual style, and we all walked her to the bus stop. As I took her pictures, she tried to be "frowny" about going to school, but I know she will love it once she gets over not being able to sleep in. She loaded the bus and we came inside and there on the table was her lunch box. Oh dear...I am sure she will survive the year at elementary without big sister Tori taking care of her, but as of today, I am not so sure how. :)

 p.s. And in case you are wondering why there are no pics of Macie today, that is because she officially starts tomorrow. She and I had a small orientation for an hour this morning, but so far it feels like any other year when the girls head off and me and my little buddy hang out all day. :)

A Closed Chapter....

Kindergarten - Ms. Sickman

Six years ago a starry-eyed 5 year old boarded the bus without even bothering to turn around and wave to mom and dad watching from the sidewalk...

Each year would bring anxious anticipation and a little fear as she would meet a new teacher and join a new class of students. Each year she thought they would never compare to the year before. 

First Grade- Mr. Suzuki

First Grade

And each and EVERY year I would comfort a crying girl as she walked off the bus having said goodbye to the teacher and classmates that had found their permanent place in her little heart.

Second Grade- Ms. Jocketty

Third Grade- Mr. Bonnett

Third Grade

Fifth Grade- Ms. Stori

Today a teary-eyed 11 year old said goodbye to the teachers, staff, and friends that she has met along the way. Thanks for the memories...



Good-bye elementary....
.....hello middle school??? (heaven help us all) ;)

Memorial Day 2012

I am operating a little behind schedule this year if you haven't noticed. We have been enjoying soccer, end of school activities, and this beautiful Minnesota spring. Life is truly sweet. 

Memorial Day, especially, seemed to sneak up on us this year, but as usual we took the time to go to the National Cemetery here in Minnesota to remember the men and women who have served our country. It has become a cherished tradition for our family. This year I was struck by the words engraved on each headstone. I imagine family members put great thought into what few words they could put that would encapsulate their loved one and their life. The words still probably don't do justice, but I found them to be an incredible tribute. Happy summer...

It is well known that in 5 short months our sweet little Mace is headed off to Kindergarten. *sigh* And until that time I for one will be making every effort to soak in the imaginations of her magical, unadulterated little mind. So, while many of you and others all over the world are celebrating Easter this weekend, the Millers are celebrating the last ever Brewster.

You see, last year, after Easter was over, Macie and I were home and she wanted to read the "Brewster" book. For the life of me I could not figure out what in the world she was talking about, so I had her go get this mystery "Brewster" book for me. Lo and behold she brought down her Easter book. I just figured , okay, whatever, she got the word wrong and I just let it go figuring it would be forgotten by this year. Well, a month or so ago, she began asking me if it was almost time for Brewster. I couldn't believe she was still calling it that so I told Jamie and we got a good chuckle about how our girls always seem to rename things. We were going to correct her, but I just sort of love her 5 year old mind and the amazing and creative thing that it is. So, as I have often done with our girls, I sort of encouraged the whole Brewster thing. Jamie fought it at first, but then sentiment took over and he realized this will most likely be the last Brewster ever. Next year when she hits school there is no way we can have her call it "Brewster" when everyone around her will be calling it Easter, just like Tori and Isabelle had to learn that garbage does not go in the "frash can" and you are not reading this blog on a "macuter". Growing up happens....but not quite yet. ;)

So I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Brewster. And most of all I pray you embrace the full and beautiful life that is ours because of the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Much love,
Gretchen