How did we get here?

September came in like a tornado. I remember sometime in August before school started back saying to someone - I cannot wait until school and schedules start back. I am so ready for a scheduled day and some down time while the kids are in school . . . What was I thinking . . . Why was I wishing away the lazy days of summer??? Agghhhh . . . well that about sums up Sept and so far into October. Not that it has been all bad, or hectic, or crazy, or wild . . . Well - yes it has . . . but I love it! In late August Willow started 1st grade - if you remember any of my ranting from last year - we were a bit reluctant about starting another school year. Willow however, has overcome some great feats! She has made it through a 3 fire drills and a "real" school fire when the heating system smoked and the fire department had to come to the school. For anyone who knows willow - fire is her greatest fear and her kindergarten Teacher actually changed the safety unit to accommodate Willows fears . . . Willow has since told me that she feels brave now during fire drills and is very proud of herself for being able to maintain her "dignity" during the drills! Even after the "real" thing - she was fine!

Ava started preschool in early September and LOVES school. She does not like to call it preschool - "almost as big as Willow" school - is what she calls it! At firlst the teachers just at up her "cuteness" I warned them to beware that Ava tends to run all one end of the spectrum or the other. At first they did not understand . . . but after a short "honeymoon" into preschool Ava began to show her colors!! The first incident was when Ava decided that she was the flag holder, the door holder and the line leader all at the same time. Her teachers are SO patient! LOL On Thursday after buckling Ava into her carseat and shutting the minivan door, the teacher looked at me and said - Ava might tell you about a little boy who punched her in tummy - We had to talk to her and let her know that her friends do not take well to her spitting on them . . . Why was I not surprised that she spit on someone . . . Goodness . . . she tests every nerve in my body! So I never actually said anything to her but she quickly decided to tell daddy, with a beautiful sad face, " Daddy - Ethan punched me in the tummy today!" Mark quickly looked at me and said - what kind of preschool is this? I looked at him with that look - do you really think that was unprovoked? And said ask her why he punched her and just so matter of factly she said - Oh I spit on him! Other than that . . . she is happy, loves to paint, seems to mostly get along with her peers and seems to LOVE her teachers! I love the 2 and 1/2 hour break a few days a week!