Our Kindergartner

Little Miss started Kindergarten today.  She was excited until we arrived and she noticed a few kids clutching their parents legs and crying.  Her expression said something like:  "Hmm, I guess I'm supposed to be scared now."  Then she clutched my legs, but I didn't feel like she was fully invested in the clutch.

Parents were invited to stay for the first story of the year, the first story of school (wow!).  Her teacher, Ms. Marjorie-Lynn, read a book titled:  "The Kissing Hand."  It was a sweet story about a kiddie Raccoon and his mother.  Read it sometime, it's enjoyable and sweet.

After that, we said our goodbyes.  Little Miss was a little nervous, but when I asked her to sit down, she happily said, "Okay!" Right before I left the room, she blew me a kiss and smiled the smile she reserves for her favorite people.  My heart warmed and I knew we'd both be all right.

When I picked her up, she happily talked to me about her day.  She said her favorite part of the day was playing on the playground and coloring.  I asked if she met anyone new and she said, "Nope, I felt like playing by myself today."  That response suits her personality, so I'm not worried, just amused.  I hope she feels comfortable enough to talk to the other kids.  All of them seemed kind and one of them is a neighbor with whom she felt no qualms yelling at from our backyard when she saw him standing in his.  ("HEY!  YOUR'E IN MY CLASS!!")

I wish my kids didn't have to grow up and go to school, but then, when I see how they progress and grow, I know I can't hold them back.  I'm just grateful I can be a mother to two of the best kiddies I know.

Little Miss was too excited and apprehensive to take a picture, but I tried to get something . . . So here she is, on the first day of school:

She's decided, once again, that pink is her favorite color.  She looks so much older than a kindergartner.  

Walking in . . . 

Walking out . . .

   

Leave of Absence

A few weeks ago, I called B's school to inform them B would be absent for personal reasons. I would have told them what the personal reason was, but I didn't think the attendance office would accept, "It's free zoo day at the Denver Zoo and I feel like spending it with my son." So I left it at that. B thought I was lost because I took the wrong turn to school, ha! I wish I could have taken a picture of his expression.

I hope, when B and Little Miss are older, they remember days like that Wednesday a few weeks back. I like to call it: "The day mom was cool and surprised me with a day off school because she knows I love the zoo." Yes, I think that is a good title.

Maybe, years from now, when my kids are too cool for me, I can refer them to this post and remind them of the time they thought I was cool enough to be with them in public; who knows, I might just embarrass them on purpose.

I love, love, LOVE this picture!  It perfectly captures the feelings of that day.

We're Alive!!!!

It's been a busy year.  One filled with ups and downs.  I don't have the desire to outline each detail, but I do have a good excuse for not blogging in awhile:  no internet.  Having no internet puts a damper on one's ability to blog - FACT.  Now that we have it and have had it for a few weeks, I still haven't blogged because my habits have changed.

Anyway, I couldn't think of a good way to detail what we've been doing, so I'm going to cheat and use our awesome Christmas letter instead, so here goes ...

Presented in a style loosely related to the 12 Days of Christmas (plus a few extra facts):  

One New Job:  John was offered a job out of the blue; the offer was good, so we accepted.

Two major moves:  In February, we moved from Kansas to Utah; in September, we moved from Utah to Colorado.

Three State Capitals:  We lived in Topeka, Kansas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Denver Colorado.

Four Elementary Schools and one FOUR year old:  B-Man began the year at (1) Wanamaker Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas.  He finished 2nd grade at (2) Whittier Elementary School in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He began 3rd grade at (3) Westland Elementary School in West Jordan, Utah and now attends (4) Red Hawk Ridge in Denver, Colorado.

Little Miss turned 4 in January - she has an affinity for Dr. Seuss, Disney Princess', pink, purple and cooking.

Five Different Jobs: In 2012, we worked for a fruit stand, sewed for the LDS Church, reviewed documents at a law firm, owned a small immigration law firm and now work for a different immigration law firm.

Six Suits a Week: The Mr's work "uniform" is a suit, he also wears one to church on Sunday.

Seven Months: We lived in Salt Lake City just seven months before moving to Denver.

One EIGHT year old: B turned eight and decided to be baptized and get confirmed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loves math, soccer, superhero's and legos.

Nine Boxes: What is left to be unpacked (i.e. what may never be unpacked).

Ten hours: The length of time the Mr. spends working each day.

Eleven years: The wedding anniversary we celebrated.

12 weeks: The length of time we've lived in Colorado

In short: Our life changed. Nearly 2/3 of 2012 was stressful. We grew closer as a family-in the way that can only happen when stress is great and correct decisions are made.  The Mr. has a good job working as an immigration attorney; he works long hours and is happy doing it. B is attending a good school and making good friends. Little Miss is also in school, Preschool.  The Mrs. works hard at home so everyone can get where they need to be.  We are happy, so happy. We feel peace and a lot of gratitude. We hope you feel the same.