As promised..

I'm back to tell you what my girl thinks of her new digs. Kindergarten, that is.

Since she only goes Tuesdays and Thursdays with the occasional Friday, she's actually only been 3 times. But the bell rings at 8:27 and we don't pick her up until 3:00, so the days are long. She comes home pretty much exhausted and barely makes it through dinner and bath. Her moods have been.... Trying. I anticipated all of this though, and we are just riding the wave of adjustment. The best part, is that she LOVES school. Her teacher is this precious little sprite, who is warm and welcoming - but runs a tight ship. (How could you not, with twenty-one 5 year olds in your care?!)


Needing a Mama back rub on afternoon number 2.

Homeworking.

The first day, she came home a bit upset over the whole concept of recess. At first she told us she didn't want to stop learning to go outside. And when we talked a little bit more about it, she added that there were "just too many kids out there. Like 600." Poor babe was just nervous. We talked about how some things just take getting used to, and that there are always parts of the day that won't be her favorite, but that they are parts of the day nonetheless. The second day, though, her best buddy was recovered from her sickness and met us at the doors. She had a much better time at recess, with Lila to play with. And we haven't heard a word about it since.
  Mrs. Cocks' favorite color is green. So is Elise's, now. ;)

These sisters have actually been loving on each other a lot more often since school started too. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Whatever is it, this Mama's enjoying the frequent photo ops.
  Morning 2.

Morning 3. Getting chillier.



Tomorrow, after school, the girls both start dance classes again. They are excited and I am happily laying out leotards, tutus and tights and doing bun practice runs.. I love that my girls love dance.
 

I'll be back later this week to talk about the Liebster Blog Award, and this lady, who sweetly passed it to Flaird from her own fantastic blog about family and business, here.

Happy Hump Day.

Hello Fall, A Picture Post.

If there were ever a season to follow Summer, I'm certainly glad it is Fall. I love the boat and the sun and the water too much to call Fall "my favorite", but it absolutely ranks higher than frigid Winter or Wet, dirty Alberta Spring. I like the colors, the spicy smells, the tights and boots, the promise of Family get togethers and good meals. I like listening to music that makes me feel Fallish, like Sarah Harmer. And I like all of those things A LOT.
  Tomatoes from our garden.

Felt banner for our dining room.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg, simmering on the stove.

I guess there are some new things I'm going to have to get used to about Fall, too, and maybe come to look forward to. Maybe. But this Mama sure isn't there yet. My baby started Kindergarten today. And I am missing her dearly. But I made it out of the classroom before I cried, and she was happy and brave to stay. I'm choosing to consider those things greatly successful.
  Kissing her Sister Goodbye.



I was tossing and turning last night, when I remembered I'd forgotten to get something ready for today. I got up and went into the kitchen and started rustling around with paper and markers and scissors. When I went back to bed, sleep finally came.
  Lunchbox note.

Beyond adjusting to new routines for school and extra-curriculars, September is going to be one helluva month for us. Matt and I are spending the weekend of the 22nd in Canmore to run Melissa's 10k. I'm hoping for a beautiful weekend in the mountains with great friends and babies I love, with a generous side of great accomplishment. Matt is also setting out on his own new adventure, and we are happily along for the ride. After enjoying 8 years with the company he currently works for, he has accepted an exciting new offer that promises challenges and opportunity. With great risk comes great reward.

 We're off to get our Sister girl now. More in a later post about what she thinks of indoor shoes and recess and music and hallways and Mrs. Cocks and circle time. :)

Five and Mighty

Dear Elise, on your fifth birthday,

You look like yourself. Not like Tessa, who is a clone of me, and not like your baby self who was a clone of Daddy. Just you, your own beautiful, soft features that must be the most perfect blend possible of him and I that could ever be formed.

You love music, mostly good music. And people, all sorts. Your heart is bigger than your body and your eyes know no prejudices. You weigh 38 lbs. The only dark pigmentation on your face is a beauty mark under your left eye, but there will be more. Just embrace it. You are excited to start Kindergarten, not nervous at all. And you love to swim and play the piano. You ride your bike with training wheels, and you have trouble getting uphill. You are starting to enjoy trying new foods, but aren't afraid to say when you aren't a fan. Your vocabulary is unreal.

You are fidgety. You can't sit still long enough to be buried at the beach like your sister does, and if you try, your toes always wiggle their way uncovered before you inevitably jump up and run off to find another adventure. You kiss my arm over and over when we are sitting side by side in a booth at a restaurant. You love like crazy, girl. Sometimes, I tell you to back off, because I start to wig out about personal space, but please always know, that I love how you love, and that I'm thankful. Sister just needs to chill in the already cramped booth, alright?

You are confident, yet timid. You know how beautiful you are. I hope you always know. You never forget to remind the people you love, of whom there are many, that you love them - and just how much. I hope you've learned that from me and I hope you always know the importance of those little, impromptu "I love yous".

You have a bad temper, but are ever forgiving as soon as your fuse burns out. Again, a maybe not so perfect combination of Daddy and I, but a combination, none the less. I will let you in on a little secret, it's actually a really great quality to not take shit from anyone. ;) And I smiled on the inside today when you yelled at that bossy boy on the playground. Stand your ground Sister. You are mighty.

My heart aches with love for you. You changed my game Babe, like you'll change so many others'.

Love Mama.