First Day of School

The house was all a flutter this morning.  I thought I was completely prepared for the first day of school, yet I still woke up at 4:45 this morning.  After 17 years of "first days" as a student, and five years of "first days" as a teacher, the first day jitters still flow through my blood.  Thankfully, my little loves were EXCITED and READY for school!

Clare started first grade at Seffner Elementary.  Her teacher, Miss Camilliti, was named teacher of the year last year.  There are 17 students in her class, and she gets to start specials this year.  She had her first day of P.E. TODAY in a dress and sandals.  We'll be better prepared next time.

 Isaac started VPK (4's pre-Kindergarten) at First United Methodist of Brandon.  His teacher, Mrs. Mahan, is a veteran teacher...full of grace and tenderness for these newbies.  There are 9 children in his class, and he was definitely the MOST EXCITED person I know about school starting.

They miss each other during the day, 

and it will be fun when they are in the same school next year.

In order to get a few decent pictures, I had to oblige and let them take an equal number of ridiculous pictures.

This little honey came home with pink cheeks and a hungry belly.  Here are his repsonses (verbatim) to my after-school questions:

- What was your favorite part of the day?

"Going to the playground and seeing Tessa."

- Was there anything you didn't like about the day?

"Just one thing...I got all sweaty."

- What did you do in your classroom?

"Ummm...we did some puzzles and books, and I have something to tell you...can we go to Chuck E. Cheese tonight?"

It's amazing watching our children morph into little people...full of their own personalities, wit, and senses of humor.  We can see certain traits that come from certain people.  Thankfully, Clare's sense of style is different than that of mine in first grade. 

                            Corrie in 1st grade - 1988                                                            Clare in 1st grade - 2015

Clare's first day of school was "so much fun!"  The only bummer of the day was that car line was so backed up (SHOCKER!) that I couldn't get to where I pick her up as a walker.  I had to park almost a half a mile from the YMCA (where we pick her up) and walk to meet her.  I had Myles in my arms, and I literally dragged Isaac by the arm.  My car thermometer read 101 degrees, so we were all rosy cheeked and peachy when we finally got to her ten minutes late.  Sorry, Clare.

Clare's highlights:

- Making "Jitter Juice" in her classroom.

- Making a "new best friend."

- Finding a $5 bill while walking over to the YMCA.

 They LOVE their new backpacks, and they were wearing them around the house for days before school actually started.

And this...

One of my favorite little moments of the day!

Isaac and Clare were talking to each other outside,
and I captured their silhouettes in the rising sun.  

And now...

The sun has set on the first day of school.  It was a success.  All is well.  Everyone is happy.  No tears were shed.  To many more...

Golden 7

Our sweet and spunky Clare turned 7 last week.  

SEVEN!!!

I can distinctly remember Clare's first birthday.   

 Knowing that the next six years are likely to go by even faster than the last six...we will have a TEENAGER before we know it.

In the past week, a number of people have remarked on how seven is the "best year" or "golden age."  While every age seems to come with its own challenges and joys, we can see Clare's personality really developing into something special and beautiful.

 She continues to LOVE nature, water, animals, and being outside.
Genetics are remarkable. 

She is fearless, adventurous, spirited, and social.  She doesn't want to miss a beat.  She carefully weighs all options to ensure that she is right in the middle of the most fun.

She loves her brothers, and she ADORES Myles.  She always wants to get him out of bed in the morning, and she acts as his second mama.  However, she maintains that she is fine with just two brothers.  According to her, "that's more than enough."

She LOVES fishing...especially with Daddy (let's be honest, she's never really gone fishing with Mommy)...and especially on "the big water."

One of Clare's natural gifts is drawing.  She has an amazing eye, and she can freehand almost anything.  I love watching her in art mode.  Her focus, precision, and attention to detail tickle her first-born button.

Clare's eyes through her eyes.

She used chalk to create this Egyptian portrait.

 Clare weighed in at 53 pounds and 49.5 inches at her 7-year well visit.  She is down three teeth...although she hasn't lost any of them on her own.  This little honey has had the worst dental trauma of anyone I've ever known, and it turns out that it is likely from an adverse reaction she had to an antibiotic when she was just a baby.  Go figure.

Clare LOVES:

- Art and Gymnastics

- Swimming and Fishing

- Helping with projects

- Cotton Candy Blizzards from DQ

- Fruit...ALL kinds

- Her brothers

- Michigan

- Frozen bananas with cream

- School (at least 80% of the time)

Clare DISLIKES:

- The Dentist

- Trying new food

- Independent reading

- Natural disasters

- Wasps and bees

This is ME, Corrie, on my 7th birthday.

And this, my beautiful daughter...

I am so thankful that Clare is my daughter.  She challenges me to try new things, to love without conditions, to not take things too seriously, to laugh throughout the day, and to grow in patience, grace, and understanding.  I look forward to our years ahead, and I trust that we will continue to shape one another in beautiful ways. 
Happy 7th Birthday, Clare Bear!