The first day of school this year was monumental for us. Not only because the girls got out of bed before Dan & I did but because both girls were going into Middle School. Goodness, how did that happen?! I've come to accept my new role as a Parent of Middle Schoolers. I no longer was struggling with the fact that Breana, our baby, will be in this 'huge' school (compared to the 6 classroom school they spent 6-7 years at, everything is huge!) and no longer was crying over the image of them walking through the crowded halls or organizing their backpacks between classes at their lockers without me {pathetic, huh?} I do recognize that the two were eager for change and excited about the new possibilities ahead of them. They definitely were ready to move forward.
And what a place for them to spend the next 2-3 years at, my alma mater!
Teresa, Tisha, even Tom, & I walked through and around these doors many moons ago. In Kaitlin's Science class I sat there w/ Mrs. Prince and her many fermaldahyde jars. In Breana's Core class I toke the Preamble test in w/ Mr. Patterson ("We the people, in order to form a more perfect union..." you know the 'Schoolhouse Rock' song - you know you do!) My 8th grade locker w/ combination 30-10-40 (not kidding you) no longer exists - the whole row completely gone but I can still point out my 7th grade locker.
While the track & field has since been ungraded to the new artifical turf and the mascot has changed from the Matadors to the Mavericks, the time that I spent within those walls are so vivid to me. I had a great time in Junior High - nothing but good times, lots of learning, lots of incredible experiences and wonderful teachers. I hope the same for my girls.
Since the first day of school, the girls & I have been experimenting with different drop-off locations and pick-up tactics. We almost have it figured out. The drive in the morning was becoming so stressful for me. I was no longer enjoying our time in the car together - I had to worry about traffic & the lack of thought drivers had in the morning and had to be mindful of pedestrians. The drive the last 6-7 years up the simple country road provided us with serenity and time for meaningful conversations. I wanted that back. One morning I couldn't remember a thing Kaitlin & Breana were talking about - something about a harmonica and a game w/ dots & numbers. Once I arrived at my doorstep I knew things had to change. We decided that leaving 5 minutes earlier and dropping off at a different location would allow us to have that peace of mind back...and so far, it has.
In order for our household to run smoother in the morning, the girls have to get organized the night before. Right before bed, time is spent on pulling their backpacks and their outfits together.
Once they're off, I spend the morning picking up here & there and clearing the kitchen counter. One morning Breana apparantly changed her mind on her outfit once she saw the clear sky out the window.
Right where she changed, the evidence stayed.
This year Kaitlin, Breana, Kylie & Brayton were no longer campers, they were Leaders-In-Training (Lights & LITs).
She had the unfortunate 
Kaitlin & Kylie were LITs for 2nd graders. Kaitlin was touched by the kindness of these 7 year olds. The kids (affectionally known as "the K's & the B's") had long days at VBC - they got up early every morning to help set-up and stayed after the campers left each day to clean-up. It was hot and their days were busy but each day when I picked them up the 4 were full of energy and thankfulness. This "job" of theirs was fun - assisting in teaching these young ones about Jesus was rewarding for them.
Jacob & Buena Vista never fail me. Maybe it's that familiarity that makes it all so comfortable - much like that scent or taste that brings you back to that safe place in your childhood - or maybe it's just good wine. Right now it has secured this weekend in my memory bank.
