2 + 2 = 4

I got the idea to have them hold up pieces of paper with their grade on it from others, so we would be able to readily remember what grade they were starting in the future.  Unfortunately, I didn't make the grade big enough or dark enough, so all of their pictures look like they're holding blank sheets of paper.

So this is the only really good "first day of school" picture I have, without the crazy blank sheets!

Today is day 4 of school.  We have had 4 1/2 morning meltdowns over clothes and one meltdown over homework - 1 clothes meltdown and the homework meltdown came from Elias and 3 and 1/2 of the clothes meltdowns came from Bella.

Bella did this last year at the beginning of school for over a month.  At the time, I was so frustrated by it and felt at my wit's end because I thought it would last forever and I didn't understand what was causing it.  But around mid-October I realized that it was her release of the anxiety over starting school and being in a new environment, etc.  So, since I know that this year and it is her second year of school, I am hoping that it won't last nearly as long.  I know that I have handled it better this year than I did last year.

Now Elias' homework meltdowns were more of an on-going thing and were still happening well into Spring.  This year, he already LOVES his teacher and he said she makes learning fun, so I am hoping that it will be a little better this year. Of course, she'll be leaving in November for a maternity leave for the rest of the year, but the teacher who is taking her place is a man who has a temperament a lot like Josh's, so I hope that it will be an easy transition for Elias.

But, overall, the kids are adjusting to school much easier this year than they did last year and it feels like it will be a good year.

I have one 1/2 day of work under my belt - at a school where I have never subbed before.  It was a good day and it sort of got me over my "first day of (teaching) school" anxieties.  Yesterday, before I went to work, I took a quiet walk around my neighborhood, weeded my landscaping (which I secretly enjoy), and then took my time getting ready. Even though I did dishes and a couple loads of laundry too, it was a restful morning.

Today, the world is my oyster - at least until 3:30!  I don't have any appointments - though I have lots of things to do here!  But I have turned on my Harry Connick, Jr. Pandora station and I am going to enjoy the little blessings of this day, even in the midst of my "to dos". I have so many blessings.