Changes ahead...

As you may have observed, or perhaps, as I'm drawing attention to, I missed the weekend update this past week. A sense of guilt about this hovers about me, as I truly am passionate about getting the information out there in the fastest and easiest way out there for all you moms.  However, there's the hope that the calendar is truly useful to all or at least some of you, as I do make an honest effort to keep it updated.

That being stated, I have to say it's been a busy week. Hawaii public schools started their 2011-12 school year and with that, my son joined the ranks of 1st grade. He genuinely enjoys school, but has already come to realize that it's no kindergarten picnic.  No toys in the classroom, more homework, and a teacher who actually expects them to pay attention...hard times.

As I re-settle into school mode, including having to bust out those home lunches, getting all of us dressed and ready to go, and the daily homework routine, I'm also preparing to send my little girl off to pre-school.  She seems ready, as she strives to emulate her brother in almost every way. On our first day (just an hour playing and exploring the classroom), she literally ran to the classroom (I might also note here that when I finished the parent meeting and met her at the playground, she was completely ready to go and bolted toward the exit without a second look back). She can't know what's ahead, having to attend school daily, whether she wants to or not, and I'm waiting to see how she'll do with curiosity.

I'm excited about all the upcoming changes, for her and for me. I'm excited to be getting some time. Time to rest. Time to exercise. Time to explore other ventures. But I'm also aware that beneath the excitement, which perhaps is only thin veneer, I'll be a little sad.  Maybe more than a little.  I'm wondering how I'll do, without my little buddy, my shadow, my darling, sweet, sassy and silly baby girl.

This is what being a mom is all about. Being excited for the future of your children, while lamenting the inevitable losses of their growth with both a smile and a tear.

Have a great week!
Live strong, love fiercely.