Maddie

I am so proud of Maddie.

She has been a gift from Heaven. Maddie is starting 6th grade this year, and here in the Midwest it is Jr. High. She was totally thrilled, and I feel like I was socked in the gut. My little girl is in Jr. High. Either she is growing up, or I am getting old. Either way, time moves on.

Back to school night was so much fun. We she got her school ID card, (which must be worn around the neck at all times) and she got her locker, which is super cool. No so cool when you can't break the combination! After a few stressful times she had it down. Maddie is a very smart girl who loves school and learning. She is going to soar this year. It was fun watching her interact with the other kids and asking if they have any of the same classes as they looked over their schedules. She spoke directly to the teachers and my heart swelled with pride at her matureness. I am going to miss our "2nd" mother her at home to help love and care for the two youngest kids. And in the same breath I can't wait to hear about all that is about to happen over the next 9 months!

I remember when

I love the first day of school. It always brings back such fun memories of childhood.
Growing up my Mom would take me and my sister clothes shopping for school, and I think I have some of my fondes memories from these.
My Mom was a Beautician and I truly thought that once her "hair book" was cleared for the afternoon it was our (Becky, Mom & Me) job to spend that "hair money" shopping at University Mall. My Mom seemed just as excited about taking us too. I remember that while Mom was working, we HAD to complete the chores so we could shop.
I remember trying on outfits and freaking out because my Mom would be in the dressing room. I Freaked out because Becky would try to look under the dressing room to bother me.
I remember Mom buying me an argyle sweater, jeans and leg-warmers that I couldn't wait to wear on the first day of school. I remember when we would get to eat at the eatery, or if really lucky at the cafe at ZCMI. Very ritzy! I remember Mom stopping at Castletons to purchase herself some "back to school" clothes. My Mom was so cool that when Limited Express opened up in the 80's she took us in to buy our first pair of balloon pants, and a matching wicker bollow hat. I remember when we got home, taking each piece of clothing out and laying them in "outfit" style, then calling my friends to see what they bought.
I remember when in 5th grade Mom locked her keys in the car, and said if I could get them out I could drive home. Well I got them out, and I drove home with out my Mom beside me.
I remember so much about my early school days that I want to create those same memories for my children.
So I have taken them shopping for school clothes, where Maddie Freaked out cause I was in the dressing room. Kennedy just stripped down with out care. And Maddie was very precise in buying each piece of clothes while Kennedy had a theme of "Skull & Crossbones". We stopped at the Eatery. Then afterwards when we got home, they were so excited to lay out their clothes and display them for a Dad who ooooed, and awwed over them. And then they took their loot down to their room where they selected that favorite first day ensomble. I am excited for my kids to go to school tomorrow. To meet new friends and to reach new places.
Most of all, I am grateful each year that I am able to reflect upon my own wonderful childhood of when my fantastic Mom made memories that are lasting thru my lifetime, and being passed on.