First Day of School

After a very fun-filled summer, it's that time again.
Once school starts, it always seems like the days get a little bit of a gold tinge
to them.  The mornings and evenings are crisper, the sun not quite overhead anymore,
bedtimes are easier ~ Fall is one of my favorite times of the year.
~~~
This first day of school is a bit different from years past. 
For Ryan, there were no classroom hugs, and I had to force out a smile
for a photo.  He's very excited to be there; so excited that he woke up 30 minutes before his alarm to get ready for the day.  But he's more conscience of what others think of him, so no more hugs
in the classroom.

Last year's first day of school was hard for Emma.  When I left the classroom, tears were hovering on her lower lashes.  I made the mistake of agreeing when she asked if I'd come back after I took Ryan to his classroom.  When I left the second time, the tears were flowing.  This year was so much better.  I think it was because we spend two mornings at the school over the past two weeks helping her first grade teacher get her classroom ready.  And we also met her second grade teacher while we were there.  So when she went in this morning, she put her stuff away, gave her new teacher a hug and the art project she'd made for her, sat for a picture for me and then headed out to play.  I just realized, as I'm writing this, that I didn't even get a hug and kiss! 

This first day of school is different for me, too.  No more just being home for me.
I'm now officially an employee of the school district.  I'm what the kids
(and some onery relatives) like to call a "duty."  I'll be at the school from 11:45-2:45 everyday, keeping an eye on the kids in the lunchroom and on the playground.  I'm looking forward to it....
the kids in our school are mostly very well-behaved, and I get to see my kiddos throughout the day.  Emma, when she found out that I would be working there said two things.  The first:  "But, Mom, you already work at the school!"  To which I replied, "Yes, but now I'll get paid!"   The second (with a sad face):  "I don't know if I should come and be with you all recess or play with my friends."  To which I replied:  "Come over and tell me hi, give me a hug and then GO PLAY!"