My expectations may have been slightly elevated the first day of the 2014-2015 school year because I started feeling anxious within the first hour. Though my agenda wasn't too long, I quickly realized my daughter wasn't moving at a pace for us to finish in time for the special lunch at the park I had planned. Since one of my goals this year is to try not to rush any subjects, I attempted to move the turtle along without putting too much pressure on my 5 year old who simply wasn't accustomed to the school routine yet.
As we sat at the table for her first Math lesson, she shared giggles with her 2 year old brother who had turned some of her math blocks into a "gun" and was busy shooting the bad guys. At that moment, I reminded myself of the importance of relationships over academics and decided we would head out for our lunch even if the assignment checklist hadn't been met. After all, it was only our first day! Mommy and student needed some slack.
We intended to buy a hotdog from the new vendor at Waterfront Park, but it seemed the earlier rain had shut him down. We took a little detour to DQ for a hotdog and ate it at Cannon Park. Our picnic lunch turned out lovely, and the kids loved the cannons. As they were playing on them, we discussed how cannons fired and how Belle was "shooting into kindergarten." She repeated the phrase numerous times, and I realized we may have stumbled upon a good tradition for the start of each school year!
Joyful heart reminder: Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Lord, I surrender my checklist and our school year to you!
Side notes: Kids dressed themselves for the first day. Belle was in her "wedding dress." John selected his shirt because he "loves James" (yet-to-be-born little brother) John also did not like his K2 sign because "I TWO not K2, mommy!" If you have a good eye, you will note the chocolate stains all over both kids outfits :)
