I 

have mixed feelings about the first day of school! Part of me loves it, the new backpacks, new shoes, new clothes, autumn on the way. But, also, I hate the end of summer! No

 more late nights, no more easy going days, and most of all, my big kids are gone! I miss them!!

I love having them home, 

not just to help me,  which they do, alot, but it's 

nice to have them to myself and enjoy their fun personalities!!

I remember when

 I was growing up

 my mom always said, "remember who you are" when I left the house and thin

king, What the heck is that supposed to mean?

Well, now I know and I say it to my kids too. It means not only, that you are my baby and I love you, and you have values to uphold....but also, you are a child of God, with hugely infinite worth. Don't ever forget that! Don't let others or things ever make you feel inferior. You have so much going for you, don't settle for anything that in any way takes away from your self worth.

It's a valuable lesson for everyone I think andI'm glad my mom taught it to me!

                                       

       I am utterly in shock that I have a child old enough to go to high school. Josh started as a Sophomore at the new Salem Hills High and I feel old, yet I remember so well those high school days. The pressure to fit in, the joy OF fitting in, the pain of not, and the freedom of becoming a young adult. I'm not sure that I'm ready for that for my baby boy. He is such a great kid, I am so spoiled, and I hope he stays like that! He is taking some tough classes and of course, can't wait for basketball to start!

Jenica is in 8th grade and I think she will love it! She is in show choir this year and is so excited to sing Wicked songs, and perform on stage. This year is a toughy for newly acquired "teenage-dom!" 

 She likes boys and wants them to like her, but we won't let her go to dances, still has limits on her cell phone, and we still have rules! What a bummer! She is an awesome, very responsible girl, I am so happy to see her grow into such  a sweetie!

                 

                 Brennan is almost 10 and in 4th grade. I am also blown away by that! He has Mrs Tuckett, who Jenica had and is getting to be quite independent! He is learning that he has a lot of friends that look 

up to him and watch him. I hope he will be a good example to them and not push all the limits, he tends to try to "get away"with whatever he can!!! I love his personality and his willingness to always 

help whenever he can. He is very sensetive to other people's needs, I hope he always stays like that!!

My little Ty-Bug is almost 8. I can't describe how I feel about his little life! He came so close to not having one, that every achievement and accomplishment is so amazing for him! I am so proud of him and how he's growing. He is learning so much and like most 2nd graders, has funny little fears and anxieties. He is convinced there is going to be a volcano or flood at any time! He has a great teacher this year, and I know he will just love it. I am so thankful for Ty, he always has a hug and kiss for me and his siblings and tries so hard at everything!

I will miss them while they are gone during the day, but I'm so thankful that they can go to school and learn and grow in so many ways. I have so many hopes and dreams for all of them and I hope they can fill their potential. I guess mom's always hope for better things then they had, I had a lot of opportunities, but I know they have more and I am banking on them going for it! Making great things out of their lives! I am so blessed to have them and even though I'm sad to not have them home with me, I know they are where they need to be!!

I love you guys!! Remember who you are!!