day 2

Oh boy! We knew that high school was going to be a big change. We just didn't anticipate how big. Yes, she did go to a teeny tiny elementary and an only slightly less tiny middle. But public high school isn't just huge. It's the REAL world in a microcosm. And I know in my heart that she is capable and strong and smart and brave and totally ready for this. But that didn't make it any easier to let her go this morning. I think that Day 2 is going to be a very long day indeed . . .

On a more positive note: Being a SAHM is really growing on me. It's only 9am and I already have dessert cooling in the fridge (trying the cheesecake from Enjoying the Small Things) and dinner in the crockpot. I miss my littles but I do like having time to do things at home. I'm going to enjoy it because I'm afraid it won't last long. I have a meeting later this week to talk about writing a grant to start a school . . .

Day 1 of being a stay at home mom to a high schooler!

Day 1 began at 5:40. A wee bit early for my liking. Said high schooler was up and ready to be out the door at 6:40. Small debate on whether or not she should wear the school spirit shirt that the principal handed out at orientation. My little "I'm an orange, not an apple" of course opted for no school spirit shirt. After dropping her off in car line (which went really quickly I must say), Bret and I went out to a "Can you believe our child is in high school!!!!????" breakfast. B. was teary eyed which I found very endearing. I dropped B. at work (maybe we don't need 2 cars any longer!!!) and came home to finish unpacking very last box, do 3 loads of laundry, and upload all of our vacation photos. It's only 10:00 and I'm taking a tea break but feel like I already need a nap! I think I'm going to like this stay at home mom stuff very much thank you!

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." - Elizabeth Stone

Today my heart went walking around a high school campus for 9th grade orientation. As I dropped her off in the parking lot, I was more nervous (but tried not to show it) than she was. Those wings are just getting stronger and stronger as each day goes by. She is making her way in this wonderful and sometimes scary world. And I am so proud of her that I am almost bursting.

Orientation went very well.

Change

Fall has always been my favorite time. Going back to school. A feeling of change in the air. Something ending and something new beginning. Even moving to a tropical climate couldn't dampen my enthusiasm for the season. We may not get autumn color or leaves to rake but I still feel that little kid excitement for the start of the school year and all that autumn brings.

This year, more is changing in our lives than in years past. A new home. A new business venture. High school. Me not going back to the classroom. Kind of makes my head spin just writing about it. Typically I'm not so great with the unknown but I'm feeling like I should maybe embrace all of this newness. I think I'm ready for change. I wouldn't say I was bored but I was definitely complacent.

I don't know what this season is going to bring for us but I'm a little excited to find out . . . For once, I'm not going to spend all of my time planning out what my life should be. And I'm pretty excited about the possibilities.

michigan was . . .

leslie's new friends and amazing camp memories

wildlife everywhere! (that's a real deer in someone's front yard!)the familiarity of home
amazing food and farm markets

beautiful days exploring up north

today

today . . .

i woke up on the sofa after moving there during the night with a coughing fit

i took my girl to register for high school (not as scary as it sounds)

i only unpacked 3 boxes (guess i'm running out of steam)

i helped leslie lou pack for a trip to disney with taylor

i had lunch with lou at that cute cafe downtown (french toast- my new fav for any meal)

i had a nice long chat with sal

i attempted to make dinner for lou amid the chaos that is my kitchen

tomorrow leslie's bed will be delivered and i'll try to get closer to the end of the boxes.

wish me luck.