There's no money for the job I do

HOWEVER, on days like today the pay-off feels HUGE.

It is!

I love my kids.  And they're going back to school.

How am I doing as a parent?  I ask myself this often.  I am aware of my short-comings and mistakes too numerous to mention.  Am I sending out socially competent, kind and considerate members of society?  Do we make the world a better place by being here?  At what point do I stop worrying about my mistakes and how they reflect in my children, and allow them to be accountable for their own behaviors, attitudes, actions and choices?  It's all part of the realization that by putting everything I have into raising them to the best of my ability, I can push aside my fears, tell them I love them and see them off and into the arms of the world.

It's a big year for us as we step into another back-to-school season.

Enrique:  It's his last year of High School!  Last chance at SATs, ACTs, college applications, making the grades count.  He's one short school year away from sprouting wings and flying off to independence.  I do love this boy of mine and who he's becoming.  I'm excited for what's ahead.

And just look at this sweet gal!  SHE starts High School.  Yep.  A freshman, and this girl is ready.  Not an ounce of hesitation did I see in her as she packed her bags and strolled out the door.  Four good years in store for her, and I'm eager to see her blossom as we go.

Roonie!  She is off to a great start: her first year in MIDDLE SCHOOL.  6th Grade, and this was the child I had to choke back tears for, as I waved a cheerful good-bye on the front steps of the school.  Why?  I'm not sure.  Those middle school years bring so much change and growth, and the peer challenges become more intense and eye opening.  I'm grateful for her positive and cheery disposition.  Go forth and conquer!

Miss Leeli was VERY excited to be starting 4th grade.

She got the teacher she wanted,

gets to ride the bus with good friends

and has already mastered most of the curriculum for the year.

...pshaw... she's cute AND smart!

And hello, it's KINDERGARTEN for the little caboose!

He has been waiting FOREVER to climb aboard that big yellow bus, and today was the magical day.

Lunch box, backpack, school supplies and a FULL day of learning.

The transition is BIG.

I was so excited for him, it wasn't even hard for me to wave a cheery goodbye.  Plus, he didn't even see me.  He plopped himself right next to a first grader and was well into a remarkable conversation, I'm sure, before they even got around the corner.

(as an aside, I will admit that I may have had a few nano-seconds of emotion later in the day)

For now, it's me and YONDER.

We're holding down the fort.  I'm holding, he's PAINTING it.  This guy's such a worker!  A few weeks to go, and he's getting dirt and grime and paint under his fingernails all the while.  OH, we're going to miss him!  But our loss will definitely be Panama's gain.  Empty nest?  Not yet.  And I'm NOT counting down.

Even though most days I am companions with that familiar knot in my stomach and lump in my throat, I am excited for what lies ahead.

It's not Fall yet, but I tell myself

WELCOME! to a new season.