1st day of Kindergarten

Ella was very excited this morning and quickly ate her

breakfast and began asking "is it time to go to kindergarten now?"

Part of the excitement was that she wanted to take her

gift to Mrs. Kidwell. It was a very rainy morning, so we

didn't get to take all the first day pictures that we wanted to

but we improvised with a few.

She talked to a few friends and Grandma Joni on

the way in, but then quickly found her room and was

ready to say goodbye. One quick hug and no hesitation.
I made it almost all the way to work before I cried,

but it was a great day and I know it will be a great year.

She showed so much enthusiasm and confidence in the past

few days leading up that it gave me the reassurance to not

worry so much as just be excited for her.

A Mother's First Day Prayer

Here we are, Lord. Her backpack is loaded, and her face is scrubbed
and her lunch account full. And I know you'll walk with her, Lord. You always do.

But a mom still has to ask. Will you walk with her? Will you whisper to her what

she needs to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it? Will you please, oh please,

cover her school with the protection only you can give, and will you keep harm

far away? Will you make her mind strong and ready to learn? Will you help her

understand that hard work honors the One who created her? Will you guide her

teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience?

Will you bless them for their efforts? Will you love all those children there,

the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone?

Will you teach my child to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are

different from her? Will you point her back toward home just as soon as you can?

Lord, I give her to you today and everyday, trusting her to your care.

In Jesus' name, Amen.