End of FIRSTS week

Our week of new and exciting "firsts" is almost over. While things have actually gone really well, some of us are starting to experience some unpleasant side effects from all the transitions. With the onset of much cooler weather, we've had to dig out pants and long sleeve shirts and socks (the girls have worn sandals or flip-flops every day since May!). Anlynn has rebelled against the new seasonal clothing! Wednesday her jeans were too tight and "they hurt when I do thiiiisss!" (She was doing this weird, exaggerated squat thing; like any normal person would actually have to do that in any given day!) On Thursday she revolted against having to wear socks: "They huurrrtt! These socks are duummmb!"

Amana has really enjoyed homeschooling. Yesterday, when we were done I told her she could go up with Anlynn. She said she didn't want to, she wanted to keep learning. However much she enjoys learning at home, though, it was hard for her to drop Anlynn off at preschool, knowing she couldn't go, too. On the way home from taking Anlynn, she got a little sad and expressed a desire to go to preschool again. She said, "Trey and Sarah went to preschool when they were 5. How come I can't go when I'm 5?" It stung my mama's heart a little, but I asked her why she wanted to go to preschool and what she was missing. She said she missed the dancing ribbons. (After her first day of preschool, dancing ribbons was all she talked about!) I told her we could make one at home together. Her face lit up and she didn't mention preschool again. :) After positioning herself in front of the mirror, we cranked some music and twirled away! Even Harrison got in on the action! Although, by the look on his face, he must have known that daddy wouldn't like him, his son, his boy, to be doing anything involving "twirling", ribbons", or "prancing"!

Even Mommy has had some firsts this week, as well as some tough moments adapting to change. I really enjoyed being a real teacher for the first time, especially knowing it was for my own beloved child. I started a new Bible study on Tuesday. I got to feel like a chauffeur for the first time (first of MANY to come, I'm sure!) by carting kids to preschool, Awanas, dance class, hair cuts and doctor's appointments. And my first MOPS meeting got kicked off last night...where I'm in leadership for the first time. Is this a lot? I don't even know. I just know that we have entered a whole new season of life, with many exciting developments and activities, but also a brand new set of concerns. Last night, as I walked through the door at 11 o'clock, my whole body was tired. I'd been on autopilot all week, and as I crossed the threshold, the wind beneath my wings whooshed out from under me and I hit the ground. Oh, I cried, all right! It's a funny place to be, when emotions and expectations are so new to you that you're not sure what to do with them...and yet so utterly common for so many around you. Trying to explain it to Lige, I kept saying how tired I was. That bone-deep, wearied-to-your-core kind of tired you get from being stretched like never before. And Lige kept saying, "yep, I'm tired too. I've had several really early mornings this week, and ..." It hit me then, that although these feelings are new (and a bit scary) to me, they are not new to mankind! People every where, everyday have been dealing with all of these emotions long before this week!

God has been giving me many lessons on perspective in the past several weeks. I tend to get so wrapped up in the minute details of my cozy little life, that I often miss the big picture. While focusing on the stresses and worries of the day, I'm missing the big blessings. Last night was another lesson on perspective. Thinking and doing a million things a day was nothing new to Lige! And it's probably not new to most of you! All I ask is that you will be patient and gracious with me as I transition into your ranks! Feel free to give me that knowing smile as you welcome me into the fold of adulthood!