BE NICE TO PEOPLE....

Hello!! I am among the living--I think. This time of year for me is always a little bit of a struggle. School started Monday. The word school is associated with so many things-- new beginnings, tests, friends,books, teachers, drinking fountains, lunch, recess, assignments, language--appropriate and not, computers, bulletin boards, bulllies, programs, principal's office, backpacks, carpools, standing in line, being quiet, helping someone read, math, spelling, tears, A's, B's, C's, and hopefully not D's and F's, and the list goes on... I taught school for 3 years before having children of my own. I have now seen both the teacher's and the parent's perspective. My best observation is that no matter what side of the fence we sit, everyone just needs to be KIND--end of observation!! Wouldn't that be wonderful?
I cried yesterday as they all headed off for their new adventures. Look at their newborn pictures--they grow so fast!!

This is Karissa and Rebecca. Karissa is in first grade--that means school ALL day--sigh! That also means that I won't have someone home with me throughout the day--first time in 16 years!! Today she said, "Mom, I need you to come to school with me." "Why?" I reply. "Because I will worry about you." "Awwww!! Guess what, Rissy, I will just be home mopping the floor, doing laundry, and paying bills." I say. She gave me that--"Oh-that's-normal look". I'm sure she thought I would be fine after that!! Rebecca is my sensitive one. She has cried the first day of school since preschool. This year was no different. Tugs at my heart strings. She gets so nervous, but after the initial break- through, she does fabulous.

This is Savanna. She is in 7th grade and headed off to junior high. She did so well on her first day. I couldn't do what these kids have to do--it's a jungle out there. She tested high in math, so she was placed in a math class where she is the only 7th grader, all the rest are 8th graders--that stressed her some, but we had a long talk, and I know she will excel!!

This is Jessica. She is in 10th grade--her first year of high school. She has 4 honors classes--Math, English, World Civ, and Chemistry-doesn't that sound fun? She also has foods, guitar, Seminary, and Spanish III. She teaches 6 piano students, too. She turns 16 in a couple of months--that means dating and driving--sigh!! However, our youth are so strong and resilient. I am in awe of their integrity, values and goals. I remain optimistic for a wonderful future!!

As some of you may have noticed, I end each post with, "Be Nice to People." That's because each day as my girl's head out the door to school, I say, "Have a great day, I love you, and be nice to people." We all know what it feels like to be nice, and we all know what if feels like to have someone be nice to us. We, also, all know the opposite!! So.......
Be Nice to People,

Julie