Back To School

It is that time of year again...first day back to school.

I love back to school, if for no other reason than the return to a schedule in our household. The summer lends itself to relaxing...and we take full advantage of the opportunity to relax our schedule as well. Now it is back to a bedtime for the whole household (thank goodness) and a morning routine for the boys and myself.

Brian and Will both got up with little prodding this morning. I wish it would continue to be that easy every morning. They rode in together this morning since Brian had to pick up his schedule. He is hoping for late arrival this year -- his Senior year (can you believe it?). He would really like to have had early dismissal, but since basketball is the last class of the day, that is not an option. Looking at his tardies from last year, late arrival will probably work best for our night owl.

Will is hoping that after-school football practice will start immediately. He can hardly wait to put on the pads and get to work. He has really surprised us with his desire to work out without being prompted. We have already picked up the cleats and football socks so that he will be ready to go whenever the coach says.

Both boys were really looking forward to going back to school this year. They had quite a busy summer, but living so far out leaves few opportunities for getting together with friends. I hope that their enthusiasm is not soon lost.

Bri begins classes today as well. She has to log in to an online math class this afternoon and has a late night psychology class that begins tonight at 7. Can you believe they have to attend class from 7-10 pm? I hope the professor is interesting...because if it were me, I would be out like a light by 9! She has classes Monday through Friday evenings so that she can hopefully get a job during the day. Any money to help cover the commuting expenses would be greatly appreciated by Jim and I!

I can't help but think of how much I enjoyed the first day of school each year. The books that held so much potential for learning and the expectations of what a new year might bring, I remember brimming over with excitement. I still love a new book or the beginning of a Bible study. I still get excited over the possibilities of what I might learn upon a new endeavor. I may have missed my calling as a school teacher...but I never tire of being a student.

Thankfully, we never have to quit learning. And hopefully, the three of them will find something so interesting this year that it keeps them motivated to be successful at their studies.

I know tonight will be filled with 15 zillion pieces of paper to be signed and lists of school supplies that it will take me weeks to track down (just imagine how hard it was when all 5 of them were still in school)...but for now, I choose to celebrate the beginning of the new school year and hope for a successful year for us all.

So, was today your first day back to school? How did it go?