First day of school...

The 1st day of the 2012-2013 school year in Texas started today. This year was a little different for me. After 8 years in public education and starting either in the classroom with kids or on a campus supporting teachers I'm not at a school. I'm in the corporate world and today hit the top of my chart for my favorite day at my new job!  Sure, I miss the kids, the teachers, the hustle of the school, but my current job leaves me with more energy to enjoy my family at night! I've really enjoyed seeing all of my teacher friends posts about the "end of summer" over the last few weeks and their excitement about the first day of school. It's a great reminder of why I do what I do know, write diagnostic assessments to help teachers know what concepts students' are struggling with.

Tonight, I realized that the first day of school has a different meaning for me. In just 5 short years it will be Miss Evelyn's "first day of school!" The past 4 1/2 months have flown by so fast. I can only imagine that I'll wake up tomorrow and she will be going to school.

So, tonight I put my munchkin to bed and went in the kitchen to do the dishes. My team mate (husband) is playing flag football tonight. I heard a loud one blurt cry from Evelyn, so I went to check on her. She was trying to get her thumb in her mouth and her coordination doesn't always work with her. I started to turn around and walk out, but I stopped and thought ~ just love on her! So, I did. I held her and rocked her for about 15 minutes. Their is nothing better than the smile she gives me when I pick her up out of her crib...except... sweet little hands running across your skin. I sang amazing grace (with the voice I don't have) and we just rested together. I have to admit I shed a few tears...I was reminded...

I may not get everything done everyday, 

the stove may not be clean.

the load of clothes in the washer may have to be rerun, 

my bed may not get made, 

I may not get to watch my favorite TV show

but, every night, 

I hold my my daughter,

she hears me pray for her and our family, 

I tell her I love her, 

and I give her LOTS of kisses. 

So, tonight I'm reminded, she is growing up fast...

set an example for her,

love on her, 

let her see Christ in you

and she will grow in His ways!