Tradition

Each year, on the first day of school, I make blueberry muffins. It is the only day of the year I do this, so that makes it extra special. We put a candle shaped like a crayon in the muffin and sing "Happy First Day of School" (which sounds a bit like "Happy Birthday to You"). Then we stand in the kitchen and Joel prays for the new school year. We've had years when he's been on the road. but he still phones in his First Day of School blessing. So today was the 9th annual observance of this ritual. I thought it would be fun to look back a bit. We won't go all the way back to HannahKate's first day of kindergarten (because that would involve having to scan pictures into the computer) but I will share pics from the previous 3 years (because that's how long I've had my digital camera).

This photo is from 2005. Hallie was going into kindergarten and Hannah going to intermediate school. It was a time of transition because both girls would be going to new campuses. We managed to have our children far enough apart in age that they will never be at the same school at the same time. Given their different personalities, this is most definitely a good thing. The funny thing here is, this was before our district instituted "standardized dress", yet the girls are dressed in matching outfits of their own choosing. I promise it was their idea! Hallie looks so innocent, doesn't she?

This picture is from 2006. The first year of standardized dress. Hallie was beginning first grade and HannahKate going into sixth.

This picture is from last year, 2007. Notice, HannahKate got contacts over the summer, no more glasses.

And that brings us to this year. Hannah is in eighth grade at the Middle School, so she's top dog, an old pro at changing classes and winning the battle of opening her locker during the 5 minutes between class periods. We have transferred Hallie from the school she's been attending to the elementary where Hannah went. Its smaller and has a real family atmosphere. I'm not sure if that's more important to me or Hallie, but she will be in class with her best friend from church so I think she's happy with the change. Hallie couldn't wait for school to begin and HannahKate couldn't believe it was beginning so soon. It will be interesting to see what this year has in store. Our prayer is that both girls will succeed academically and mature socially, but most importantly, that they will be "salt and light" to their classmates, teachers and everyone they meet.

Happy First Day of School!