Beauty From Our Mess

 Well, we dove in! It felt like it was in a very chaotic, somewhat disorganized manner, but we are in! ;) I don't think it was really TOO bad, just had it's moments! We are all glad to be getting back into our routine! The summer break was nice and very much needed but it's always nice to have things planned and predictable! Mama operates well under those circumstances! ;)

We started the day with a special breakfast...really just "fancy" pancakes! But they thought it was great.

 School time began with the usual photo shoot. (This mama also loves her pics! Please let this serves as a warning that lots of pics are going to follow! ;) ) My girl was so excited to have her first day of school! And Grayson is so looking forward to what he will learn in first grade and so am I! And since it was the first day, we even got a little "dressed up".

We started with our group time. This took a long time because Grayson has all new sheets in his calendar book this year and Ada is just beginning, but I think it's a super important part of school! They enjoyed decorating their book, and of course, Grayson enjoyed helping little sister out, also.

 Ada will be taking a big look at the 7 days of creation over the next two weeks, and
Grayson is reviewing some basic kindergarten stuff before he jumps into the life of Jesus. For the lessons we kind of split up. Ada took her break and enjoyed a little snack with Grady, while Grayson and I got started on his book work. Then we switched and Ada and I went through her work, and then recess time had arrived! And just like that the school day was complete and we could officially say we made it through our first day! :)

A few things I learned on the first day...
1. Teaching more than one grade simultaneously, requires an insane amount of multitasking.
2. Potty training the little one during the first week of school was probably a little over ambitious and poor planning on my part.
3. Do not mistake a child's excitement for their cooperation...one does not necessarily follow the other. (my strong-willed child can put up quite a challenge sometimes!)
4. It's going to be a super busy year, but super fun!
5. I am eternally grateful for these little people and the calling and ability to teach them. I remain confident that God will equip me to do just that...even if it's messy sometimes. 

He makes beautiful things from our messes, and I am so very thankful! This year is going to be amazing, busy, crazy, and an all together beautiful mess. And maybe, just maybe they will learn something. And without a doubt I will. It is unbelievable what little ones can teach you. They have shown me true faith...what it means to really believe! They have taught me that the little things do matter. And most of all they have shown me beauty in the ordinary, everyday "stuff". So tomorrow, we tackle day two! I thank you, God, already, for what tomorrow holds. Thank you for Your beauty, Your goodness, and Your grace.