Firsts

This week we have had a lot of firsts. Yesterday was the first day of school, the first absence for Ashtyn, Ashtyn's teacher's first year teaching, Whitney's first time riding a bike, the first day on our two new bikes and today is the girls first time riding a bus to school and the first day that the girl's haven't been home all day this school year.

The FIRST day of school

I always loved the first day of school. The excitement, the new clothes, the new friends, the new teacher, the new subjects to explore. The girls were very excited. We got right up, dressed and all ready to go. We got to school early so we didn't feel rushed. Then right when we were stepping out of the car Ashtyn said with some urgency that she had to go to the bathroom right now. We rushed into the school and she had diarrhea. She had to miss the very first day of school. She was very sad, but her tummy was hurting too much to stay. I don't necessarily think she was sick because she did OK at home. I think she just may have inherited my IBS. I hope for her sake not- but at least I will be able to help her cope if so.

Whitney was pretty scared that Ashtyn wasn't going to stay- but when we drove away she was happily standing in her line waiting for the bell to ring. I am really proud of her- she has come so far with her confidence. A few years ago there would have been tears and leg clinging- but now she is so much braver. She had a great day at school. She made a new friend and loved her teacher. She was excited to go back today.

We did meet Ashtyn's teacher before we left to let her know Ashytn wouldn't be there. She is so cute. She is young. This is her first year teaching- which I love because you have a fire in you the first year that makes you excited and positive.

FIRST bike ride

Whitney came home from school and taught herself to ride a bike. We had tried a month ago to teach her- but sometimes it just works better if you figure it out on your own. I am really proud of her and Ashtyn- now we have two new bike riders in the family.

FIRST time on new bikes

Ashtyn and Whitney have been fighting over our one bike this week because Ashtyn wanted to practice her new skills and Whitney wanted to learn to ride. We use to have two bikes, but one of them was getting a little small and we told them we wouldn't buy new bikes until they learned to ride. Right after school they both wanted to ride the bike- so of course there were tears shed when we had to take turns. I decided that it was time for a new bike. I looked in the classifieds online and the first post was an ad for two girl's bikes for $10. It had only been online for 5 minutes. I knew that we were meant to have those bikes. I called the lady and within a half an hour we had two new bikes for way less than I would have paid for new ones. Last night we could barely get them to come inside and stop riding them. Now we have three bikes to go with our 3 kids.

the FIRST time riding the bus

Our neighborhood is bused to school because there are no sidewalks between us and the school. Today was our first time riding the bus. The girls were so happy and wanted to be to the bus stop 20 minutes early. They felt so cool getting on the bus with all the other kids. I felt like I might throw up. I hated riding the bus to school. I didn't have to until Jr. High and High School. It was at least a 45 minute ride to school for us because we lived on the other side of town. All I remember is the anxiety I felt that I would miss the bus, the spit wads, the rude teenage boys, and my only happy memory of sitting next to my friend Heidi and making fun of country music- that I now happen to love. One time our bus was an hour late. I cried the whole way to school because I was going to be tardy. Then there are the nightmares about missing the bus after school and having to wait for the activity bus and then missing that and having my mom refuse to come pick me up because it was raining and she had just washed the car. Thank goodness in High School I had friends that had cars to drive.

So as my girls stepped on today I just hoped that they would make it to school OK- I knew by the big grins on their faces that it would be OK.....until I have to let Ethan ride the bus all alone home from Kindergarten next week...I might be driving him myself.

FIRST day without the girls

I feel happy and a little sad without the girls home today. It feels calm and quiet, yet I love hearing them play with each other and make up games with Ethan. I always have mixed feelings about sending them to school. But I know that they need to start having their own life outside of me- I feel like I hold them back a lot because I am such a nervous mother- Ashtyn always says "Mom I am 8, when are you going to start to trust me?" I just miss them when they are gone- but I suppose it is better to miss them now, then to have me camped out on their doorstep on their wedding night..LOL. The only thing I don't miss is the homework they have already brought home. But even that can be fun sometimes.