Back to School = Anxiety Attack

One day I may have a picture of my child holding up a sign saying:

This is not my kid, though I think he'd fit in here. :)

like all the other cool moms  -but probably not. 

I'll admit it, I'm just happy when my kids make it out the door with fresh smelling breath, a hopefully full belly, tied shoes and combed hair.

Here's our attempt at pictures -

YEAH! 2ND DAY OF SCHOOL - IN OUR FRIEND'S VAN WHO WE CARPOOL WITH - TODDLER, NOT OURS. 

Lou in the backseat and Ruckus in the front

YEAH! 3RD DAY OF SCHOOL! 

THAT'S STILL PRETTY SPECIAL! :)

Little C's will read something like -

YEAH - 57TH DAY OF SCHOOL! 

MY MOM IS NOT A MORNING PERSON  AND I'M REALLY GREAT AT GETTING READY IN THE MORNINGS WITHOUT HER ASSISTANCE SO SHE USUALLY JUST HUGS ME GOODBYE, MAKING SURE HER HEAD IS TURNED AWAY FROM MY FACE SO I DON'T SMELL HER AWESOME MORNING BREATH - WHICH IS VERY THOUGHTFUL BUT DOESN'T MAKE HER ON THE BALL WHEN IT COMES TO  TAKING MY PHOTO BEFORE THE SCHOOL DAY BEGINS. 

THAT DOESN'T MEAN SHE LOVES ME ANY LESS. :)

Sorry Kid. 

I really am going to take it tomorrow. You'll see. 

Ah, school. Love/hate relationship. I'm sure I say that every year.  I began homeschooling Little C at the end of his 6th grade year but he really missed going to school. This year we compromised and he is doing dual enrollment. He is at the junior high in the mornings until lunch and then he's home embarking on a Thomas Jefferson Education Module with his mama. I have high hopes. :)

Lou and Ruckus LOVE school as well. If they didn't I'd already have them sitting right next to Little C and I,  accompanying us on our new quest. They'll be here sooner than later.  My younger children have been blessed with great, outstanding teachers every year so I haven't felt the push as strong. 

When I walked into the junior high registration with Little C I did my best to put a smile on my face but when the first posters I saw were spouting out themes like - It's a Gender Revolution - I about barfed and burst out in tears at the same time. I support signs talking about love, kindness, diversity,  anti-bullying, etc - but in a world that is so confused about gender - this is a conversation for the parents to be included in. I realize their intent was probably innocent though I disagree with their sentiment. I know there are parents out there who don't talk to their kids about anything - I don't know what the solution is, but I do know that I don't want my young son indoctrinated.

I could go on and on about how the school was so proud to announce that breakfast and lunch are now "free" for every student and how Little C gave me the "look" so I'd keep my mouth shut on that one. Again, I know some people really need free meals. I get that. I want them to receive those meals. I want those children to be Michelle Obama well fed, even if it tastes like crap - I desire for no child to be hungry - but, my child doesn't need a free lunch. 

And so many more things I could name (like the reading class where kids read the whole hour because they're illiterate and they're failing the common core test because of it - from the school counselor's own mouth) but what's the point because I'm not proactive in helping getting those issues resolved yet.

While I watched Little C walk away from the car headed for this new junior world my pleading thought to the other kids was -

Just let him be good. It's okay.  Don't try to strip that part of him away. -

Little C is one in a million. I feel blessed to be his mother. I feel blessed and honored to be the mother of all 5 of my children and this new one I have yet to meet. They are strong and determined little spirits who can make this world a better place if they so desire.

I pray everyday that my children will be strong amidst adversity and not be afraid to be a leader of righteousness, even when they are mocked by their peers or well meaning adults. 

Prayers. 

Everyday.

Many times a day for these little humans I adore.