Today has been one of those days. About 10:00 this morning, the thought occurred to me that I probably would have been better off to just stay in the bed. It was safer there as I lay sandwiched between two of my girls.

The morning began with a not-so-successful trip to the dentist. We were supposed to leave with sealants. Unfortunately, things didn't go so well. After about 30 minutes, we were back on I-40 heading back to work/school. To say that I was frustrated would be an understatement. I found myself trying to explain to Ellie the importance of learning to trust that we make decisions for her based on what we believe to be best for her. Not quite sure she "heard" what I was saying.

The day seemed to improve somewhat when my poster printer was moved to my temporary office and I was once again back in business at work. Then, there was car line. To make a long story short, there was some sort of incident on the playground today. Two girls accused Ellie of saying "mean words" to one of the girls. Ellie vehemently denied saying anything mean. They were all reprimanded and told to apologize. Then, as they all walked to car line, a little boy bumped into Ellie. She said, "Stop it" thinking he was pushing her. Ellie was reprimanded for fussing at him when it was only an accident, and then she burst into tears. It was not a red letter day.

After school, I took the girls and Blake to a friend's birthday party at our church. We walked in to find one of the girls from the playground incident attending the party. Everything went great; kids got a long great. It was a good party.

When we got in the car, Ellie looked at me. She said that she had apologized to the friend for what had happened today. She said that she hadn't done what she had been accused of doing, but she had yet to apologize for the situation. So, she did that at the party. She made sure I knew she wasn't guilty - she just needed to apologize. The friend forgave.

Apparently, Ellie has been listening. She's heard me the times I've told her that some times we have to take the higher ground and apologize even when we aren't at fault. She also heard when we've told her to be kind and do what is right.

I am so thankful that God allowed me to witness this today. I am so thankful that He gave me a daughter who LISTENS to Him, to His still small voice.

Well, it finally happened. My first baby girl is in what we call "big school." I have to admit that it hurt my heart to let her go! She LOVES it! She is in Miss Morton's class. On the way home the other day, she said that she had had a "splendid!" day! I just love that! Ellie was definitely ready for school. She is loving the fact that they are learning about history. She is just loving life. She starts having tests this week. I'm pretty sure that there's a race in this house as to who is more nervous about it, me or her. Today was her penmanship test. Her friend Morgan told me that they hadn't gotten their grades yet when I saw them at lunch. I love it!!







I probably should mention that Ellie's and Mollie's teachers are roommates. Don't you know there's a bit of a discussion at night about the Bennett girls. :)

Last year, on Ellie's first day of Kindergarten, a friend who is our librarian at our school left this article on my desk. I haven't been able to find my copy, but I was able to find it online. I have thought about this a million times over the last week. You see, last week I took my middle baby to K3 for the first time. So I've altered the article a bit to show what it felt like to leave her that day.

Excuse me, Miss Clements: The First Day of K3

Tonight, on the eve of her first day of K3, Mollie lies in her bed. After we hugged and snuggled and kissed goodnight, she was practicing. Practicing saying her K3 teacher’s name in the softest whisper imaginable,

"Excuse me, Miss Clements…"

"Excuse me, Miss Clements…"

"Excuse me, Miss Clements…"

I lay there, listening to her independent vocal stride.

On Tuesday, we went to the school, saw Mollie's classroom and sat at the little tables where she’ll fill her brain with wisdom and insight. And we met Miss Clements. Ever since our meeting, we’ve been practicing saying "Miss Clements" so Mollie can say her teacher’s name with ease on her first day.

I, too, have been practicing her name.

"Excuse me, Miss Clements, but today I’m leaving my baby girl with you. Please protect her as if she is your own. Please look after her and always keep her best interests and safety in mind.

"Excuse me, Miss Clements, would you please know that my sweet Mollie is active and vivacious but please, please help her integrate with the other students?

"Excuse me, Miss Clements, but I’m going to leave now. I may stop in the bathroom with the tiny little toilets and throw up after departing this classroom because I not only leave you my daughter today but also my heart. Then, Miss Clements, I’ll try like hell not to bawl all the way home so as not to permanently scar Annie about the pending arrival of her k3 debut in a few short years.

"I know she’s ready, Miss Clements. So I’ll leave you two to continue her journey. Together. I’ll pick up where you leave off, at 11:45 each day.

"Goodbye, Miss Clements. Goodbye, Mollie. I’ll meet you on the other side of the day. I love you.”

Excuse me, Mrs. LaGory: The First Day of Kindergarten
By Densie Ullem - 8/4/2009
Little Rock Family Staff

It's hard to believe that as I type this we are about a week away from the first day of school. I have yet to be able to figure out where the summer went. At the start of the summer, I was really excited that I would have more time to spend with the girls. It has ended up that I think we were just as busy, if not busier this summer than ever before. But, I think it is pretty safe to say that we have had a great time.

We've hung out with friends!