Friday, September 2, 2011

Kindergarten!


Jaxon on his first day at school. By the way, he's doing the letter 'K' in sign language for kindergarten, not the #1.

So, I remember once sitting in a Red Robin in Visalia next to a poster that said, "All I need to know I learned in Kindergarten" and then had a list of stuff that we learn in kindergarten that we use throughout our lives. Supposed to be funny, or ironic, or something. Well, I don't agree with it at all because, frankly, I feel I've learned a lot since that time in my life. But I digress. I feel like "All I need to know about myself I learned when my first child went to kindergarten". Ok, maybe not everything, but some pretty important things anyway. Let me explain:
1. I have learned that I'm slightly clingy. Ok, ok, really a lot clingy. I may or may not have been seen bawling my eyes out as the school bus drove away with Jaxon on it for the first time in his little life. But in my defense I did wait until it was driving away. (And I may or may not be a little misty now just thinking about it) But think about it - it's the beginning of the end. Blink and he'll be in high school, blink again, mission, again, married with 11 kids (hahahaha!!!). It's all going too fast! What's the rush? Slow down, isn't he still like 2 or 3 or something?
2. I have learned that it's almost easier to have more kids to entertain than less. It seems like every morning that I struggle to find things to thrill and excite (and educate of course) the girls. Where's a Jaxon when you need him? But it's really good for Sammi to get a little more attention. When Jill grants that privilege anyway.
3. I have learned in a whole new way what it means to be genuinely excited for someone else even though you feel bad for yourself. Jaxon is just jump out of his shoes excited to go to school each day and comes home absolutely glowing. I love that.
4. I have learned to absolutely appreciate this time that I have to be at home with my kids. I have been guilty at times of wishing and looking forward to the day when I can have a little more peace and alone time when someone wasn't crawling all over my personal space. But now I get it a little more - this is the best time ever, challenging, yes, but the best.

So, yes, Jaxon started school on Wednesday and is loving every bit of it. Especially the bus ride. Oh, and one other side note. The kids in our neighborhood that he rides the bus with - awesome. They are so nice to him, it just makes my day. Jaxon's teacher is Mr. Nielsen, no relation. Jaxon really likes him so far and he seemed really nice when I met him, although he is one of the few people in the world that have made my 6 foot self feel short. So here's to a successful start to many more years of learning!