First Day.

Yep, according to the chalkboard in the kitchen, as well as the calendar, September has arrived and with it, the first day of a new school year.

Well, Kennedy is safe at her first day of second grade, dressed in bright pink from head to the sparkly silver shoes she picked out at Kohl's yesterday. And, of course, all topped off with her pink hat, tipped sideways for effect.

Hayden came with me to see her off and is now enjoying a first-day treat of McDonald's cinnamon rolls. We will leave in about an hour to go to his kindergarten open house. He decided on his mini-golf shirt, shorts and old beat-up pirate flip-flops for his first day. I love his casual approach, though he is no less excited about his first day.

I hope all you moms and kids out there have a great first day of school and that it is a day of excitement, reconnecting with friends, meeting new friends, and getting re-settled into the school routine. New beginnings are always a bit anxious but exciting and hopeful, too. And all you moms feeling a bit anxious and sad like I am......I suggest pouring your feelings into a creative project, whether a letter to your child or a scrapbook page or a canvas. I am planning to write a letter to my own second grade teacher, letting her know how much she influenced me and how much I hope that Kennedy's second grade teacher becomes as meaningful to her as she (Mrs. R is her name) was and continues to be to me. Who knows, I may even put it into a mini-album to send.

Now, tomorrow comes the real emotional challenge.....sending them off on the bus for the first time.