What I would really like to tell you. . .

8 - school days left until school break 17 - days left until we leave for the beach 66 - days left until we leave for the mountains 70 - days until Halloween 93 - days until Thanksgiving 124 - days until Christmas And the reason I know this - I have kids.

Katie really had the Monday morning blues. She dragged around this morning wishing she could just stay in her PJs and watch "a little more TV." We finally were on our way to school. In the car she was mostly quiet. She and I walked up the school side walk together. She smiled and started up the steps. She then reached behind her stretching her hand and arm all the way back out the door and yelled "Mooooomeeeeee!" When I made it back to the car, Cole asked, "Was that Katie's arm?" Yes, I said. His only reply - Wow. The teacher said that Katie was fine when she made it to her room. The morning drama is only for my benefit. I do not know if I should feel thankful.

Today I was a parent chaperone for Cole's first grade class to the Lazy 5 Ranch. The day was beautiful. Every kid had a parent. It was a wonderful day. We actually got to pet a zebra and a giraffe. How many people can say that? Katie fell again today on the playground. Guess what? She was RUNNING! GASP! How many people can say that they have ran on a playground? If there was a pole taken from kids around their school more have most likely rubbed a zebra than have ran on the playground.

When I picked Katie up today, her teacher walked her out. Katie had both knees covered in band-aids. The teacher said that Katie was running outside on the play ground and fell. She then leaned into Katie and said, "Remember the rule, no running on the play ground." I then smiled and said thank you for taking care of Katie's knees and walked Katie to the van. I told Katie that she had to follow the school rules and that I was sorry that she had hurt her knees. But you know, deep down I want to say, JUST WHERE SHOULD SHE RUN? So Katie, when you are old enough to read this just know that I am on your side. I can't tell you this now because you would go break the rule again. I really believe that this is the dumbest rule ever. You should be able to run outside on the play ground and act the fool. If you fall and get hurt, well, it was just part of learning. So for now, I am pretending to be on Ms. Bobbie's side. But in my heart, I'm pulling for Katie.

I have not written in several weeks for a reason. I really did not know what to say. Both kids are now in school and I have to admit - my heart is broken. Cole is now in first grade and Kaite is going to the Pre K program. Most moms would be jumping for joy to have both kids in school. I really like having them home. I like being able to play and run and just act silly. We are now serious with homework and bed times again. Cole's first comment about first grade was how there were no toys in their room. They have organized PE and can't run and act the fool and talk with friends. Katie missed me every morning and I still have to walk her up the walk with tears in her eyes. I only hope that she does not notice the way I have to turn my head so that she cannot see mine. I know that school is a necessary part of life - I just wish it could happen later. Just let us play a little longer. Well, school break is only 14 school days away. Maybe we can recapture a little sum...