Back to School 2009

School began early this year...August 17. Entirely too early for me...but Anna was excited to start third grade. She looked adorable heading off with her backpack:Tanielu started Kindergarten! I was so proud of him...so handsome and confident. He ran ahead of me into the school. He is still young though...he had me give him kissing hands before leaving. I found myself crying all the way to the car. I told Tani they were "happy tears." There is something joyful and sad about the way time keeps moving along. He will never be home with me more than now...he will just go more and more. That is the way it is supposed to be I guess.Owen started preschool at Learning Dynamics. He is excited to learn to read this year. He went right to class too...no problems. He said he felt like he wanted to cry but he just "tried really hard not to." My tough little guy!

I gave in...

and started a blog. I have really enjoyed reading my friend's blogs and decided it was time to start my own. What a great way to stay in touch and record my memories! I am by no means a computer wiz so this will definitely be a work in progress.
Life has been exciting around here lately. We got the news on February 6 that we were accepted into a great charter school: Renaissance Academy. I couldn't belive we got in. They use a lottery to fill available places and there were 53 applicants for 7 places in second grade. We got one! I have applied three years in a row for quite a few schools but this was one of my top two choices. I was quite discouraged that I couldn't somehow get us in. It all came down to luck and faith that if it was supposed to happen it would. Anna has been attending a private school (Kid's Village) for the last two years. It has been a good school for us, especially when Anna was diagnosed with diabetes December 2006. They have helped us during the adjustment time and have kept her challenged academically. However, we were really hopeful that at some point we would get into a good charter school. We went and toured her new school on Friday and it is amazing. We are so thankful. Now, the boys will automatically get in when they start kindergarten. Renaissance is a charter school which falls under the public school system. It is free. Yeah! They wear uniforms. The class sizes are limited to 25. They have a great curriculum including foreign language starting in Kindergarten. This school requires 40 hours of volunteer time per child a year by the parents. As a result there are always parents working to make it an excellent school. I could go on and on. I am just so thankful for this blessing!