ella j

We are one week into our new life - and by new life I don't mean to be dramatic but it very much does feel like entering a new phase of motherhood (but lets be honest, I do tend toward the dramatic).  One week into Kindergarten and there is already much to be thankful for -

sister-love: after a summer of living on top of one another, Sam and Clara are delighting in the time they have together.  there have been dozens of moments where i want to freeze time and remember the sweet ways they are interacting - from playing long in the bath, to imagination with legos, to "i miss you" before school and big hugs after school.  heart melting.

excitement in learning new songs: Sam sings for us sweetly about a candle for peace - not much more than a candle for peace but i could listen to her sing about peace bringing candles for awhile.

meeting a new neighbor girl who happens to be in Samantha's class: i love connecting with neighbors in a new way.

my low grade anxiety is starting to dissipate: for about a week i felt preoccupied with missing Sam and feeling nervous for what she might be doing or encountering.  the last couple of days this has been almost gone.

i feel more energized to engage with Clara and Emmy: i am thankful for more time to be with them, play with them, talk with them.  not having to manage the negative aspects of Sam and Clara's relationship has left me with energy to put into Clara and Em.  granted Clara gets frustrated with Emmy sometimes but it is not the same.  and i am loving these extra moments with these two.

ella j:  samantha's first friend outside the group of the friends we have introduced her to.  we first heard about ella j. a few days ago and their friendship has only grown since.  we got to meet her last night at the school dessert, as well as meet her parents.  they seem like a lovely family and it will be fun to see what comes of their new friendship.  maybe nothing.  maybe something significant.  either way - we are so thankful for a sweet little girl for sam to connect to and feel safe with and get excited about seeing.

walking from our house to school we have to go up a pretty big hill.  last friday sam cried as we walked.  and i cried after i dropped her off.  today there were no tears - and part of that is getting to know a new place and making connections.  i am thankful for a teacher sam is excited to see, a student teacher who is kind and attentive, a friend sam made all on her own and sweet moments of sisterhood at the end of the day.  the 3:00-5:00 window used to be the hardest of our day, waiting for tim to come home, energy just about gone.  now it is my favorite time - reconnecting with sam, seeing the girls love each other and still anticipating the arrival of tim and kellie (our housemate).  one week down.  one week into our new life.  thankful for a God who gives good gifts, who is steady and faithful in the midst of our change.