An Interview with a Kindergartener

Today was day three of Kindergarten for Koko Bean. I have pried and probed, trying to figure out what she does all day. All I get in response to my interrogation is, "I forgot." Really? How do you forget such a wonderful adventure as Kindergarten?? If I could just be a fly on the wall, and see how she interacts with her classmates, (whose names she can't remember, ) and to see what all she's learning, I would be content. Alas, all I get is information about a curly haired girl on the playground and some friend she sits with on the bus, whom she thinks is named "Areola" or is it "Ariella," (God I hope it's the latter.) 

I found some fun questions to ask her about her newest quest for learning. I was hoping this might help me better understand what has been going on in her brilliant little mind.  Here are the results of the interview:

*My grade this year is: Kindergarten 

*I am most excited about: Going outside twice or 3 times. (I didn't realize Kindergarten was like Fort Knox.)

*When I grow up, I want to be: A dog watcher (then she added because I just LOVE dogs.)

*My best friend is: The girl with the curly hair. 

*My favorite book is: I can do it myself.

*My favorite color is: Pink (I really didn't need to ask this.)

*My favorite game is: Frozen (She loves to role play which is the reason she wants a sister. "You can't play Frozen with a brother.")

*My favorite thing to eat for lunch is: Tortillas and cheese. "Mom, after I answer all these questions, may I have another Reese's cup?

*My favorite thing about school is: Going outside. (Hmmm, I'm beginning to see a theme here.)

*The best thing that happened today is: We got to go outside twice. (Yeah, I'm pretty sure her favorite subject is recess. Great.)

Today was her first day of bringing home homework too. We had fun playing the math game she brought home and we will be reading for five minutes every night (something we did anyway.)  She also has homework every night this week in addition to the reading. I think this year will be a challenge for me as well as for her. Here's hoping for a great year and a good foundation for the rest of her years in education. 

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.- Nelson Mandela

Pressing on

Kindergartener.

Big Sister.

You can add these two new titles to Koko Bean's resume.

On May 13, 2014, the day after Daddy and Mommy's wedding anniversary, we found out we were expecting another baby. While we had planned it, and even had gone to the doctor, making necessary changes (i.e., removing the IUD,) it was a big surprise it happened that soon. Doc said it would take about two months. Try three weeks! After a few early scares, including an ambulance ride to the ER for Mommy, we are happy to announce baby brother or sister is due January 16, 2015, just ten days after Koko Bean's SIXTH birthday.

Many things have happened to our little family this year, so bringing a new life into our world is more than a blessing. After losing my dad, Koko Bean's Grandpa Dave in March, just four months later, we lost another great hero in our family- my grandpa Don. Grandpa Don was more than just a step dad to my mom. Grandpa Don was a knight in shining armor to my grandmother and a constant rock in our family for over thirty years. I was honored to give a eulogy for him at his memorial service. The theme was three little words- "He showed up." There is nothing more I can say about that man that would express how we all felt about him.

With all of life's events, we have yet to establish a routine, which is driving Mommy nuts. Work schedules haven't been consistent, workout schedules are virtually non-existent and now we add school to the mix again this month. While Koko Bean has been going to daycare since she was seven weeks old, and preschool for the last two years, this year hit me like a ton of bricks. Baby girl is going to KINDERGARTEN!

I mean, I used to see all the posts from Mommies and Daddies on the first day of school. "Junior is growing up too fast. Where has the time gone?" "Susie can't be ready for Kindergarten." While I loved seeing the adorable kids all dressed up for their first day of school, I'll admit I used to roll my eyes and keep scrolling, like "yeah kids do that. They grow up." It's kind of like getting in a car accident. You don't think it will ever happen to you. You're just driving around with your cruise control on in life, raising this beautiful little creation you helped make. Then crash! This really happens! We officially have a Kindergartener.

I have many thoughts running through my head about her education. What will be her favorite subject? Will she be a leader or sit back and watch? Will she be bullied? She better not be bullied. She better not bully someone else. Please pay attention. Please eat your lunch. I know my kid, but I also know how change affects us all. I am really hoping she enjoys school as much as I did, or more.

Needless to say, we've been on an emotional roller coaster this year. We (mostly Mommy,) are still trying to cope with all these things. There are good days and there are not so good days. We press on though, knowing that our almighty God has promised great things for us. I know He has big things in store for Koko Bean this year.

Proverbs 4:13  Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.