Happy New Year

Christmas happened. And it was magical. And yes, I took 238 photos on Christmas morning alone. Not eve, not afternoon, not during that week off. 238 on Christmas morning. So, needless to say, I'm super behind on photos and documenting our holiday.

But it is a New Year and today we all went back to school. And I want to remember just how it felt, how my girls were. All of it.

Just one phone picture today. I snapped it as my middle schooler was walking out the back door to school.

If I could title it it would say,

There Goes My Heart


... past the playscape, through the garden gate, under the tree branches that seemed to frame her, holding her viola, and under that big sky...

This morning went off without a hitch. (we're all so super organized and ready for back to school, aren't we?) Old habits of Abigail not getting up and out of bed will come back and Anna taking too long to bush her teeth, wash her face. But this morning they were speedy.

I had to wake Abigail out of the coziest sleep (didn't think to take a picture of her angel face) And like a wave, back to school washed over her. Without a word, without opening her eyes I could almost see her brain turn on and realize that vacation was over. She moaned at first and by the time her eyes opened for the day they were filled with tears. Not sobbing but she was crying. "I don't want to go back. I want to stay home. I want to be with you all day."

At that point Anna walked in and was oh so cherry. "Good morning sidekick!" "It's gonna be okay. You'll get to see your friends. Like Autumn. And Bella. And it's a New Year without really being a new year. You still have Mrs. Anderson and your desk is right where you left it."

Anna walked out the back door and when she left Abigail's tears really started. "I want my sidekick."

So I did what I do best. I turned on Raffi and she was fine. A little sappy, but fine.

It feels good to start again. I miss them and my heart aches for them. I am grateful that Abigail loves home and wanted more of it this morning. And I am grateful for Anna's happy attitude because school and academics is 'her thing'.

Happy New Year friends. I hope this Monday finds happy in your new year, in the places that you are in today... with a bit of Christmas memories lingering throughout your hearts. Christmas IS the most wonderful time of the year but this day is mighty fine too. I'm grateful for it. All of it.