My house is quiet today. It hasn’t been this quiet, for this long, in YEARS. It is definitely going to take some getting used to for me. Penny the pup and Jack the cat can nap without being bothered and I can write with no distractions.

Today is the first day of school!

Both girls are at a new school this year – Maggie in Kindergarten and Molly in a new program for children with special needs and/or IEPs. And the big part – both are in school all-day, five days a week!

A new school, new teachers, new friends – new everything! I was anticipating a bit of fear or sadness, but wow they surprised me. Both girls were so excited to go to school and neither even seemed upset when it was time for Dad and I to say our goodbyes. Just a wave and a hug – that was it!

As I sit at my desk with the dog snoring at my feet, I keep looking at the pictures I took this morning. Two sweet girls that aren’t babies anymore – but ‘big kids’ ready to learn, have fun and make new friends.

I’m excited for the year ahead and I’m even more excited for 2:30 p.m. to get here today. The quiet is nice, but wow I really miss my kids.

Onward and upward, sweet kids…