Ode to our pool

your blue waters sparkle no more,

the hum of your engine is now quiet.

a green blanket enfolds you,

no more little creatures lives will you take.

your water level lowered,

we said goodbye to you dear friend.

the palm tree dips in sadness,

wishing you would come out and play again.

your diving board is still,

the tubes have been deflated.

the margaritas are all gone,

the pool snacks a memory.

so here's to you, oh pool,

you held lots of fun this year.

first dives, cannonballs, giggles and games,

little girls and boys first swims.

flippers and masks,

hours of laughter and friends.

popsicles by your edge,

never an empty fridge.

so thanks to you, oh pool,

you kept the neighborhood cool on many hot days.

thanks to you, oh pool,

you brought many friends over to play.

we'll watch over you through the winter,

and wait expectantly until next spring.

anticipating lots more memories,

and thankful for the good times you will bring.

September 11

Today was the 10th anniversary of September 11.

When I used to teach the WWII and Holocaust Unit to my 6th graders, over and over I emphasized we learn about this so that we never forget and so that it never happens again. Today I was listening and watching countless interviews and reflections and I heard a 9/11 photographer say he is thankful to have captured the images he had so that people will never forget and won't let it happen again.

It was ominous watching and listening to the stories and seeing the images. I got to a point today when I didn't want to watch any more. 10 years ago, we were coming out of chapel and with a brief memo, were left with a classroom of kids to explain what was going on. I remember sitting with the Science teacher on our prep and watching in complete silence what was unfolding in front of us. I remember the harried parents running in and taking their children out of the building. I remember students wanting to know if their parents were in the city that day. Our current head of school, fortunately, was on a business trip that day, otherwise would have been in the trade center buildings. I remember feeling scared. I remember seeing the smoke from my 2nd floor apartment that overlooked the city. I remember the prayer service at our church. I remember driving home from work that day, and everyone being so "nice" on the road. Mostly, I remember praying with my students. What would I have done if I was unable to do that?

This is the first anniversary Jenny has really taken an "interest" in 9/11. We let her watch some of the footage and hear the names being read. We explained the memorial to her. We talked about why people hurt others. She asked some questions, but we realized that this will be history to her, but important for her to understand the impact this day had on her future.

It's scary to be bringing up kids in this world, sounds so cliche', but it is. So thankful Jenny looked at me in church during communion today and told me she loves Jesus. Our world is broken, but Christ offers eternal life with Him. Christ offers hope.

first days

It's finally official. After a few unexpected extra days of summer vacation thanks to hurricane Irene, the 2011-2012 school year has begun. Matt and I feel blessed to be able to send our kids to Eastern Christian because in our minds, our children are our most precious gift, and we know they will learn and have access to quality academics, but more importantly, they will become world changers and understand what it means to be God fearing women.

Jenny

Jenny is our big 1st grader. This is the first time for full day school for her, and she was not only exhausted but ravenous when she came home yesterday. She broke into tears at the dinner table because all she wanted to do was go to bed. Earlier in the day though, she got on the bus like no big deal, and came back to the middle school with barely a hello as she rushed in with Elizabeth, apparently in search of candy. She was all smiles and loves her teacher, Miss Gallagher.

Thank you to Elizabeth for being such a great friend and

for looking out for Jenny! She loves you!

Mommy's first day too . . . love, love, love these girls

Kirsten

Today Kirsten had her first day. Last night she was telling me how "nevous" (working on our r's) she was, and in the next sentence how she couldn't wait to go to sleep so she could go to school quicker. I was in a bit of denial as I dropped her off, because I felt a sense of wanting to freeze both my girls, just for a year or so. Mrs. Bushman got her out of the car like she did Jenny 2 years ago, and Kirsten marched into preschool to begin her big girl career. As I drove my empty car away, thinking about both my girls in school, I had a tear or two, but I think they were tears of thankfulness, thankful that I have been entrusted to be their mom.

notice the matching pink cons, very important . . .

So . . . here we go.