Time is running out...

Summer vacation is nearly over for us.

Zoë starts school on Tuesday, August 12th. Only five days left of sleeping in, ignoring house chores to go to the zoo/park/pool, no more long weekends where we can go places without large crowds, no more travelling on the "off season" because one will be in school.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited (and nervous) about Zoë starting school. She'll be so happy to have time with friends every day. No more "Mom, what is the plan today" because it's already set for her. She'll be learning to read more (she's already started reading this summer) and soon she'll be reading books to her little sisters (which will thrill all of us!).

Yet, I'm apprehensive about her riding a school bus with big kids for 40 min each way to/from school. Eating lunch at 9:45 in the morning. Leaving at 7:30 am and not getting home until 3:00pm.

However, I'm really glad that I'll be able to shop with only 2 kids again, that I'll have more one-on-one (or one-on-two) time with Megan and Miranda. I'm glad to know that she'll be challenged.

I was reading my sister-in-law's blog about how she wishes she could hold on to the confidence and the self-importance a two-year-old has. I wish for those same things- that she can walk into a room full of her peers and be the leader who pulls them all together (unlike her mom who would cower in the corner!). I want her to know that she can be smart, but there will always be somebody smarter and not-as-smart in her class, and to treat both of them respectfully and learn from them both! I want her to be kind to others, but not be a doormat or a sycophant. I want her to love school, enjoy learning, and do well socially. I don't want her to be teased or learn bad words/ideas. But I want her to show how tough she is, and demonstrate her integrity that is already so strong. There are a million things I wish for her, and another million I hope never happen.

I guess this is where I let go, turn her over to God's care, and keep a steady prayer for her in my heart. And wait with sweet anticipation for summer vacation.