School
Believe it or not, school starts for us in 18 days. Our summer vacation begins early and we go back to school early. I rather like it that way. But this school year brings with it some major changes. Two of my three children are starting new schools. Lily is entering middle school and Zinabu is switching to a different elementary school. The reasons for Zinabu's switch are long and many, and he's not very happy about it. This makes David and I pause, wondering if we are doing the right thing. After multiple conversations we've finally almost sort of convinced Z to give the new school a try. Basically it means that for the next 18 days Z is covering his ears anytime we mention the "s" word (school) and he cries every. single. day. that we are the meanest parents in the world.

All this over third grade.

It is so hard being a parent when you know what's best for your child but they don't see it AT ALL! Zinabu is pretty contrary to begin with, so anytime a new experience presents itself to him his first response is always "no way!" Usually, though, once he gets going he likes the new experience and conveniently forgets all his previous bellyaching. We hope the pattern repeats itself with this new school.

And Lily. Starting sixth grade. I was telling a friend just this morning that I am probably the ONLY mother of a middle-schooler that is hoping some peer pressure will rub off on their child. Lily certainly marches to the beat of her own drum--and I don't want to change that at all--but she is so painfully shy I'm hoping being in a new environment will push her to make some new friends and put herself out there.

I don't know. This year could go either way. A huge success or an epic failure. Wanna place your bets?