Here we go...

Sixth grade begins Monday. Monday. That's just a weekend away. And between me and you (but out of earshot of my trio), I'm not ready.

We can blame the influence of all those Little House on the Prairie books that I read and re-read as a young girl, or the Janette Oak pioneer love stories I read as a teen, or the fact that Claire is currently obsessed with pioneer stories, but whatever the reason, you need to know that I have circled my wagons and prefer to keep my amazing 11-year-olds right here in the midst of this wagon-circle where I am completely in charge, in control and in the middle of all that they do.

Sigh.

So that is probably not going to happen. Benjamin might be convinced to stay in my circle for a few weeks longer...Claire would for a day or two, but Mason is already chomping at the bit to get back to school. They have to go. I know they do but good grief, why is it so hard on the Mommy?

The beginning of a new school year has so many challenges for my boys. Mason will meet them head on. He'll educate anyone who doesn't understand his cerebral palsy and bluff his way through any problems until we find a solution. He is amazing at seeing obstacles and overcoming them. It has always been one of his strengths. Benjamin will talk his way through his obstacles...maybe overcoming them or maybe just convincing someone else to move them for him! But as he gets older, the challenges are getting more difficult...for him, and for me, his number one advocate, to navigate.

So as I'm preparing to "un-circle" my wagons and send these amazing kids (Claire included, of course) off to school, will you pray with me that this is a year where the teachers are excited and energized; that they are creative in their teaching so that they are able to adapt things that need to be adapted and flat-out change things that need to be changed. Pray that we do our part -- that Benjamin and Mason have attitudes of victory not defeat; that Mommy too, shares their victorious attitude and handles anything that comes our way in a God-honoring style!

And pray I can remember 6th grade math. Seriously...6th grade math homework times three...I'll need that prayer!

May the smell of new pencils, new notebooks and new crayons bless you today as school is just around the corner!!