Open House

Madison met her new 2nd grade teacher today as we went back to school for the first time this new season.  It was an open house, an invitation to parents to drop by, see a lot of things, meet some new faces, and sign a whole lot of new forms.  That last bit was Daddy's job - he sat in a corner and filled out plenty of information about bus numbers, allergies, an emergency contacts.  That sort of thing.  We did our yearly photo with her new teacher, above, and got to see her new classroom, which is now on the other side of the school.  She makes a left when getting in the school, instead of the right turn that she's made the last few years.  But it's still pretty close to the main office, so it isn't so bad at all.

We visited with her previous teachers too, who Madison said she missed very much.  She met her kindergarten teachers first, Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. Allen, who was delighted to see her.  Both were, of course.  And then there was her first grade teacher, Mrs. Nizialek.  Madison was happy to see both, although her first grade teacher has changed locations, now down the hall a bit.

Madison says she's nervous, and certainly looked it.  She was happy to see friends though, high-fiving certain ones in the hallway as we passed.  She was reading names on the walls to see what classrooms her friends wound up at.  Unfortunately, it seems they are a bit more spread out this year, in neighboring classrooms.  But a few remain, sharing the classroom with Mrs. Mullinax, her new teacher.   When asked what teacher she has, everyone said these words verbatim:  "Oh, she's a very good teacher!"  This is a great thing for everyone to say, as it uplifts the parents, but we were joking about the fact that they probably say this about every teacher every year.  And why not?  It makes the mom and dad feel better, and of course uplifts the new teacher.  But at the same time, we did meet with Mrs. Mullinax, and we both have a good impression of her.  I think it will be a great year for Madison.  Nevertheless, we're praying for her passionately, praying for favor, protection, and the divine hand of Providence in all things.

So about the rest of the day:  there was a Spongebob marathon.  That counts for something, right?  Okay, it was about six episodes back-to-back.  But the jellyfish one was in there, so that was kind of a big deal.

Seriously, Daddy spent most of the day sculpting with a hot iron and styrofoam.  No kidding - we were making puppets for the upcoming series.  They are fish puppets, and so far we've sculpted about three fish heads, with working jaws.  It's hot in there, but we're by a big fan pushing the air out.  As an added bonus, it blows out the smoke from the burning styrofoam, which of course isn't pleasant to breathe.

Madison has memorized her verse already, the one that mentions throwing our sins to the bottom of the sea.  She knows it is in Micah 7:19, and can tell us it from memory.  This of course is thrilling to Daddy, who loves to hear this sort of thing.  Tonight before bed, we continued our story from the Nevergirls, reading two chapters - this after reading a bit from the Bible as well.  It's such a nice moment, reading stories before bedtime together like that.  We pray, we read, and then it's off to sleep...

Goodnight!