Back to school – celebrating milestones

Back to school time is bittersweet.  I love summer with its laid back agenda.  Then comes late August.  Gone are the long days of summer with time to play, to learn new skills and perfect old ones like swimming and bike riding, to explore the backyard, parks, museums, and to just be.  The good part of back to school is a fresh start with brand new shoes, new pens and pads of paper, the excitement of a new routine offering freedom  (and a loss for mom) and discipline (for kids –“homework????   maa OHM”)    Oh, the anticipation of finding out about the new teacher!  I love that corny worm every time I run across him!  Fun stuff and bright colors like this posted around the room chances are it’s going to be a good year!

One of our neighbors down the street has a huge banner posted on the garage door.  It says “Back to School 2011” and is decorated with  enthusiasm.  What a great background for those first day of school pictures!  Although at Chez Charlene finding the camera, corralling two energy-filled boys and getting them to stand still anywhere equaled a magical feat on any day, even harder on the busy first day of school.  No matter if  back packs bulge,  new clothes lay out and breakfast plans made.  Never thought to do a dry run and take  pictures the day before!   But, that might have done in the two stars of the show, who were more intent on wringing all they could from days of freedom.  I told you it was bittersweet.

Celebrating the milestones of our lives, big and small, bring joy and create memories.  Looking at the pictures together, picking out the best to print and hang on the refrigerator for a season,  scrapbooking or organizing in photo boxes (virtual or real) for viewing later  adds to the joy in our lives.  But the greatest thing is acknowledging that event was important to the star of the show and to the supporting cast of parents, friends and family! That’s a take away more important than the photos.   Take the time to celebrate, even in small ways!

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