peaks and valleys

years ago, we started the tradition of "peaks and valleys" at dinner each night.  we go around in a circle, and when it's our turn, we share our day's "peak" (our highlight, our favorite part, our happiest moment) and our "valley" (the exact opposite.)  we usually get off on tangents based on what we all share, and one of the kids has to reign us back in.

i always learn a lot about the three people closest to me in my life, just from what they divulge as their peak and valley that day.  and as our schedules get more packed than ever with sports and dance and church activities and work meetings, it's our peak-and-valley moments that make me more determined than ever to continue our family dinners at least five nights a week.  they keep us connected.  which is really one of the most important things a family can be: connected. 

we've dived into the 2012-2013 school year, and the water's feeling mighty fine.  and how do i know this?  from the smiles on their faces, and their stories they regale us with, and the laughter that precedes them as they disembark from the bus every afternoon, of course.  but nothing is as perfect a summary of how they're feeling as their peaks and valleys from the first day of school.  over a meal of spinach burgers (liam's favorite) and sweet potato fries, they both shared the exact same peak and valley.

their peak?  going to school.

and their valley?  having to leave.

i'm immensely thankful that our children love it so.  i know that many kids don't.  and i know that it could change, and probably will, right about the time they hit middle school.  but for now, i know that we are blessed.  we are blessed that they are in an excellent school with teachers who motivate and inspire and challenge them, and surrounded by classmates who learn cooperatively with them.  we are blessed that they are in a beautiful, safe school building with resources and technology that enhances instruction and hundreds of thousands of dollars donated each year by supportive families.  we are blessed to have children who don't struggle academically and who make friends easily and who get up each morning eager to return.

we are blessed.  i know this.  we are blessed.

new backpacks, new shoes, and we were ready to go 15 minutes early ... how nice would it be if this lasted

2nd grader liam with his teacher, ms. hester

first grader susanna with her teacher, mrs. stelpflug (i'm fairly certain i'm spelling that wrong and still have no idea how to pronounce it.  i'm also fairly certain susanna's in the same boat)

all smiles!