Killers live in Mexico

My conversaton with Ellie on the way home from school, as we drive past a huge American flag.
Ellie: Mommy! I can say the flag thing!
Me: Go for it!
Ellie: I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of a miracle. And to....... justice for all! (she did say the whole thing)
Me: Awesome! That's great! And where do you put your hand when you say it?
Ellie: On your heart, so you can talk to God before you go to heaven and die.
Me:..mmmm.. ok....
Ellie:Mommy? Where do killers live?
Me: umm... I don't know? A lot of places? You do know that people don't die just from being killed by someone?
Ellie: I think they live in Mexico. Yep, Mexico.
Me: (trying not to snort because I'm laughing so hard) Well... sometimes!

Ellie and Mom

I took this the other day, Ellie was in a silly mood.

Ellie's First Day of School!

Ellie's first day of Kindergarten started great!! We got to the school, where there were hundreds of kids gathered around the front doors looking for their teachers holding signs with their names. We found her class, and the principal had the older kids "clap in" the kindergartners. It was the cutest thing. We followed Ellie's teacher, Ms. Davis, up to the Kindergarten playground, and hung her backpack and snack bag up on a hook. All the kids got name tags. Ellie asks me, "Mommy, are you leaving now?" And I said, "No, I'll be here for a few minutes." She proceeds to say, "You can go now! You have to go!" This is so funny, because it's almost identical to what I said to my mom the first day of preschool. I remember it vividly. All the kids gathered around on the carpet and Ms. Davis had all the kids sing two songs, "Twinke, Twinkle Little Star" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider". She played her guitar one song. Then she read a book called "The Kissing Hand" about a little raccoon who was afraid to go to school, so his mom kissed his hand and told him that if he missed her, he could kiss his hand and he would feel like she was close. Then she said goodbye to all the parents, and Ellie ran up and gave me a hug and said, "Have fun today, Mommy!" And then I left! I couldn't have asked for anything better. It's so weird being home by myself. I'm not used to it! It's GREAT!! This morning couldn't have been more perfect.

Unexpected changes - Big blessings!

Kindergarten starts in 6 days. We have the school supplies, we've ordered a backpack with her initials on it. We have all the info. But I'm still nervous! I feel so unprepared!!
However, a few things have happened that have lessened that concern. I left my full time job last Thursday - completely unexpected, and under the impression that I already had a great part time job waiting for me! I found out late Friday night that the new job is on hold - indefinitely. Ok, faith! Time to kick in! I had been praying about being home with Ellie when she starts school, about how great it would be to have a few days with her at home before she goes. It was all just in the back of my head... and now it's reality! I didn't like my job at all, and had prayed forever about a solution. I truly think this is an answer to prayer. I have a total peace about it all, and although I know it will challenging to figure out finances until I hear about this possible part time job. I'm loving being at home with my big girl until Monday! We have an "All-School Dress Rehearsal" this Friday, where she gets to meet her teacher and see her classroom. I think that will put my mind at ease as well!
I'm excited about catching up with all my friends in blogger land!! I think I'm back for now.. : )