All over our country, parents, children, and teachers are back in school, or getting ready to go.  It is a busy time for me as a teacher.  I am excited to meet a new group of five-year-old children that will be entering  mykindergarten classroom!  I have the honor and the privilege of getting to know these children, to love them and to nurture them, and to be a special part of their lives for the next nine months.  What an honor that is! 

As a mother, I am also busy preparing my own children to start a new grade.  I have children in college, high school, junior high school, and elementary school.  It is hard for me to believe how quickly they have grown.  It seems  that only last week my college age children were starting kindergarten! 

During this time of transition and new beginnings, we all can thank God for the many blessings he has given us: Our children. Our schools. Our teachers. And we can thank him, too, for the fresh start this time of year brings and the opportunities that come along with new beginnings.