Dear Little G,

Third grader, already!  This year marks a few first as well as a few lasts.  It's the first year since kindergarten that you've had a different teacher.  It's the first year that you'll take the state standardized test.  It's the first year that you won't ride with me to school in the morning.  It's just too early to drag you in there.  It's nearly too early for me.

It's the LAST year that you will be in the same building as me.  It is the last year that you will be considered an elementary student.  It's the last year that I'll know all the kiddos in your class.

As you embark on this great adventure, here are a few things to remember.

• Speak Up.  There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you are confused, tell someone.  If your feelings are hurt, speak up.  If you need something, raise your hand.  Help is never given to those who fail to ask.
• Perfect is not a realistic goal.  I realize that our own government expects all students to be perfect in 2014, but listen to your mama.  "Perfect is not possible."  All you can do is your best.  Often that means that someone will be better.  That doesn't mean your best isn't good enough.
• The more you read, the more you know.  This isn't just a Dr. Seuss quote, it's actually true.  The more you read, the more you absorb and the more you absorb, well the more you know. 
• Always be yourself.  I think we forget this as we age.  Right now, you have no problem being yourself and I hope that never changes.  But sometimes, I realize that it might be hard to believe, but sometimes we change because we think others will like us.  If only, I were _______ (faster, better at sports, smarter) then so and so would like me.  That statement couldn't be farther from the truth.  BE YOURSELF NO MATTER WHOM YOU ARE WITH.
• Call me Mommy.  Your the last of my children to still call me mommy.  The girls have already slipped into the mom phase.  While I am enjoying watching you grow, I also relish in the simplicity of "mommy" (at least for a little while longer).

Enjoy all that you can about third grade.  It's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Love,

Mommy

School has officially started (at least for my girls). Little G starts Kindergarten tomorrow. Here are pics of the girls all ready to go.


Dear Oldest,

As you head back to Intermediate school remember this.

1. Some friends come in our lives to stay. Some friends come for a short while. The real trick is to know when to let go.
2. Bullies want a reaction from you. Try not to give them one.
3. Girls mature a lot during their 5th grade year. Boys don't mature until after their 21st birthday and even then that's pushing it for some.
4. You can choose to have a great day.
5. No matter what happens, I will be waiting for you when you get home.

Dear Middle G;

Are you really in third grade already? Seriously? When did that happen. You have grown up so much over the summer. You've lost your little baby cheeks and you look quite mature. I think it's all those big teeth.

As you finish up your elementary adventure remember this.

1. You are not the only girl who loves Spiderman. That's why he is now on pink shirts.
2. Sometimes other girls may say they are no longer your friend. That's just because their feelings were hurt, but they still love you.
3. Math can be confusing, but try not to get frustrated. You can't learn when you are frustrated.
4. Smile a lot. It makes people wonder what you are up to.
5. No matter how things turn out, I will be waiting for you when you get off the bus.

Hugs to you both,

Mom