Kind-Hearted

Dad and I met with your kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Smith, tonight. We talked in the car about what we wanted to discuss with her. We've known for a long time that you're a bright girl, Paige. So we knew that Mrs. Smith would tell us that you're doing well academically, and she did. We also know about(and struggle daily with)your obsessive tendencies. (I bought you a new package of socks, and you will only wear the all white ones...NOT the ones with pink or purple toes.) These obsessive tendencies make you a meticulous rule-follower, so we knew that she'd tell us that you always behave in class, in the halls and in the lunchroom. Your reading scores for the first quarter of kindergarten are well above what the school would like for you to have at the END of your kindergarten year. You are exceeding grade-level expectations in art and library (naturally). We knew you'd get excellent marks, but the thing that made me the happiest was to hear your teacher say that you are kind-hearted. I don't know how many times I have prayed for you (and Reese) to grow up to be kind. It is part of my daily prayers for you. You know, Paige, it really doesn't matter if you are the smartest girl in kindergarten if you aren't kind to others. I'm so glad that God has blessed us with you, and I pray that each year your teachers will praise you for your loving kindness.

Some Kind of Quiet

Daddy, Reese and I dropped you off at kindergarten this morning. First we stopped by Mrs. Nance's room to wave at Nora. Then I showed you where the girls' bathroom is, so you wouldn't be anxious about that. When we walked into the room, there were a few boys crying, but that didn't seem to bother you much. You hung up your backpack and got your school box from your cubby. Mrs. Smith decided that your seat would be between two other little girls who were quietly coloring. I gave you a kiss in your hand and whispered, "I love you." And that was that. We walked away before you could see my tears. I didn't have many, but a few stubborn ones got out. I've been thinking about you all day and looking at the schedule. I hope you had fun in art; I'm sure that will be one of your favorite specials. While you were gone, I cut up the peaches Grandma Dixie brought down for us last week. When I drained the water out of the sink, I could hear it run through the plumbing below. I know that's a sound I've never heard since we moved into our new house. Reese played quietly most of the morning until she scooped up Pearl and sat in the basket beside the couch. I think she was missing you. I know I do.