Ella is a Big Girl Now

Last night Ella came in my room and said she was afraid she was going to have bad dreams.

I told her to try sleeping some more in her room

Twenty minutes later I checked and she was sitting up in bed.

Off to my room she went.  She was so wound up I had to turn all the lights off and the TV off before she could fall asleep.  I think that was 10 PM.

This morning she woke without complaint, got ready to go in her uniform, combed her hair and looked for all her special barrettes and did a great job.  I think she has 7 barrettes in her hair and Ella, you looked beautiful.

I packed the girls' lunches and they grabbed a granola bar and off to school we went.

Ella was so very excited and listened to me and Elizabeth when we talked about rules.

She then wanted to call Beth and she told Beth the rules too.
1.  We don't kiss friends
2.  We don't share food.
3.  If there is a bully and they won't stop, tell a teacher.
and
4.  Have fun.

We all walked in to school together and we dropped Elizabeth's stuff first and then back down to Ella's room. Big sister helped with the Chinese and showed Ella where to put her stuff.  I took a couple more pictures and then gave Ella a big hug - told her I was so very proud of her and off Elizabeth and I went.

Before I left I told Ella she is staying in the room and can play with her new friends. 

As I was walking away, she went up to a boy that was playing and asked to play too.

Ella - You made me so proud today with your bravery and courage.  You told me how you were feeling and you put your best effort forward this morning.  It was tough on me watching you mature before my eyes.  I am not ready for you to be so grown up - but you are so go for it!  I'll catch up.  I did cry a little in the van because you were so good and it was clear to me you are exactly where you want to be.  Love you forever Ella.  You are going to ROCK at this school and I can't wait to hear all about your day.  5:20 pm is so very long away for me.

Elizabeth - You made me so proud today too.  You talked about your feelings and told me some great ways to deal with your issue from yesterday.  You are growing up so much.   You also showed me how much you love your sister by the way you told her about how to deal with bullies and where to put her stuff.  You made it so much easier for me today because I know you are there watching out for your sister. I can't wait to see you tonight too so we can see how your day went.  You are an AWESOME girl and I love you very much.

UPDATE:
It was so nice to drive straight to school and not have to stop on the way to get Ella.  It saved me 20 minutes at least.  LOVE IT.

Elizabeth was playing Memory with a friend so I kissed her and saw Ella.  She was playing with Lincoln Logs.  No reports of crying or sadness from any of the teachers.  Good deal one.  I went over and gave Ella a big hug.  She said "THIS WAS THE BEST DAY EVER MOM.  AWESOME!!!!"  whew... I was so happy to hear that Miss Ella. 

After school we stopped to buy shoes.  Elizabeth has grown out of her tennis... again.  :-) And Ella is a foot dragger so her's were looking a little ragged.  I did ask the girls to not grow so fast but I guess that is out my control :-)  Then we went out to eat, home to read 3 books and the girls were asleep by 8:15. 

A Great Day for Everyone. 

Thank you Jesus.

Ella and her teacher at Back To School Night

Ella was picking out the barrettes she wanted to wear.  "Three on each side and one in the middle Mom"

Ella's self portrait

On the back porch

Getting help from big sis.  Had to rush this one because Elizabeth doesn't want pictures taken of her by me at school this week.  :-)