Zoe started 1st grade today.  She is growing up so fast, it is unbelievable.  She loved her teacher from the moment she saw her-that is a good start.  She came home today, we had our traditional cookies and a school chat.  She never has much to say but I just hope to create the environment of a warm welcome home.  A parent, ok… ME, I will never know what is right and wrong in the world of parenting.  All we can all ever hope for is that when we do our best to raise the best it will all work out in the end.

Some are very critical of parenting styles.  Some are strict, some are not.  Some have rules, some do not.  Some love, some discipline, some yell, some don’t, some spank, some don’t, some laugh and play, some take time, some are too busy… I could go on.  The truth is that we all just do the best we can do given what we have got (our history, our knowledge, our upbringing, our emotional state, etc.)

To my children… please know that I am doing the best I know how.  If I learn better, I will do better.  I love you and want so much for you.  I want to share in your happiness and help to avoid sadness.  I am sure that I have done things along that way that you think are seriously crazy and may have screwed you up for good but know that it was all done with good intention.  ; )

Zoe, you are a beautiful young girl.  You are so smart.  I know you will do well in school and your dreams will become your reality.  I know that you can do anything when you want it bad enough.  You have such a tender heart and a creative mind.  You teach me everyday about patience and understanding, you stand up for what you think about and believe.  You are strong and determined, you will do wonderful things!  I love you.