My son came to school with me today as there was testing at his school. We had no one to care for him, so coming to high school made sense. As a Webelo, he needs to sell popcorn, and teachers and staff are wonderful about helping with fundraising. This was a good day to experience high school and watch his mom in action.

While my sweet son is an early riser, he was dragged out of bed even earlier than usual. He shoveled a quick breakfast of cereal and was hustled upstairs to get ready for the day. His natural tendency is dawdling, and while we know not to raise our voices to make him hurry--that has the opposite effect--there was some voice raising and horn honking as he looked for this and that. Because he is organizationally challenged, we were 10 minutes late leaving, which truly flummoxes me, and I feel flustered and brusque when trying to start my work day. Naturally, students were waiting for me, which also caused me to feel frustrated.

Once we were settled into the rhythm of the day, my son explored the school a bit. While he's grown up in the school, he still forgets the names of our staff or where certain people are. I actually had to forgo work during my planning block to walk him around, mostly so he could hit up people to buy popcorn. It's been awhile since his last visit, and everyone was shocked at how much he's grown. I'm amazed to still be in this school, working with some of the same people who knew me before I was a married mom. I have to say, though, my heart was nearly bursting with pride as we visited with certain people who've known him since before birth.

We also had lunch together, and while I generally prefer a solitary lunch, it was delightful to sit with my son in my classroom and 'do lunch.' He asked me why we can't go out when he visits, but frankly, there's so little time to do so. Because my little guy is so mature and generally well-spoken, many adults like him to visit with them for a bit. It means a great deal to him to be with the teachers.

Naturally, our principal, mischievous as he is, always does something to 'get' at me, something fun. Today he gave my guy 20 popsicles to take with him. 20! What I love about my son is how little fear he has of principals since he's been around one or more his entire life. In fact when his principal retired last year, he made her a card, thanking her for being such a good principal furing his first year at the school.

We didn't leave until nearly 4, and exhaustion began to creep over my son. At dinner, he could hardly keep his eyes open; at the grocery store, I think the cart kept him upright. High school is tiring for nine year olds! He was so tired, honestly, he put himself to bed tonight while we put away groceries. When we checked on him, our son was sound asleep, worn out from his adventurous day.

When asked about the best part of his high school day, he told me it was having lunch with me. I am truly blessed.