August 23rd

On August 23rd in Logan School District, all the stressed-out teachers painted on happy smiles to meet the crowds of excited tater-tots, their new families for the next school year. For almost a decade of my life, I was included in this exciting, awful, stressful, wonderful back-to-school day, meeting my students and gearing up for a fabulous first grade year. But this August 23rd, started nice and easy for the Happy Houghs. No hustle-bustle at our little place. Rather than an apple on my desk, Madi gave me the gift of sleeping in until 9:00. We cuddled and smiled at each other as the bus pulled away packed full of adorable, energetic school children. I felt like I was floating on air. Like I'd hit the jack-pot. Better than Christmas morning. Almost guilty for being so giddy. Madi smiled up at me and I thought, "this is a good trade!"