Can you believe today is the first day of school?

Early to bed and early to rise has already begun in our house in preparation for the big day. My husband and I can't believe that our oldest is entering third grade. Or should I say I can't believe it. He keeps telling me that he's still just a little boy and it's only third grade. But it is third grade and a whole new journey lies ahead.

Traditionally on the first day of school, I have successfully shed tears as I watch him get on the bus with nothing more than a simple wave and that's it, he's gone for the day eager to learn. (I think I caught my husband getting teared up out of the corner of my eye a time or two but I don't think I will ever know for sure since big ol' dad isn't supposed to be emotional.) I'm thankful that our son's personality and disposition is this way but I must admit that I would like every now and then for him to still be the little boy. The one who looked at me with such big eyes and I was still at the top of his list. I'm sure I still teeter somewhere near the top but now others are crowding my space.

I remember vividly one day last spring. We were walking out of his school together and I reached for his hand. He looked at me and said "not here mom." My first thought was "and so it begins." But I still can't help but think he will always be my little boy and it's hard to switch gears.

Thankfully our youngest still humors me and I get big hugs and kisses before he bounds off into school. I always wonder how long that will last.

I know I shouldn't fret about this too much as my own mother can attest that somehow we always still need our moms.

As we look to the remainder of 2008 since it will fly by now that school has begun, our office is in the middle of planning Halloween and Christmas events. We are getting very excited with the process. In my very first article I wrote about creative mayhem. Well, we are in full swing! Stay tuned, for all the details will follow soon.

We would also like to give a big thank you to all of the supporters of the last outdoor movie in downtown Valparaiso. It was great to see Washington Street and the courthouse lawn filled with so many people. It also could not have been done without the generous support of our sponsors and a huge thank you to them: Martin Binder Jeweler, Sandberg's Towing and Recovery, Town and Country Market, Tudor Services and the Valpo Chamber. We are anxious to plan the next one and will be sure to keep you posted of the next date and movie title.

Tina St. Aubin is the director of special events. the opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (219) 464-8332.