• Main Entry: ¹ready
• Pronunciation: \ˈre-dē\
• Function: adjective
• Inflected Form(s): read·i·er; read·i·est
• Etymology: Middle English redy; akin to Old English gerǣde ready, Gothic garaiths arranged
• Date: 13th century

1 a : prepared mentally or physically for some experience or action b : prepared for immediate use <dinner is ready>
2 a : willingly disposed : inclined <ready to agree to his proposal> b : likely to do something indicated <a house that looks ready to collapse>
3 : displayed readily and spontaneously <a ready wit>
4 : immediately available <had ready cash>

I’m 2a for directing the academic studies. The classroom is 1b. The boys are halfway 2b.  Our curiosity and joy for learning are 3.  The only things that are 4 are naps, snacks, Webkinz and Facebook . . . . But 1a? That’s a toughie. Am I prepared mentally for this year? I just took my eldest shoe shopping and discovered we have the exact size feet. Which may not seem like a lot to you tiny sandal wearing gals – but I have huge feet! I wasn’t ready for that. The 11 yr old has lost almost two inches in his waist this summer. His Spring jeans are a bit loose, where they were almost set to go in the closet to wait for little brother. Jr. High. The academics seem easy. The social, mental, spiritual, hormonal part is what I’ll be praying about daily. Hourly. Moment by moment. 1a? I’d be kidding myself – and you if I said yes – but I am willing.