The First Day of Kindergarten

It has come and gone.  Today was her second day.  Getting past the first day was hard.  Well, it was really only hard getting through the drop off part. 

All morning getting ready, I had it together.  I even thought for a second that I might not cry at all.  That only lasted a minute.  I don’t like crying in public, so I had to pep talk myself into being okay if it should happen.  Wow did it ever! 

As we pulled into school, I saw my husband greeting us enthusiastically.  Arms flailing with excitement type of greeting.  I’m so glad Emma was able to see him before her day began.  However in retrospect, for me, I really needed him to avoid eye contact and ignore us.  Even run into the woods and hide.  All these things are unacceptable in his job description.  I don’t know why it hit me so hard, but it did.  We parked.  Walked up the parking ramp and the tears came flowing down.  With every step it seemed to get worse.  Then there would be a moment of composure; this did not last long.  I was a HOT MESS.  I had no saving grace, but to keep walking past dozens of people with tears in my eyes and holding back an ugly cry face.  I saw friends, they asked how I was doing.   Of course in that state you can only nod your head.  No words are coming out with that would make any sense.  Have you ever been in a hallway that seemed never ending?  That was the hallway we had to walk down to get her to the classroom door.  It was crowded and overwhelming.  I wish we would have been late.  But being late on the first day is not cool.  We walked up to her locker.  I tried instructing Emma through broken words about where I was putting stuff.  She looked at me like I was half out of my mind.  She grabbed her lunch box and walked right into the class.  No kiss or hug.  What a big girl.  If only mommy could act her age.  She had a great day  After Norah and I left the building, I was having a much better day as well. 

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of all things, that day a bee got in the house.  Seriously, the nerve in my state of vulnerability.

Prepping for the BIG Day

24 pencils sharpened

Mommy was a slacker and didn't turn these in at Meet the Teacher Day.

Shoes Bought

1 pair for Gym class

1 pair for every day...school life

Package received from Tanti and Uncle Jobbie. 
They can't always celebrate milestones in person.
They put forth the effort and make our children feel special.

Necklace purchased

As soon as I read the dress code for school and it said simple jewelry, I knew I needed to get her a necklace.  I had a different idea of the one we would buy, but I did say she could pick it out.  Which she did remind me of when we were at the store.  I was thinking of some thing with a butterfly.  She's spreading her wings into a new domain.  Nope.  She wanted this one.  I asked her how this reminded her of our family, in which she replied "Well, it has two ears; one for you, and one for daddy".  Just can't argue with that logic.

Uniform outfit ready to go

Meet the Teacher Day

We were one of the first.  

It wasn’t hectic. 

It was relaxed.  

Everything I needed it to be.  

We even saw a familiar face.  

As a mom, I needed that.  

Support for me is huge, especially in this phase of life.  

So many things are the same, but so many things are changing.  

Emma’s been to school before.  

For the last 3 years, I’ve dropped her off for Pre-K, and then picked her up.  

It’s never been a full-day away from each other.  

As a mom, it’s hard to let go of that time.  

Trusting that although there's always better use of the time that you've had together, the things you've taught her will guide her day by day.

Teachers aren't taking our place, but instead coming along side our family.

This all just seems way BIGGER than it’s ever been before. 

The phrase chin up keeps coming to mind, but chin quivering is more like it lately. 

Doesn’t she look so big sitting in her desk?

Guessing game answer….HER BIRTHDAY! 

I did get some surprising texts from friends saying “You better tell me if your prego” 

That would be the lost chain in the world.

Our oldest has quite a few exciting events coming up in the next month.

Meet the teacher day(a few days ago)

Sleepover with all her friends

First day of Kindergarten

Dentist apt and eye exams (yea, I wouldn’t want to count down to those either)

AND THEN...a very special day...one that changed our world FOREVER...her BIRTHday!

I thought 5 was a big milestone.  

6 is feeling a whole lot BIGGER right now.

So of course when I asked her to be crafty with me (which let me tell you, she’s usually the one telling me to be crafty with her) and make a countdown chain, she said sure.  We got through 9 links.  It was supposed to be 17.  Not looking like we’re finishing it this year.  Maybe next year.  

What did we start making this countdown chain for? 

 Haven't finished it yet.  

It was definitely started with a goal date in mind.  

Several exciting events are coming up for our oldest.  

Make your best guess.

HAPPY Friday!
This is a silent video. 
 The facial expressions and body language say it all. 

Hope this video brings a smile to your face!

Happy Weekend!

Summer's Ending

We've enjoyed our summer full of fun activities. 

The ZOO....WAGON RIDES...FISHING...BLOWING BUBBLES...SWIMMING...PINATAS...SPLASH PARKS...PLAYDATES...CATCHING BUGS...SPARKLERS...BONFIRES...WRITING BOOKS...ART PROJECTS...VISITING GRANDPARENTS...and TONS MORE.

One of my friends had a list of "100 Things to Do This Summer" posted on her refrigerator.  Every time I would go to her house, I would try to make a mental note of what it said.  I'm all about relaxing and enjoying every moment of summer, but the side of me that makes check lists wanted to feel like we "accomplished" some thing this summer.  When my friend posted the list on Facebook, I scooped it up and printed it off right away.  I'm kind of crazy about check lists, especially fun ones.  It's been on our refrigerator ever since, and we've been checking away.  We still have our fair share of lazy days with way too much TV, and pajamas way past lunch time.  

One of their favorite activities has been playing with Water Balloons.

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In our area, some kids are already in school, which means summer is coming to an end.  Our family is officially two weeks away from having a Kindergartner.  Emma will be considered a full-time student.  It's a foreign concept, that I would like to keep that way for a little while longer.  It comes with mixed emotions.

Strawberry Picking

Once upon a time we went to a strawberry patch.  I say once upon a time because it was at the beginning of summer, and we are now getting to the end.  Our friends always go with their girls.  They make the yummiest treats.  We decided this year we would go.  We'd never been before.  I never went growing up.  Always thought it would be fun, so we took the challenge and went on an unknown adventure.  I say unknown because I had no idea if the girls would like it, throw tantrums all the way there, or just sit back and enjoy the ride.  I had anxiety for no reason; which happens fairly often.  

We packed up the car, got the girls ready, headed out with camera in hand, ready to make some memories.  

Ben and Emma did most of the picking, I took pictures, and Norah did A LOT of eating!  Silly mommy put a white-ish shirt on her.  The front was red by the time we left.  She kept giving me this look as if to say "Mommy, if you tell me I can't eat these berries, I will make it so every one knows how upset I am".  I didn't want to experience that moment in public.  Her basket was always empty.  Ben and Emma's were always full.   

(Strawberry coma kicking in)