Another School Year Begins.....

We had our traditional back to school feast (inspired by nie nie although I don't go as fancy as her).  It is a fun night where we eat some good food, talk about our theme and then do Father's blessings.  We had stroganauf this year, plus homemade rolls, corn on the cob, peaches and frozen hot chocolate for dessert.  We were stuffed.  We usually have the feast outside but it was cold that day.  The kids each got a journal and eraser.  They were excited.

Then the first day of school arrived.  This year we have 8th grade, 7th grade, 4th grade and preschool!  The kids were mostly happy to go back (ok only kindof).  They got great teachers and I'm sure it's going to be a great year!

Preschool didn't start till the following week but so far, so good.  Mack likes it I think and is starting to make some friends.  He loves the playground the most and wants to play everyday after school-- it's hard to pull him away!

His school doesn't allow backpacks and that's why he has this little white tote.

The bigs kids of course headed off to middle school on the first day and I hung around with Macey until the bell rang.

She was excited to see some of her friends!

The best part of the year though is cousins to walk with and see at school!  Between us, the Blodgett's and Danny and Christy we have 5 kids there and each grade represented!  Yeah!

Heading out of Pawnee!

It's always bitter sweet sending these kids off.  I hate not knowing all that goes on in their lives but I love watching them grow and learn and face challenges and overcome.  I love the people they're becoming.  Next year we have high school... praying this year goes slowly!!

Another School Year Begins...

This picture makes me happy because of their big, bright, happy, a little bit nervous, smiles!  

The kids and I were ready to start another year!  We had such a nice, relaxing summer and I'll admit that sleeping in, not cooking, doing whatever we wanted whenever we wanted to, was super great.  But I'm ready for a new year.  I was so relieved that both Lexi and Logan got really great teachers at middle school.  I mean, so relieved that I almost cried when I read their schedules.  Last year we had some issues and I'm glad I don't have to deal with anything like that this year.  I am so happy they are there together.  I think Macey got a good teacher as well but we don't really know anyone who had her last year so we will see!  So far Macey is happy.  My kids can walk to and from school and I often walk with them.  It is so nice.  I wish it would never get cold so we could do this all year.  Mack misses his sibling friends when they're gone but he and I have some good plans planned and it's going to be fun to be with just my little buddy.  We are doing kindermusik, playgroup, and library story time plus I'm sure we'll squeeze the park in sometimes too.  Plus he likes to go on walks and "shopping to the store" so we're going to have fun. 

I can't get over how fast time goes by.  It seems like just a month or so ago that we were so anxious for school to let out for the summer.  Summer really flew by.  I feel like we lived it up pretty well but I can't help but feel like if time doesn't slow down these kids of mine are going to grow up and leave before I know what's happening.  I read a quote the other day that said, "enjoy the little things because someday you may look back and realize they were the big things" or something like that.  It's true and a good reminder for me!

The Jungle Book!

This new school we're at has some perks.  One of them being an amazing drama program!  Macey joined the 1st-4th grade production of the Jungle Book this fall.  They worked on it mostly once a week after school.  Toward the end they had a few extra practices.  But let me tell you the final show was so good!  I was completely blown away by how professional and organized and just plain good it was!  So entertaining and cute.   I was super impressed.  Macey was a Monkey and had so much fun playing her part.  Each kid was in the show a lot and totally knew their parts and where to be on stage... it was great.  She's in the yellow skirt if you can't tell because of all of the face makeup!  Dave only filmed two songs which is fine but we are definitley getting a videotaped copy of the whole thing.  I know Mack will love to watch it since he knows all of the songs now. Oh and the kid who played Mowgli was in 1st grade and he was adorable.  Anyway, it was so fun and I can't wait for the next one.

Macey's cousins and grandparents came and brought her flowers and a little gift- she felt like a star and was so sad when it was over!  Logan tries out tomorrow for the 5th grade play Alladin.  

It should be fun.

Back to School 2012

We have done a back to school special dinner for a couple of years now (of course inspired by Nie Nie- hers is always beautiful).  

But this years was just the best for some reason.  I think it's because it was very simple.  I bought flowers and special drinks.  We had Cheese Tortellini which we never have, and breadsticks which the kids love.  We moved our patio table onto the grass and threw a table cloth on it.  

It was so easy and so nice.  We ended up sitting out there until it got dark just enjoying being together.  Of course Dave gave the kids fathers blessings to start the school year off right.  I highly recommend this tradition.  

And if you haven't seen Nie Nie's this year, go and look- she really is amazing.

The chocolate cake was my favorite... that's why it's the only thing I really got pictures of!

 I could have eaten the whole thing myself.

Mack ate his dinner so fast and then when I got him out of his chair he proceeded to climb onto everyone else's chair and beg for sips of their drink, or bites of their food.  The kid is persistent.  And everyone pretty much gives him what he wants.  When he wants a taste of something he opens wide and says "aaaahhhh."  It really is hard to resist. 

But we make him give us kisses for it at least.

The next day was school!

We had such a long summer and we were all ready for a schedule!  

This year we have 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade.  Two new schools to learn about including bell schedules, pick up spots, rules and much more.  It's a little overwhelming but we'll get it all figured out soon.  

The kids had a good first day.  They have all, thankfully, made some good friends from church so they had a few familiar faces to look for!  And both Logan and Macey got great teachers (from what I've heard!).  Lexi has like 5 different ones and I hear they're all ok.  She loves having a locker and changing from class to class.  There's also a snack shack with yummy stuff to buy AND they can sit wherever they want to eat- she was excited.

And now the busy-ness of life starts.  Soccer, dance, piano, scouts, school play, volleyball and homework!  I am ready for it though and thankful that my kids get to participate in lots of fun things.

Now me and my best buddy Mack are getting stuff done around the house during the day!  And running errands!  And feeling organized!  And enjoying some quiet time!

It's going to be a good year.

I Have A Middle Schooler

Last Thursday Lexi officially left elementary school!  I just can't believe it.  

We had six great years at Loma Vista and we are so sad to leave it behind.  Luckily Lexi got to finish there.  They had a little celebration on the last day.  I've known most of these kids since Kindergarten-- it is so fun to see them all big and moving on now!

We walked around the school after 5th grade celebration and said goodbye to lots of our favorite teachers.  There are so many that we have loved.  I wish I had pictures of them all.  Mrs. Park (above) had all three of my kids and is so amazing in every way.  I wish all teachers were like her- she is the best!

Mrs. McSweeney (below) is Lexi's all-time favorite teacher and I was totally fine with saying goodbye until I saw her.  Then I lost it just a little bit and the tears came.  I can't explain how much it means as a Mom to have your child love a teacher, and have that teacher love them back just as much.  She has been Lexi's role model and cheerleader in every way.  Lexi always knew if she needed anything at school she could go to her.  They had a special bond and I hope that they can keep in touch.  She was a big influence in my kids' school lives and I'm thankful for her.  Lexi had her for both 2nd and 4th grade and Logan had her in 2nd grade as well.  She is awesome and even Lexi (who rarely cries or shows her feelings) cried when she said goodbye.  

Now that the school year is over we get a good long 3 months of summer to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead with a new school, middle school !!!, and settling into a lot of changes.  Change is hard but we are ready!