A new tradition

Inspired by a good friend, I started a new tradition and treated our kids to a special Back to School Celebration on the night before the first day of school.  

 

 On the menu were their favorite foods:  Homemade Cheese Pizza, Chicken Divine, steamed broccoli and fruit kabobs with sparkling apple juice to drink and homemade chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches for dessert.  They loved it, and felt super special.

I wrapped up their individual school supplies all fancy and Darin created a special video of our summer memories together.  The video was so much fun to watch that the kids insisted on watching it twice!  Then Darin gave them each their special blessings and we were all off to bed ready and excited for the first day of the new school year.

It's hard to believe that Trent is already in 4th grade, that my years of enduring the dreaded half-day kindergarten schedule is over (for a while) and that all three of my big kids are in school all day.

 

It's hard to believe that for the next 3 years it's just Lauren and I going to the park and story time, having play dates and tackling the errands and housework together, that my years of being home ALL day with All of my little ones has come and gone.  

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I'm so grateful that I had those years.  

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The memories we made together are priceless and the relationship we have because of them is a great gift and a blessing.  

This next stage of motherhood means homework and soccer practices, gymnastics and cub scouts, teaching and listening and cherishing the time we have to laugh and play together. 

The first day of school came and went.  
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Trent has Mrs. Edmonds this year (along with 3 hours of homework a night).  He wanted to be in her class so badly and she is such an amazing teacher, that getting her was truly an answer to prayer.

Trey has Mrs. Gilbert for 2nd grade.  He loves that she does "Fun Friday's" and rewards them with prizes from the treasure box.  

Trey was so happy to find Adrian C. waiting outside Rm A5 too, they are having a lot of fun being in the same class and playing kick ball together at recess.

Julia has Mrs. Pickett for 1st grade, just like Trent did.  Her class was changed into a 1st/2nd combination class the second week of school and we felt very fortunate that she remained in her class.  In just the first month of school Julia has really taken off with her reading and writing and she says she is getting really good at the monkey bars too!

I'm finding that my days are still busy and full even with the 3 big kids gone, there is always so much to do and prepare so that I can give them my full attention once they are home and need me.  I've developed a new routine and feel like it is giving me both the productivity and balance that I need.  This routine means that on certain days I'm preparing dinner at noon and leaving household chores that may be calling my name for their designated days.  So far, it is working and I am grateful.  

So here's to a new and exciting school school year and yet another new phase of motherhood!