It’s hard sometimes, even for me, to find the right words for what I’m feeling in the moment…
I awoke this morning a full twenty minutes before my alarm was set to go off with a variety of emotions.
The fluttery feeling in my stomach, as if I had swallowed a dozen butterflies, signaled excitement.
When I thought about what laid ahead for my two boys this morning, a pang of anxiety. Then another…
There’s always some nerves whenever they’re embarking on something big, something new…
I took a deep breath and looked at my tired reflection in the mirror.
The woman’s smile looking back at me gave me a feeling of reassurance…
I had done this before.
Joey had done this before.
We know and love the place well.
This is Jake’s first time, but he’ll do great.
And although the weeks of time we’ve all spent together this summer are starting to wear on us a little, I do enjoy having my kids home with me.
It’s going to be so quiet.
Quiet…
Now hope…
Hope for a productive year full of learning…
Hope for growing and having fun with old friends and new ones too…
Hope for a positive school experience for both boys …
They were both excited and ready to go this morning:
Jake, the kindergartner, and Joey now in 2nd grade…Ready for the 1st day of school!
I love the boy’s school, and the staff and students alike are great. I know this will be a fun year for both of them…
And I begin to think of all the bon-bons I can eat and soap operas I can watch writing, cooking and cleaning I can do each day while they’re off learning…
And I know I’m ready too…
Can I get an “Amen!” sisters?
A picture is worth a thousand words, right?
For those of you who had back to school today or already over the last few weeks, how did you feel? Any tears from you or the kids?
For those who haven’t started yet, how do you think your first day will go?
Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about your back to school experiences!
Other than a little “I’m nervous” at the breakfast table, starting 1st grade was kind of a non-event this morning. Really, the bigger deal was “Get dressed before you leave your room”, “Did you make your bed?”, “Where are your shoes?”, “Did you brush your teeth?” We lost all those things in the two weeks since camp ended – I really think taking the structure/non-structure of camp this summer is going to make the transition back to school easier.
My kids don’t go back until the 4th but I am so looking forward to the happy dance I will be doing once the front door is closed (and locked)! I am a work at home mom. I have three kids that are still at home and school age. This summer has been very challenging for me to get work done while the kids are arguing and blasting music loud enough to give the neighbors headaches. I am looking forward to the silence and the chance to be productive at my job!
i am almost embarrassed to say this- but, it wasn’t anything special. this was my first child entering pre-k and i’m supposed to cry or somehting… i did not. infact, i think i felt relief. a moment to breathe… to pee BY MYSELF… to eat all of my lunch without someone mooching. i have an infant and i don’t have to worry about my 4 yr old “helping” me by picking him up, etc. it’s been nice, i won’t lie;-)
Every year it’s the same for me. So excited for a little “home alone” time again! Drop him off in the morning, excited and giddy about FINALLY a little peace and quiet. Woo hoo!!! And then, around 2:00 something shifts, and I start watching the clock… I end up sitting in the pick-up line a whole hour early… Life just ain’t right until he’s back under my feet, bugging me. I MISS him. (repeat every day)
A week ago today I dropped my oldest off at college. I talked online with her a few times this week and she was enjoying all of it so far. Today was her first day of classes and she called me to tell me how it went. I’m so happy that she is happy that I don’t even realize how much I miss her. I’m happy that she made the right decision for her and is moving on with her life. Thank goodness for the internet and cell phones though!
My youngest is a sophomore in high school and she started classes last week. At this point it is same shit different day with her. She’s getting back in the groove of early mornings and homework and dealing with teenage dramas with friends.
My daughter started middle school last Wednesday. Middle school begins in 6th grade here. I prefer 7th but oh well. On the first day I walked her in because she had to get her permanent schedule, find the classrooms and all the other parents were doing it. She was so nervous I could hardly look at her or I would lose it and start crying. It’s a new place, she moves to different classrooms, all the other kids are older and she barely knows anyone else going there. When I picked her up she said to me, “I made a friend today. Her name is Angel.” I am continually amazed at how brave and confident she can be in the face of sheer terror. I’m not sure where she got it from because I was never like that at her age – or maybe I was? Anyway, each day is better. Today she laughed about being nervous and worried that her backpack would rip because she has so many heavy books. I said, the backpack is new, it won’t rip but the straps might come apart. She rolled her eyes and went on her way…
Aidan started 2nd grade last week, and Logan Kindergarten. 2nd grade was a total blah see-ya-laters-mom&dad kinda thing. He’s even too cool for a two-armed hug. We each got a guy-hug. Logan was a little clingy, but once he had to line up with the other kids, he was back in his element from Pre-K. He is enjoying his days, but still balks at every day being a “school day”. He is still trying to make me accept that it’s not fair for Gavin to get a Nana-day with no school when he still has to go to kindy!
My daughter started 7th grade this year and has been back at school since the 15th. At first I was all “WOO! Time alone!” Now I’m all “It’s too damned quiet and no one is arguing with me and when is she going to come home because I actually miss her wtf?” Though I admit, I do like the occasional lunch date with the Taller Half without her tagging along. We’re communicating as adults again instead of as “parents”. (He’s not her bio father, but he sure stepped into the role of dad. And it’s great!)
I remember putting on the brave face for the first-timers… but after they were sent off, going back into the house and having a really good cry!!!
I had five kids, however, and when all of them were in school, that was about the ONLY time I had to get anything done around the place. so it was a good thing.
My son will begin 7th grade tomorrow. He goes to a online school. And my daughter is getting ready to start preschool tomorrow also. She is all kinds of excited!
Amen sista!!!
We start one week from today. 3 in middle or elementary. 1 going to preschool. What the heck is that going to be like. I’ve never had a time with all my kids somewhere. Always had one at home for the last 12 years! Man – I’m old. 7th grade- boy – football – stinky. 4th grade – girl – drama. 2nd grade – girl – playground. Preschool – excited beyond belief.
Love your blog to the moon and back!
Let’s get anotha Amen Sista!!
I felt a little the same way. I had my oldest Tanner, off to High school and my youngest Jake off to 5th grade. I was fine with Jake, he’s social, has many friends and good at sports. However, only being 36 and having a freshman brought tears for me. I hate the in between of child and adult so much. I think I was much more nervous for him than he was of himself. I am excited for the next 4 years of high school and just as I make it through that I’ll be facing another 4 with my youngest…then its off to week long cruises and bottomless bottles of wine to fill the void…I pray I make it through!!!
I have a week more to wait. God give me strength.
My son started 2nd grade and had my daughters kindergarten orientation (she starts tomorrow). My son (the big boy) did not want me walking him to his class, I was lucky to receive a hug before he ran off to friends lol. My daughter is super excited to start but I’m having a hard time letting my baby go. I’ve had a toddler home with me the past 8yrs ! So while it may get loud, hectic and crazy , I will miss the noise lol
It’s my first born who’s off to Kindergarden on the 4th and I am honestly sad. It’s just a small change in our lives but they grow up so fast I’m thinking it will be no time before he’s 18 & leaving home. I know I’m a sentimental old fool but *waaaah!!!!!!
Although looking at your pic totally made me laugh out loud. I won’t say that I will feel the same because I’m a huge sap, but I won’t deny the prospect of peeing by myself does have it’s merits. Or being able to go to the bathroom without flushing before I use it. Or enjoying a cup of coffee before it`s cold. The possibilities are…Endless!
My big girl went off to 4th grade this week. She happily got on the bus, and her first week has been good so far. I don’t mind when she heads off to school, she’s happy there and that makes me happy. My little guy – almost 4 – is spending his days keeping me from getting any work or chores done and asking me every 10 minutes, “Where’s Maya?” “Hey Mommy, where’s Maya?”. “Mommy, is Maya at Shayne’s house?”
[...] 1. Back to school- We’ve reached the point in the year where the long summer days, full of family bonding, are starting to get on everyone’s nerves (not just mine). The kids are fighting more with each other, I’m tired of acting as referee, and I’m running out of constructive activities. My kids started back to school last Monday, and if yours haven’t started back yet, it’s probably happening this week….and it’s okay to be a little happy about it (like I was last week)! [...]
Amen!