Sunday, August 30, 2009

Hugs and Kisses

Back to School. I wish I could say I was the mom that wished summer could go on forever and ever but I am always just a little bit excited about being able to get back into some sort of routine and structure. I do miss having the big kids around and have realized this past week that life hasn't seemed any easier with 2/3 of the kids in school all day. There is a lot of adjustments with returning to school-- waking up early, headaches from still feeling tired, grouchy, hoping for a nap, trying to be more responsible with getting things ready to take to school first thing in the morning, figuring out clothes to wear the next day, etc. and then the kids have their own adjustments too!

I sent each child off to school with a baggie full of hugs and kisses and a little note saying that I hoped they have a great first day at school and since I couldn't spend the first day with them I was sending lots of hugs and kisses to help them through their first day.


Jack is my big 7th grader this year. He is loving being in junior high and having his own locker. He couldn't get it to open the first day (7th graders worst nightmare) but he didn't act like it bothered him. Apparently they had given him the wrong locker combo and got it all taken care of by the 2nd day of school. His favorite thing so far has been his 3-ring binder. He has had this binder for several years and always wanted to use it in elementary school but didn't need it. Now he finally needs a 3-ring binder and apparently his is PERFECT!!


Ryan is in 5th grade and loves his class and teacher, Mrs. S. There is a big group of boys from the neighborhood that are all friends and work really well together and they are all in the class together.


Hadley is in 3rd grade. Our school lets parents request teachers for the upcoming year. I requested a certain teacher for Hadley because Ryan had such a great experience in her class when he was in 3rd grade. They post the teacher's lists on the school doors the day before school starts. Ryan and Hadley were so excited to go over there and see who their teachers were and what friends were in their classrooms. Hadley was so disappointed when she saw she had a different teacher and only knew 2 kids in the class. All (and I mean ALL) her girlfriends were in the teacher's class that I had requested, but for some reason she didn't get. I debated over just leaving her in the other classroom and talked to Hadley about how this could be a chance for her to spread her wings this year and get to know a lot of new kids at her school. But I know how mean girls can be and wanted to avoid having her feel left out at recess and other things because she wasn't in the same classroom as all her friends. I spoke with the office that morning and they were able to move her into Mrs. J's class and she is loving school so far! She came home from school the first day with a Hershey's kiss in her hand and as she gave it to me she said, "I saved the last kiss for you because the last kiss is always the best!" What a sweetie! Y'know I think she's right. The last kiss is always the best!



We have a new school district this year which I think is one of the main reasons Morgan's classroom experience on the first day was such a disaster. We used to be part of the largest school district in Utah but voted to break away from that district and create a new school district. My biggest concern/worry was how the new district would work with special education. Since the district is so new they still have not created all the job positions that they need to run the special education department, one of them being the transitional team. That explains why no one has been around to help us with getting everything in place for Morgan. Apparently we couldn't have picked a worse time to be transitioning her from the cluster classroom to our neighborhood school. I am hoping it will just get better and better from here on out.

11 comments:

kellyclay said...

Heather,
I feel the same way about Summer being over and getting back on a schedule the first week is a tough transition for both Mommy and the kids after our first week of school I am so thankful for the schedule I get so much more accomplished when the kids and I are on a schedule. you have beautiful kids. How precious of Hadley to give you last kiss she is so right the last kiss is the best kiss of all. :) I hope everything gets worked out for Morgan soon.

Kristinn&Thelma said...

I love reading your blog and your kids are so beautiful....your so lucky to have such a big and beautiful family - I just cant wait to have more children of my own....there must be alot of fun and love at your house!!

Jenni and Chad Stewart said...

Cute haircuts! I too am glad to have school start. I don't feel like I have very much control over our schedule in the summer with the kids going in all different directions. I like getting back into a routine and LOVE that bedtime is much earlier! ;)

Heidi Rushing said...

I see the boys finally got their haircuts - what handsome young men! I am dreading school starting here next week. I love not having a schedule! The kids all looked so cute for the first day.

Cami said...

Bring back the other author...

Love,

Cami

Emily said...

It WILL all get better! You are doing a fabulous job! They are so cute in their pictures!

kecia said...

all your kids are so beautiful! That Hadley is gorgeous already-watch out! I love the seet comment she made about the kisses-too cute!

Rebecca Talley said...

Gorgeous kids. I always dread the first week and trying to adjust from summer break. I like the schedule, but I miss my kids.

Melanie said...

Today as we were leaving the playground, I was watching you guys pick up Morgan at the outside doors. Hadley snuck around the back of you and got Morgan's attention. Morgan saw her and gave her a HUGE amile and hug. So precious. Glad to see Mrs. D smiling, You smiling, and Morgan smiling. Hadley couldn't get prettier. The boys are so handsome. And to top it off...they are all great kids! You guys are sooooo blessed! I know you know this, but it's cool. Eh?

Katy said...

I'm so glad Morgan got the teacher you both wanted. Girls can be mean. They can also be so wonderful. The more friends she has to choose from, the better.

Steph Kearns said...

We loved Mrs. J today and were so sad that Landon isn't going there this year to have her for a teacher! Tell Hadley that Landon really, really misses her and says that none of the girls in his class compare to her! He has such a crush, it's so cute! I've been reading your blogs (and Gavin's)and think you two are AMAZING parents! I know I've told you, but I look up to how you parent in so many ways! I wish I had the patience and strength that you have! Good luck with the school year!!

Steph