Back To School

After one of the most laid back summers we have ever had, the kids went back to school yesterday. We spent most of Thursday school hopping to get them ready.

First we went to Noodle's school so she could get her schedule and set up her locker. We were hoping by doing this we could by-pass her Back to School night. No such luck. We got her schedule, set up her locker and then we were off - only to return a few hours later.

Then the kids and I met with Buddy's school counselor and she showed us (most importantly, Buddy) where all of his classes are and we were able to meet several of his teachers. That was nice for him. To be able to see the school, his classes with a much smaller group. He didn't like it and barely spoke, but we made it through.


From there we stopped to the kids could get some fro-yo and then dropped Lew off at Bret's office so he could take her to Back to School night at her school. Buddy and Noodle went with me for a quick dash to Wal-Mart.



See the lighted chandelier? Crazy!

I dropped Buddy off at home with instructions to start dinner and I took Noodle back to school for Back to School night - so she could meet her teachers and find out if there is anything else she needs for school. We made sure her lighted chandelier is working properly and that everything (her locker shelf, mirror, white board, markers, trash can, animal crackers, Dr. Pepper) in her locker was all set. Finally we were able to go home.

It was a crazy day.

You can tell who's not in the best mood!

Sunday night, Buddy had a bit of anxiety, but went to sleep fairly well. Monday morning came - too early imho, and everyone got ready for the big day. We took pics and Bret was able to walk Buddy (across the street) to school. They parted ways at the front door of the school and Buddy went into class. On his lunch break, he called, Bret, my mom and me. Poor guy. When he got home, he rushed to give me a solid hug. He didn't cry (which surprised me) but it was obvious that it wasn't an easy day for him. He said it was really different and scary. I'm so glad that he recognized it wasn't bad, it was just different. A change. But dang. My heart hurt for him. I just wanted to cry for him. I just want to do it for him. I just want some things to be easy for him. I fear he will struggle his entire life. And I just want there to be enough good that he can get through the bad. I just want him to see the good. Realize there are worse things, people in worse shape, etc. But oh how my heart aches for him.

Noodle, of course, had a terrific day! She said it was as if she'd never had a summer break. Everything was the same. Guess junior high has lost some of it's luster. Last year she had so many classes with so many familiar faces. Apparently there are more options for 8th graders because she has hardly any classes with friends - which is good because it gives her the opportunity to make new (and I hope) better friends. She has friends and she's a likable girl, she just longs for that one. Ya know? That one who is her bestie. That one that is there no matter what. That one she calls/texts everything to. That one. I remember wanting that as well. While I had some great friends it took me 30 years to find that one. (not including my husband). And several years after that to find another. Don't get me wrong. I had friends through school. And my freshman year, I had that one. And I had another one my junior year and sorta my senior year. And today, I barely keep up with them through FB and Christmas Cards, if we're lucky. And I realize that happens in life. But I'd love for all of my kids to have that one, now, while they're in school. But sometimes when you're looking too hard, you miss what is right in front of you.

Lewlew had a great day as well. She's decided that maybe her teacher won't be so bad after all. Her new teacher is obsessed with Harry Potter and Lew has never even seen the movies, much less read the books. And her teacher also has a doctorate and insists on being called Dr. instead of Ms. or Mrs. So that's weird to her. But she's got some familiar faces in her class and I hope she too can find a really good friend who wants to be her friend as much as Lew want her to be - if that makes sense.

School is such a difficult time for kids - and you never know what is going on when school is not in session. I just read on FB that a girl I went to HS with - who I thought had it going on, was totally cool and stuff - hated school. Cried nearly everyday after school. I had no idea. I always thought she had it all pulled together. School is one of those necessary evils. We all had (or have) to do it and my kids will survive and be better because of it. But still, it's hard to send your sweet kids to the harsh, cold, cruel world of school. That's why it's important for us as parents, to make home a soft, warm, sweet place. A place where chores and homework still must be done. (Blast it all!)