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!)

Field Day 2012

On 29 May 2012 was the first field day at the kids' new school. They had a blast! There was about 8-10 different stations of games - most of them used water of some sort. The day was nice and hot and the water games provided a perfect opportunity to cool off.

 Here, Lewlew is playing Over/Under. You soak a sponge and the first person passes to the person behind him going over his head, like Lewlew. The next person passes it between their legs. The last person squeezes the water into a bucket and runs to the front of the line to dip the sponge and start the process over. This game insures everyone playing to get a little wet.

 For this game, you partner up. The partner that is blind folded holds the squirt bottle while the unblind folded one directs her to shoot. This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

For this game each member of the team must use any part of their body to plug the holes in the pipe while another team member fills the pipe up. One the rubber ducky inside reaches the top, you win! This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

Then the fire truck came and sprayed everyone in it's way. This ensures everyone in the general vicinity to get a little wet.

All in all, it was a great day! Thanks OES! We had a blast!

Field Trip

The end of April, Lewlew went on a field trip to the zoo. Imagine sixty 6 year olds at the zoo! C.R.A.Z.Y. But she was excited and had so much fun! She told me all about the animals and how LONG the bus ride was.

1st Day of School 2011

Buddy and Noodle started school on Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011, and they were nervous. This year they are attending a new school so they didn't know anyone. But they were ready! The day didn't turn out quite as I expected. The week didn't turn out as I expected. Actually so far, this school year hasn't turned out as I expected. But then, that's life.

Buddy is 10 and is in 5th grade. When he got home from school, we both had a talk. He didn't want to change. Change school, change summer routine, change anything. It was a very hard day for him. Tears came to my already wet eyes and when he finally could take no more, he broke down and said, "I've been wanting to do this all day." Then I cried harder. Then he asked why I was crying. I couldn't answer. Because my son is hurting and my heart is breaking. Because there is nothing I can do to make this easier. Because if I could I would take his place. Because I love him so incredibly much. Instead I just shrugged my shoulders. When we were done, I talked to him some more and told him how important change was and how it would get better and before he knew it, he would love the new school. Then I prayed with all my might that what I said was true.

Noodle is 8 and is in 3rd grade. Mister went with me to take the kids on their first day at a new school. So he chose to take Buddy to his designated line-up and I took Noodle. We were just a couple minutes early so I just stood back and let her stand in line by herself. Every so often she'd look back at me and wave or give me a thumbs up or the "I love you" sign. At one time when she looked at me, I saw her as 6 months old, sitting in her saucer, smiling her toothless smile. It was like those movies where the parents have a flashback as their kid is getting married or graduating or something. It totally happened to me. I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed. I was so glad I have sunglasses on. I would never want her to see me crying or it would make it tons harder on her. But for just one brief moment, I was transported back in time. How could 8 years have gone by so quickly?

 This is Lewlew on Buddy and Noodle's first day. She doesn't start for 1 more week. Notice her outfit. The strips are actually "spirit sleeves" that she insisted on wearing. Not sure why she's wearing boots - it felt like it was 105. She promptly took them off when we got home.

This is Lewlew on her first day of Kindergarten; she's 5. She didn't get to go on the first day of kindergarten because she was sick, so her first day was really the second day of kindergarten. She's super excited! I on the other hand was not quite so excited. My baby is in kindergarten and she's not supposed to be my baby! It's like the end of an era. Only 2 or 3 tears were shed, but the feeling lasted a whole lot longer. (Maybe forever - I'll have to get back to you on that one!) Just yesterday she was small enough for me to carry. And last week she was still a baby. How can she possibly be 5 and going to kindergarten? Give me just a moment...WAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

This is all for now....

Pre-school Performance

Last Tuesday (5/31) Lewlew had her field day at school. But before that, they practiced for their program. Since I was helping out with field day, I got to be there for the practice and took pictures so that during the performance I could video. Of course pictures don't show quite how funny and entertaining the show was. Lewlew was amazing. She new the words and actions to all of the songs. A lot of kids did, but there were some that just stood there.

Before they started. She's just so cute! The kids on the left, not so much. He doesn't look too happy!



Singing "Slippery Fish"





Singing "Tootie-tot." I love this song! "Thumbs up, elbows back, feet apart, knees together, bottoms up, eyes shut, tongue out."

So glad I have this on video. It was hilarious!

This was the actual performance. We're waiting for it to begin and Lewlew is being a ham!!

Waiting for the teachers to be done talking and for it to be over. Check out the kid to her right. Uhhh Hello????

4th Grade County Fair

The 4th grade classes at Buddy's school put on a "county fair" for parents. It was great! I could tell they worked really hard!

At the beginning, Buddy was the captain in the flag ceremony. He called the colors to the front of the room, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and seated everyone. He did such an AWESOME job!!!!

Several of the 4th graders told us about Utah history. They sang lots of songs about Utah and performed a few dances for us. Buddy sure knew what he was doing.

Everyone did a great job. I wonder when they started practicing because there was a lot involved. It was quite entertaining and only lasted about 40 minutes which is a huge bonus!

What do you think?

I grew up in a small community. Our entire county did not have a stop light. 5 towns consolidated to make a middle school and high school. So suffice it to say, the extra curricular classes were limited. But I've never been a huge "go to school" person. Because I kept my grades up, my mom gave me 1 "free day" every 9 weeks, meaning she would excuse me from school and I could do whatever I wanted. I usually saved these for the last month of school. We never, ever, NEVER, EVER, went to school after Memorial Day. Never. Ever. Really. Back when I was in school, we had Labor Day off if we started before Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break and Spring Break. We may have had MLK and President's Day off, but I'm not 100% sure. But never did we go to school after Memorial Day - I've already stated that. Well fast foreword a few years. My kids are in school in a different state. They always start before Labor Day, have some break in October, Thanksgiving and Christmas Break, MLK, President's Day, something in March, Spring Break and then sometimes Memorial Day - meaning they are supposed to go back to school after Memorial Day. WHAT?!?!? Are you kidding me?? For some reason this year it's bugging me more than ever. I just cannot wrap my head around sending my kids back to school after Memorial Day. It's so wrong to me! I'm not a fan of the last week of school anyway - I know no matter when the last day of school is, there will always be a "last week of school" but really. It's such a waste of time! All it is is busy work and I really hate busy work. (It seems that's all Noodle has had the past couple months - busy work and I have a real problem with that. Her teacher isn't challenging her and she's getting bored. Not a good thing!) Here's the schedule for the last week of school: Monday - Off, Memorial Day, Tuesday - Thursday regular hours. Friday 8:00 to 9:15 or some ridiculous thing. So here's my question. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being really really bad) how bad would it be if I kept my kids home on possibly Wednesday, but for sure Thursday and Friday of the last week of school because we are going camping? Give me your honest answer. Thank you for your time!

Lewlew and school

Lewlew started school in September and has been like a sponge! She loves learning and she's absorbing SO much. She writes her ABC's ALL the time. She sings the different ABC songs ALL the time. She knows all of her letters and their sounds and most of the numbers! It' been fun watching her become so smart! Here she is cutting out a Halloween thing.

She colored this all by herself at school and then cut it out at home. Notice how she colored it symetrical.

School Pic's

This year I opted to NOT pay for school photo's and impossed on Hubs's sister to take them for us. Once again, she has out done herself. She always does such a fabulous job! Thanks so much, Gina. You're the best!

Memory Lane Monday

This is me and my brother on my first day of kindergarten and his first day of 2nd grade (I think). This is in Sep. 1981. You can see the corner of our car - it was a Gremlin. It was such a groovy car. This wasn't the greatest house, but it was cute and we lived here for a while when we first moved to Manassa. Check out the big barn in the back ground. We weren't allowed to play in it - gee I wonder why!!

School

Today was the first day of school for Buddy and Noodle. Buddy is in 3rd grade with Mrs. Wardle and Noodle is in 1st grade with Mrs. Gurr. So I am at home from 8/AM until 2:15/PM with Lewlew. I must say, I didn't want school to start. I like the easy, laid back schedule of summer. But I'm sure I would get tired of it eventually. It's good for them to go back and have a more strict schedule and of course to learn. They are on the early track - 8:00 - 2:15. The later track is 9:15 to 3:30. I'm not sure which is worse. The 8:00 is difficult (I know, cry me a river) but we're a "sleep in" type of family. But the 3:30 is a killer too. Buddy seems to do better on the early track so that's what we went with. It's hard to see half the class leave at 2:15 while the other half stays for another hour and 15 minutes - even though they got to school an hour and 15 minutes later. I can't say that I blame him. And I SURE wasn't going to have them on 2 different schedules! We're just going to have to adapt - of course I'm saying that more to me than to them. Wish us luck - especially me - we're going to need it!!

End of the school year

Buddy is officially a third grader. Noodle graduated from Kindergarten and is now an official first grader! We are going to enjoy our summer and our sleep. Buddy likes (and seems to do better on) the earlier school time better so I signed them both up for the earlier track so they'd both be on the same schedule. The next school year just might be the death of me!! The earlier track is from 8:00 to 2:15 and the later track is 9:15 to 3:30. Wish me luck - I'm going to need it! :)

Field Day Fun...

When I was in school, our field days consisted of 3 legged races, baseball throw, a lap around the playground, the long jump, etc. And 1st, 2nd, and 3rd all got ribbons. Not in my kids' school. They have "stations" that they play at. They play games where there is no winner, no looser. Which I kind of like, but at the same time, it's fun to get ribbons too. Anyway, Noodle (the pre-school and kindergarten) had her field day Tues, May 26. First thru sixth had their field day Wed, may 27. Here are some pictures.

School

Buddy and noodle are doing good in school - so far. Mrs. Craft told me Buddy gives her a hug almost everyday. She said he's a sweet boy. He likes school ok - but doesn't love it. He hate that at lunch he can't have seconds on the main course (pizza) until everyone has been served. I keep telling him he needs to eat the other things on his tray.

Noodle loves kindergarten. She loves Mrs. Robinough. She loves the kids in her class. I wonder how long it will last. Hopefully longer than it did with Buddy.

There are some things I'll miss with the kids in school. Here are a few:

- the kids being able to lounge around in their jammies until whatever time

- not having to worry about the time

- not having to do homework, after school clubs, etc.

What I WON'T miss:

- the doorbell ringing 22 times a day

- "Mom can I..." 17 times a day

- 12 outfits a day because they are too hot or got wet or whatever!

I'm glad for changes. About the time I get really tired of the heat, fall comes and it cools off. About the time I'm so sick of cold I could scream, spring comes and it warms up. (I am thankful we live where the seasons change. I always say this weather (what we are having right now - in the 70's) is Celestial weather, but I wonder if I would get tired of it after a few years. I don't know. It's never stay around long enough for me to be ready for it to change.) It the same with summer break. I get tired (just like the kids) of homework and having to work around school schedules etc. So summer break is welcome. But then I am ready for them to go back. So it all evens out.

Lewlew and I are having fun going on bike rides (the bike trailer is SO much lighter without Noodle!) and playing. She's a little sweetie and a great companion for me. We talk about all kinds of stuff. She has her own language and a lot of time I can't understand her, but we talk a lot. I don't know what I'll do when she starts school in 2010!

Noodle's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Monday, Aug 25, 2008 was Noodle's first day of Kindergarten. She's 5 1/2 years old, already. She was plenty ready for school and very excited. Her teacher is Mrs. Robinough.

This is Noodle and Allye. Allye lives 2 doors from us and is in the same class as Noodle. They walk to and from school together.

This is another girl, Nautica, who lives inbetween these 2 girls. She's in Kindergarten too, but she's in all day - so I'll have to post her picture later. The 3 of them can walk home together and play together at recess.

Buddy's First Day of Second Grade

On Monday, Aug 18, 2008, Buddy started 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Craft. He's excited!! He's 7 1/2 years old.