Well, we made it to the end of the first week of school! The first morning was easy breezy (but filled with excitement and nerves), but then I forgot to set my alarm Wednesday night. Yesterday morning, Travis and I both woke up at 7:00…and I am supposed to leave for school at 7:30. I was in a mad dash to get out the door, but I made it in time. That being said, it just sets my whole day off in the wrong direction when I don’t get to ease into the day. I felt “off” and frazzled all day!
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Today’s favorites include back to school pics and a few fun things the kids did before going back to school on Wednesday.
Open House was a great success on Monday night. I met about fifteen students, and enjoyed the evening at school.
Since I have a few classes this year, I did have to set up my room a bit differently, but I think it’s good to go for the year.
At the end of Open House, Hadley came to my room after volleyball practice, and then we went home and picked up Travis and Hayden. We went to IHOP for our “back to school breakfast.” Through the years, I’ve tried to make such a big deal about going back to school in order to get the kids excited (myself, too) about going back to school.
I loved the back to school breakfasts in elementary and then the back to school “brinner” in middle school, but I was ok with throwing this “curve ball” and suggesting IHOP. The kids ask to go there all the time, and we don’t go often, so I thought it would be a good decision for dinner.
It was just us and one other lady in the restaurant. Who can beat that?
I got the French toast, and it was delicious.
The kids had one more day to enjoy summer on Tuesday. Hadley slept until noon, Hayden had early cross country practice, and then they just hung out most of the day.
Wednesday morning we were all up and at ’em pretty early. They let me snap their pics, per tradition, before I left. If they can catch a ride with a friend, they gain an extra thirty minutes, so I understand if they don’t want to ride with me. (I’m sure they will some mornings). So, Hadley has been riding with a friend, and Travis has dropped Hayden off. The bus is an option, but it leaves pretty early, and I’m sure Hadley will avoid it at all costs! 😉
The morning light was hitting just right!
My freshmen:
One more for good measure!
…well, one more with mom too. Year 23 sure looks different for me!
Truly, so far the best part of the past two days, besides meeting my students, has been seeing my own kids enter my classroom at the end of the day. They are mostly tired and in need of a snack, but I love ending my school day seeing them (and giving them a ride home)!
End of summer fun:
Hadley has had such a wonderful Young Life leader during her middle school years. The leader’s name is also Hadley, and she organized a back to school send off for this great group of girls! A few of them are headed to another school, but most of them are at school with Hadley. That being said, the leader stays with the next group of middle school girls. I know they will still see her, and she’s made quite the impact on them.
Meanwhile…Hayden and friends went to Kings Island and rode all the rides.
On Saturday morning, Hayden ran his first high school race. It was just a 5k fundraiser for the cross country team, but he ran a great race!
Favorite Kid Quote(s):
It’s been a bit since I’ve shared a favorite kid quote, and both kids said something funny this week:
On Saturday, Travis and Hayden went to Louisville for the afternoon. As Hayden told me goodbye, he hugged me and said, “Maybe you can go to the spa and get your toes done.” 😂
Not sure where that came from!
Then, Tuesday night, Hadley caught me with a few tears and asked what was wrong. I said I couldn’t believe they were going to high school, and without missing a beat, she said, “Girl, I can’t believe it either.” haha!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Homer is always happy to see me!
Weekly Recap:
It was hard finding a blogging groove this week with all the back to school things, but I did write a couple of posts:
Well, first on my agenda is to not set an alarm for Saturday and sleep in a bit. We are going to the Reds/Royals game in Cinci, and I’m looking forward to that.
I hope to have one more “Summer Sunday” post on Sunday sharing the highlights over our summer.
Y’all — before I get to today’s post, I have to apologize/share —if you get my blog posts via email, you might have seen a major typo yesterday. It took four years of blogging, but I finally had a whoops – I spelled “swimsuits” as “swims!$&s!” I corrected it as soon as I saw it on the email. You know on Fridays when I typically share a flashback photo and say “this popped up in my memories”…I always thought it would be “poop” that I type by accident but instead it worse. lol
Anyway, on to today’s post…
Well, with school officially starting tomorrow, I guess it’s time to get serious about back to school.
Today, I have a classroom work day, and I told Hayden and Hadley that they need to get their school supplies organized, their clothes picked out, and get ready for the first day of 8th grade tomorrow.
Here are a few things on my mind as we get back to school…
Clocks and Cozi:
As we get back in the swing of things, two things that we will heavily rely on are alarm clocks and the Cozi app.
I got the kids each this alarm clock/sound machine combo back in February, and ever since they have been in charge of getting themselves up. While Hadley hasn’t used it a ton this summer, Hayden has gotten up most mornings on his own to run. Both of them use the sound machine feature, and it’s been a good upgrade from the sound machine they each had when they were babies.
So, now it’s back on them to set the alarm, get up and get going in the morning.
We started using the Cozi app last year. It’s really handy because each of us has a color assigned to our name, and we even have a color for when all of us have somewhere to be.
Backpacks…
Hayden got the Under Armour backpack two years ago while Hadley got the North Face one last year. Both of them are still in really good condition. That being said, they both have a second backpack they carry for sports, but these have been great for school, and have held up nicely.
First day of school clothes:
While Hayden doesn’t care much about what he’s wearing on the first day of school, Hadley had a vision…haha
Travis ordered her new shoes which might not make it for the first day, but she chose On Clouds. I braved the mall twice with her over the weekend because she wanted to find a pair of jean shorts to wear. We went to Pac Sun because she had luck there last year, and she found two pairs she liked. We also wandered in to Aerie Offline, and she picked out a couple of waffle henleys.
Hadley has a real knack for dodging sale items…haha
Beverages:
I had the same coffee tumbler for years, and the lid cracked right at the end of the school year. I was going to order another one, but saw this small coffee tumbler at Target and couldn’t resist. To be honest, I probably drink too much coffee, so I figured if this smaller one worked, it would be better to take less coffee to school.
I’ve also been loving my new Stanley, but I knew it would probably be too heavy to take to school. I’ve heard great things about this tumbler, so I think I’m going to leave it at school (or bring it home every once in a while) to use to drink my water.
The kids have been using these water bottles from a local sporting goods store. Hadley has had hers for over a year, and Hayden got a new one this summer before running camp.
My school supplies:
I really didn’t need too many school supplies, but I picked up my Happy Planner at Michaels because they always have them 40% off this time of the year. The stickers were discounted as well, so I picked up a pack of those too.
Paper Mate Flair pens are my faves, so I picked up those and the pretty pencils at Kroger one day.
Y’all –yesterday, when I sat down at my desk to start writing in meeting dates in my planner, I realized it wasn’t the same layout at the one I had last year.
This one had the vertical layout, and I prefer the “classic layout,” so I found this one on Amazon that should be here tomorrow.
I sent a schoolwide email, and gave the planner with the vertical layout to the first one to claim it. I’m hoping what I ordered is just what I need.
Well, I had these pens saved on my Amazon list (you can never have too many pens, right?) along with this wireless keyboard and mouse that I want to use for my school computer. I’m excited to get it set up this week.
I get a new desk calendar every year…sometimes from Amazon or Walmart, but I saw this one at Target, and it will work for me!
My classroom:
Hadley helped me get my classroom set up on Friday, and yesterday I put the finishing touches on it. This will be my 22nd years in education, and I’ve never “cut it this close” on getting ready. That being said, I won’t really have students on the first few days as I’m still doing academic intervention, so I will help wherever needed.
I got rid of a couple of tables because the most I typically have would be 15 students. Most of the time, I have 3-5 at a time.
My room got a bit of a refresh with carpet (to replace the old tile) Also, we got these new Interactive Flat Panels at the end of the school year, so I’m excited to use it more this year.
For lunchbox moms:
I miss the days of putting one of these cute lunchbox notes in the kids’ lunches.
Now, they mostly buy school lunch.
Brinner:
I wanted to have our “Back to School” brinner Sunday night, but both kids ended up having plans with friends. So, we’ll do it tonight once they get home from practice.
Phones:
With getting back to school, we had the reminder conversation about phones and what they really should be used for before we get back to school. I’ve told both of them that phones are a responsibility and while I know they use them to text or watch videos/Netflix, I expect them to start taking more ownership in their learning. They did a pretty good job with this last year, but with this being the last year of middle school, I want them to be as responsible and engaged in their learning as possible.
They have the phones and can use them to check the Cozi app (and add to it when needed –like when the Stu Co meeting pops up that I didn’t know about), check their grades, email their their teachers and check assignments.
We’ve always had a rule of phones up by 10:00 (even earlier if they have been at home and not at an activity), and asleep by 10:30. Also, they plug them up in the kitchen; we’ll definitely continue that practice this year. Towards the end of last year, they were getting on them in the morning, and now I don’t want them getting them until they are ready for the day.
Obviously, kids having phones wasn’t something my parents worried about when I was a kid. I remember when we got a cordless phone when I was in the 6th grade…that was the best thing ever! We definitely don’t have all the answers, and we’ve relaxed a bit with rules over the summer, but it’s time to get back focusing on school and managing time wisely.
My goals:
I always surprise myself that I’m not more disciplined in the summer. I guess I thrive a bit more with a routine. So, while getting back in the school routine usually takes a few weeks, I always appreciate it once we get going.
My goals are:
Workout 4-5 days a week. (I was decent with working out this summer, but like to have a plan). I honestly have the goal of getting up at 5:00 three days a week to knock my workout out before school…I’m going to give myself this week to just get up at my regular 6:00 time, but we’ll see starting next week if I can make the early mornings happen)
I want to get 8-10k steps per day. My goal this summer was 7,000 steps, and I got that many most days. While I was pretty good about working out, that doesn’t always give me lots of steps. It’s easier for me to get steps during the school day, of course. Plus, I want to try to walk a bit if I’m short on steps to reach the 8,000 goal.
Kroger pick up on Saturday. This really worked for me last year. Before that, I was usually picking up groceries on Sunday which felt like one more thing to do as the weekend was ending. Last year, I would meal plan and make my Kroger list on Thursday or Friday for pick up on Saturday. This summer, I haven’t been structured with groceries, and it’s time to get back at it!
A reminder for my kids:
Of course, we want Hayden and Hadley to be well-rounded individuals who are polite and respectful, but who will also stand up for what’s right.
Most of all, I care that my kids are inclusive and kind.
They certainly aren’t perfect, but I know at their core, they do their best to do the right thing, and I sure hope they are making good choices and being kind both when we are looking and when we aren’t looking as well.
I know middle school can be rough. High school can be difficult too. I’m hoping they continue to surround themselves with great friends, but I also hope they look out for those who need the friendly smile or a seat at the lunch table.
A person’s character is what matters most…not how fast they run, what classes they take, or how they score on a test. How they treat others is so important as well.
Because apparently I like to make myself cry leading up to the first day of school…here are a couple of fun flashbacks:
…the first day of kindergarten and the first day of 6th grade.
I probably won’t have a post tomorrow, but should have first day of school pics on Thursday.
I hope everyone has a great year…the kids, the parents, and the teachers!
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Well, we all survived the first day of school. Overall, I’d say it was a success.
While I’m always sad for summer break fo end, this was me by Tuesday evening:
On Monday, my district held a convocation at Rupp Arena. That meant that I had to be at school by 7:15 (earlier if I wanted the catered breakfast!) to board a yellow bus to Rupp. We were at convocation from 8:00 until about 1:00 and then we had time to work in our rooms. Then, on Tuesday, we had a faculty meeting and professional development from 8:30-1:00 with more time in our rooms in the afternoon.
Even though our county is in the “red” for Covid, we are still mask optional. The superintendent’s stance is that Covid is everchanging, and we’ll continue to navigate however we need to. The motto on wearing (or not wearing) masks is “Either way is ok.”
This summer felt so short, but it was great to finally see students on Wednesday.
Back to School Brinner:
We had our Back to School Brinner on Sunday. Hadley had dance late the two nights before school started, so I thought breakfast for dinner on Sunday would be good.
I pulled out my tub with supplies from last year (plus a couple of new additions), and set up the table.
I’ve used this same chalkboard since Kindergarten. 🙂
This year, I wrote a few things on the paper “runner” which I think the kids liked.
I picked the kids each up a book and a Bundt cake to add to their place settings. Otherwise, I used the same folder, plate, and napkins as in previous years.
Unfortunately, Travis was out of town, but I set a place for myself too!
I served fruit along with muffins and yogurt.
I also made Shay’s Bacon and Tot Casserole, and it hit the spot.
We all enjoyed dinner and chatted a bit about summer and the new school year. It’s a fun tradition that I hope the kids will let me do through high school!
First Day of School Photos:
We had a pretty easy breezy morning. I did wake the kids up a bit earlier than they will typically need to wake up, but I needed to get those first day of school photos.
This time last year, Hadley was a head taller than Hayden. He sure has caught up!
They both look like they are almost able to drive me to school.
I couldn’t resist Maddie’s (@maddiescookieco) Back to School cookies. I put them out for the kids to see in the morning.
Maddie’s Back to School “groovy” theme was so cute!
Travis got the kids off to school, and headed to school myself. Y’all, I can’t believe this is year 21 for me. Over the weekend, I cleaned out my bedside table (my final organizational task of the summer), and I found some old pictures…including this one of my first year teaching (2002-03). Check out that computer!
….and now!
Y’all, I was tired! Travis had been out of town since Saturday for work, so I was doing all the mom things + all the back to school teachers/mom things. Then, he got home home really late on Tuesday night (technically, Wednesday morning), so just didn’t get the best sleep. Truth be told, I always have trouble sleeping the night before school starts….back to school jitters, I guess.
Overall, it was a great day! It’s still weird for me not starting the year with classes full of students. Since I do intervention, teachers will start sending me students need week. That being said, I enjoyed helping students find their classes, passing out schedules, helping teachers, and whatever else needs to be done. It’s a great way to ease into the school year.
Back to School Interview:
I’m probably pressing my luck with the kids’ interviews, but here are the kids’ thoughts on heading back to school:
Hayden’s Thoughts:
As a 7th grader, I’m most excited about...being with my friends.
A goal I have this year is…to get all A’s.
I think my favorite subject will be…Social Studies
One thing I’d like to get better at this year…turning my work in on time.
The first day of school was... fun.
Hadley’s Thoughts:
As a 7th grader, I’m most excited about…being upstairs in the building.
A goal I have this year is….study for every test.
I think my favorite subject will be…math.
One thing I’d like to get better at this year…staying on top of my school work.
The first day of school was… chaotic and energetic.
The first day of school meant pjs as soon as I got home and an easy slow cooker dinner.
I hope everyone is having an easy transition back to school!
Hello and Happy Thursday! Have I ever told you that Thursdays are my favorite day of the week? I’m still very productive on a Thursday, but then I also know that the weekend is almost here as well!
Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.
This month’s topic is Back to School/Fall Planning. We are on week three of the school year and I’m always ready to think about fall, so I’m excited for today’s post!
1. Do you meal plan/prep? Favorite back to school recipe?
I meal plan more than I meal prep. I always plan our meals for the week on Saturday, so I can place my Kroger pickup order on Sunday. Sometimes Saturdays are too busy for meal planning and things get bumped a day, but I try my best to get organized before the week starts.
Actually, once Hayden is finished with baseball, my Saturdays will be more predictable. There are stretches of the school year where I do grocery pickup on Saturday which is my preference.
As far as my favorite back to school recipe, I’ve done muffins, fruit and yogurt for the kids on the first day of school. This year I started a new tradition with Back to School Brinner. This breakfast casserole was a hit.
I still had the muffins (made from a mix as well as some store bought ones), yogurt and fruit as well.
2. How do you buy and organize school supplies?
When the kids were in elementary school, we would take the school supply list and head to Walmart in early August. We’d actually make a day of it and get school supplies, back to school haircuts, and go out for lunch or ice cream.
This year I bought the supplies from their middle school. I figured with eight classes (and eight different teachers), I’d purchased the package deal, so we’d get exactly what the kids need.
After the first few days of school, Hadley had to help Hayden get all his supplies organized! haha
3. Any back to school traditions?
We have a few back to school traditions. Like I said, I used to have a Back to School Breakfast for the kids on the first day of school.
Now, it’s a Back to School Brinner.
Also, every year, I buy them a book for the grade their are in. It’s been surprisingly easy to find books for each grade. I haven’t looked for 7th or 8th grade books yet, but the elementary years were definitely easy to find.
Of course, there are back to school pictures before they leave for school.
Through they years, the kids have only bought school lunch to both of them bring a lunch and then even a mix in between. I’m always encouraging them to buy lunch because our district has free lunch for everyone…and it’s one less thing to do to pack lunches! The past couple of years they’ve mainly packed their lunch on their own if they didn’t want to buy.
This year, Hayden buys his lunch because middle school has a few more options. Hadley brings her lunch from home. She loves the Uncrustables (PBJ or Nutella) and usually brings fruit snacks, chips and either a fruit (She is very into raspberries right now) or a vegetable (like cucumbers!)
They don’t eat lunch until 1:00, so their teachers encourage them to bring a snack. Hayden loves Chomps, Hadley loves Cliff bars, and they both will bring snack packages of goldfish or Cheezits.
I always bring my lunch. Seriously, in twenty years of teaching, I’ve only bought school lunch on they day they serve their Thanksgiving meal!
5. Favorite thing about back to school then and now?
Even though I’m always sad to see summer go, it’s always good to get back on a schedule and get in a routine. I love the traditions we’ve started with breakfast/brinner, back to school photos, and more. In elementary school, I loved walking the kids to school on the first day.
6. Pumpkin spice – Hate or Love?
I used to love a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, but I don’t get those very often anymore. From September – November, I get by with a splash of creamer and pumpkin spice.
I love pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.
Last fall, I made these pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies, and I can’t wait to make them again.
7. Do you decorate for fall?
I will let you be the judge of that…
Yes! Haha! I love decorating for fall…maybe even more than when I decorate for Christmas. Of course, my fall decorations are up for a couple of months, so I get to enjoy them longer.
8. How do you transition your fall wardrobe?
I wear summer dresses with a cardigan almost daily. My classroom is pretty chilly, so I like to have the cardigan layer if needed.
These are some of my favorite cardigans:
The navy one I got last fall, and I love it. It’s a bit heavier, but super soft.
The green one is one that I got a few weeks ago. It’s lightweight, so it’s perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
The pink one is one that’s in my Amazon cart right now.
All of these come in a variety of colors. So many great options!
9. Favorite fall fashion staples:
See # 8 😉
I also mix like to mix in lightweight short sleeve sweaters. They are a great transition piece.
I purchased these two at the end of summer before my trip to California. They are both perfect to wear with shorts, denim, or pants.
We always start the second Wednesday in August. We start with a three day week, then have a four day week with no school on Friday, followed by a full week and then Labor Day. It’s nice to ease into the school year.
When I was a kid, we seemed to go Labor Day to Memorial Day. While we are usually out around Memorial Day, we are sometimes still in school until the very end of May.
So, that’s how we do back to school and plan for fall. What about you? What’s your favorite thing about fall?
I hope you are having a great week! Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts as well!
Happy Wednesday! Well, the 2021-22 school year is officially underway. We all had a great first day of school yesterday. While I always am sad to see summer wrap up, it’s always good for us to get back into a routine. Also, I was kind of ready to get the kids off to school just because this is a new phase for us with a new routine and a few nerves! I knew we’d all feel better after getting the first day under our belts.
Today, I’m sharing all the back to school things: our traditional brinner, first day of school photos, and a back to school interview with the kids.
Back to School Brinner:
Since Kindergarten, I’ve always set up the Back to School Breakfast for the kids.
With the transition to middle school, I thought I’d change things up a bit and have a Back to School Brinner. We had the brinner on Tuesday night to kick off the first day of school on Wednesday. Who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?
I used all my usual supplies that I keep organized in a bin.
Per tradition, I ordered a book for each of them and then picked up a mini bundt cake for dessert. (Red velvet for Hadley and lemon for Hayden.)
I kept it simple for mine and Trav’s place setting just using the napkins I already had and writing our names on a name tag.
I baked the same muffins from a mix that I typically make, put out yogurt and fruit and baked one of my favorite breakfast casseroles.
Hadley helped me roll out the parchment paper that I use to wrap presents, and it can also double as a runner for the kitchen table. I meant to write a few quotes, sayings, and other school related ideas, but I forgot!
We all love breakfast for dinner, and I don’t make it enough! It’s so easy, and we had the leftover casserole for dinner last night!
First Day of School Photos:
Middle school starts way later than elementary school in our district, so it’s going to take us a few days to get the hang of “how late can we actually sleep in?” On the first day, we definitely didn’t want to run late, so the kids were up and at ’em and ready to start the day.
They had breakfast, got dressed, did their hair, (and Hayden officially has the hang of putting in his contacts on his own…just in time!), and then obliged me with a few photos.
I can’t get over how much older they look!
They both were really excited and didn’t seem nervous at all. (Also, I almost mentioned that they were unknowingly #twinning with their outfits, but I knew Hayden would change if I did mention it!)
After the photos, they grabbed their backpacks and masks, and they were ready to start the day!
I thought about them all day long. Hadley sent me an email when she was in math class. I love my emails from Hadley! For them, I was the most nervous for lunch. I remember that feeling of looking around the cafeteria and wanting to find someone you know to sit with at lunch. Obviously, they know many kids from elementary school, but a lot of their friends are on the other 6th grade team. They reported back that they have to sit with their class at lunch (for Covid tracing), and that it worked out okay.
Back to School Interview:
Hayden’s Thoughts:
This year, I’m excited about: having in person school.
By the end of the year, I want to: earn straight A’s.
My favorite subject is: social studies.
I love learning about: history.
I’m great at: reading.
My favorite school cafeteria food is: nachos.
If I was the principal for the day, I would: let kids do whatever they want.
When I grow up, I want to be: undecided.
The best thing about school is: lunch.
My first day of school was: good.
Bonus: One thing I’m looking forward to in middle school is: sports.
Hadley’s Thoughts:
This year, I’m excited about: changing classes during the day.
By the end of the year, I want to: have good grades and know my way around the school.
My favorite subject is: Language Arts.
I love learning about: foods from different cultures.
I’m great at: being organized.
My favorite school cafeteria food is: spaghettiand nachos.
If I was the principal for the day, I would: let the students be in charge.
When I grow up, I want to be: an elementary teacher.
The best thing about school is: meeting new friends.
My first day of school was: awesome.
Bonus: One thing I’m looking forward to in middle school is: having more freedom than I did in elementary school
I’m so pleased that they had a great first day, and I hope it continues for the entire year. I know middle school can provide some tough years, and I’m thankful they have each other…even if they don’t realize how lucky they are!
See you back here tomorrow for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Hello and Happy Thursday. How is your week going?! We are in that transition to back to school (yay!) which means earlier wake up calls, the hustle and bustle of making lunches and packing backpacks, and the rush of getting out the door. While that all can be exhausting, I’m here for it!
Today, I’m reflecting on the last 355 days at home for virtual learning as I know it’s a time the kids and I will always remember, and this post will be perfect to have those thoughts all in one place.
Virtual Learning:
March – May 2020: We all mastered Google Meet and Google Classroom. We lived in two weeks chunks of time while decisions were made at the state and district level about in person learning. Most days, the kids could sleep in before joining their class Google Meet at 10:00. They were on with their teachers for about an hour before completing their work for the day. Even a field trip and field day took place virtually. We missed out on fun events like the school carnival. I heard the sadness in their teachers’ voices as they said goodbye for the summer. None of us realized how long we’d be out of school.
August 2020: Back to school was delayed a few weeks, and we started school on August 26 rather than August 12th. Leading up to the first day of school, we drove through the car line at school to pick up materials and meet the teachers from our car while wearing masks. We decided to send the kids to a pod (at my friend Amy’s with their school friends…mostly girls, much to Hayden’s chagrin!) two days a week. “Back to School Night” was held via Zoom.
August 2020-March 2021: Synchronous and Asynchronous instruction were the new “buzz words” for the year. We mastered Zoom, Canvas, and Google Classroom. The kids’ school day was much more structured, and they spent most of the morning on Zoom. They had a 1.5 hour chunk of time for lunch and would often play with their friends in the neighborhood or at the school play ground. They would get back on Zoom in the afternoon for the last hour of the school day. Parent/teacher conferences we held via telephone. We lived in bigger chunks of time while waiting for decisions on return to in person learning. The number of school activities the kids missed out on is endless: field trips, lunch bunch, spaghetti/puzzle night, chorus concerts, academic team, clubs, the books fair, and more. January 2021: Their school schedule basically remained the same, but with an earlier start time and a bit more structure with the goal of prepping for a return to in person learning. Late February 2021: We learned that K-2 would begin on February 22 and 3rd-5th grades would start on March 3.
What we thought would be a few weeks in March and April of 2020 turned into months…and almost of a year of learning at home.
Real talk: I actually teared up typing this time line…I can’t believe we’ve made it through this time. There have certainly been ups, downs, learning curves, tears, frustration, and more.
Thankfully, they have amazing teachers who have hosted virtual lunch bunch, dropped off gifts on front porches, met with students individually who were struggling academically, made phone calls home with words of encouragement, waved as we drove through the car line, and so much more.
At the pod, the kids were able to read in groups, play games, bake, have holiday parties, learn about the election process, go roller skating, and experience many more fun activities.
Memories at home learning provided us…
and some things I will miss about at home learning...
The kids showing me what they are working on and asking for help.
Meals: enjoying leisurely breakfasts and lunches. (Bonus: Hadley now can make a quesadilla and soup on her own. Hayden has mastered heating Spaghetti O’s on the stove and can make a mean grilled cheese!)
Hearing their awesome teachers and the sweet replies of their classmates.
(also) Hearing Hayden and Hadley’s thoughtful responses when sharing answers with their classes.
Friday Chick-fil-A lunch
Time outside with them during “recess” and going for walks
Flexibility and maximizing our time: I’ve been able to start dinner in the slow cooker at 10:00 am vs 7:00 am, they’ve completed chores on a break, and we’ve been able to schedule ortho appointments during lunch break.
Extra Homer snuggles
Impromptu play dates during recess or learning at home with friends
Pajama pants as suitable school attire!
That being said, it’s time. It’s been 355 days since they’ve walked into their school building. They only have nine weeks left in the elementary school building they’ve attended since kindergarten.
Real talk (again!): I’ve also said that their age during this time has been a blessing. They are old enough to work pretty independently, but are young enough to still need me. I will treasure this experience forever, but I’m also happy to release them to the elementary educational professionals 😉
I asked them both what they will miss about at home learning and why they are excited to return to the building. Here are their responses:
Hayden:
I will miss being at home with Homer all day.
I’m excited to actually be in the school building to learn with my teachers and friends.
Hadley:
I will miss being able to stay in my pjs while learning at home.
I’m excited to see my friends and my teacher in person.
A few photos:
First day at the pod: August 26, 2020
Last day at the pod: March 2, 2021
First day of 5th grade: August 26, 2020
First day of in person learning, 5th grade: March 3, 2021
Back to School Breakfast (again!)
I decided to have another back to school breakfast, and was able to put this together pretty quickly thanks to a trip to The Dollar Tree (thanks, Amy, for the idea!) and a few items from my “Back to School Breakfast tub.
I love these little lunch trays from The Dollar Tree, and I assembled an easy breakfast of donuts, yogurts, Cuties, and juice boxes.
I got them each a little notebook and the “Star Student” tags were perfect for the lunch trays.
When they enter the building, they go through a thermal scanner to have their temperatures taken, there are plastic dividers at their desks, they will eat lunch at their desks, they have to stay with their classes at recess, and some of the their specials teachers will come to them.
I received emails from both kids within the first couple hours of school 😂
Hayden was telling me he’d forgotten his watch, and could I bring it to school (the answer was no) 😂, and Hadley’s email brought tears to my eyes. She said she was so happy to be at school and that her teacher cried happy tears!
Their assistant principal sent me pictures of them at their desks. Hadley looks so happy, and I’m proud of Hayden for “going with the flow.” ( I know that’s not easy for him).
Hadley’s teacher shared this photo with me. So far, Hadley has been pretty consistent with her plans to be an elementary school teacher 😊
I know school will look so different compared to when they were last there on March 13, 2020, but I’m forever grateful for the school administrators, teachers and staff who have made this transition from at home learning to in person learning as smooth as possible. The school sign said, ‘Welcome back,” there were lawn letters greeting them with sweet “back to school” wishes, and so many wonderful teachers were outside waving and opening car doors at car line yesterday morning.
Everyone was smiling: students, teachers, and parents, and even a mask couldn’t hide the enthusiasm that returning to the school building after 355 days has brought to everyone.
My wish for the kids: “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” ~ Dr. Seuss
(read: mom loves you, but bye!) 😉
The weight of the pandemic, as a mom and as a teacher, has been very difficult…probably more difficult than I have realized at times. Getting my kids back to school yesterday was a huge step towards normalcy, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Next week, students start to return to my school building, and I’m so looking forward to that next step as well!
Thanks so much for reading today’s post. I hope you’re having a great week. I know mine sure has taken a turn for the better!
Happy September 1st! I feel like the month of August flew by….and now I’m ready for September and for it to feel like fall!
I’m linking up with Tanya today for her monthly Prime Purchases post.
Well, the theme of this month’s Prime Purchases appears to be: Back to School, Books & Beauty!
Back to School:
Hadley needed a new backpack, and both kids needed updated headphones. Then, since the kids will take their lunch a couple days a week to the tutor’s house, I picked up a pack of lunchbox notes! Both the backpack and headphones (gray for Hayden and gold for Hadley) come in a variety of color options.
I shared in a previous post about our back to school (virtual!) plans. I thought it would benefit Hayden to have a desk in his room. After reading Amanda’s post, I found a similar 39 inch desk for Hayden, but now I can’t even find it on Amazon. I also purchased the organizer for his desk and the baskets for both Hayden and Hadley’s at home school supplies.
I’m a big fan of the library, so I don’t buy books very often. That being said, the wait list at the library for 28 Summers and The Giver of the Stars is forever long. I mentioned in yesterday’s post, that 28 Summers seems to be the book of the summer, and I didn’t want to miss out! #fomo I’ve heard great things about The Giver of the Stars, so I went ahead and purchased it too, but haven’t gotten to reading it just yet.
The kids are reading The Indian in the Cupboard at their tutor’s house, so I picked them each up a copy of the book.
My sinuses are forever acting up typically due to allergies. Also, I tend to wake up with puffy under eyes. My new morning routine while reading emails and scrolling social media, is to use the cool, straight from the fridge, jade roller under my eyes, on my forehead, and on my sinuses. I’ve even rolled it on my temples and on the back of my neck to help alleviate a headache recently!
And…I’ve been using the Seche Vite base and top coat for over a year. They are both essential to making my at home manicures last. The bottles last quite awhile, but my bottles were running low, so I ordered a new set recently.
So that’s a peek at my Amazon orders for the month of August. After ordering all the back to school stuff, I said to Hadley, “I’m finished ordering from Amazon for a while…” Then, when my books and other few orders started arriving, she said, “Mom, I thought you were finished with Amazon!” I never should have uttered those words! #cantquitamazon #amazonistherealMVP
October 6th is the next Amazon link up. Make sure to check out Tanya’s post! What have you been priming lately?
Hello and Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Ours was actually pretty laid back with only a baseball game on Saturday. We started our weekend early on Friday by going for a family hike (more about that tomorrow!). Saturday afternoon, Hayden had a baseball game, and Saturday night we had a patio get together with neighbors. Sunday had me soaking in my final day of summer.
Speaking of which, today is my first day of school as far as teacher responsibilities go. For now, I’m working from home as much as I can until we get in a groove with the kids once they start back virtually.
I’m linking up with Lauren, Ashley, and others for their Not Just a Mom series.
This month’s topic is “Back to School Freedom.”
Well, I don’t usually gain any freedom when school starts back as I swap my two kids for about 150 high schoolers 😉
This year, those two kids are starting the 5th grade virtually as I work mostly from home as well. So, understand these pandemic circumstances I don’t think I will have much freedom.
That being said, since we are talking about back to school, I thought I’d share a few more in-depth details about our traditional Back to School Breakfast on the first day of school.
I’ve mentioned this tradition a couple times recently, and I know it may seem like a lot of work, but I wanted to take a minute to share the methods behind my madness, and that really the cute breakfast set up only takes a few minutes.
Back 2 School Breakfast 2019 (4th grade)
Decorations:
Hayden’s breakfast place setting:
Hadley’s breakfast place setting:
I have a couple of these chalkboards from Hobby Lobby that I use for their first day of school photos.
The kids have had these clipboards since preschool, so I use one to display the Back to School Breakfast sign which is glued on to wide lined writing paper. We had pads of that paper when the kids were learning to write.
I have this basket as a decoration on our built ins, so I just borrow it and add a few apples for decoration. I put the muffins on a cake plate for decoration but also for them to grab and eat before getting ready.
Specifics on a few decorations:
A: Years ago, I printed the Back to School Breakfast page from Pinterest. (And, as I mentioned above, I just glued it on a piece of wide lined paper.)
B: I purchased the paper apples from Amazon. There are quite a few in the pack, so I just use one each year to write their grade.
C: I also got the This School Year Will Be the Best! book from Amazon years ago. When the kids were little, we’d read it together the evening of the first day of school.
D: Again, another Amazon purchase with the red and white checkered napkins. There are many in the pack, and I just fold one in half to sit on their plate each year.
E: The best pencils around. Dixon Ticonderoga! I just keep this same pack of pencils to use as a decoration in a mason jar for the breakfast.
F: I think last year was the first year I started using a folder and sticky note for a placemat after getting that idea from Andrea (which is where I also got the Back to School Breakfast idea. She does a “brinner” the night before school starts.) I had the sticky notes on hand and picked up the folders while back to school supply shopping with the kids.
G: The black plates and colorful cups I picked up a Target a couple of years ago.
Food:
My kids like these Betty Crocker chocolate chip muffins. I make them occasionally, and when I do, I usually make two packs and freeze some.
So, I make these the night before and serve with strawberries and yogurt. So, nothing fancy, but different than their typical waffle or cereal bar.
Goodies:
I’ve lucked out the past couple of years with these cute cookies from Maddie’s Cookie Co. here in Lexington. The mini cookies are perfect for a decoration on their placemat, and the perfect lunch or after school treat.
Amazon always comes in clutch with a book with the kids’ grade. This year, I found Tales of the Fifth-Grade Knight for Hayden, and President of the Whole Fifth Grade for Hadley.
Then, everything goes in this storage tub until the next school year! I truly am able to decorate in ten minutes because I just store everything in this tub.
So, those are just a few details of our traditional Back to SchoolBreakfast. Do you have any back to school traditions? I shared how we prep for back to school in a post last week.
Enjoy these last few days of summer! I know we’ll make the best of this school year no matter if it’s in person, virtually, or a hybrid schedule.
Also, moms of little ones…don’t blink. I clearly remember taking this first day of kindergarten picture five years ago. (and wiping away tears as I dropped them off in their classrooms.) 😭
Now, my kids are on their last year of elementary school. How is that even possible?
Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts and link up next month to talk about your skin care and make up routine.
Thanks so much for reading, and have a great week.
We started back to school this week…and the go to bed at a decent time / wake up early struggle is real (for the adults as well as the kids!) Once the kids started kindergarten, I decided I better go all in to get them excited about going back to school. To be honest, my goal with sending them off to school to have the best day ever is also for myself. Each year, I’m a little sad when I realize how quickly time is passing. Also, each year, it’s hard for me to get in my own back to school groove. While I’m always happy to get back in my classroom and meet new students, it’s not as simple as that. As a teacher, with the return to school, it also means: meetings, organizing my classroom, planning lessons, making copies, learning 150 new names, writing a professional growth plan, evaluations, waking up early…the list goes on and on…as well as juggling life and activities at home.
After reading about her brinner a few years ago, I thought it would be fun to start the Back to School Breakfast tradition at my house.
It may look like a lot of effort goes into kicking the school year off right for my family, but I have it down to a science now, and I keep all my props in a tub with lid that I just pull out when it’s time for our Back to School Breakfast.
I set up the night before school starts. I’m always afraid I will forget something in the morning if I wait until then.
I bake the muffins a day or two before. Usually, I ‘m throwing a PopTart at them to eat in the morning, so I’m always happy to start the school year with muffins, yogurt, and strawberries. The muffins are just made from a Betty Crocker mix. Easy peasy.
I printed the “Back to School Breakfast” page off of the internet back when the kids were in kindergarten and have kept it in a folder for safe keeping.
Like most of my back to school books, I found This School Year Will Be the Best Yet on Amazon a few years ago. When the kids were younger, we usually read it after the first day of school, but now that doesn’t seem to always happen.
I always just pull a few apples from the fridge to add as decoration, and the kids snack on them later, of course.
I’ve had this chalkboard for years. I actually have a couple of them, and sometimes I use them around the house. After using it for a breakfast decoration, the kids use it for the back to school pictures I make them take 😉
I believe this is the third year that I’ve purchased back to school cookies for the kids. I’ve had such great luck buying cookies from some local ladies to support their small businesses. These cookies are from Maddie’s Cookie Company here in Lexington,and I’ve even taken a couple of decorating classes from her. I always have so much fun and dream of doing this one day on the side…but it takes so much time and effort. I certainly understand the price point after seeing what goes in to making these cookies.
The black plates, book, napkins and paper apples all came from Amazon. Honestly, it was a 20 pack of napkins, but I use the same folded one every year. The apples came in a pack as well, and I just use a new one each year and write their new grade level on it. I think this is the second year I’ve use the folder as a placemat with the same sticky note with their name on it. The placemat idea came from the Momfessionals blog. Lastly, I’m always surprised with what books I find on Amazon after searching for whatever grade the kids are starting. Thankfully, both my kids like to read, so it’s a way to keep them reading and give them something to start the year.
Luckily, the kids oblige with my back to school pictures, and I appreciate it. Time is flying by, and it’s nice to have the pictures to compare each year. (while I’m curled up in the corner crying 😉 Hadley’s shirt is the best: More Summer Please!
It’s such a blessing to live so close to our kids’ elementary school. We always walk the first day (and I snap a backpack picture). We usually walk 2-3 days a week until November and then again in the spring when it warms up after spring break. We’d walk every day, but I have to hustle to school, so dropping off some days does provide for a quicker turn around time for me. I really enjoy walking with them, and Travis joins us on the walk as well (and this year, Homer too!)…thus giving the two of us 1:1 time when we walk home to get a plan for whatever activities we have going on after school or that week.
This year, their school really welcomed the students with cute and colorful yard signs!
Lastly, here’s my classroom as I start my 18th year of teaching. I’m hoping all three of us have a great year!
It’s hard to believe that I only have one more back to school breakfast for the kids before they start middle school. Middle school has a later start time, so I may have to use the Back to School Brinner idea because who knows what our mornings will look like once the kids are in 6th grade?! It may sound cheesy, but I always want all three of us to start the year putting our best feet forward, and I think the breakfast tradition is a great way to set the tone for the year.
I hope everyone has had a great first week of school. I’ve taken a nap every afternoon this week as the back to school transition is always the hardest on me! I’m planning on resting up this weekend before all of our activities start up next week!
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