School Days...

We are almost finished with our second full week of school and all is well. Everyone, including mom, is adjusting well.

Homework is in full swing. Brayden had his first assignment this week to work on his word journal, as well as learning to write his name in D'Nealian form. It is a form of writing that will help them transition into handwriting in 1st or 2nd grade.

He already has a best friend. He didn't know his name the first couple of days of school, but he knew that he was his best friend. : ) Johnny is his name. Johnny's mom's name is Aimee too, easy to remember.

When we talk about his day he tells me that he gets tired of coloring, writing his name and talking about apples (an apple theme right now).  Going from 3 day 2-1/2 hour preschool to full day of more work than play I am sure is hard, plus he is only 5. He never complains about going though. His favorite part of school is still lunch.

Sarah has had a little bit of homework each night. She had her first test today, as well as two quizzes.

Sarah has been invited this year to be a part of the Gifted, Creative and Talented program (GCT) at school. It is a program where each week she will attend a class with other students and work on different projects that challenge them. You have to be invited to be a part of the program.

We had Back To School last night with the opportunity to visit Brayden's class and the different classes and teachers that Sarah has throughout the day.

We of course knew Brayden's teacher, Mrs. Arnoldi. Have I mentioned how much I love Mrs. Arnoldi? Yes? Let me just state once again she is an AMAZING teacher. She shared with J and I last night that she is thrilled to have Brayden (of course she is, who wouldn't love our boy) and recognizes how different Brayden is from Sarah, very active and ALL boy. She said "All in a good way, I mean". I am thankful she sees Brayden for who he is and is excited to be his teacher this year.

We met the majority of Sarah's teachers and as soon as we introduced ourselves as her parents they commented "Sarah is such a hard worker", "Sarah is so sweet", "I never worry about her". We couldn't be prouder of her.

Jason and I came home reassured that our kids are going to be just fine at school this year.

Since Jason's day off is on Monday, he and I now have an official "Date Day". We were so excited. Our first day wasn't really a date since I talked Jason into going clothes shopping for Brayden, but at least we were together. We will both being looking forward to Mondays and time together.

MTS Week 4...

Here are the pictures from my final 9 days. What a GREAT experience! I have to say though that I am so glad these 30 days are over, it was a lot of work. I am proud of the pictures I took and so thankful for my teacher, Heather, for her encouragement and suggestions on how to make them even better.

Day 22 - An Animal

Day 23 - Your Favorite Book

Day 24 - Something Green

Day 25 - Eyes

Day 26 - Something You Love

Day 27 - Colorful

Day 28 - Starburst

Day 29 - Reflection

Day 30 - Self Portrait

Loose Teeth and the Tooth Fairy...

On the morning we were leaving to come home from Florida a couple of weeks ago, Brayden lost his first tooth while waiting at the Delta Airlines counter to check our luggage. He and Sarah were playing around and some how Sarah knocked his tooth and out it came. I didn't realize how loose the tooth really was. It startled Brayden, started crying and wasn't quite sure what was happening. We were all excited for him and telling him how great it was, but he wasn't so sure about it.

After a couple of minutes he calmed down and was excited to see what his new empty space looked like.

Once we got home and settled, Brayden got his tooth set up in hopes for the Tooth Fairy to come.

Can you see it? Really tiny.

In the end, we put it on his bed post. We wanted to make sure the Tooth Fairy found it.

Hugs & Kisses. Ready for sleep.

The next morning Brayden came down with what the Tooth Fairy had left for him, $2.00.

Yesterday, tooth #2 came out, which was right next to tooth #1. We knew it was loose and have just been waiting for it to come out. The last couple of days it has just been hanging there, but Brayden did not want to put it. So, while we were at our Parsippany campuses Fun Fest yesterday it came out while he was playing on the merry-go-round. Oh, the places these teeth come out.

We got setup again for the Tooth Fairy last night. Somehow she never disappoints and brought $2 again.

Tooth #3, which just so happens to be next to tooth #1 is loose as well. However, it is just a little wiggly so it could be a few weeks before the Tooth Fairy needs to come back again.

First Day of School...

The kids are off to school. All went well. I shed a few tears after B-bear walked in. I think it will take a couple of days for this mommy to adjust, but I will. :)

Our Kindergartner, so proud of him. Mrs. Arnoldi, Brayden's teacher, sent him this special card to decorate any way he wanted. He choose Star Wars, Angry Birds, Hot Wheels, Hulk and Spider Man stickers. No coloring, nothing fancy. Brayden has a Spider-Man backpack and lunch box this year.

Our 7th grader. Sarah looked so beautiful this morning. We straightened her hair yesterday and then did a side french braid this morning. Mommy's beauty shop was open this morning as it usually is for the first day of school. I forgot to get a picture of the braid, but this is the braid we did. Sarah picked out her outfit and we got the boots yesterday at Marshall's. She loves them and was so happy with her "first" day outfit.

Family pictures. By this time the kids are saying "Can we just go to school now?" No! You must take a picture with everyone single family member here. LOL!

And we are off...

 

Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, It's off to school we go.

Sarah informed us that once we arrive at school she would like us not to come to her side of the blacktop. We can say our goodbyes at the gate. She is in 7th grade now and can't be having her parents cramp her style. I am sure I probably felt the same in 7th grade. However, today she had to endure her parents and both sets of grandparents walking her into school. 

She met two of her girlfriends walking in and was mortified when I asked her if I could take her picture with them.  I just had to though. I am so proud of her.

She never said I couldn't take pictures from the other side of the blacktop.

Ready to drop off our B-bear.  Last pics.

Mrs. Arnoldi telling all the parents "You Can Do This!"

Lined up and ready to go.

Last wave goodbye.

See you at 1:16!

Mrs. Arnoldi was Sarah's Kindergarten teacher, so we are beyond thrilled that Brayden gets to have her as his first teacher as well. Mrs. Arnoldi is that teacher that you never forget, she is a special lady. We know that our B-bear is in good hands.

This week Brayden will go just half a day until 1:16, next week will be full days. Sarah will get out at 3:16 this week.  I can't wait to hear all about their FIRST days.

September is here...

September has finally arrived. I can't say I am happy about it, but time moves on and so must we.

We have had an amazing summer and I have loved the time with my hubby and kids. Our cup has overflowed with rest and relaxation. No schedules to adhere to, except for Jason who works so hard so that we can have no schedule to adhere to. Thank you, honey. Lazy mornings and late nights have been wonderful. Our time with friends and family have been so fun. Vacations memorable.

Yesterday, we were at the Struss' cabin on Greenwood Lake (the cabin our scrapbook weekends take place at), which is one of my favorite places. As I sat watching the beautiful scenery and our kids fishing, tubing, having fun, listening to conversations, I didn't want the day to end. I was soaking it all in and thankful for all that this summer has brought.

Riding the torpedo with the Smiths.

Ella, Sarah and Trinity

Brayden driving the boat.

Brayden got 10 fish in about 20 minutes.

Sarah, so proud of her fish.

Making s'mores to end the perfect day.

Tomorrow is a new season. School begins for my 7th grade girl and my Kindergarten boy. As much as I don't want to say it, it is time to return to a schedule at least Mondays through Fridays. We all know that we need it, except for Brayden who really doesn't have a clue yet what school really means. As wonderful as summer has been we have had our days of being together for to many hours and needing space. Schedule is good, it will get us back on track with some things that we have let go by the wayside this summer. Even though a schedule will be good for us my heart is a little tender with B-bear starting Kindergarten, just as it was when I first sent Sarah off to school. It will be a new season for me, no little ones at home with me.

I woke up to early this morning and before I could fall back asleep my thoughts went to my girlfriend, Melissa, knowing she would be getting up soon to send her girl, Cayla, off to school today. I will be in the same boat tomorrow.  I prayed for us both that the Lord would help us as we send our kiddos off and trusting the Lord is watching over them. As I prayed I felt the sweet reminder of how very much the Lord loves my kids and watches over them. I was reminded of how very much the Lord loves me and knows my heart. He knows how hard it is for me to let go sometimes. He has got it under control though and I can rest and take comfort in Him. It was exactly what I needed to hear before I started my day. Exactly what I needed to help me through this last day of summer.