Back to School Again

It's that time of year again... those 3 little words that most children dread hearing...
Back To School!

Now I remember those days way back when I used to be in school. The first day of school was the most exciting day because I got to see all my old friends I hadn't seen in 3 months. But that also meant seeing the kids I didn't like as well so that was the not-so-fun part about going back to school! Oh, and seeing who you had to put up with the remainder of the year in the classroom was in your class for another school year. I can remember there were always a couple kids I didn't want in my class because they were mean. And I knew I was doomed the whole year if I saw their face that first morning I walked in. Then there were my best friends I had in school that I always wanted in my class. Sometimes I would be lucky and be in the same room with them, and other years I wouldn't be so fortunate. Aw yes, the first day of school was always exciting, nerve wracking and scary all in one!

Today was the famous day in our household. It's amazing how both of my kids were up and going before I was even rolled out of bed this morning. Maybe that was just coincidence with the little one though. She laid in her room crying she needed me because she had to potty. I told her to get her butt up and go! So of course she was up and needed entertained while I still had to take a shower, throw on my clothes, make-up and all else that goes along with the morning routine!

Don't get me wrong, I love it when kids get out of school for the summer in May. But by August I'm ready to get back into a routine and a schedule of some kind. It seems like the 9:00 - 9:30 bedtime I mandate during the school year dissolves completely in the summer! My little one is typically in bed before big sis but I'm lucky to get my oldest in bed before midnight these days! So last night I specifically told her she HAD to be in bed by 10:30 at the absolute latest. So after dragging her feet, taking a longggg hot shower, taking 10 minutes to brush her teeth, 15 minutes to comb her hair, another 10 to pet the cat, another 20 to finalize packing her backpack with all the pretty new pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, and folders (you get the idea) for the big first day and laying her clothes out, she finally hit the pillow by 11:40. So my guess is that she will be dragging tired by the weekend...

Back to this morning, I headed to her room to wake her up and I wasn't even to her door yet and she yelled "I'm up Mommy!" So the sleepy child that I can barely get out of bed every morning and has no morning motivation was up at the crack of dawn raring to get the day started. Did I mention how I love the first day of school??? Why isn't it that my kids can get up and get themselves ready everyday of the year without any motivation from me?? Maybe everyday can be the first day back to school. Think the school board would vote for that idea? Yeah, I didn't think so either...

So after getting everyone ready it was time to head to the front yard for the annual first day of school picture. I know I am not the only crazy mother that does this. Just ask any of my scrapbooking friends ~ they will tell you the same. The child cannot leave for school on the first day without their famous picture taken in their new school clothes and their new backpack looking frilly and fancy that first day! After all, there is only ONE first day of school every year. And I have gotten that first day pic every year, so why stop now? I still have another 14 years worth of first day school pictures to take!

Next year I might not be so calm and collected about this whole first day of school matter. Because there will be a huge change this time next year. My "baby" will be in kindergarten and I will be the crying crazy mom on that day. If you know me at all, you know that I will probably take the entire day off work, follow her bus to school, drive by the school a few thousand couple times just to make sure the building is still standing and ensure her safety. I will probably wait at the end of the driveway an hour before her bus comes just to make sure I don't miss the big moment my baby girl gets off the bus for the first time ever. OMG I think I need a kleenex! *Pout* *Sniffle* *Pout*

Oh and the year after that will create an even bigger change then the baby going to kindergarten. The big "baby" girl will be off to middle school and I know without a doubt that I am so NOT ready for that. Maybe I can just keep her 9 years old for a couple more years! I don't think she would agree with me, but I thought it sounded like a good idea. Since she is not a morning person at all, she will have to get used to starting class at the time she is used to getting up and stretching out of bed. But I will deal with that when the times comes...

Good luck to all kids starting back to school today or in the near future! Remember this day only comes around once a year (just like Christmas). So treasure those first day school memories because someday you will look back and miss those days. And for all those parents out there... try not to cheer too much when the kids head back to school. After all school is a prison for children. Oops, did I just type that? Oh, my mistake... school is so important for our children because they receive an education and learn that 2+2=4 and other important things about life. School does shape our children into who they will be as an adult so it is highly important that they make the most of it while they are in school. We as parents sometimes have a hard time letting our children go but we must remember we can't keep them as babies forever. They are supposed to grow and be shaped and molded into their own person. So just hope that you have raised them to the best of your ability and instilled some morals in their brains. Even though our kids are growing, they will still love us as parents and grow up to respect us someday. So cherish the memories and make the most of your time with your kids because they don't stay little forever!

September Blog Preview: My baby enters preschool next month so watch out for that blog! My keyboard will probably be soaked when I write it =-(