Back to School 2018-2019

  Back to School 

I am one of those moms who absolutely LOVES having all my kids home everyday during the summer. I know that these days go by so fast and I just embrace the crazy knowing that not everyday will be ideal. I dread all things back to school. The supply shopping, the strict schedule, the stress, homework, and much more. We have a few traditions that we like to do each year to make the process more fun for us all. 

1.  School Clothes Shopping: 3-4 weeks before school starts we take a family day and all go shopping together. We grab all our faves and cram into the biggest fitting room they have. Yes it gets crazy and I feel like I'm running the WHOLE time getting different sizes and hanging clothes but they love it. We usually break up the day with a nice lunch or end the day with a supper out eating of their choice. 

(places I like to shop for the kids) 

-Justice 

-Old Navy

-Carters 

   2. Fashion Show:The evening we get home from school shopping the kids like to separate all their clothes and model them for us (mom & dad). They go in a room together and all get dressed and walk out one at a time for us to see the entire outfit. Its so exciting to them. We just set on the couch and enjoy every second. 

  3. Family Dinner: The night before school starts we have a family dinner (which is hard to do with our busy schedules to get everyone to set down and eat together).  I cook their favorite meal and we just talk all things back to school. What they are excited about, not excited about, goals for the year, friends, favorite subject.  Its nice to just listen to how they are feeling about it all. 

 This years Menu 

Spaghetti, cheesy green beans, salad, and garlic bread

    4. Breakfast: I cook a big breakfast of their choice the first day. Some years its bacon and eggs and some years its simple. This year they requested cherry turnovers (and no not homemade… from a box). 

    5. Sign: I always order a first day of school sign or use a chalk board we have used before to write their grade and year on. We take a photo that morning before school with these. 

   6. Dad takes the morning off: The first day Matt always takes the morning off to take on the crazy morning with me and help get the kids ready. Then we go together to drop them off. Its important for us to be there together for these milestones when we can. 

• This Year is Mavericks first year of all day school and my momma heart was not sure I could handle it. Last year he attempted MDO 5 times and hated it. It broke my hear to see him cry so we decide he was not ready and we would wait till this year. We had a lot going on last year with the move. So honestly I wasn't sure how things would go the first day. He did AMAZING. We walked him in and his teacher greeted him right away and took him right to his seat. He was all smiles. He started talking to the little boy next him like they were friends forever. My heart was instantly at ease but at the same time I new the water works were coming. MY baby is growing UP. He kept looking back up at Matt and I too make sure we were still there and as he watched other parents leaving. I think it  hit him, that we were leaving as well. I could tell if we hung around much longer he was going to cry. So we smiled big and said "we love you buddy, see you after school". We walked out and then came mommas tears. Why are these moments so hard?! Im excited to see his independence this year. 
•  Taylor is in 4th grade this year and is so excited to have Mrs. Varner as her teacher. Taylor is so smart and loves her friends but girlfriend is a homebody. She would choose to stay at home with her family over anything else. CHANGE is so hard for her. She is a girl of routine and all is great in her world until you change it. The few days before school starts back she struggles sleeping and is filled with questions. She worries about EVERYTHONG.  It usually takes her about a week to get back in the swing of things and then she is good to go. I always try to talk her through the anxiety and reassure her that everything will be great. She is pretty care free until  you get he rout of her element. I'm so excited to watch her grow this year.  
• Teegan is in Middle school this year!! I can not believe its that time already! She was nervous about the change of buildings this year and not knowing her way around but otherwise pretty confident. She was at ease after meet the teacher night and she learned all her classes are mostly in one hallway. Teegan loves a challenge and enjoys keeping busy so I know she will do great things this year. Middle school is tough and I pray that she uses her faith to help her rise above any fear or worry. I pray that she stays true to who she is. She is excited for all the sports she is doing this year and we are so excited to watch her continue to grow into a strong young lady. 
• Tenleigh gets mom all to herself this year! I'm so overwhelmed with emotions only having one at home, but att the same time I'm so excited for all the one on one time I will get with my sweet girl. Her world is going to change. She is used to having someone to play with. Momma will have to step up her game of entertaining. We got this!!

     Bring on the 2018-2019 school year!!!

XOXO,

Shina 

This is TWELVE

This is TWELVE

I cant believe my firstborn is 12. this is your last year before you enter your teens. I always thought this day was so far away BUT its here. Our baby girl is growing up way to fast.

Teegan Reilly, you have grown up so much and made your daddy and I so proud. You continue to amaze us every single day. You are fiercely independent and still a total mommas girl. I love it when you snuggle up to me on the couch, lay your head in my lap and want me to play with your hair or tickle your back. I love that you always want my opinion on what you should wear for school, or how you should wear your hair.

You have experienced a lot of change this year with a new town, new house, and new school but you never skipped a beat. You surprise me so much at how well you adjust to new things and embrace whatever life throws at you. You never one time complained or showed frustration. You have made great new friends and are doing so well in school. I hope that you always know how proud we are of you. You are so driven in every aspect.

You are my little perfectionist and love for all things to be the way you like it. From the way your bed is made, to how your ponytail looks, to your school work, and how spotless your room is. I never have to tell you clean up your room or make your bed. Haha your room is more clean than mine on a regular basis. I love that you know exactly how you want things and will do what it takes to make it that way.

Sports are your thing and you have done so well this year. We have loved watching you play basketball, cheerleading, softball, and gymnastics. You always make us proud and always have a positive attitude win or lose. I hope that you always remember as long as you give 100% that is all that matters. I hope that you always have a love for basketball like you do know. Its amazing the confidence and smile you have on the court. I will forever remember these moments.

I love your contagious laughter, your dramatic outbursts, the way your nurture your siblings without batting an eye. You love to be outside and would possibly live out there if I would let you. You are my busy body and if your bored you like to pester your siblings. I love your creativity with drawing, painting, and the sweet little notes you make me. You could spend hours shooting hoops in the driveway with all the neighbor kids. I love that you always include everyone and have such a big heart. You love playing games and winning at UNO and I love that we cant stop playing until you have won. You are soo competitive and come by  it naturally.  I love that your always willing to help me cook and clean.

You love food and have always been the best eater. Your favorite meal is  homemade chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes. You ask me weekly if we can have it and are sure to eat the left overs until its GONE. Your go to snacks are fruit, string cheese, yogurt, and ramen noodles with valentino and lemon juice.

You are AMAZING and I'm looking forward to what your future holds. I know that you will do amazing things with your sweet driven heart.

Happy Birthday sweet girl

Love,
Mom