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