Back to School with a Printable

We are Back to School.

One week into the 2015-16 school year. WHEW. That first week always seems to be the toughest. 

The back to school pictures were taken. 

The classes were found- especially when you start a high school that houses almost 1300 Freshman.

The bus routes were a success. 

Two PTA meetings down, YAY Mrs. President! 

Basketball practices have begun. 

Mom's Taxi Service has commenced with ZERO tips. 

Only one class schedule change. And it was just a flip flop, same classes different hours. 

A new church year started. Classes and Services were changed. And yes, it is a change for us. Lots of new faces. Change is good. 

My "little" man allowed me ONE more year of first day bus stop pictures. One of my friends from church stopped me and told me that she used him as a shining example for her 8 year old.

Word of advice boys: You will always be your Moma's baby boy. Let her take that picture. My favorite picture quote is from the movie Safe Haven- 2013.

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"Take a lot of photos. You will only regret the ones you didn't take." 

I love taking pictures of their new shoes and gear. Their feet grow so much, just like they do. Why yes. That is an $80 backpack. WHAT?!?! I admit it. I did it. Only I got it for $60. And you better believe I paid to have it embroidered with his name. It has a place for the basketball equipment and a special pocket for the ChromeBook that the school district blessed ALL Freshman with this year. He doesn't have a locker, so this backpack will be well worth the moolah, hopefully for all of high school.

Miss K. What can I say. Of all the shots I took this ended up being my favorite. Her sweet but sassy personality! The first day of school was an unseasonable cool August morning in Oklahoma, so she got to wear one of her favorite accessories- her jean jacket. She is growing up fast. In the past week I have only been allowed to fix her hair two times. Don't you just love her Rustic Cuff bracelet. We have matching ones, She wears her Cate and knows that I am wearing my Catherine and thinking of her while she is away from me. Such a cute idea. 

See. Shoes and backpack. We are all about our Chuck's this Fall. And my girl and her Vera. She truly is Sassy and Trendy. I am in trouble. Good thing I know how to "shop".

Miss K took this gift for her teacher on the first day of school. Cake balls in a jar. Did you know that if you don't have chalkboard vinyl you can make it yourself? It will probably wash off, but it made the effect I wanted. I had an Avery label and cut it the shape I wanted with my Cricut, the used chalkboard paint. Then we used this printable that I made last year. You can download here. 

So. How is your Back to School going so far?

My Boy

Today we picked up his school schedule. The sign inside the entry way said welcome Class of 2019. The schedule we picked up marked another milestone for him. For me. His high school years are about to begin in only 9 days. 

My boy is a Freshman. Where has the time gone? My boy who has served as a life changer for me in so many ways. Ways he may never understand. You see there was a time when it was just he and I, and then another time when it was just the two of us again. He prayed. Then there was three. Then came four. Then we were complete. 

My boy. My big hearted boy. So talented, so patient. Patient with everyone but his little sister. I'm told that is normal. Did I mention talented? His love for sports, especially basketball is going to take him far. Between the love of the game and his love for Christ.  I pray that his life experiences are well learned lessons. Lessons that one day can mentor those from similar situations. He will be an excellent teacher. An excellent coach and mentor. 

My boy makes me proud each day. There will be lots of growing for both of us in the next four years. Four years that I have to hold him as close as he will allow and cherish each precious moment. Four years to call him my baby boy even though at  almost 6'2" and 187lbs he is far from a baby. My boy will forever be my pride and joy, this Moma's baby boy. 

My Girl

In 10 days my girl starts third grade. Her new school box is bought, yes it is pink on top and ready to be filled with new crayons, markers, glue, and scissors. She picked out her second brand new backpack of her school career, a Vera Bradley. My girl loves her some Vera patterns, especially in hues of purples and pinks. It is currently at the embroidery shop awaiting the perfect stitches of the seven letters that make up her name. Her school clothes are bought. Styles ranging from athletic to casual dressy. Her favorite accessories are probably the black slip-on Converse Chuck Taylor's and new undergarments she picked out. My girl may just follow in her Moma's footsteps in that area- I got Chuck's also! 

My girl is growing up. Third grade pressures will be here soon enough. She knows. I know. But we are not going to focus on what we know is to come at the end of her third grade year. The single tests that determine whether or not she and her friends continue on to fourth grade with their other friends who pass the tests. Math and reading, how we love you, but you aren't fun anymore. It's not your fault. It's certainly not our teachers or students fault, but rather the lawmakers. 

My baby girl is no longer a baby. We choose to focus on what must be done today and will take each day of third grade as it comes. Today, ten days before she becomes an official third grader she put on her ballet leotard for the first time with Nair Baby Soft legs. She fixes her own hair now, and even figured a way to get a pink streak in it this past weekend. Thankfully it wasn't permanent. Thankfully I still get to do all ballet buns. 

Her imagination is infinite. Her generosity is great. No life is untouched by the impression she makes. I pray she will always carry the light she has now. Even though I wish I could slow down time, I look forward to seeing my girl grow even more.