{Back 2 School}

School is back in session!

This week marks the first full week of school. The 2011/2012 school year brings forth new changes for all of us. The kids are separated this year. Travin has moved into the first grade wing and Kalyssa now travels towards the back of the school building to get to the second grade wing. I’m still trying to cope with the fact that Bryanna has moved onto “bigger and brighter horizons.” She now rides a different bus (the middle school bus), her schedule is a little different than Kalyssa and Travin’s, and did I mention that she is at a completely different school now?!?!

The first day of school was a bit tougher than I anticipated. Summer was supposed to help me deal with the fact that my children keep growing. I tried several times to have the conversation with myself that they can’t stay little forever but apparently those little chats didn’t help me at all.

The Back to School event was interesting to say the least. We each grabbed a bag full of school supplies and headed off to meet the new teachers. 


Our first stop, Cope Middle School also referred to as the proud Home of the Cougar’s. Let me just explain that middle school is a whole lot of madness bunched up in one little space. It’s a little surreal to be surrounded by kids that are as tall as you if not taller (and I’m pretty tall). Then, I looked at my little girl and realized that she will be that size in a matter of a year maybe two, if I'm lucky.

We picked up Bry’s school schedule (which left us both in complete awe) and then made our way around the gym to pay our fee’s for the year and also to do a little extra clothes shopping. You see, middle school kids are beyond super cool because they get to wear school t-shirts instead of uniform shirts EVERYDAY of the week! How cool is that right?!?!? Super cool, unless you happen to be mom and dad carrying a fancy checkbook in your pocket =)

Who wants to wear boring uniform shirts when you can choose from an array of school shirts? How about a spirit shirt, a specific grade shirt, a football or softball shirt? Maybe a science shirt or just a regular shirt with the school year theme on it is more up your alley. Well, every single shirt could be yours for the bargain price of $15 per shirt!

I do believe I had the word SUCKER written across my forehead in big bold letters!

We made our way around the school to make sure that she knew how to navigate 8 different classrooms. Once the school day starts, she only has 3 minutes to make it to and from each class. She was pretty confident in herself and so far things have been going great in that department. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to meet all of Bryanna’s teachers. I am definitely looking forward to Open House.

After our 2 hour excursion at Cope, we made our way over to Stockwell. Can I just say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!!! Life seems so simple especially after being surrounded by a school full of BIG kids!

Our first stop was Travin’s classroom. I had a bit of a heads up on who his teacher was going to be for the year. Jason and I did a pretty good job at keeping the secret. We weren’t allowed to choose teachers this year. I had my wish list but, I knew that no matter what, Trav would find a good place to spend his first grade year. All of the first grade teachers are wonderful. However, I will mention that my wish was granted when it came to his teacher  =)

About a week before school started, Travin got a special letter in the mail from his new teacher. Although he was excited to get his very own piece of mail, I don’t think he was quite sure about his feelings. We spent some time on his teacher’s school website. We read a lot of great things about her and looked at some pretty neat pictures.

During the back to school event, she welcomed us with open arms. She was really excited to have Travin join her class. What made things even better, was that she was thrilled to have The Mall Family as a part of her family too. I was a little moved (okay A LOT moved) that our family was “passed on” with extremely kind and sweet words.   

After we finished our business in Travin’s classroom, we made our way towards the big 2^nd grade wing. I’m not very familiar with second grade as of right now. Last year, my time was split between the Kinder, 1^st, and 5^th grade halls. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to meet and greet the other grades so, I did my best to familiarize myself with the second grade teachers by reading their school websites over the summer.

When we found out where Kalyssa would spend her second grade adventures, I became very excited. There was one teacher who stuck out in my mind the most and that was who we had the pleasure of meeting. Kalyssa’s teacher is a former Air Force spouse. She has 3 children and pursued her career in teaching after her children were in school full-time. Her words hit a little close to home =) and of course I absolutely loved the fact that she sounded enthusiastic and passionate about her job.

The first day appeared before we knew it. Summer flew by and now we were getting ready to tackle a brand new school year.

Jason and I were able to stick together on our brand new adventure. I didn’t realize how much I would appreciate his presence until the day actually arrived. I was so grateful to have him not only by my side but also by the side of our children. I needed him there but more than that the kids needed to share that moment with their daddy.

Bryanna said her goodbyes in the car. I helped her carry her supplies into school. Yes, I was the lucky one who got slammed with a quad full of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders. Have you ever walked into a room where the air has been sucked out because there are so many bodies standing around? Well that was exactly what happened when we walked through the doors. Not only did the temperature sky rocket 50 degrees from an already hot and humid day, but then factor in the noise level of about 500 anxious pre-teens...Simple Madness!!! It was a little crazy to say the least.


I helped Bry to her class. Before I knew it, she was surrounded by her friends. They were all so excited to get their day started. I wished her luck and said my quick goodbye. Somehow I managed to make it out the front doors before the tears flooded my face.

Jason in such a trooper! He let me have my moment and then drove me to Starbucks to help make me feel better. I know, I am a very lucky girl to be married to My Jay!!!

The time came to drop off our two favorite elementary kids. The 4 of us walked together. Kalyssa held my hand and Travin held Jason’s hand.

We made our way down that familiar first grade wing only this time, we were dropping off our little man instead of our daughter. We didn’t realize until we got to Trav’s classroom just how scared he was to venture into first grade. His poor little nerves kicked in. It took everything he had to hold in his tears. He gave me a big hug and held on as tight as he could. I did my best to reassure his fears but first day jitters took a hold of him. I probably could have made it with only shedding a tear or  two but as soon as Trav grabbed onto Jason, the tears began to flow. His little body literally melted into Jason’s legs. Jason took the time to hold him and comfort him. Trav’s little heart was beating like crazy. It was that moment that made me beyond thankful to have my husband home. Trav struggled more than the girls while daddy was away. Kindergarten wasn’t easy for him. He had a rough start and he had to work extra hard to get himself not only caught up but also in a comfortable zone within the school setting. As I watched him embrace his daddy, I knew that Jason was the only one who could ease that moment for him. Trav needed to have his daddy with him on this new adventure. Daddy missed so much during the 6 months that he was gone but having him there on his first day of first grade was the literally the icing on Trav’s special cake.

We both had to walk Trav to his desk. His teacher was so great at helping him get settled which in turn helped this mommy make it through the rest of her day =)

Kalyssa was a huge sport. She waited patiently for her turn. The 3 of us walked hand in hand towards her class. At this stage in the game, Miss Miss is a pro. She knew exactly what to do when we got to her class. She put on her brave face, gave us kisses and great big hugs because she’s not too big yet, and said goodbye before walking into her classroom. Although she was a little sad to leave first grade behind (her teacher more than anything) she has been very excited to get second grade underway.

I swear that first day was forever long. I was so anxious to get the kids back home. I couldn’t wait to hear all about their first day of school.

3 new routines

2 new buses 

1 new schedule

Several new subjects

A few new teachers

and 

A brand new school 

We ALL made it through that first day of school! The kids were eager to share their new experiences and we of course were eager to listen. Our home is definitely filled with excitement! With 3 kids who are ready to face new challenges and 2 parents who are prepared to help them along the way, I am guessing that this school year is going to be a pretty great year!