In our household, the excitement that comes with the first day of school is incomparable to any other event of the year. The back to school ritual begins weeks in advance. As soon as the school supply list is mailed we head out to Staples or some other office supply destination. Backpacks are organized and then reorganized. A trip to the mall for a new outfit or two with each child is taken alone, which is significant. That outing always ends over a Ben and Jerry's ice cream scoop. Phone calls are made to best friends once the student class list is mailed and, despite which teacher was originally preferred, it changes to the name that appears on the top of that long awaited list. "Yep! Mrs. Roth is the best teacher in second grade. Always has been and always will be," we hear. The pantry is stocked with lunch supplies that will soon be packed in brown paper sacks, with a note signed by me tucked inside. The daily countdown is refigured and repeated to the youngest ones who can't keep the days straight. Finally first day outfits are laid out with only a few days to go. Blessings are given and goals are written. The day arrives, with children who couldn't sleep the night before but still awoke before sunrise. Pictures are taken on the door step, seven years running now. The new middle schooler is walked through the woods and sent on her way, with a text wishing her a good day. The elementary schoolers know the drill: when the bus stop is in sight, take off running and drop your bags to hold your place in line. Pictures, kisses blown and hands waving until the bus is out of sight are still permitted on this corner.
Emilie and her best friend Sara walk to the bus every day
When three o'clock rolls around I hear about new lockers, an upgrade from tables to desks in grade two, football's resumption during lunch recess, same spot on the playground and same players, the new kid from Dallas and of course the bus ride home. The children are happy. How grateful I am for good teachers. This year will be a success.
5 comments:
Camille, sounds like everything is perfect for the first days of school...by the way, I just loved the side line of Ezra wanting needing to check his Email...what a differnt world my young grandchildren are in - Ezra and Chloe are more confident on the computer than their Grandma.
Fun photos. Once again, I can't get over how much older Em, Jono, and Annie look! Here's to a great year!
Camille, I just received Miriam's birth announcement. Love it! Her picture is SOOOOOOO gorgeous. Hope to see you at Christmas time so I can hold her!
Great post Camille, you and your family do such a great job of enjoying every day life!
I am so impressed with your back-to-school rituals--blessings, new clothes, well-organized backpacks, pictures on the front doorstep for 7 years running! How did our Spendlove family grow up half-decently without the care you take on such important items? Please educate me further, in case I end up raising someone else in the future (Dad?). Love, Mom
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