Back to School We Go...

Shopping…

I can spend money. I really am good at it… Without knowing price, I am instinctively drawn to the most expensive items… Every time. How does that happen? It isn’t like I was raised with money. I also HATE spending money. Even though I can, it makes me uncomfortable. It’s an inner struggle. So, over the years, I have typically avoided shopping. I find it’s the best way to stave off the “I wants” and be content and thankful with the many blessing I have… I also do 75% of all Christmas shopping online. I’m also not big on crowds… unless it’s at a concert where generally most people are on a blissful music high and the energy is one.

Occasionally though, you just have no way to avoid it. Back to school time is one of those times. I think my least favorite thing is the buying of school supplies. The reason for this is probably because I wait too long every year, because, (did I mention) I intensely dread the very thought. One or two items always thwart complete success. Generally, it is the same one or two items every year. (12 x 18 Construction Paper and loose leaf Manila in the same dimensions.) “Next year I’m going to purchase those back to school packs made by the PTA, like the other smart mamas!” Yea, right. I say that every year.

Then, there is the back to school shoes and clothes… Too many cute things. Oh, did I also mention, put me in a crowded store and my ability to make a decision flies out the window? I’m thankful that is behind me for another 11 months. Yay!

The prep…

In the middle of all of this, football season is back in full swing. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday practices, with a game on Saturday. Being organized it critical during this 3 month period. It means adjusting my work so I can get there at 7:30 and leave by 4:30 to make a 6 pm practice. It means tag teaming with Kevin so one of us stays with the little ones at home as often as possible to pack lunches, feed dinner, do homework, give baths, take care of the chores and get them settled for the in-bed-by-8:30 pm goal (the bus comes at 6:30 am!)… Their bedtime is just when Luke is getting back from football… Halfway through, we consider being checked to see if we’re crazy... By the end of it, we are weary, beat, and thankful it’s over. Overall it’s fun – watching your child (or sibling) play, and I’m excited because this year it is helping Luke’s transition to a middle school in a new school district.

In preparation for the first week, I spent Saturday cleaning and All.Day.Long cooking Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was done, I made 8 loaves of bread, five for the teachers and three for us… and I thought I was gonna collapse! But, I kept a promise to myself… I MADE my back to school gifts for the teachers… I didn’t buy them. And that made me feel just a little bit further along in my pursuit of craftiness!

The send off…

The fun part is the first morning. I love to see them all dressed up in their new stuff and their excitement for the new adventure. This year Luke started Middle School! Wow! I have a sixth grader! I told him I wasn’t going to go in and embarrass him. His response was “That’s okay Mom. You’re one of the cool moms!” I love that he still calls me “mommy” sometimes. Still holds my hand. Still lets me kiss him in public and isn’t embarrassed by me… yet!!! Fully aware that it won’t last forever, I’m enjoying it while it does!

As for the little ones, we decided to let them repeat kindergarten. They were on the bubble in that they could have gone on, or stayed. Being the youngest, and having no pre-school experience prior to this, we chose to let them stay another year. You can never know if it’s the right decision, but I feel good about it… It is my hope this will help their leadership skills as they grow.

I’m thankful for my hubby, who goes with me to deliver these precious little packages and share in their excitement on their first day of school, every year… so I don’t have to go alone.