I can't believe Adren's full days of school are here! All of a sudden I'm remembering little bits of conversations from different friends that have older kids and would hear all these foreign things like packing lunches, getting up early, scheduled homework time, fitting everything into a day. I guess I get it- or I will. Actually they've really eased them into the school year with school not starting until 10:00 (you could go early to meet the teacher) and getting out at 1:10. They still had lunch and recess, so I guess a grand total of 2 hours of get-to-know-you time. I really like Adren's teacher, Mrs. Heaton. She's real tall, real sweet, and seems like she'll get down to business. I think he's going to have a great year!
I have personally vowed to work hard with Adren on his reading and writing and homework and all of the things required. I really didn't do any of this last year, and it shows. I recently went to an Enrichment where it was all about Back to School and ways to get organized and it was just exactly what I needed. So
I am ready, and really, that is all that matters.
The night before we had sort of a last fling of summer fun and had pizza at a park, brought the scooters and let the kids run wild and have fun. When we got home Adren and I packed his new backpack, laid out his clothes, talked about how he'll get up and shower etc. Jon and I were talking to him in bed and telling him how much we love him and how great we think he is, and how much fun he's going to have this year and all of a sudden he got so emotional, climbed into my lap, hugging me, saying he didn't want to be away from me for so long each day. It made me cry! (he didn't know) So we lightened it up and talked about funny things we remembered about first grade, and all the kids in his class he knows etc. After all, I'll just be home cleaning, and he certainly can picture that- so he's not missing out on anything. I'm kind of glad the emotions got out of the way the night before because the next morning it was just fun and excitement. I sure loved peeking in on him a little bit later on the way out and seeing his big eyes looking around the room, taking it all in, watching his teacher. We went on to meet Eli's teacher, Mrs. Sarkady, who seems great, Eli saw where he puts his backpack and sits on the rug. When Adren came out after school he was all smiles, and said it was so much fun! Hooray! I'm anxious for Eli to start and get this school schedule under way- but he won't start for two more weeks! We've invited a few friends over this Friday for a Back-to-School Movie night with treats, so that's fun to look forward to. Good times!
One thing that has really overshadowed the day and has kept me with a heavy heart, is that a woman in our ward, Leuzi Cardoso was killed in a plane crash while on her way to hike Mt. Rushmore. It's just devastating news, as she was such a big part of our ward. She was pianist while I was chorister and we got to know eachother well. She has five kids, her youngest is starting High School. Just such sad news to hear, it was all the buzz at the Elementary School. I hope her kids and husband can find ways to get through this hard time.
