Wednesday, August 24, 2011

milestone

I have been a mother for 16 years, but yesterday was the first day I had all of my children in school for a full day! I have waited for this day for ever so long.

Don't get me wrong, I love having my children around, they are very good company in general. It's not like I don't want to be with them. But, with rare exceptions, being home alone for hours on end is a luxury I have not had for sixteen years. And it's a luxury I very much enjoy.

Lucas, organizing his big binder on Monday night (after seventh grade day). He was so excited about all of the pockets and pouches, etc. It made me smile, remembering how I loved putting in fresh paper and pencils as well, getting all ready for a new school year.

Getting up early is quite a change for Lucas, who will sleep until 11:00 unless I go in and wake him earlier. (I usually don't let him sleep past 9:30 or 10:00, but still.) So far, he has been getting up in time to shower before school (2 for 2)—hallelujah!

I got the idea to make these identifying signs for first day pictures from Pinterest. I'm starting a tradition, even though I have an eleventh grader! Max was characteristically cooperative.

Lucas was his usual camera-shy self.

But I prevailed. (He knew he couldn't leave until I was at least semi-satisfied, and he didn't want to be late!)

Eva was over the moon about being a first grader and getting to eat lunch at school (brown bagged).

She was definitely less excited about discovering that she is the only girl at her table.

(On a sad note, when I left her room, I found a boy crying in the hall—a first grader who was all alone and couldn't remember where his classroom was. I helped him find where he belonged and left shaking my head. I can't relate to just dropping him off to find his own way. Poor little guy.)

There was a definite celebratory note in the air at the school, one I shared as I drove away to enjoy my first ever full day of school freedom!

First, I had a doctor's appointment. Then I did some errands, by myself, with no deadline! (I went to D.I., OfficeMax, and the grocery store.)

I stopped to get a Diet Coke at McDonald's.

I had to run over to Max's school to take him a book that he forgot. I didn't even mind! (But don't tell him that. I wouldn't want to be doing that all the time.)

Denise and Emily stopped by for a quick visit! Denise came to help Emily get settled into her apartment for the new school year. We are all thrilled to have Emily back in our neck of the woods. (And wish that Denise's family could move to Utah. Obviously.)

I made first day of school cookies. (Peanut butter pretzel chocolate chip.)

We had a back to school themed dinner. (It was really just the decor that was themed, we had panini and corn on the cob.) I used some of the things I got at Office Max for ridiculously cheap as a centerpiece.

Printables from eighteen25.blogspot.com (via Pinterest). Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest?? I guess I probably should have sharpened the pencils, eh? Oops.

These just made me so happy. And they passed the Lucas test! (He is picky about straws.)

Our dinner time seemed to last longer than usual, as we sat around and talked about everyone's first day. I loved that.

In all, I would say it was a productive, satisfying day. And the best part is that I have many many more such days to look forward to! Shazam.

A lot of people have asked me what I'm going to do with my newfound time. I have some ideas, but all I know for sure is that I won't have any shortage of things I want to do. How will I fill the time? I can't wait to find out.

12 comments:

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

16 years of 100% kid time is a long time devoted to company. I'm certain you will love your time of rejuvenation before they all come charging home.

How in the world did Max get to be an 11th grader? I know he should be, but seeing that sign with him behind it still surprised me of sorts.

I love your straws.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

oh. and I love your pinterest, too. I have found many, many wonderful finds through you. Thank you.

patsy said...

HOORay!

Wow- what a great day. 16 years- unbelievable & believable at the same time- did that make sense? CRazy how time flies & goes slow...

I can't wait to read up on all the many wonderful things you do with your time.

Denise said...

I'm so glad I got to see you while I was in town! You're Wonder-Woman-Mom for sure and I have no doubt whatsoever that you will never run out of things to do during the day.

Kim Sue said...

We have a back-to-school lunch for Carly and her friends. I decorate the table with school supply items too. This year I included the cards from a cute set of multiplication flash cards. That turned out to be a cute addition. My how big your boys are but WOW it is hard to believe that Eva is a first grader!

Jill said...

Oh Happy Day!!!!!!!! I am beyond excited for you that you FINALLY get to have some kid-free time during the days. You have had a lot of years with kids home and it's even greater with the smotherhood factor! (It's like wind chill but different.)

I can't wait to see all your projects and to live vicariously through you!

Miranda said...

Bravo for the pictures and wonderful back to school dinner celebration! I love hearing about what an awesome mother you are. It reminds me of all I have to look forward to as Z grows up. :)

Liz said...

Yay for your first full day of all your kids at school all day! It looks like your back to school dinner was a success! I'm planning one for Sunday night, even though we don't start until next Wednesday. I didn't want to feel rushed the night before school. Of course I hadn't thought to do it the first night of school. Love your decor!

Melinda said...

Where in the world did you find those adorable straws?? Love them. I have 2 more years before I'm alone.

Bond Girl 007 said...

WOW! ALL THE KIDS IN SCHOOL NOW? I am soo happy for you! for your free time! Wow. What a milestone.

Jorvik will be on Alexei's schedule now too! so that is going to be sweet!!!!!

Take care ,
lv.
claudia

Charlotte said...

Yay yay yay! I hope that this new time for you proves just as magical as it sounds.

I loved seeing Mom's and Emily's picture when reading through your post.

When I have children old enough to be in school I'm totally doing back-to-school dinners.

Unknown said...

I think I don't recall when this happened in my life! Do you think you will ever forget? What is wrong with me?!!

Sounds like the first day was really a success and thrill for all, the whole day through. Great going!

Here's to many more.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...