Fabulous Army Life

When my oldest started Kindergarten in 2005, my wonderful neighbor Catty introduced us to her family tradition of making a first-day-of-school cake in the shape of a school bus. We met after school and the kids decorated the cake, including faces on mini Nilla wafers to represent each of them. We loved the tradition and added it to our own family from that day forward. Now, 12 years later, we're still at it. We invite friends and neighbors to join us. It's always a fun time and I'm proud of our longevity in at least this one tradition. :)

The first day of school came WAY too early this year, but the kids were up and out the door, ready to learn, on time and with gusto!

Joshua with his fabulous 5th grade teacher, Mrs. McCloskey! Joshua was able to meet his new teacher today at Marshall Road's open house.  She's new to the district and we are thrilled with her! First day of school is next Tuesday and we are ready!

He's got a class schedule and a locker, folks!  It's time for 8th grade to begin!  Trey was playing the role of 'been there, done that' as he cruised through his Open House, getting his class schedule, locating his new locker, and checking all the blocks of getting ready for 8th grade.  He's ready for a great year!

So my kids both survived the first day of school and are off for Day 2. Trey is thrilled with Middle School and seems to be born for such a time as this.  He loves changing classes and looks forward to a new teacher and subject every hour.  He enjoys having a locker all to himself and the responsibility of taking care of his own things.  He has declared Science as his favorite class so far (primarily based on the lab tables and the jars of floating dead animals and body parts in the room).  He likes all of classes and says all of his teachers are very nice. He cannot wait for Advisory periods where they get to read "for 50 solid minutes on Mondays!!"  He already knows the layout of the school and has his schedule memorized.  He says that the halls are very crowded in between classes; his friend Clayton adds, "If you're claustrophobic, middle school is not for you!"  So, middle school is a huge success, one day in. Joshua is much more reserved wit...

There are moments in parenting that simply make your heart swell with love and pride.  You just can't believe that these amazing little creatures are all yours ... created by you ... raised by you ... and an instant reflection of you and your love.  I have these moments often and this morning was just another one of them.  As I was walking with my kids toward school in the early morning, I just couldn't help but smile with pure joy at the two strong, healthy, intelligent, handsome boys that I call my own.  I pray that they have a wonderful first day of school and look forward to the fun adventures of the year ahead. Two cute boys ready for school! Off to Mountain View! Joshua is ready for 3rd Grade! A small, subtle reminder that Mountain View Elementary School is an EXEMPLARY campus!  Woo-Hoo! Standing tall in Mrs. Cameron's 3rd Grade class! Joshua is all done with photos for the day.  Okay, okay, Mom gets the m...

Dear Lord, As my children leave for school, I pray that you will keep them in your care. Send your Spirit to open their minds to all that is true and beautiful and good. Help them to see the gifts and talents you have given them and to use them well. Help them to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Help them to be kind to others and lead others be kind to them. Give their teachers patience and understanding and help them teach what is just and true. Send your angels to guide and guard my children and to keep them from all harm. Open their young hearts to your presence and enfold them in your peace and protection. Hold them in the palm of your hand and bring them home safely at day's end. Amen. Back to school is always a time of mixed emotions from my kids and from me ... excited for a new adventure, nervous about the unknown, sad to bid summer farewell, and relieved to get back into a routine, just to name a few.  This year, with Trey moving into Middle School (yikes!!) and Joshu...

Our battalion hosted a back-to-school pool party today. My boys were thrilled with one last chance to spend some time in the water before summer's end. I had to drag them out of the pool to wolf down a hamburger/hot dog lunch, then drag them out again at the end of the day, when exhaustion was clearly taking them over. It was a really nice time with some wonderful Families ... very relaxed, comfortable, yummy, and fun. I was happy to have the opportunity to spend some time with friends and the boys had a great time, too. Great event for some really great folks! Supercute kiddos in the Club Hood pool. Trey on the seal slide. "I'm stuck!" ... Perhaps the slide is not made for middle school boys? Trey is happy to start the lunch line. Trey and Joshua LOVED the back-to-school pool party.

School started on August 23 in Harker Heights.  The boys were both excited to get back to school and see their friends.  After school, we gathered with our next-door neighbors to create our traditional first-day-of-school cake.  This tradition started with a previous neighbor six years ago and is still going strong!  It's a fun way to wind up a long first day of school. First Day of School! Working on our traditional first-day-of-school cake with our neighbors. I forgot to ice with white icing first to make the windows. Oops! But this year's version does have an escape hatch on the top, courtesy of our neighbor's son. He said he added it because "it's the law." =) The finished product!  It was YUMMY with ice cream!

Our school, like many, hosts a "Meet the Teacher" night the week before school starts.  It's a great way to get all the kids' supplies put away, learn where the classroom is, where your child will be sitting, and get a 'lay of the land,' so to speak.  My kids always love this night ... and this year was no exception.  They are both thrilled with their teachers and relieved to see a few familiar faces in the classrooms! Checking the class lists. My oldest with his 5th grade teacher. One more year until Middle School ... eek! My youngest with his 2nd Grade Teacher Happy Night for both boys!

My military kids heading back to school Dear Professional Educators, For most kids, Back to School means school supplies, new shoes, and a reluctant farewell to the lazy days of summer. For military kids, it might be a bit more complicated. If you have military kids in your classroom, this letter is just for you! On the first day of school, many of our military kids will be attending yet another new school. They will have to learn new rules and procedures, introduce themselves to new friends, and try to find their place in a world that is brand-new to them. Remember that they may have just moved into the area, leaving behind close friends and familiar surroundings. It could be that they are still living out of boxes since their family’s household goods were delivered the day before. Or they might be the ones who stayed in their home while their closest friends moved on to a new installation in another state. Thank you for providing them a comfortable, safe place at school to l...