First Day of School 2011!

I'm happy to report that school is off to a GREAT start. We're really working on getting our routine down and getting organized to (hopefully) start every morning off right.

The big day was Monday and Jared was up and getting dressed by 6:30am - without even being asked (PTL!). I gave both the boys their "happy first day of school gifts" (also part of my plan to stay organized) ... they were happy to get their special "school" water bottles and new toothbrushes they were able to decorate themselves. They'll be responsible for filling these every morning, bringing them to school and home, then putting in the dishwasher every night so they'll be ready for the next day.

Tim stayed for breakfast and did morning devotions with them, picking the story of Daniel to start of their school year with an example of always doing the right thing and honoring God.

My favorite story of the morning was about Will. Although, Jared starts Kindergarten this year and will go 5 days - all day, Will is signed up for Tues/Thur preschool. Since Monday wasn't his day, I only packed one lunch. When I came out of our room, Will was busy packing his own lunch. So sweet (and a little sad). I was really trying to stay on schedule so I offered little assistance to my little, take care of it, man and helped him just get a few snacks.

The morning flew by and we were off to load up backpacks, lunches, water bottles, and boys for the big day!

Ahhh... my BOYS!!

Jared at his desk before the morning assembly. Holy

crap. I have a Kindergartner. Isn't he precious??

Jared and Wendy at their assembly.

Will immediately lined up with his class, too. He wanted to go so bad that I asked and (thankfully) they obliged. How could you deny this sweet face the chance to go on the big first day??

Morning prayer. (I love PVCP)

Jared's class. He has 10 kids in it. Seriously. All such

sweethearts, too. I could seriously pinch myself. It's going to

be such a calm year and they are going to LEARN so much!

I had to go meet Will for lunch (remember that sandwich I didn't pack?) and sat with them for their lunch hour. Will, too, has a really small class so far this year.

Caleb wasn't sure what to do with all the quiet at our house. He woke up from his morning nap saying, "Bubba? Bubba?"

I stayed for a bit and watched Will and Arianna play for a while. They read books in the loft then came downstairs for a little "house" time. In this picture, Arianna is feeding a baby doll her bottle (maybe 2 babies?) and Will is passing out money. Already the little provider! :-)

Will & Mrs. Hayes. He started asking to go back to school and see Mrs. Hayes back in June. We have a lot of love for this sweet woman! She is an incredible blessing to us!

School year 2011 is officially underway. We have had some tired (but happy) boys every night. I'm praying Jared can make it to Saturday. He asked me yesterday, "Mom, will I ever get a day off?" and then surmised, "I wonder how many days I'll go when I get to first grade ..." Ha ha. Although he's tired, he is loving school and going everyday. It's going to be a GREAT YEAR!