David's First Day

Today was David's first day of school in his Early Childhood class. He went back and forth between being excited to go and not wanting to leave me. Getting dressed in his handsome new First Day Outfit seemed to encourage him that this was going to be fun.
Posing under one of our smaller (!) sunflowers...

At this point, he was thinking that maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

He went in willingly with his teachers and friends. No smile, but a wave for me...

Getting off the bus. He exclaimed, "Me had FUN!!!"

First Day of School: 2011 Edition

Today was the first day of school for the girls. (David starts next Monday.) Everyone took a long time to fall asleep last night, and jumped out of bed ahead of schedule this morning. Wouldn't it be nice if every morning went so smoothly!

Hannah was nervous but excited for Sixth Grade - first day of Middle School.

Our family's tradition is to have the girls choose a special outfit to wear for the first day of school and then for their school portraits for that year. The outfit Hannah chose was very "her" - sparkly top, capri-length jeggings, super-cute flats, dangly earrings. (Note the oboe case for band!)

She's thrilled with the cool backpack she chose from LL Bean while we were in Maine.Hannah's bus driver was Mr. O, a dear man who remembered that he drove her to her first day of Kindergarten, and now, her first day of Middle School!

A little over an hour later, Rachel and Abbie were ready to head off to their school - Rachel is in Fourth Grade and Abbie is in Second Grade!

The outfit Rachel chose was also very "her" - cute plaid top (she really likes plaid), green Bermudas and new sneakers. In her backpack is a little bottle of maple syrup she bought in Vermont for her new teacher, Mrs. Richards!

Abbie's outfit reflected her personality, too! There's a little sparkle in the cami underneath her henley, and she chose a flirty little skirt and shiny silver flats. You can see she is holding a little gift for the bus driver - a clay daisy she made. She loves making little gifts for the special people in her life!

Check out the sweet little daisy in her hair! Her own personal touch!
Here they are, ready to take on the world!

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 15th

(Hosted by Simple Woman's Daybook.)

Outside my window... sunny, clear, and... chilly! It's in the low 50s this morning! Fall is giving me a sneak preview and I couldn't be happier!

I am thinking... about our new fall schedule. Trying to prioritize all the opportunities. Just because something is "good" doesn't necessarily mean we should put it in our schedule. Trying to keep a balance between taking advantage of great activities and leaving time for family and rest.

I am thankful for... our church. We missed three weeks in a row while on vacation, and I didn't realize just how much I missed the worship, sermons and fellowship until we returned yesterday morning!


I am wearing... my Green Bay Packers flannel pants (green and gold!), grey tee shirt Al brought me from a business trip to Arizona many years ago, a grey hoodie sweatshirt, and socks! It sure is chilly this morning!

I am going... all over the internet, checking out the books for the Bible studies our church's Women's Ministry is offering this fall. Trying to choose the right one for me, though they all look great!

I am creating... a little more order around the house, getting ready for the busy school days ahead. Gotta get my "organized" on!

I am currently reading... trying to finish The Help so I can go see the movie soon. I hear the movie is just as good as the book, which is a rare and wonderful thing.

I am hoping... that the kids feel they had a great summer vacation. Aside from our trip to New England, we didn't do anything particularly spectacular. But we spent a lot of time together and did a lot of little things, and I hope we made some good memories for them.

I am hearing... silence, broken up with little stirrings by David - he'll be up soon.

In the kitchen... gotta make another batch of these granola bars. They disappear quickly! Also, working on a list of tasty, healthy school-day breakfast and lunch ideas for the kids.

Around the house... new school supplies, lunch sacks, school shoes, and first-day outfits.

One of my favorite things... getting ready for the new school year!

A few plans for the rest of the week... finish up back-to-school shopping, sleepover for Hannah, middle school open house, David's school supply drop-off, Hannah getting her new contact lenses, getting back to singing with our church's Worship Choir, an evening with Hannah's China group, hosting David's China group here. (Whew!)

A picture I'd like to share...

Hannah recently started her oboe lessons with her Dad and attended 6th grade Band Camp last week. She loved it, and is really motivated to do well. Here, she is practicing on her own during a 45-minute practice session.

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 8th (Post-Vacation Edition)

(Hosted by Simple Woman's Daybook.)

Outside my window... mid 60s, foggy, and our lawn is very long and thick! It's been nearly three weeks since it's been mowed, and we had a lot of rain while we were gone!

I am thinking... of the 3,820 things I have to get done in the next 2 1/2 weeks before school starts. I have a very long, detailed list...

I am thankful for... the wonderful time we had with family and friends in New England. The safe travel for our family. That we found our house intact when we finally got home.

I am wearing... old Mickey Mouse tee shirt, gym shorts, pink flip flops.

I am going... so many places this week! Band camp, doctor appointment, errands, date nights with girls, school shopping (both supplies and clothes).

I am creating... schedules, routines and a little organization to prepare for the school year.

I am currently reading... The Help by Kathryn Stockett on the new Nook Al gave me for my birthday (and it's got a cute, spring-green cover)!

I am hoping... that Hannah enjoys band camp this week. She's pretty apprehensive, and I'm just holding my breath and praying her through it.

I am hearing... early-morning quiet throughout the house. But I'm looking forward to starting up the new CD my Mom gave me for my birthday (Country Mountain Hymns) just as soon as everyone gets up!

In the kitchen... nothing! The pantry and refrigerator are bare as we've been gone so long! Headed to the grocery store this evening!

Around the house... post-vacation mess! Suitcases half unpacked, piles of laundry, junk cleaned out of the car, kids' backpacks that need to be unpacked.

One of my favorite things... the anticipation of and preparation for the new school year.

A few plans for the rest of the week... band camp (with concert and dinner on Friday), sleepover for Abbie, Winnie the Pooh movie with Rachel, American Girl lunch with Abbie, clothes shopping with Hannah, shoe shopping with all four kiddos (!). Also hoping to whip up some homemade granola bars for snacks and some freezer jam.

A picture I'd like to share...
My Mom brought me to Brown and Hopkins Country Store in Chepachet, RI for a little treat! I am in love with this store! We spent an hour browsing around, sniffing scented candles, and admiring all the lovely merchandise. Patchwork quilts, braided rugs, pip berries everywhere, dulcimer music in the background, the first fall merchandise being displayed, and an awesome penny candy counter!