First Day of School!

**Disclaimer - the next few posts will recount our first few weeks/months in Jerome. We were living in a hotel (which I'll write about at some point) but please note that every single picture in the hotel is going to look cluttered, messy, and crowded. That's because it was.**

Less than a week after arriving in Jerome, the kids started school! It was a little hectic because we were still living in the hotel but they were more than ready and excited to begin a new adventure. I am going to detour here and say that my kids have been incredible throughout this move. They have been so positive and optimistic about all the changes. Their attitudes made things easier on me for sure. These kids of mine, I tell you, they're the best.

But, back to the first day of school!
 

The night before school started we had our traditional "first outfit of the school year" fashion show.

I love Clayton's outfit (I'd seriously wear it if it was in my size)!

This is not Sammie's first outfit of school. She actually started the day after all the other kids, but she wanted to try on new clothes too. She's pretty cute.

Since there was no bus to ride, and we weren't in our home, our first day of school morning was a little different than usual. Breakfast from the hotel breakfast bar, everyone getting ready in the same room, loading everyone in the car to drop them off. It was a little hectic, but considering all the problems we've had with the bus over the past few years, I'm more than happy to drive them (we'll see if I still feel that way in a few years - but for now I don't mind it one bit).

They do school a little different out here. There are two K-3 elementary schools, 1 4th-5th grade school, 1 middle school (6-8), and then high school. So Clayton goes to a different school than Noah and Josie. I think there are pros and cons to this. They stagger their start times, which is nice (Clayton starts about 15 minutes earlier than Noah and Jo so drop off isn't a problem), but it'd be nice to only have to go to one school to see all my kids. I'm pretty happy with both of the schools though, so I can't really complain.
 

First day of school! Noah: 2nd grade, Clayton: 5th grade, Josie: kindergarten
Pretty stylish group, if you ask me! (And yes, that's a potty chair on the floor of my van. That's how I roll with a newly potty trained kid. Judge if you must, I ain't changin'!)

I can't believe this is Clayton's last year in elementary school. It seems like his grade school years just flew by! He has a great teacher this year though who lets me come into the classroom and help out once a week. It's nice being able to spend that time in Clayton's class since this is probably the last year I'll get that chance!
I wish this picture was better, but oh well.

Pootie started the second grade. As you can see, he started strong. He has a very loving teacher who is just the sweetest. He has taken that elementary school by storm and made a ton of friends. I predict he'll be running that place next year!

Josie started kindergarten! Crazy! I was worried about how she'd do academically (she wasn't quite as prepared as Clayton or Noah had been), but she's doing just fine. We struggle a bit with her teacher (she doesn't really let parents in the class to volunteer, which kills me because I want to be there for her) and she's had a few hard days, but we're working through it together and I'm hoping that we'll come out on the other side stronger for it.

Socially though, she's on fire! She makes friends left and right and is just so confident and sparkly! I love that she knows exactly who she is.

Noah and Josie go to the same school. I was interested to see how this would effect their relationship and I'm happy to report that I think they're closer for it! They have a lot of shared experiences that the rest of us don't and I think that's bonded them. They still fight a bit, but I'm slowly starting to see a more friendly relationship developing between these two! 

I thought it'd be fun to compare all my kindergartners:
Isn't Clayton the cutest and tiniest kindergartner you've ever seen! Oh my goodness! He's so adorable! I am having a hard time reconciling this sweet tiny face to the man-child that is currently living under my roof!

 Noah! Oh poor Pootie with his poor allergic reaction. Still though, he's changed so much!

Josie. Maybe it's because I'm remembering the boys smaller than they actually were (though Clayton was actually pretty young) or maybe it's the difference between boys and girls but she seems more grown up to me starting kindergarten than they did. I love her excited/nervous face here.

Josie only goes half day (she goes in the mornings). So after her first day, we got to celebrate with lunch at McDonalds with Justin (I adore his new schedule - things get so much better after residency!).

When everyone else got home, it was time for the traditional snack of cookies and milk while we discussed their first days. Everyone had a successful day!

The next day was Sammie's turn. I miss Woodard Preschool in South Bend, but we found her a pretty good little school. It's got a Christian based program so she learns a lot of Bible stories and a lot about Jesus. It's pretty cute. She was one excited little lady to go to school!

Again, I thought it'd be fun to compare her picture against all the other kids on their first day of preschool.
Cute little Clayton (those cheeks!):

 Oh Pootie (at the height of his pootie-ness):

 Gorgeous Jo:

Sammie goes to school from 8:30-12:30 three days a week. They feed her lunch and do a bunch of activities, so she's usually wiped when she gets home. She's adjusting better now, but she would crash so hard after school at first.

I was nervous about the time I'd have to fix Josie's hair every morning before school. I usually don't fix the boy's hair for school and I was afraid that we'd be late every day because of the time it'd take to fix her hair (because it is so, so long). But it hasn't been bad. We've discovered a few go to styles that we've made work for us (like this fancy braid that I'm so proud of).

Once the kids started school I felt a lot more settled here (even though we were still in the hotel). It gave us some routine and stability that I was desperately craving (and I think they were too). It's so weird to me that all of my kids go to school now. It's a whole new chapter in parenting. I'm starting to think about the next chapter of my life and it's like uncharted territory. Kind of scary, kind of sad, but kind of new and exciting too.

I love these kids and am so proud of how well they've adjusted to this new life. They jumped in head first and have really thrived in this new environment. Watching them out here makes me certain that this is the place for us. I can't wait to see how much they grow this year!

First Day of School!

Today was the first day of school. Clayton is starting third grade and Noah will be starting kindergarten. If you want me to be honest, I'm sad. I didn't think I would be. I thought I would be one of the many mothers who is anxious and excited to get their kids off to school and out of the house but I'll be honest, I miss them and wish they were home. I know I'll adjust and come to enjoy getting to spend time with only the girls, but for now I'm kind of a mess.

Today went like clockwork (a first for us)! Sadly, Justin wasn't home to make his traditional breakfast so I tried to step in. I made his chocolate chip pancakes and, while not as good as his, I think they were still a hit!
Clayton was very calm this year. The first day of school is no biggie to this big, bad third grader. He was very self motivated and independent about getting ready (we'll see if he can keep that up!)

Noah is so nervous. I literally had to drag him out of bed (he is NOT a morning person). He ate breakfast very quietly (not typical) and needed my help and assurance every step of the way. He's my big time mama's boy so he was sort of clingy this morning.

After we were all ready for the day the boys (especially Noah) started to get excited. The first day of school is always an adventure and I'm so excited for these guys!
Noah is still suffering the aftermath of his allergic reaction a few weeks ago. The redness and swelling are about gone, but he's super itchy. Because of that I've been keeping him very vasalined. Seriously, the second my hands de-grease I've been re-applying it on this kid. That's why he's so shiny in all these pictures. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll be able to cool it with the vasaline.

 Can we talk for a minute about how old this kid looks. Sheesh.

I'm really glad that Noah will have Clayton with him on the bus and at school. Truthfully, I think it makes Noah feel better too.

Walking to the bus stop.

Waiting for the bus. Which, miraculously was ON TIME today!

Josie had to get in on the action too.

My SIL did this and I thought it was cool.

Noah over the years on the first day of school:

Preschool 2010:

 Preschool 2011:

 Kindergarten 2012 (there's the excitement):

Getting on the bus (in case you were wondering, this is the point where I started to choke up). I didn't think I'd get this emotional. I have already sent a kid to school. Several times. However, I think I may be this way for each of my kids. I love having them with me. It's frustrating at times, but it's also so fun and secure. I know he'll love school and do a great job!

Clayton through the years:

Preschool 2008:

 Kindergarten 2009:

 First grade 2010:

 Second grade 2011:

 Third grade 2012 (I didn't realize how blurry this one was):

On the bus. I love this kid. He's going to have a great year. We met his teacher at back to school night last night and I'm so excited. His teacher basically rocks. He has a great philosophy about education and seems to genuinely want the kids to learn and have a good experience. We're lucky. I can feel it.

I'm sad that they're gone, but I know they are going to have a wonderful time with this new adventure. I can't wait to meet them off the bus, serve them homemade chocolate chip cookies, and hear all about their days!

Kindergarten!!!

Today my little boy started school. We've all been looking forward to this day (some of us with excitement and some of us with dread) and finally, it came. The day began with Justin and I waking up early to get things started. I got Clayton's lunch all packed and ready while Justin prepared a special beginning of school breakfast - chocolate chip pancakes!! When we woke Clayton up he was initially very confused, he kept asking me if we could use the same towel he used last night - what!?! So I asked, "Who's ready for kindergarten today?" to which Noah sat up in bed and enthusiastically responded, "CLAYTON IS!" After that (and once Clayton became more lucid), things got rolling. He scarfed down his breakfast in record time - which is saying something considering the fact that Clayton is a VERY slow eater (it's the Peterson in him). After breakfast, Clayton finally got to wear his new school clothes and shoes (which he's been looking forward to for a while now).
He was so excited about his 'rock and roll' shirt and his new shoes. I think he may be slightly disappointed when he can't wear them (the shirt anyway) again tomorrow!
Then Justin gave him a really nice blessing which has been a tradition in my family as long as I can remember and I'm really glad that we got to keep that tradition alive with my kids. Before I knew it, Missy and Enoch were at our house and it was time to meet the bus!
We're very fortunate that the bus stop is the edge of our driveway. There is one other boy who gets picked up with Clayton. Clayton was so excited that he literally couldn't stop talking. "I'm Clayton I'm going to be in kindergarten my teacher is going to be Mrs. Brown I'm riding the bus I have a lunchbox it's yellow and has Bumblebee on it do you have a lunchbox are you riding the bus who is your teacher what's your name..." You get the idea. Poor boy didn't have a moment to attempt to answer any of Clayton's questions. He probably thinks Clayton is a little strange.
Clayton nearly jumped out of his skin when the bus pulled up. He was so excited to ride the bus. I hope this excitement continues all year. I know he's supposed to be big to go to school, but man, he sure does look grown up!
He was so cute. He kept smiling and waving to us from the window.
After the bus pulled away, Justin and I quickly jumped on our bikes and raced down to the school so that we could be there to see Clayton when he got off and make sure that he made it to where he was supposed to be.
There was a person whose sole job was to catch the kindergarteners coming off the bus and hand deliver them to their classrooms. I was really happy about that. Clayton was so excited though that he kept trying to escape from the pack and get to his classroom. He was trying really hard not to run in the halls, but he was just so excited! Once we got to his classroom, he found his teacher and, again, started talking without breathing. "Hi Mrs. Brown I'm ready for kindergarten should I put my lunchbox in my cubby should I hang my backpack on my hook I have papers for you in my backpack..." Fortunately, Mrs. Brown was involved in a conversation with another parent so I'm guessing she missed a big chunk of his rant. I love his teacher. She seems so patient and kind. I think Clayton is going to love her. He's going to have a wonderful year in her class!
Hanging up his backpack.

Coloring with a new friend.
I have to say, dropping him off wasn't as hard as I'd anticipated. Maybe I'd just cried myself out over the past few weeks waiting for this event to finally take place. Noah and I sure did miss him today though. Fortunately, Noah had his best bud over all morning to help ease the pain (I think once he realizes that Clayton is going to be gone every day it's really going to be hard on him). I took so many pictures of Clayton today that these boys really wanted their pictures taken too. Funny.
This afternoon I sat on my front steps and waited for my guy to get off the bus. He bounced off the bus with just as much excitement as he'd bounced on it with. Phew - the day must have been a success! He wouldn't let us go back inside until the bus had pulled away. I made him chocolate chip cookies so once we got inside we got to sit and eat cookies and milk and talk about his day (which we could do because Noah and Josie were both napping).


He wasn't able to recall much, but I could tell that he had a great first day and he is definitely looking forward to going back. What I do know about his day: 1. He made a few new friends (yay). 2. He ate almost all of his lunch (but not the dessert, interesting). 3. He loved the snack 4. He listened to the teacher read stories. 5. Circle time was his favorite.
I'm proud of this kiddo and how well he seemed to do today. I think this will be an appropriate way to end:

I told him yesterday that I was really going to miss him when he was gone all day. He responded to me like this,

"I know mom, but don't worry, I'll always come back."