1st Grade

Well...despite my constant requests to go back to preschool - Sami had her first day of the 1st grade yesterday. She had been so excited all summer since learning who her teacher would be, she could not wait for school to start. We got a new outfit, backpack, lunch bag and had everything all set out ready to go. She woke up that morning ready to get the day started and after her favorite breakfast we headed to school. She was completely fine until we hit the school entrance. Suddenly she was attached to my leg and really nervous. I was suppose to be helping at the PTA table but that went to the wayside. Daddy arrived and we went into the room, talked to the teacher and met the kids. Then...the bell rang and it was time for the day to begin. Poor Sami just lost it - tears, grabbing onto any body part of ours she could reach and pleading for us to stay with her. A new friend came over and took Sami's hand but she was still not having any of it. Fortunately, the wonderful Miss Haley came over, talked to Sami and took her by the hand to go get in line. It was so cute as Sami turns towards us - hair messed up, tear streaked red face - and says, "OK Mommy and Daddy...bye." And that was that! She ended up having a wonderful day that we all heard every detail of over ice cream after school. It was a good, good day....hopefully the first of many!

School Time

I cannot believe summer is already coming to an end....in just a few days I will have a 1st grader! How did that happen? My stomach turns in knots every time I think about her on that "big" playground. Nevertheless, the time has come to get ready for a new school year whether I like it or not. One night Cory and I were sitting in the living room watching the Dodger game - well Cory was watching and I was on my laptop - and the kids were in the toy room watching a movie. Suddenly Cory looks at me and says, "This is ridiculous...what kind of family time is this??".

And with those words began the transformation of the toy room (and extra TV) into a school room. The next day I went on hunt and hit the jackpot. I ended up at Rescued Treasures (the Rescue Mission store) and found the perfect desk for only $20. Next came Target for 2 desk chairs, a storage bench, rug and decorations. When we came home the demolition began. We took out the entertainment center, TV and futon which we will be selling. Then we took the bookshelf from Sami's room and brought it into our new school room where we put all of the books. Then we organized the closet with one side being school supplies/puzzles/crafts and the other for toys shared by the kids. It all came together so cute and the kids absolutely love it! Sami can get on the computer without help and they are both able to be at the desk at the same time with no fighting! Mission accomplished! After a little back to school shopping we are all set for the year to begin....now if only they had something to take that knot out of my stomach?!