Monday, August 31, 2009

A New Beginning...

I feel like I've been through the wringer today. I dropped Ryan off at his first day of school. It didn't start out too well. I woke him up and he was NOT a happy camper. But, as soon as he went outside and saw the girls (the quadruplets across the street), he was all excited. Everyone was taking pictures and we piled in the cars and drove up to school. (Yes, I'm the paranoid mom who won't let her kid ride the bus. I taught long enough to know that the bus is NOT a good place to be...) Anyway, we walked the kids up to the door. We took another shot. Here they are altogether.

Then, they took him by the hand and led him inside. Now that they are second graders they are pros. ;)

He didn't even look back. I guess that's a good thing. I held it together pretty well until I got back into the car. Then I cried the whole way to work.



Luckily, my first full day there was SUPER busy, so I didn't have much time to wallow in my sadness.

I guess we have officially started the next phase of our lives. But, boy, do I wish we were still in baby/playgroup/preschool mode.

So, if you look at the picture of Ryan, you'll see he's holding a gift bag. Inside of it is this cute little survival kit I sent his teacher. I found the actual kit in a craft store and made a little box and matching card. I sent her a container of 'Smarties', too.

The papers and die cuts are mostly October Afternoon.




Here's the info. that went with the kit:
Teacher Survival Kit:
Band Aid: For when things get a little rough.
Crayon: To color your day bright and cheerful.
Candle: For when you are up late grading papers.
Eraser: To remind you that everyone makes mistakes and they can be erased.
Hugs and Kisses: For when you need a hug.
Jewel: Because you are so precious.
Marbles: To replace the ones you've lost.
Mint: To remind you that you are worth a 'mint'.
Mounds Bar: For the mounds of confidence you give your students.
Paper Clip: To hold it all together.
Sponge: To soak up the overflow when your brain is too full.
Starburst: To give you a "burst" of energy when you need it.
Tissues: To wipe away the tears-yours and theirs.
Puzzle Piece: Without you, the class wouldn't be complete.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day. :)

16 comments:

Jana Eubank said...

Such a cute project!!! You're amazing! ;)

Lindsay said...

Wow - what a milestone you al hit yesterday! Hope you both had a great day - that survival kit is too cute! I used to give my students a similar one on the first day. I love the box and card you made for it. TFS!

Kimberly said...

I think you handled this very well. The survival kit is wonderful. Hang in there. You will be amazed how grown up he will seem in just a few short weeks. He is coming into his own, and know you were his foundation. This is a new chapter but an exciting one.

DonnaMundinger said...

Darling project! Big day for both of you. Congrats on YOUR survival. Hugs, D

Lisa Dorsey said...

Hugs sweetie! I know you both are going to do wonderfully! Your Emma's project is adorable my dear! Love that cute little box and the card is super cute!

Leigh Penner said...

What a fabulous project, Anabelle! I love it!!

Audrey Pettit said...

Hugs, Anabelle! I know how hard this was for you! They grow up so quickly. I'm still reeling from my son going to high school this year. Akkk!
I absolutely love the survival kit you made the teacher. You are as sweet as can be, and oh, my, is it ever beautiful. I know you made her day!

Staci Taylor said...

OMG, you are a dream parent for a teacher i'm sure! How cute is that kit?! And how lucky is ryan's teacher to have such a talented parent ;-) Glad things went well, and many hugs to you! I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but hopefully you will find this next phase just as exciting as the last (remind me of that in a couple of years, ok? ;-)

Jeni Boisvert said...

Super cute project!!!!

Stacy Cohen said...

What an adorable project!! When I read your line about longing for the baby/playgroup/preschool days, my heart skipped a beat because I can soooooooo relate! Those were the best days ever, and it's sad to say goodbye to them when they move on to the next stage of life. My youngest is starting Kindergarten next week, so I can totally sympathize!!

steph devlin said...

Anabelle, You made it through the day ... well done .... I know what I was like and I think you handled it really well..... and that survival kit is just so stinkin' cute !!!!
I only have one more to start school and even though its 3 years away Im already dreading it.
Talk soon chicky.
Steph xo

Linda Beeson said...

Each day should get easier, hopefully! These milestones are weird - joy and sadness all at once. I say that bag he was carrying and I figured it was something for his teacher. What a really cute project!

Wendy Kwok said...

Wow.. I really love this survival kit. Hugs to you for this new phrase of your life.

Melissa said...

Your kite is so cute! I'm sure the teacher loved it. Good luck with your new job!

Kalyn said...

Oh my goodness...Ryan and those girls look so cute! Congrats on being the brave mom of a big bad 1st grader! :)

www.cricutcraftyclare.blogspot.com said...

Lunch is very hard for me this year, now that my youngest is off to kindergarden. I don't know how to eat alone and I don't watch TV much. But I have some good books, now and it should go better. Keep sharing your beautifu work and know you are cheering up other Mom's who are lonely this fall!
www.cricutcraftyclare.com