First Day of School

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cimg1744Today was another first for us as parents. (After 7 years of marriage, there become fewer “firsts.”) It was our first children’s first day of school. So, any “first day of school” after this, we will have at least experienced in some other form. (Wow- I didn’t mean to make our subsequent children feel less important…)

So, as I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been looking forward to this day for awhile. It wasn’t until recently (when Jason started crying as we discussed splitting them up) that I realized it might actually be a little sad too. But, that feeling was easily pushed aside as the girls woke up promptly at 6:45 am, jumped around, ran down the hallway, and cheered for their first day of school. Needless to say, we were plenty early. (We had to wait 10-15 minutes before the teachers opened to doors.)

It’s a good thing Jason and I both went, so we could each take a girl to her class. I noticed immediately their teachers have different personalities/teaching styles. But I actually think both are going to be a great fit! I took Morgan to class, whose teacher (Miss Rosa) seems a little less experienced, young, soft-spoken, but firm about rules. After 10 minutes in Morgan’s classs, she taught the “attention signal” and they jumped right into their schedule, and started music time. So, I signed “I love you” and waved goodbye. (Morgan was hesitant, but smiled when I told her to look for Kendall at recess.) I then went to check on Kendall, say goodbye, and let Jason get to work. Her room was a little more noisy and chaotic. But her teacher (Mrs. Stapes) seemed more experienced, a few years older, and very friendly and outgoing. After Jason left, Kendall sat at a table, waiting for instruction. I think between being new, not knowing anyone, 20 parents still wandering around the room with their children, and 6 or 7 kids playing at different places, Kendall started to get nervous. And just as I was about to leave, I saw her put her head down and her eyes welled up. I found her teacher, and asked if she was allowed to play, and pointed out that she was getting sad. Mrs. Stapes said, “Oh, yes, they have free-play time for another 15 minutes. Don’t worry. I’ll go talk to her!” So, Mrs. Stapes went over, said a few words to Kendall, and immediately, Kendall got a smile on her face and went and played with some blocks with a few other kids. She then pointed out to me what she was making, and I was able to say goodbye to another happy child.

Of course, as soon as I walked out the door, I totally got emotional! My eyes welled up and I literally had to tell myself not to cry. I didn’t feel so bad when I went to the parent orientation, and the principal literally walked around the room with a box of kleenex! (And I found out tonight that Jason had a much more difficult time today than I did… at least he didn’t see Kendall cry.) I just worry for them… being away from both Mom and sister, all day! I know they’ll be totally fine… and they were. Both were happy and smiling when I picked them up. Although, when I asked them to tell me about their days, Morgan only remembered that “the teacher talked, then we had music, then she talked some more.” And Kendall recalled, “We went to the cafeteria. Oh, and we played… hide and seek.” Morgan did mention, when we got to the car, that she wants to back to this same school “again and again and again and again and again…” I think there were even a few more in there.

*sigh* I’m gonna make it. I’m sure by this time next year, I’ll be counting down the days till I can get them back in school…

4 Responses to First Day of School

  1. How fun! Man, its gotta be hard splitting up the girls when everything they have done is together. What a new experience for them.

    Hope you don’t mind if I blog stalk ya! 🙂

  2. Alisa says:

    I don’t know. I may not cry now but I still worry about my kids when they start a new school year. Will the teacher understand them? Will they let them go to the bathroom when they need to? Will my kids understand the new class rules? Will they make friends or will they be picked on? And on and on.
    I know in the end it will turn out great but the anticipation at the beginning of the year still gets to me. I just want to be happy and once I see that they’re still happy at school I calm down a lot.
    Don’t get me wrong though. I still look forward to my time alone but I do still have concerns about my kids.

  3. Denise says:

    I don’t know Elaine, I still dread the first day of school and how old are my kids?!?!? Claire’s a senior! Abbie started 7th grade! I know it’s where they’re supposed to be but I sure miss them!!!!!!!
    The girls are adorable as always. But, um, when did they get so grown up?
    We talked about them all day on their birthday, we just never made it to the phone.
    We love y’all!!!!

  4. Jess Rigby says:

    I can’t believe how old your little girls are!! I remember when they were born! It was so fun watching them crawl around the choir room at Provo High! They are so cute!!

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