First Day Firsts

I've always been a weepy woman, tears streaming against my control at a sappy love story or goosebump moment in life.  As such, the guys often make fun of me, or turn in unison to see if I'm crying at the sign of something emotional.  Even knowing this, it took me by surprise that I was so teary on the first day of school.

Noah's been driving since the beginning of the year but today was his first day driving himself to class.  I thought I was prepared for it - until he backed out of the drive.  Walking back into the house from our annual photo opp, it hit me that he'd probably never again ride shotgun in the mornings or after school.  Though our drives were brief, they were memorable and I will miss sharing that time together.

The morning went much smoother than anticipated, another sure sign my baby is growing up.  He was ready to head out the door before his dad even arrived home from work.  Sitting together on the couch, I decided to bring back the morning verse of the day.

We started this tradition when the boys were younger, as it was a quick and easy way to get them in the Word each day.  Alternating between Psalm and Proverbs, you choose the date for your verse.  Noah flipped to Psalm and found there was no 8:10 so he moved to Proverbs.  It was so fitting for the first day of school and I hope Noah felt God's presence in the room.  I pray He covers Noah with protection this school year, guides his steps and decisions, and guards his heart.  While I want him to do well as a Junior academically, it is more important to me that he follow the wisdom and knowledge gained from this book...

I can hardly contain myself, as I want to text and check on his day; however, I will refrain for now.  You best believe I'll be ready with our annual cupcakes to share and hear all about it this evening.

Meanwhile, if you're wanting a distraction from all that back-to-school paperwork, here are some of my favorite school related posts from the past.

school days

afternoons with noah

disco spelling test

faithful friday

My handsome junior, no more bus rider

School Spirit

The first day of school has come and gone.  My plan to ease the kiddos into early mornings seemed to work, as wake-up call was a success.

Even though they spent the summer sleeping until noon, they both perked up and out of bed with ease.  The best surprise was that they both got up on the right side of bed, as attitudes were pleasant. 

This is a rare treat with teenagers. 

As we headed out to the front tree for our annual first day photo, I thought to myself, "this year may be easy-peasy"...

Well, not so much.  But it was funny.

Instead of the "please no more pictures!" and "are we done yets"

I got a full on fashion show. 

It was rather difficult to keep my camera steady for laughing so hard.

At least I managed to get one good pose.

Tina doesn't really take a bad picture but I did capture a few funnies.

My favorite part though was then they got together and posed.

They were giggly.

They were loving.

They were down right silly.

Maybe they were excited for school to begin.
Yet, in the afternoon (ahem, evening) when they finaly made it home on the bus,

the love fest continued. Even though they'd suffered a hot and hungry two hour ride to make it home, in a downtown neighborhood a mere miles from school, 

joy was present. 

They whispered, laughed, and helped each other with chores.

They wanted to tell each other about their day more than tell us.

Tim and I kept pinching ourselves.

Will this continue?
Who can really say.

But I soaked it up just in case it doesn't.

And...I have pictures to prove it did.

Faithful Friday: School Days

Summer may not officially end until September but schedules and routines are quickly approaching.  This is our last long weekend before the school bell rings.  Although I took a vacation day, it's not been to relax; it's operation back to school in this house!

As of Tuesday, alarms will be set an hour earlier and the big yellow bus will once again be seen in the neighborhood.  We've been knee deep in pencils, notebooks, and binders, (after I scoured the best deals online of course!).  It's seriously amusing how happy it makes me to find packs of mechanical pencils for .29 cents.  And how giddy I get sorting it all out, Sharpie in hand, to organize everything.

Today was spent shopping with my baby boy, who is unbelievably a big 7th grader this year.  Actually he could easily pass for a high schooler but it's hard to let him grow.  Last night we went on a tour at the middle school so he could meet his new teachers.  He's pretty excited about many of teachers and most of his classes, especially pre-algebra and science.  Well, that and the sea of new girls he gets to swim through in between those classes!

I enjoyed my last Mom & Noah day of the summer.  It was filled with sushi and shopping, music and laughter.  Two of the highlights of the day were the giant smile on his face, after finding the most awesome pair of shoes, and the even giant-er hug I got at the end, thanking me.  I love that he still enjoys hanging out with mom and that made hours of fighting crowds, long lines and deal finding all worth it.

There are so many wishes and dreams I have for Noah, as he begins this new chapter in his young life.  May he be challenged and excel academically.  May he have many friends but also be a friend to many.  May he find comfort in his ever-growing and changing self.  Most of all, may his character improve more than his GPA. 

While I want Noah to do well in school, the lessons he learns for life are far more important to me than if he memorizes and aces a test.  My wish is that he'll give as much time learning about God as he does studying the periodic table or algebraic equations.  May he spend as many moments in prayer as he does texting.  May one of the many books on his night stand continue to be the Bible.  More than anything, my dream for him is that the foundation of faith we've instilled remain in tact during these tumultuous teenage years. And may he have a blessed school year filled with JOY!

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  - Deuteronomy 6:7

School Days

There's something about a pack of new pencils and a fresh notebook that bring a smile to my face. I love new school supplies! Selecting pencils, crisp paper, brightly colored folders, and of course, a cool lunchbox, has always been a yearly joy for me. School is in the air, and while it's been a long time since this girl was in class, I still get a little excited about the first day.

I loved school (for the most part), especially the first day. It was just so new - a fresh start. I felt like I had a chance for something special, to start over if I needed. Each year was a new opportunity. Granted, I didn't have this feeling every day, and usually by Christmas break the excitement was long gone, but I loved how each year was a prospect of something new and wonderful.


Wouldn't it be great if our adult life was like that of a student? Each day a chance to learn something you didn't know the day before. And at the end of every week a test, to see what you've learned. Every few months, a report card, that let you know how you were doing. If you did something great, you might get a smiley face, or better yet a sticker. Or, if you were really good, a gold star by your name on a giant billboard in the sky.


Actually, our life is kind of like school. Each day is a lesson for us, if we open ourselves up to it. Stickers come in the form of every joys, if we recognize them.  How we respond to the tests life hands us is up to us and makes us who we are. And, if we have a close relationship with God, no test is too hard to pass. When we struggle, we can have private tutoring with him, anytime, day or night. He is the ultimate teacher and always willing to stay after and show us the right way. The best part is, even when we fail, he still loves us.