1st Day of School 2011

Wow, seems like just yesterday that I thought having all of my boys in school was light years away. I've had kids at home with me for 12 1/2 years, seems so wierd that I'll never go back to that stage again. I had been so emotional about school starting this year and honestly kind of dreading it. I have been so fortunate to be home with them most of the time during the years. I have an amazing job that I love and have the flexibility to only work 1-2 days per week. I wondered what would I do when they went to school? I know what the "plans" always were but sometimes you don't know if that's what is best once the time actually comes. I knew what my ideal situation was but in this day and age its not always possible to have that. I've always had faith that things would work out the way they were supposed to. Luckily for me, the perfect opportunity fell into my lap. Our school had always had a part time Kindergarten aide until about 3 years ago when the numbers started to drop. This year we have 16 Kindergarteners so they were able to hire a part time aide. It is the perfect job for me, I can have fun with the kids for a few hours in the morning, still work my other job, AND have some free time for me a few afternoons a week. How many people are blessed enough to have not one, but two jobs they love and look forward to? Seeing all of my boys at assembly this morning and then at recess, reassurred me that I made the right choice. What a great 1st day it was. The best part was, instead of crying that my baby was starting school, I got to spend the morning with him. I'll only be there from 8-10:30 every day so he'll still have plenty of time independent of me. It's win- win for both of us.

On to the pictures.....I know you don't want me to ramble on and on. :)

Aiden has been ready to go ever since he picked out his bag. He had to have a messenger bag like his big brother Drew.

I knew Todd would take 1st day of school pics of me too, just didn't realize I had to have one by myself. lol

The two "kindergarteners".

My big guys.

Drew--7th Grade. Noah--4th Grade. Aiden--Kindergarten

Drew keeps reminding me--only 2 years until high school! Ack

Me and my boys.

Todd and his boys.

(love how Aiden is standing here--he has a little swagger)

Tried to snap some pics in front of school but Drew was appalled and went inside. My other two were game though! Even Mary posed with us! :)

Aiden and Gabe were excited that they were seated next to each other. Mrs. Wolkitt had a new pack of crayons for each kid to open and color with.

I snapped one last picture of Dad and Aiden before Todd had to leave for his school. Today he had meetings all day and tomorrow is his first day with students. He is starting his 17th year of teaching this year. And as busy has he's been getting ready for the start of the year, he still took the time to make homemade cinnamon rolls for us for breakfast and another batch that he took to our school for our staff. What a guy!

Today was just a half day for everyone. Tomorrow everyone will be all day except Aiden. He goes a half a day tomorrow and then starts all day on Monday. He is so excited to get to eat at school and ride the bus. I loved my first day. The kids were so cute, we had a lot of fun, and I felt right at home there. I guess having already spent 7 years volunteering there helped with that!

We are all looking forward to a great year!!!