First Day of School {2014-2015}

August 25th, 2014






It has become a tradition to have waffles for the first day of school each year - one waffle for each grade the child is in. I first made homemade waffles, then I resorted to frozen waffles. But, this year I went really easy and bought packaged donuts (spare tire donuts and a bus theme for My Big Green Pocketbook). Little Bo was upset to see 4 donuts on Malachi's plate and two on Eliana's, so I gave him one of each kind. The older boys just grabbed boxes of donuts and filled them - 9 donuts for Dylan and 10 for Nathan. (They didn't want their picture taken).

Our first day was orientation, going over each subject and my expectations, and having them figure out how many lessons they needed to do per week to finish in a school year. Then I watched a movie (Love Begins) with Mali, Elli, and Bo. Elli popped popcorn and sprinkled it with Annie's Mac and Cheese powder for us during the movie, and I started putting together Elli's All About Reading Level 2 activity binder while we watched. After that, we watched the next movie in the series while I continued to organize and get ready for school.

All hope of a good week was gone by Wednesday evening when my husband decided we needed to do some extra house projects - not school related - while I was knee deep in putting together Elli's binder (still) and school books and supplies were scattered all around the house. Not the best move on his part. I ended the week feeling totally burnt out and ready to quit.

But...  there is a happy ending to this story.

To be continued...

First day of School 2012

First day of School 2013

16 comments

  1. I am sorry that the first week of school was rough. The first day looked grand. I hope next week will be better for you all.
    blessings, Dawn

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  2. A lovely first day! I like how you decorated the table for the row. I must say, Malachi sure is looking more and more like Luke every day!

    I hope you have a great week and look forward to part 2 of this story! :)

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  3. Sweet Michelle,
    I think of you more often than you would probably believe. :-)
    Our first week was less than I hoped for too, but in the end, it was only my expectations that fell short, the children gave me the best mom in the world speech and I realized once again that less is more and that all they really want is love. :-) (Which I KNOW your children know and feel from you!!!! Hands Down!)

    God Bless You Home Schooling Mama and carry on!

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  4. Glad to read that there is a happy ending! It is difficult when our plans get thwarted -- especially that first week -- been there done that!

    Your children are precious blessings and what a SWEET treat for the 1st Day!

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  5. Michelle! You left me hanging :)! I am SO VERY glad there is a happy ending to your first week because I am feeling really bad for you. Knowing there is some happy coming makes me smile for you though!

    I'm with you on the donuts. We use donuts for all sorts of celebrations around here. The boys especially love them.

    I am really looking forward to part two of your first week and I'm sending prayers for many happy weeks to come. You so deserve them and so do your sweet children.

    LOVE their pictures! Elli looks so happy!!

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  6. looking forward to the second half of the story too! What a fun first day of school! I love this time of the year! I hope you have wonderful first weeks ahead and I hope you have another year of memorable earning together with your little ones {and big ones:)} Much love Love!

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  7. Sorry, I meant to say, "learning" together ;0)

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  8. It looks like you had a beautiful first day! I'm sorry the rest of the week was challenging, but grateful to hear that all turned out well. I hope you have a beautiful year of learning and growing together.

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  9. Thank you, Dawn! It was a better week! :)

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  10. Thank you for your encouragement, Carissa! ♥

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  11. Well, happy despite the toilet overflowing and flooding the bathroom, basement and school room, LOL! But, you already knew that. :) Thank you soooo much for your prayers, Susana! Means so much to me!

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  12. Thank you, Julia! Sending much love, prayers, and blessings your way, too! ♥

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  13. Oh Michelle, you always crack me up with your HUGE 1st Day breakfasts. I'm sure the boys esp. love it! And you ALWAYS come up with the MOST creative tablescapes! How Absolutely FUN!!! I'm sorry the first week went into a tail spin (I saw your comment above on the flood, poo), but glad things ended well enough and look forward to hearing Part II of the story. My first week was only so-so as well. I always feel behind since we lose a day at the start with the day after Labor Day being Tuesday and then we needed to visit Gma (typical all-day visit) on Friday made our first week a short one -- not exactly my ideal. Btw, love the kiddo pixs on your sidebar -- little Bo with his hands on his knee is ADORABLE! ~ Blessings my Friend!!! Shalom

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  14. I love your tradition, so sweet, and so adorable that your older ones didn't want to be pictured :) I love your honesty <3

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