First day of school 2014

We all survived the first day of school!

Brandon started his Senior year!  He's pretty excited!  He and a few of his good friends are on the Music Committee again this year.  I think it's going to be a great year!  This is your last one Brandon.  Make it count!  :)

Dallin started the 9th grade.  He also has Seminary this year for the first time.  He already LOVES his teacher!  We got him brand new, leather scriptures and he has been so excited to use them.  He's got some hard classes this year, but he will do great!  Good luck Dallin!

Kyle started 7th grade!  Oh and he got braces the week before school started.  (Welcome to junior high!)  :)  He is also taking Chinese this year and so far, he really loves it.  He's learning new words everyday and comes home and talks to us in Chinese.  Funny kid!  Way to go Kyle!

And Jacob is a big 5th grader.  He is our only child left at Arcadia Elementary.  That is just crazy!  

When I walked him into his class, he quickly found his desk.  He introduced himself to his teacher and then he sat at his desk.  I sat with him for a minute and then I said, "Well, I guess I'll go.  Are you going to be ok?"  He quietly responded, "Yes, Moooom."  And then I did something that was apparently the worst thing I could have ever done to my grown-up 5th grader.  I said, "Can I give you a hug goodbye?"  And he looked at me with this terrified look on his face and said, "Not here.  Not in front of my friends."  WHAT???

This picture says it all...you can see it on his face..."Please, Mom, don't embarrass me in front of my friends.  Just go now."  (Of course he didn't say that, but I could "see" it!) 

Oh, I was so devastated.  Jacob has never been embarrassed by me.  I guess it's happening to him too.  He's becoming a pre-teen.  I walked out of the classroom feeling pretty sad and deflated.  I ran into a friend of mine on the way out and I told her what had just happened.  She asked me, "What grade is he in?"  I said, "5th."  And she immediately looked at me and said, "No, of course you can't hug him goodbye."  (Duh!)  Wow!  My kids are growing up.  And whether I like it or not, it's happening.  There is nothing I can do to stop it.  Just so you know, I didn't go home and cry.  I actually walked away with a smile on my face.  I guess I've come to the conclusion that this is how it's supposed to be.  Kids are supposed to grow up.  It's all part of the plan.  I might not always like it, but it's a good thing.  I just need to keep reminding myself of that.  In the meantime, let the school year begin!                                                          Here we go!  :)