Meet The Teacher - Teacher Gifts!

As school starts again I have mixed emotions of not wanting the Summer to end but also wanting these kids OUT OF MY HOUSE. HA!!!!!

Might as well start the year off RIGHT with a MEET THE TEACHER GIFT.

I have a bunch I found that are just too cute. Which one should I do!?

1) Thank You Planter-

How cute is this from My Happy Place?
Chalk paint, a plant and a ribbon DONE!

2) Crayon Name Picture!

This is too cute but more advanced for sure from Melissas Bargains.

3) This Survival Kit is adorable.

 

Clean and Sensible has it as a Valentines Day gift but I think it's great for a meet your teacher gift too. 

4) Pencil Bouquet= AKA sheer brilliance from Less Cake More Frosting!

 

What do you think? Which one should I do? You should see what my bestie did! How great is this??? It's a door hanger!

Valentines Day Favors

Every year I get ahead of this because two classes and this many kids can make my mind whirl!!!! Valentines are so cute.


Last year I did these:

This year I got these for Oriental Trading Company:

Landon picked out these Valentine Gorillas for his class.

Coco liked these!

Yes, light up heart necklaces.
You light up my life? Sure!

Now if you're feeling more crafty, I do think these ideas are cute:

Dig it?

What are you making for Valentines Day?

The End Of Camp Mommy- Landon's going to school

Well, it had to end sometime!

Landon starts school today. I'm excited to see how he likes the first grade but, really I want the Summer to go on....and on...... and on.....

Maybe it's because in the Summer we have no:

Surgeries
Doctors appointments
Bedtime
Homework

We are care free and fun.

We have had the best Summer of our lives. He, has had the best Summer of his life....

I get teary thinking of this guy ever leaving for college. I just want him around. I like him.

I will let you know how the first day goes. Has school started where you are? Are you going to miss the Summer as much as me?

Too Much Learnin'

Well we were off to a great start and then...

Landon said tearfully: "I don't want to go to school. There's too much learning and not enough play time!"

Oh boy.

And I have talked to the teachers and parents and I am assured that the kindergartners are not being tortured. When I pick him up he is all smiles and so proud. The goodbye's however, are becoming tougher. Tears. Real tears and hugs. Lots of hugs.

I feel bad for him, being as he is a sensitive guy. I'm trying to give him the confidence that he can do it.

Landon is such a good guy but he can really work himself up. With all he's been through I guess that's normal. He may take a while to get used to this new system, but I think he's in the right place!

Transitions are hard. It's all I can do to not cry when I see him cry!

Please say a little prayer for sweet Landon that his drop offs start being more joyful and peaceful!

Are your kids excited to be back in school?

I'm An Empty Nester?

Landon is now going to school three days a week 9-3, and one half day. For me to let him go for a whole day was a big thing. He's only four, I wasn't sure if he was ready but the afternoons at school seemed so fun we gave it a try.

He loved it from the start. Landon loves eating lunch as well as playing soccer, doing yoga, and all the other afternoon activities they offer. He was so excited about his lunch box he picked out I thought he was going to explode. In fact on the half days (everyone does a half day Friday), he begs to stay at school and eat lunch with his friends! I was thrilled about his amazing transition, and then the house was quiet!

Once again I am in the yin/yang of motherhood. Now that he spends three full days I am an "empty nester!" LOL. Truthfully this schedule has made my life more calm and easy and I am able to do a little work. Let's not forget that I have darling Coco to entertain me as well. She starts her Mommy and Me class today. Didn't I just give birth to them a minute ago?

Preschool! Hard time for your child or hard time for you??!!

Landon will be going to preschool for the first time in a week or two. School. By himself. Without me! I know, I should be thrilled, excited, jumping for joy! Instead, I'm a little sad. Scared! FREAKED OUT!

I'll miss having him around! Yes, he can drive me insane. Yes, he is ready for school. Yes, it will be good for him but I'll miss him! My baby! What will he (I mean I without him) do without me!

Landon's teacher came for a home visit. She was lovely, Landon adored her. All went well. I just keep thinking about having to drop him off. DROP HIM OFF? I barely let my nanny watch him, let alone some teachers. Oh boy. What to do?

I going to try to focus on making the transition as smooth as possible for him. (Cut to me bawling in the parking lot!)

I thought I'd share some points the school mentioned to help with Landon's (I mean my) transition to preschool.

1) Explain what will happen to your child when you separate- Simple and straight forward and keep it positive!

2) Explain what will happen when you're apart- Show enthusiasm for what your child will be doing at school.

3)Establish a goodbye routine- 3 kisses and a high five? A little story? a big hug? Keep it short and consistent. Remain firm in your leaving. This creates trust.

4) Leave tangible signs of love- a picture of you? A toy? blanket? This can all be a comfort while you're separated.

5) Explain what will happen when you're reunited- Let them know when you're coming back and what will happen. Be reassuring.

6) Accept unexpected reunion reactions! some kids will be joyful, hysterical, ambivalent...about how the day went. They may or may not be happy to see you!

7) Do games and role playing- Even if not in school every day, practice games and role playing about school to make the child feel better. Use a doll, pretend they are going to school, saying bye to mommy etc.

Well, I feel better. Do you?