Kindergarten Quotes

Following his first 45 minute bus ride home...I said, "Carson, I was so worried about you. That took a long time. I think I will just pick you up from now on."
"No, I just love riding the bus home. I am the last kid off. When all the other kids get off I get some quiet time. I put my head against the window and let it vibrate. I love it."

Concerning a "bossy" girl in class...
"Abbie is so bossy. She tells us everything we already know, like don't sit on the platforms in music and if you run in the halls you have to go the safe spot. We all know that! She sounds like BLAH,BLAH, BLAH."

Later in the week, after I got is class list, I asked about Abbie. I didn't see a potential Abbie on the list. He swore there was an Abbie. The following week he said, "You were right, Mom. Her name is Maddie."

"Mom, my goal for today is to be pace car!"

"Maisy, I brought you something today...a princess key. It was a girl's birthday and it was in her cupcakes. I didn't want it, so I saved it for you. It even has a little sugar on it still. It might attract some bugs so you can catch them."

"Why do we not got to school on Saturdays?"

"I made a new friend today, Mom."

We all survived!

After rushing around to get everyone ready and all cameras were located and working, we managed to snap a few shots before I had to leave for school. Most of them were with my nice camera, but these were a couple of my favorites from the digital.

Carson was a very big boy today. I am tremendously proud of him. In the end, I think it was much easier for both of us that I didn't take him. Jeremy said he got really nervous at school and wouldn't walk in front of him. Jeremy delivered the paperwork to the teacher and hit the road, which was what Carson needed. I would have lingered and made things worse. I had a large cry on the way to work, just realizing how truly fast 5 years have gone. He is a big boy now. Sniff, sniff. I am still really emotional, but try to show him nothing but excitement because I want him to love school. He called me when he got to the sitter's and reported that PE was the best part of his day and that he made a book he would read to me. He wants to go back tomorrow. His goal is to be the Pace Car in PE next time. This honor is saved for the best behaved kid, he said. We're off to a good start.

The sun was in his eyes. He wasn't grouchy.

Tomorrow is the BIG day!

One Step Ahead

He took his hand from mine
And a step ahead he went;
"Mama, I'm a big boy now,"
is what his gesture meant.

He climbed upon the steps
Of that yellow school bus,
He never made a sound,
He never made a fuss.

He looked back at me
With confusion on his face,
Kind of happy, kind of scared,
Of this new and different place.

He waved his hand at me,
As the bus began to go,
I waved back and forced a smile-
My heart was breaking so.

I watch 'til he was gone,
And then I turned to go
Back down that long and lonely road,
As tears began to flow.

I knew I was acting
Like one big silly fool,
But I'm a mother, it's my privilege-
My baby's gone to school.

Jeanie Scarborough

Berry Bootiful...I have to be fancy...this is berry pretty

Maisy loves lip gloss. The more the better! I let her play in her "pretty basket" the other day and she put on layers of lip gloss. I think at times she even tried to eat it. I have caught her putting it up her nose too. She kept whispering to herself, "I am berry bootiful. I have to be fancy. This is so pretty." It was so funny. She was very serious the entire time. She even went to the grocery store that way. I felt really weird about it though. She is just a walking contradiction. Later at Carson's football practice, she was laying on her stomach in the gravel making a dirt angel. Saying, "I love it." I think she likes the way dirt feels between her fingers. I love her funny little personality. She constantly surprises us. Tonight she fell flat and as she popped back up she said laughing, "Oops, I fell right on my buns."

The first day of kindergarten...is next week.

I am really struggling with this. So, as any sane person would do I have begun a feverish hunt for a poem that was read at Carson's preschool graduation about going to kindergarten. In some sick way, I hope it triggers the flood of tears I have been holding back.

I can't believe my baby is going to school.

I have yet to find the poem I am looking for, but found some that released the first flow of tears. I know I will revisit them several times in the next few days. This one sums it up for me tonight.

PS-The mohawk was temporary. Carson is clean shaven and ready for school.

First Day Of Kindergarten School Poem

~Author Unknown~

She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

In the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place besidethe others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as

She first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though she must have grown

To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred by hastily

I brushed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And keep her by the hand

To lead her through the places

That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,

To work her problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She's not a baby anymore --She's in Kindergarten today.

Things I have learned...

Aside from my academic challenges in June, I have learned a lot about myself and family this summer. I wanted to make note of some items of particular importance or of high frustration for later reflection.

1. Potty training can be an extremely lengthy process. Carson was accident-free in 48 hours, before he was two. Needless to say, the second time has drug on a bit longer. Accidents only happen at bedtime now, which is my fault, if I forget the pull-up. But, wow, I have washed a ton of sheets this summer.
2. It is much easier to learn to ride a two-wheel bike on a smaller one. That was a great tip!
3. I don't have to be super tan anymore to feel good about myself. I have beat "tanorexia".
4. Kids truly carry their parents opinions and thoughts everywhere. I have heard my own words regurgitated on several occasions. My favorite is when Carson tells Jeremy to change the channel because the show is inappropriate.
5. Sponge Bob is not so bad. I actually think he's funny and enjoy watching him.
6. I enjoy yoga.
7. My son is truly a lot like me, which worries me.
8. Discipline is the hardest it has ever been. Jeremy and I don't agree on approaches.
9. My kids love fish, not to eat, as pets.