Friday, August 29, 2008

First Day of School

Tanner started junior high last Monday. I was the mom who embarrassed her kid to death by taking his picture before he left to grab the bus. Actually, I have a vivid memory of my first day of junior high and my mom taking my picture on the steps of the school. In the picture I have a dirty look on my face and I was NOT happy! So I looked up and down the street to make sure there weren't any kids out to witness our little photo session. And maybe it's that Tanner's a boy, but he didn't seem too bugged by me and my camera.


Luckily I spent the week before Aidan was born getting Tanner ready for school. We went shopping for school clothes, with Katelyn and Carter in tow, and Aidan in my very pregnant belly. (Talk about being thrown into the fire!) My memories of school shopping aren't too great, so I really dreaded doing this. Thank goodness that boys are way less picky than girls, and the only real downside to the whole thing was the sick feeling I had in my stomach for the following week because of how much money the venture cost us. We also registered Tanner for school. Throw in an orthodontist appointment and haircuts for all of the kiddos and it was a busy week, but I'm glad I got it out of the way before the baby came.

I was really nervous the whole first day of school, wondering how it would go for Tanner and worried that he would have a bad experience. In reality, his backpack got jammed in his locker and he had to have the janitors open it for him, and he almost missed the bus home in the process. I watched him as he relayed the details, and I was amazed that he never lost the ear-to-ear grin on his face or the enthusiasm in his voice. He is really liking school, and making friends amazingly fast. He already had pals at the bus stop after the first day, and girls have been coming to see him nonstop for a week now. (Don't even get me started on that. It's a subject that needs its very own post!) I'm impressed with his good attitude and I hope he can hold onto it--he really needs it right now.

So I survived my first "first day of school." I'm just doing it a little bit out of order. I wonder what sending kids off to kindergarten will be like?

5 comments:

BAK said...

Tanner is such a great kid. I've loved watching him the past few months. He seems so happy. You must be doing everything right.

I think it's always emotional when you send your kids to school, whatever their grade level. Preschool was hard, kindergarten, first grade...it all means they are growing up & away from home a little more. But I know you'll do just fine! Honestly, I think it's harder putting them on the bus than anything. There is just something so great about walking them to school, seeing all the kids and backpacks and bikes and younger siblings.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Tanner's liking school. You sound like you're doing really well especially with how much you have going on! I just have a tiny baby- I can't imagine kids ranging from baby to jr. high. You're amazing!

Becky said...

Wow, I can't believe how much different (older) Tanner looks since I last saw him in Spokane! Yeah, that's gotta be crazy sending a kid to junior high before you've even sent one to kindergarten. I hope you're doing well with all the changes in your life right now! We'll be in Utah some time in February--not sure what week right now. So when it gets closer, we can talk about getting together!

Stephanie said...

That reminds me of my Bishop who always boasts of having grandkids, but never having raised a child of his own (he married a woman with kids late into their lives). Anyhow, it is kind of funny (is that the right word?) that you're dealing with Jr. High before you've even gotten to Kindergarten! I think you're doing a wonderful job helping Tanner adjust. I really think he'll blossom living with you guys full time. Keep up the good work! And keep trying to catch some sleep sometime in the midst of all your craziness right now...

[alisar] said...

Wow, Tanner looks really good! I'm going to say a little prayer for him (and the rest of you) that his attitude will hold out. What a blessing that he is making friends! Good for him!