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Monday, September 1, 2014

Back to School

Last week marked the twins first week in first grade, and the first week at their new school.  I can tell you all the "nice" facts about the start of this new year....We love their new teacher, who Hayden claims is "cute".  (She is)  We know lots of kiddos in our class, which is amazing since we didn't even know that many families coming to our new school.  Both kids had zero fear at starting school, and are transitioning well into their new classrooms.  Blah, blah, blah.  That's all well and good, but the most informative part about this first week has been the stories I get to hear when they get in the car at the end of the day.  I love their interpretation of the lunch room: "Momma, it's so loud and crazy in there, you only get four minutes to eat and then you have to waste your apple." Hayden has already reported that Cale "held hands" with a little girl, to which he promptly and violently screamed "I DID NOT EVEN DO THAT." Apparently there is a trouble maker in their room, and I get to hear all sorts of hilarity on their interpretations of this situation.  I've gotten to hear such gems as "Momma, he's a real farty kid".  (Gets right to the point, huh?)  For some reason, Livi has decided to call the offender "Banana Bread" so when they climb in the car at the end of the day, she yells "What did Banana Bread do today?"  Some of the stories are downright funny, but the more Banana Bread stories I heard as the week went on, the more empathy I had for the kid.  Maybe the behavior is less about choosing to make waves, and more about something we know nothing about.  It has really set the tone for our discussions this week...about how their Daddy and I want them to try hard and respect their teacher, but also to be a blessing to other kids.  We talked at length about befriending the little ones that stood alone on the playground, or looked like they had no one to sit with at lunch.....but what about that one kiddo who is having such a hard time following new rules and procedures?  How does loving him look?  He's someone's baby too....By the end of the week, both kiddos were talking about how they were going to try to be a good example to him and help him do his best.  Hayden cracked me up when she said, "Momma, I'm just going to show him how to act.  I'm probably going to change his whole life."  (Next lesson on the agenda: humility)
Things are rolling right along here, and I was really proud of myself for having all manner of healthy snacks and fruit cut up and ready for amazing breakfasts and snacks and lunches and more snacks, and more snacks, because there's so much eating going on around here it would curl your hair.  The first few days I got up twenty minutes before them and had my coffee brewing and lunches made and a smile (ish) on my face when they came into the kitchen.  By the time day four rolled around, I was begging them to do the hot lunch line and to "just have cereal" for breakfast.  I know I'm not talent-less, but early morning Martha Stewart-ing isn't my thing.  It doesn't matter that I have to this morning routine roughly 200 something times this year, I'm pretty sure I'll be horrible at it every day.  I'm much peppier in the afternoon, so hopefully that's the part they'll remember.  I'm just not even trying to keep up a charade of enjoying waking up this early.
And now the real work starts.....encouraging the homework doing, and the book reading, and the learning of the organizational skills.  For me, the every day gym going, and office hours having....no more willy nilly schedule for us.  Believe you me, we were ready for it (reference previous post)
Mostly, I am proud of their fearlessness, and how adaptable they are.  They're so willing to just DO things, and I hope it's always like this.  (At least when it comes to the good stuff) I just love that they are brave, and sweet, and kind, and confident enough to think they're going to go change some kids' life.....I'm inclined to think they're just awesome enough to do it.