School Year 2013-2014...

I had so much anxiety last summer (2012) thinking about the boys being home all day, every day. Then it ended up being so much fun and we had such a great time, I had no reason to think Summer 2013 would be any different. I was wrong, terribly, terribly wrong. It was rough. It was long. There was so much fighting- especially between Oakley and Asher. They do have similar personalities, but one would think the 4 1/2 year age difference would mediate some of that, but NOPE. Those two are at each endlessly. Eli does his part to egg it on and stir the pot, so no one is innocent. Having August 26, 2013 roll around brought much joy and happiness, not just for Mom- but everyone. Thankfully, the boys all like school and were ready to get back. Almost twelve years later, Mom gets almost 7 hours to herself during the day. Such joy!

Oakley 11 years old, 6th grade - King of Elementary School

Eli 9 years old, 4th grade

Asher 6 years old, 1st grade - first year for all-day school

Oakley - Mrs. Decia Andersen's Class

Asher - Mrs. Esther Sivert's Class

Eli - Mrs. Amanda Pew Class

 The first day of school each year, all of the students gather on the front lawn for flag ceremony. We sing the National Anthem, recite the pledge, and a cannon is shot off. (I wonder how much the neighbors appreciate that.) Patriotism is the focus from the first moments.

 Last year I adapted an idea from Emily, who has a first day of school tea party with the girls. I make each of the boys a crown that states King of _______ Grade, depending what grade they are in that particular year. I get some sparkling cider that we drink from crystal goblets and some sweet treats and snacks. When the boys get home from school, we sit around the counter and discuss their first day of the new school year.

 

 Another tradition I started a couple of years ago was making each of the boys a candy bar poster with lots of words of encouragement for starting a new year and getting over all of the jitters and also reminding them they can do hard things and to do their best work always. (There will be no more first-day-of-school-traditions added to this family. Those two are enough!)

 

 At Parent Orientation, Scott left a note in Asher's desk for him. He was read it over and over again to his brothers and they all laughed and laughed. The note says, "Mom and Dad visited your class today. We like your desk. Your teacher is very nice. We wish we could come to 1st grade because it looks fun. There is only one problem...your desk is too small. 'Help, I'm stuck!' "