Well we did it..we found a pre-school for Sparkle Pants that I think she’s going to love and it started this past week. Taking a cue from Nie I really like the idea of a special back-to-school dinner. So the night before school I sort of threw something together and ta-da, our age-appropriate theme this year is responsibility. A wise boss I had once had taught, fun is only fun if you have responsibility. I love that saying and I couldn’t agree more. If kids (or adults) are allowed to have fun constantly, it’s interesting how quickly “fun” turns to boredom and then entitlement for bigger and more fun. I hope that by helping the little miss learn about responsibility she’ll also learn more about gratitude and that she can help our home run a little smoother. I found the toddler/preschool age chore chart at Dandee here.
Sparkle Pants took to her new class room like a fish to water and of course there were no tears. She walked right in and within 3 minutes was painting a picture…I snapped this on my way out. There are certain parts of parenting that just get me more excited than others, and for some reason having kids in school is one of them. I think it has to do with the age level, back to school shopping, new friends, volunteering to help with field trips and class parties….something about it all just excites me. Although when she starts going to school full-time I may be singing a different tune.
One more thing off the stresser list.
Now if we could just get some crisp back-to-school weather.
So is she going all day? I remember that being one of your concerns.
Nope! Half day, 3 days a week. Perf.
So yeah it's more like Back-to-school lite.
ummm super cute idea. We found that same chart and have been using it for a week now. It's helped a lot actually. Ah, I'm debating on preschool now too! But whatever we do decide… we're stealing your responsibility dinner idea! Love it! Way to make fashionable …a chore chart!
My kids going to school never has made me sad. It's a wonderful part of the growing up process! (Rob says to me that I'm a better mom to older kids. I choose to not be insulted that I'm not good with babies, but rather think it's a compliment that I'm good with school-age kids!)
Dear Miggy,
LOVE IT! What a terrific idea and way to get everyone excited about the new school year! And Miggs, your table was absolutely beautiful! And what a great theme "responsibility"… also a spelling lesson in there! PSP must have felt SO special… and truly this places a good and positive emphasis on learning and school. Fabulous!
I love the non-traditional meals one can make festive… when you guys were little, I did a very festive Valentine Breakfast… strawberry pancakes and a very lovely table set complete with Valentines for all. The table could be set & decorated the night before… A wonderful, hot and celebratory breakfast was especially great on snowy Valentine's mornings.
And for your younger brother we did a very fun Halloween dinner for JW and his little friends. After the kids left for "Trick or Treating", I'd reset the table for the adults and we'd eat, chat and enjoy until the little Gobblins came back to warm up and have more chilie and pumpkin soup and cider. Of course this worked when the kids were around 7 or 8 (or oder) and could at least go in the neighborhood alone for a while. Then we could all go in the car to further neighborhoods. Memories…
Speaking of "Back to School" themed meals… A Good friend of mine used to do a swell pot luck brunch for all the moms the first friday after the first full week of school…. kind of a "Mom Celebration"! This was especially great when the kids were in middle school and beyond. It was a lot of fun and gave us all a chance to re-connect and "gather our forces" at the beginning of the school year.
(Thanks for letting me share and reminisce!)
WELL DONE MIGGY!
Love,
G.G.
So fun, all the way around. That photo may end up being one of your favorites of her whole childhood. So happy for all of you!
Miggy! I'm so glad you found my blog & to have "met" you! Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl, Lamp (love the story of her name!) & welcome to Texas! I have lots of thoughts for you – as a mom who is just a few years ahead of you in this whole amputee world – will try to email you tonight or soon!
Katie