Carefree Days of Kindergarten

I miss the carefree days of my kids in Kindergarten....

There was more excitement to go to school, to catch the bus in the morning. 

Coming home early in the day.

The extra time we had in the afternoon to play.

To go on spontaneous outings to take pictures and enjoy the outdoors. 

I miss all that time...

We don't get as much now. 

There's not a lot of time anymore to just play or run out somewhere to capture some great photos. 

Our days are filled with more homework,

rushed afternoons with some lessons,

and cranky mornings because she's so tired. 

It is definitely an adjustment getting used to 1st grade and going to school all day. 

Here are some of the moments I don't want to forget....

I Can Do Hard Things...

Wow, almost 3 weeks into school and things are going well.  I am still working on first day of school pics that I need to post! I had to share this though while the thoughts are fresh in my mind...

Mid-High (our school here for just 8th and 9th) has been going good for Tyler so far.  A few bumps in the road but he seems to be adjusting fine to the new school and environment, and enjoys his teachers.  It sure starts early though - 7:20 AM!  I'm so grateful Jeff can drive him across town to the school on his way to work at 6:50! 

(at the start)

He's taking cross country and this is a first for him, after doing track and field last spring.  We told him he needed to pick a sport or some physical activity for fall and since he's not doing football or soccer anymore, we gently suggested cross country.  He said, sure, since all of his friends were doing it.  Well after running 2 miles straight the first 2 days of practice, he said he was quitting.  It was rough, not being conditioned to do that, but we "gently" (you can't push too hard at this age!), encouraged him to stick it out longer! 

Well, 2 weeks into it and the first meet under his belt, he's still going strong.

The meet was held at Jennings Park which has gorgeous trails all over, but the hills on their running route were killers.

Here's his good friend, Tanner, just look at the determination on his face, pushing himself.  He's been a good friend for Tyler.

On the last hill of the route, (which you can see here is just gorgeous!), we watched all the runners make their way up and listened to the coaches giving encouragement - "Come on, you can make it, you're almost there!".  We waited, and watched, (and prayed) for Tyler until we saw him come around the corner. 

At this point, I had tears in my eyes, covered up by the camera... (I know for anyone who is a runner, this probably isn't a big deal, but for me to see him do this, it is!)  I couldn't do it, run almost 2 miles, up and down hills consistently like this.  Jeff used to run all the time when we were first married, so this is good for he and Tyler as well, to get out and run together. 

When you see something like this as a mother, your heart swells up so big with pride for your kid as they accomplish something they've never done before.  Hopefully he'll always remember as he goes through life, "I CAN do hard things..."

(Last push to the finish line.)

(I know, all the pics are a bit blurry, but I couldn't snap them fast enough as he was coming up the hill!  Just matters to me that I got them :)

You did it!! It's gotta feel so good and you make your family proud!

(Good sport. He's barely tolerating this picture -- more of a "come on mom, put down the camera so I can go home and rest!")

Student of the Month!

This is Tyler being recognized by the Vice Principal, Mr. Abels.

He even had to give his own acceptance speech in front of the school board, scary!

We're so proud of Tyler to be recognized as the 7th Grade Student of the Month at North Lake Middle School for February.  It's been a year with lots of homework and challenging work in his honors Math and Language Arts classes, along with lots of help from dad and prodding from mom!  But we're so happy and thrilled for Tyler to be recognized for all his hard work. 

We've been trying to figure out which one of his teachers nominated him, and ironically we're pretty sure it's his Math teacher, who isn't really his favorite, because she's tough! 

Here's what a few of his teachers had to say about him:

"Tyler is an outstanding student in his Advanced Mathematics class.  He constantly produces high-quality work and is quick to help other students during class.  His courtesy and positive attitude is a joy in the classroom!"

"Tyler is an excellent student in PE/Health.  He is hardworking and self-disciplined.  He has a great attitude and spirit, and he always contributes 100 positive percent!"

"Tyler's work in Honors Language Arts is consistently creative and completed with excellence.  He has successfully attacked the challenging vocabulary program with a vengeance envied by his classmates!"

"Tyler's sense of humor and willingness to help others makes him an AWESOME North Lake Bulldog!"

Way to go Ty!  We're so proud of you!

(Bummer, we didn't get the infamous bumper sticker! J/K)

I'm Home!!

Love seeing this when she first gets home from school!!