Another first day

  Well, we made it here.  Yesterday was the kids' first day at their new school and I was feeling okay about it, but the nerves that were all pent up inside wanted to come out in tears as I drove away from the school.  As great (and I mean GREAT!) as it was to have his friend show him the ropes, Calvin still was so nervous to go in.  The look on his face just killed me!!

  I don't know exactly how to explain the school other than to say it has a different philosophy than other schools with a big emphasis on extracurriculars (gardening, cooking, etc.).  It is an alternative school within the local school district and you had to apply by lottery to get in.  Calvin was 24th on the waitlist coming into the school year so we pretty much ruled it out.  We were on the fence about saying yes when we got the call because they require a large amount of parent involvement, but we couldn't say no.  Besides, we only get to do this once and I think I will regret not putting in every effort to be involved if I can.  The requirement a great catalyst in this case.

     Each class is greeted with a welcome letter every day.

  I was told Calvin's class was talking the week before about ways they can make him feel comfortable and included when he came to school.  This boy will take it!!

  When I came for pick-up, a sweet girl, Shelby, walked straight over to me and asked if I was Hannah's mom.  I said yes and she promptly asked if she could have a play date with her.  It was the sweetest.  Out walked Hannah with her origami mobile and a HUGE smile on her face!  She couldn't stop talking about her day.  A huge wave of relief washed over me.  The same thing happened with Calvin.  A big smile on his face and couldn't stop talking about this book I HAD to read to him that he got from the library.  And all throughout the night, random kisses and hugs.  You got it, his tank was full.  And so was mine!

  At the dinner table we continued to find more out about their days.  Calvin said his friend kept telling him where to go and how to do what came next.  Hannah told us that everyone was fighting over who got to show her around and how to do things.  "It was like they all had a crush on me!" she said.  Oh my goodness, we were cracking up.  It is so good to know your kids are feeling so loved.  She continued to tell us about how she got her own weaving kit and when they were done with their work they would weave.  Sounds like my kind of class!!!

Found this this morning.  I mean, can you even stand it?

  Speaking of friendship, I let Hannah FaceTime with her friend from the other school last night.  It was the cutest thing I have ever heard!!  At one point, Hannah was reading a chapter of a book to her, and then they switched.  When I walked in after about 25 minutes to say it was time, I heard them talking about the characters in the book like they were real friends.  Then, Hannah asked her friend if she wanted to talk to me and I asked her if she missed Hannah and she said, "I missed Hannah SOOO much!"  It was really sweet.  I can only pray she finds another good friend like her.

  We still have some transitions ahead with me starting in the classrooms next week, but so far so good!

Happy wednesday!