This year is a lot of "Firsts" for our kids! It is Janika's first time at Middle School (which unfortunately brought back every unpleasant memory of Junior High that I could think of), Jase's first day of Intermediate School (he now has seven class periods), Janelle's first day of ALL DAY school (since she is in first grade this year), Jaiden's first year of kindergarten, and Josh's first year of pre-school. WHEW!!
And of course it is Jenna's first time of actually being without all of her siblings during the day.
Well, the kids survived their first day of school. Jase's response was the most enthusiastic. When I asked, "Well, how was it?" He replied, "Awesome!" He said that with so many different classes and teachers the day just flew by! He liked all of his teachers. He also applied and was accepted to be one of the lunch workers at his school. That saves us some money since he gets free lunch (I also pay him a weekly allowance for doing it which is less than what paying school lunch would be and so it still saves us money and also allows him to earn some money ).
Jase is the one I was least worried about because he handles change just fine. He is a pretty confident kid, and he is out-going, and bright. He loves to learn and challenge himself. He could care less about fashion and wears basketball shorts and a t-shirt everyday.
I was more worried about Janika just because she is a little timid (reminds me so much of myself at that age) and those middle school years are difficult ones. But she is very bright and has strong values and a good head on her shoulders. She also has a good fashion sense, conservative and simple, but also stylish -- and being pretty certainly doesn't hurt either. I am sure she will have her ups and downs but I am confident that she will do just fine. She is worried about one of her teachers that she has heard lots of negative things about but we will play that out for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
Jared has a difficult time with change and it a bit of a worrier (also reminds me of me at that age -- poor kid!) So his first day was a little tough. He says that all of his good friends moved to another school and that he doesn't really know anyone in his class. But Jared makes friends pretty easily. He is outgoing and has a great personality. He is also very smart although he sometimes underestimates his abilities. And of course he is cute (only don't tell him that or he will probably growl at you!)
Janelle seemed to do just fine although she was tired after being at school all day.
Janelle is very out-going and talkative and so I think she will do fine socially. I just hope she cooperates with what she is asked to do. At home it is like pulling teeth trying to get her to do her jobs! But sometimes kids are better for a teacher than they are for their parents.
Jaiden just met her teacher today and went on a treasure hunt to get acquainted with the classroom. Jaiden is very friendly and social and so I am sure she will have plenty of friends. She is a leader. My only concern is that she can be a bit hyper at home and so hopefully she will not get into any trouble at school. And academically? I guess that just waits to be seen.
Josh hasn't started pre-school yet but can't wait! He definitely WON'T be one of those kids hanging on to their mother's leg. He has seen me bring Jared, Janelle, and Jaiden to Mrs. Kathy's pre-school for years and he loves to go and play there when I go visiting teaching. So Josh will probably run to the door shouting "Bye mom!" My only concern is potty accidents. We are still working on that one. But he is doing well.
And last, but not least, Jenna finally gets a little alone time with her mommy. She loves being around all of her brothers and sisters, but a little quiet/snuggle time will be nice too!
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