Back To School

September is one of my favourite times of year. I love the summer - the weather (when it cooperates on the Wet Coast), the lack of schedule, long stretches of time with my kids, the freedom from routine- but come September, I'm usually more than ready for some structure. I get excited by the possibilities, by new beginnings.

Grade Eleven. I can not believe how fast this guy is growing up. Kyle's at least two inches taller than his Dad now. He is taking some interesting courses this year (Marketing, Law, Journalism) and is committed to putting the time in to get some stellar marks. He has made some good goals and has figured out what he needs to do in order to get there. This year and next everything matters. And while we are here to support him in whatever way we can, Kyle realizes that it's up to him to do the work. I know he's going to have a great year and even he will be amazed by what he can achieve when he puts his mind to it.

Grade Nine. High School. Semesters instead of terms. Kyle and Emily are in the same school for the next two years, and I have a feeling I'm going to get more information about what's going on at the high school from Em. I've been a little, let's say uninformed the past two years. Kyle's just not as into the details as I'd like :) I can't wait to hear how it went when she gets home. I'm going to make a big plate of cookies and we are going to sit at the island and chat all about it.

Grade Five. Last year of elementary school. A school leader. He's already thinking ahead to middle school next year, but I hope that Conner soaks up his last year of elementary. We had a good long talk before bed last night about school and some of the things he's nervous about. I reminded him that he has his Dad, Mom, his teachers and his principal all cheering him on. We all want him to succeed and he needn't feel alone. Conner is such an easygoing kid that sometimes I don't pick up on the struggles he's having.

Grade Four. Liam is in a 3/4 split this year and I'm glad. He has the same teacher as last year and she totally gets him. Liam is good at school - he likes to be organized and is meticulous with his work. This year he's working on taking some risks and not being so careful all the time.

They were mortified, but I did get them to stay still long enough to snap a picture out the window of my minivan. Yes, I am that Mom.

Reconnecting with other friends we haven't seen over the summer...

This is my two last years of having kids in elementary and I want to soak it up. I plan to spend a lot of time with them in their classes and helping out around the school.

The day after Labour Day to me is more the start of a new year than January 1. Forget New Year's for resolutions, I think September is the best time to start fresh. Here's to a great year!