Back to School 2021

Here are our back to school pictures-

Molly, 9th grade.  Wasatch High School.  Freshman.  Molly had a rough summer but the transition into high school has been so, so good.  She is loving it and I am enjoying watching her have the whole high school experience.  She has an awesome group of friends.  There have been some stressful days as she has had to adjust to a heavier work load with homework but she got a 4.0 the first term, so she is killing it.

Stockton, 7th grade.  Timpanogas Middle School.  He's not a school lover or school hater, just goes and doesn't say much about it.  He loves his graphic design class, PE, and percussion.  He has a group of lunch friends for gold day and a different one for black day.  It's been a good year so far, I think.

 

These two still ride the same bus.  It drops of at the middle school and then drives a mile to drop off at the high school. 

Brynn, 5th grade.  Her last year of elementary.  She got Mrs. Vanhouten, who Molly and Stockton both had.  I was worried that it wouldn't be a good fit but it has been really great so far.  She has an awesome group of kids in her grade.  They have literally been in the same class since 1st grade (since they are the only non-dual immersion class) so they have become a really close group, boys and girls.  They all act like best friends and there is literally no drama.  Or at least none that I have heard about.  Brynn maybe wouldn't notice if there was any because she is awesome like that. 

That first day was exhausting!  Brynn fell asleep on the floor right before dinner, something she hasn't done in forever.  

Ivy, 1st grade.  First day going all year.  Her teacher is Mrs. Call.  Ivy is loving school-her friends, her teacher, all she is learning.  She is excelling in reading and all other areas.  I haven't pushed her with reading (something I wish I would have known to do with Brynn) and it has come so naturally to her.  She surprises me each time we sit down to read.  It is so exciting for her to be able to look at her surroundings and read signs and directions...and everything!  And so fun for me to watch the world come alive for her.

This is the last year these two will be together.  Ever.  Because of the age gap, Ivy will be on her own after this year for the duration of her schooling.

 

All of my kids have loved not having to deal with masks this year!  As a mom, I didn't really care one way or the other but I have noticed that they are bringing home more colds this year than last year.  So an interesting case for masks, I guess.

Me, third year teaching preschool.  I teach a 3's class Wednesday and Friday morning.  I opted to do another year thinking it would be my last.  Now I'm not so sure.  It's easier with Ivy in all day because I can come home and have a few hours before piano starts.  The two mornings a week has been totally manageable and I don't have to come up with any lesson plans.  My class is fabulous this year, so engaged and attentive so I am enjoying that aspect of teaching.  I like having the little bit of extra money coming in, it makes it so the kids are able to be active and involved in their activities.

The thing that is becoming hard is piano.  I have 19 students.  I teach for 3 hours Monday and Tuesday and two hours Wednesday and Thursday.  I love teaching piano but it has been really tricky with the kids getting busier and having no drivers yet.  I am hoping I can make it through this year and then have Molly to help with the driving next year.  I don't want to give up my piano since I truly find a lot of satisfaction in teaching.

Well, that's it.  Life keeps going by way too fast.  This is truly a brand new stage for me and I am trying to embrace all parts of it...teenagers, being a taxi driver, having time by myself during the day, etc.  We have a lot to be thankful for.