There is truly a lump in my throat as I think about the beginning of school. Summer flies by in a flash, and it is back to drop-off and pick-up car-lines, multiple sports practices and games, homework, studying, lunchboxes, and so much organized chaos with a weekly meeting to go over everyone's schedule.
This year our family will see big changes as our oldest will be driving her and her sister to and from school everyday. Exciting but also scary for this Mama. I'm glad to sit in a few less car-lines, but sad knowing my oldest baby is growing up way too fast.
This is her Junior year and I'm already looking ahead to the Senior year activities and wondering how many buckets of tears I may cry. We are talking about colleges and careers on a weekly basis. Where God will lead her is still undecided, but the day feels too close. As she and her thirteen year old sister drove away on that first day of school last week, I waved with a tear rolling down my face. I was thankful for a wonderful summer; praying for a fabulous school year, and wishing I could freeze time.
Sadly, Daddy missed this first day of school for our two oldest. He was stuck in Colorado on a work trip. This was his first miss of a First Day in 14 years. But we did the Facetime thing and air hugs and twirls to see first day outfits. It was sad, but we made the best of it. Time with Daddy is important, and this extra effort on his part was not unnoticed (including the notes he had left on mirrors).
Several years ago, we started the tradition of a big date with Daddy before school started back. Anything the kid could think of was possible, provided that didn't require driving more than an hour or so and not an extreme amount of money. There have been bowling, skating, putt-putt, go-karts, rock climbing, ropes courses, ninja class, and trampoline park dates. There's always a fun meal and yummy desert as well. Our kids love planning there trips, and it makes the end of summer a little less dreadful as they look forward to their special date with Dad. I know these will be memories that our kids treasure, and I know Daddy does as well.
Other back to school traditions include shopping trips with mom to get supplies, clothes and treats again. We also try to squeeze in a last day trip to the beach. Then there is lots of pictures, signs and decorations, and a special yummy breakfast for the first day of school.
A funny memory I have of my oldest daughter's first day of first grade was when a classmate said, "My Mommy put extra cheese on my eggs this morning!" To which my daughter replied, "My Mommy put extra MM's on my waffles!"
Yes it's not an everyday treat, but on the first day of school we always have waffles with M&M's on top! Just a little reminder that the school year will be fun! Our family is thankful for our summers together and the blessing to be able to learn and grow as a new school year begins. Here's to praying it's a great 2023-2024 school year!
Waffles with M&M's
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp Sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1cup milk
2 Tbsp oil or melted butter or Greek yogurt
Whisk wet ingredients together and then slowly add in dry ingredients mixing just until combined. Grease waffle maker and pour batter in according to size and directions.
Serve with M&M's and syrup and whipped cream!
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