It was an exciting morning in our home today. First day back to school!! Bookbags were stuffed, lunches were packed and hearts were beating in anticipation of being one grade older. Especially our youngest – it was his first day of kindergarden!!!! Poor Pippi was caught up in the excitement – she thought we were all going somewhere together. Her heart was broken when the kids left.
[I know it looks weird, but Pom Pom was fine - she was holding up his face]
Capturing two varmints and three kids in a shot had its challenges, as you can see. Youngest considered fighting to the death just to get to hold Pom Pom.
It was a scrap at first, but they worked it out.
Then Pip got a little too enthusiastic. This did not work out well for Pom Pom.
WHY ONLY THREE KIDS IN THE PIC?
Our oldest is in his first year of middle school and has to leave earlier. He is attending the school he’s been dreaming of since the first day we moved here. Seaside Neighborhood School. It’s on the beach. It’s creative. It’s challenging. And among many other wonderful classes, it offers a robotics program which delights our child to no end. He was so excited to be there that he woke up at the crack of dawn and could hardly wait until 7:15 to leave.
He gets to ride his bike to school every day. Can you believe how tall he is getting?
Thoughts on motherhood…
It’s funny, my youngest went to kindergarden today and oldest went to middle school. These are big transitions. Yet I didn’t shed one tear. I felt pure excitement to see my brood growing and having the opportunity to get to the next level in their lives. In a way I feel guilty for not being a boo-hoo mommy, but maybe it’s because I just get so caught up in the joy of seeing my children gain independence and confidence in new situations. I actually like it. I guess every Mom responds to change in their own way. And being yourself is the very thing I encourage my little ones [and not so little ones] to be.
I would love for you to share your thoughts on how YOU feel on the first day of school. Whether you’re a mom, dad, student, bonus-mom or dad, grandparent, you name it. Do tell.
P.S. I know I’m so behind on the Boston post, the hair post and The Help review. Promise I will get to it ALL! It has been ONE BUSY summer, lots of action going on behind the scenes. So thank you again for your patience!!!
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
Want to follow the conversation? Subscribe to this post's comment feed.
love your oldest daughter’s top…..where did you get it?
You have given me a whole new way to see the first day of school as we go through our first first day in a few weeks. Kindergarten for my sweet boy, thanks for the perspective!
What a big day! Precious kiddos. Hope you are doing well!
In two weeks, our youngest will begin 1st grade. I have had a preschool or Kindergartener off and on for almost 25 years! (We have 5 children, and there is a big gap) I am so ready to enter this new stage of my life. I have projects, hobbies, housework to do. Friends to catch up with, and many many goals! Your children are darling!
You articulated beautifully how I also feel regarding my childrens’ growth. Rather than feel sorry for myself since they are no longer “babies” (ha, they’ll always be my babies), it thrills me to no end to see them bloom and grow. Instead of being under my wing, I’d much prefer they spread their own wings and soar.
Wow, they really are moving on up! Congratulations for celebrating their growth and being excited with them. I’m sure it’s a wonderful new adventure.
I’m expecting our first (a little boy) in less than 2 weeks-yikes, so kindergarten seems like light years away, but I’m sure it’s here before you know it. *Amy
My daughter who’s 5, starts primary 1 next week. She wanted to wear her new school shoes today and had great fun clipping about to break them in. I’ve lost count how many times she has packed and unpacked her school bag. I agree with that lovely feeling of pride you have as I also don’t feel teary. She is so ready for this next step and I’m enjoying watching her character grow and develop.
I’m SO ready for school to start back– I’m not the best summer entertainer, and add in a busy new business and I think we are all ready for some more routine in our lives. I’ll be sad when the day gets here, but today I’m counting the days (we still have a month until school starts back here!)
When our youngest started Kindergarten last year, I was thrilled and excited because I pushed her to be as independent as I am! When she entered the doorway she turned and looked at me and said “mommy I forgot my tiny stuffed animal on the table.” I hopped into the car and sped home and grabbed the animal. In route I looked down at the stuffed animal and completely lost my “independence!” I had to dry my ears and put on a brave face as I entered the beginning of her big girl life!
A very thought provoking post. I am a boo-hoo mommy who wishes to be more like you. I really admire your approach to idea of gaining independence. You are so right. I guess I get stuck on the fact that one more summer together is behind us and soon they will be gone for good. Your family is beautiful!
Such a big day for you and your kids! I forget how early school starts in your part of the country, here they don’t go back until after Labor Day, but also don’t get out until mid June. I’m sure it has something to do with the weather, that’s my guess anyway. My niece is starting college this year and can hardly contain herself and my nephew is starting high school. Big changes for them both! Makes me smile just thinking about how excited they are! xo
Like Marianne, we’ll go back to school after Labor Day – can’t wait!!
You’re doing the right thing, Seleta. It’s our job to turn our kids into well grounded, loving and independent beings, so the can go out in the world and conquer it with confidence, but knowing that no matter what, they always will have a supportive home base. My daughter will be a sophomore in high school this year, but I remember her kindergarten days very vividly. I was so proud of her when she marched through that door all confident and happy while so many kids clang to their mothers and cried. It’s been that way with just about any new situation she’s had to conquer, and I couldn’t be more delighted. We all should thrive to give our children what they need most – confidence and independence!
Your children look so cute and happy for their first day of school. I am glad you’re not crying today but are happy to see them grow! I have one son who starts fourth grade next week. I have enjoyed every stage of his and am looking forward to this year. I feel a touch ambivalent as he is my only one and I wonder what life will be like when he is gone to college. But, I am confident God will lead me to the next phase with grace.
This post gets me all excited for the start of school, even though I don’t start until late September {UCLA}! I happen to be one of those strange people who loves new notebooks and pens and things, so every start of a school year is a happy event. This year is going to be even more of an adventure because I start apartmenting… *eek!*
I wish your kiddies the best and good luck with a new year!
~Ellie
I have one starting Middle School and one starting Kindergarten next week!! I am kind of a mess because I feel my almost 11 year old daughter is too innocent to be in the midst of 8th graders and I am losing my 5 year old lunching/shopping buddy. I guess I will get over it but it is going to be a “boo hoo/yahoo” kind of thing!
My oldest son started middle school today as well. My other two are still in elementary. I totally understand the delight of seeing your children turn into “them”. The measure of a mom is not in tears. I prefer to measure it in the quiet smiles that come across my face as I watch them grow and enjoy the stages that they are in. Good luck with the start of school! Soak em up while you can. :)
Sharon
MsMagpieDesigns
Yes, kiddos all grow up….I remember those days, for us is wonderful memories since they are all growned up and marrried but we do have a granddaughter starting kindergarten next month…..so excited to see her on her first day :) also did not notice a helmet on the older son?? let’s make sure he wears one, ok?!!! too many head injuries at the ER, my husband sees waayy to many of them there, (ER surgeon) thank you!!!
This has to be a mistake. How can any school go back the first week of August? July and August are summer. School should always start in September. Your kids look very happy so I guess if they don’t mind why should I, especially since it has been decades since I had to go back to school anyway!
they look so awesome!!
i send my oldest to UGA in the morning!!
my last several posts have been about this….
praying i hold it together tomorrow. while i am elated for her, she has grown in to a wonderful young woman & i will truly MISS her. she’s one of my best friends ever.
xoxo
Seleta, I am a total boo hoo Mom. My boys are grown, but even when my youngest would come home from UCLA for the holidays I would cry every time he left. I remember when my oldest got married. It was about 6 months after and I was driving home from work, I got on our street and I broke into tears, it just hit me that he would never be living with me again. i know that sounds crazy, it even does to me now14 years later. I will admit it only took me about 3 weeks to figure out how long I could be out shopping before I needed to be home for the kiddos. That is definitely one of the perks, Kathysue
What a GORGEOUS family…I remember my daughter’s first day of school vividly and the excitement we both felt!! She’s getting ready to have her first child in September, so I’m thrilled the cycle will be starting again ~
I have one starting senior year , searching for the perfect college and a two year old starting potty training …plus three more in between my emotions are a roller coaster. It literally depends on the minute;)
I can totally relate. my youngest will start kindergarden next week and my oldest will be a senior in HS. Mine have always seemed so ready and eager to go and I have felt ready for them. For the first time this year I have felt a bit of sadness as I see a young couple at the pool with their baby and two year old. I think that I am realizing that that season in my life is over. I don’t want to go back but it was such a sweet and innocent time of marriage and little ones.
Congratulations on four in school! Wow, I hadn’t given any thought to the first day of school until reading this post. Since I have twins, it will come all at once, although they are only nearly three now. I think I’d be like you — happy for the excitement and wringing my hands about what I’ll do with myself!
Camille
When my triplet sons went to school for the first time, I cried. Yesterday one of them started his first day of his first real job after graduating college. It was deja vu. He got up way too early, went for a run, changed shoes a couple of times and worried that his pen was pulling down his pocket. Adorable at 23.
The picture of the cat hissing at the dog is hysterical. I am so glad you captured that moment! What a wonderful “real life” moment :)
I absolutely love the pics. Especially the one where Pom Pom is going to bite Pip’s nose off. Your children are beautiful. Your youngest is like a little mini of your husband. :)
I am the emotional boooooo-hooooooo-i-est mom you’ll ever meet. It’s just that moment of sending them off that makes me so teary and sad, but after that first day, I am so happy to watch them blossom and grow in each new grade.
It really is a joyful time!! I haven’t sent my kiddos to “real” school yet – they are doing TK so one more year at our preschool – so I’m not yet sure how I’ll be. I imagine it will be mixed emotions.
Your crew is just beautiful, Seleta. I know you are so proud, and deservedly so!
Seleta I am s glad someone finally said what you did about letting go of children. I felt the exact same way. I didn’t want babies forever, I loved every stage!! I often felt guilty feeling that way as I walked through a hall of tearful moms at school. However, my kids blossomed and are now wonderful,self confident young adults.
My mom used to do a hilarious (and totally embarrassing) “happy dance” each year on the first day of school. Of course there were eight of us, but still.
Wow, this takes me back. My youngest starts high school this year and the oldest, college. And literally, I remember the first days of kindergarten like they were yesterday. It is such a blessing (and usually a joy) to witness them growing into their own people. Savor each moment.
I can totally relate to your excitement to see your children grow up and become more independent. I feel the same way.
My husband and I will be delivering our twins to their respective Universities and I am constantly being asked -” Are you going to cry?” I keep telling everyone along with myself that I will not be crying, I will just be so excited to see them and hear all the stories – of course everything has it’s phase and we are entering a new phase.
I would not want to turn back the clock, but I do intend to embrace the future and know that our sons will do their best and make us proud.
Good luck to your back-to-schoolers, may they have a wonderful year ahead full of learning and friendship.
pve
I don’t do so well with change… My baby starts kindergarten this year, which isn’t as big of a deal bc she will only go 2 days a week. It’s a very reduced schedule obviously. As we get the calls to find out who our new teachers are, I get all nostalgic about the previous teacher and what a special year we had and how that’s over ( even tho I know I’ll love the new teacher… Who my older kids have had before!!!). Then it starts dawning on me that I don’t really have babies anymore and the vicious cycle of emotions begin. Just when I get sad about that, someone breaks out into a spat and I realize it’s TIME that they all get back to a routine. Additionally, I’m looking forward to having some more time to pursue a few shelved dreams of my own! I’ve come to expect my mixed emotions come August and not fight feeling a little sad/a little happy! Like you, I love seeing them grow and change. I wouldn’t wish babyhood on them (or me) any longer than God has designed. I love our life stage right now!
I’m always excited, I’m not a boo hooer either. Little starts kindy on Thursday and I’m so excited for him! And a little excited for me too, to get back into teaching more.
My sentiments exactly!! My daughter had major surgery last week and not only could she not take her three year old to school, but he has been distant to her since her return home. She is such a great mother and this has caused her to shed many tears. My advice was just to remember to cherish all the blessed times she has had and the future ones to come. Between her, his daddy, his godmother (which we could not have made it without her) and myself we missed that today was HIS day for show and tell. She cried and cried because she felt like she had let him down. Of course, her meds and struggling with pain have a lot to do with the meltdowns! She is well taken care of (thank you Mother Stephens) and I certainly have my grandson well taken care of so she should not worry about a thing..I told her. The old saying”do as I say, not as I do”(did) comes to mind. How well I remember thinking my life was over when we took the swingset down when she was JUST twelve and her brother nine.
Seleta- I’m not a boo hoo mom, but I’m proud and excited for anything my chickadees do. My oldest is starting middle school this year. She is so excited. My little one is going into 1st grade. He feels like such a big boy. I know in a couple of years I will not have the same cuddle bug I have now. Although I know all of the exiting moments he will have as he to approaches middle school like my oldest. Have a great school year.
Seleta, I think that is very healthy. I, too, loved every changing milestone along the way. There is no greater gift than being blessed with children and having the opportunity to aid them in becoming who they were created to be.
Reading your post encouraged me to share with you a little tradition in our house in the way of celebrating school independence… on the first AND last day of class, when the kids get off the bus, we have a huge Water Balloon Fight! It’s so wonderful and all the neighborhood kids show up too. Everyone brings some balloons and a treat to share. Who wouldn’t be excited to celebrate the beginning of the next chapter in our lives with a party?
As my only (that I went through hell and back to get) goes off to first grade, I feel so happy and proud that I fear my heart will beat right out of my chest, I know that at year end, for some reason, I will unexpectedly burst into tears of pride. ( I know this because this is what has happened in preschool and kindergarten). I never expect the happiness and pride to make me cry—I’m not someone that gets emotional. I get it though!
It’s amazing to hear, again, our similar philosophies. My goal was always to prepare the girls for happiness and success in their adult lives; and it seemed especially ‘real’ on those first days of school, dance, soccer, etc. You are definitely “the wind beneath their wings”.