Dear Simon,
Today you begin First Grade.
Yesterday we all went together to the Open House to meet your teacher and visit your new classroom. You were so excited you could hardly stand it. At first we weren't sure if you were just excited that we were coming with you to school or that you were going back and were going to be able to see all your friends and favorite teachers again.
Seeing you all jazzed up was the most fantastic gift - you hugged every single teacher from last year and went up to each of your friends to say hi. Watching you interact with each of them was one of my favorite moments of the day.
We visited your new classroom and met your new teachers. You found your table (with your name already on it) and your cubby and went right to work investigating your new classroom. You saw lots of words on the wall and found a good break area with so many books and puzzles. Together we read all the names of all the students in your class and talked about the opportunity to make new friends.
We also visited the other First Grade classrooms across the hall and found many of your friends from Kindergarten. We saw Nathaniel, Alexis, Analise, and Ben, along with a bunch of other kids you remembered from last year.
We checked out the gym and the cafeteria and talked about how this year you will walk to class with the First Graders, rather than the Kindergartners, which means you will have to wait just a bit longer before being dismissed. You are a school-lunch kid and are very excited about getting back into your lunchtime routine in the cafeteria (especially your favorite nachos).
I just kept looking at your Dad and smiling so very wide as you went from one thing to the next.
After we had thoroughly checked everything out we went to have pizza for lunch at one of your favorite spots to celebrate going back to school (and your excitement).
Today is a big day for you and we couldn't be more proud to see you moving forward! Have fun, take deep breaths and a break if you need one, and most of all remember that we love you very, very much.
Mom & Dad
Perfect for Today: A great read for back to school, parenting, and being brave: Like Mother, Like Superhero.
Also, just a reminder that there is still time to enter the giveaway today for Taking Flight (until 5pm Pacific).
I am so very happy for all of you, Ali. What a wonderful day and you captured the feelings so well that I felt a huge swell of pride and happiness in my heart as I read your post. I applaud you and Chris for all you have done to get Simon to this place in time- GO SIMON!
Thank you, also, for the nice link- exactly what i needed on this hectic morning. :-)
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Love your story--way to go Simon--best of luck!
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What a sweet and loving letter...memories to be cherished, for sure. Way to go, Simon - hope you all have a great day!
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I had goosebumps on my arms while reading this. I'm SO GLAD this was such a great experience and that you get to treasure each of these moments with Simon. Thanks for sharing them with us. It's been a gift getting to watch him grow with you.
sara
http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com
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geeze I don't even have kids and reading that made my nose tingle and my eyes cloud. What a terrific mom you are. What a brilliant moment to celebrate. Bravo!
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happy first day of school, Simon!
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Hi Ali
what a touching post... My youngest goes to first grade too and goes through the same sort of process... thanks for sharing,
Hedwig
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you guys are so cute.
Simon's such a sweet little boy! Hope that his first day is as awesome as he is!
:)
Anne
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GO SIMON!!!
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Tears when I read your letter to Simon - he is a lucky fellow ~
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I checked in this morning and your post wasn't up yet...I've been at the school today so how fitting to have Simon start school today! Yeah!!! such memories being made! Thanks for the chance at the book, I saw the post late last night and thought I had missed the deadline...Tuesday! So I quick went back and posted! Thanks so much Ali and just wait 'til you've got 2 to send off!
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Here's to a great school year for Simon! Congrats also on your pregnancy-so happy for you and your sweet family. Wanted to leave a comment about my fav technique lately. I've totally gotten into the mixed media thing an love the work of Sally Jean Alexander and Corey Moortgat-I think you would really love her. She collages everyday things about her children in such a unique and creative way.
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I remember those days of little ones going into the big school and all the change that comes with it. My oldest is in high school and I still see in his eyes the excitment and the anxiousness off the new year and what it holds. Good job Simon! What a big boy you are now!
If your give away is still on, I wanted to say that while I still scrapbook, I've started to knit again. It's fall I guest?
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Hi Ali,
I can't resist leaving you a comment. I look forward to reading your blog daily. . .and when I read today's entry. . .well, I just have to say. . .it was absolutely amazing. I actually started to cry because I could so whole-heartedly relate to this experience. You have inspired me to better capture the 'moments' life brings us. Thank you for sharing.
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good luck Simon! Hope you have a fun year as a first grader!
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Congrats Simon! I hope this is your best year yet!
:) www.peglegstarfish.com
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Hooray! . . . and *sniff sniff*
I can relate . . .
very sweet.
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Ali:
I've got to remember this when I eventually have kids!
As a teacher, I appreciate all the wonderful words you offered about the educators who are at your son's school.
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Sounds like the perfect day for Simon and both you and Chris. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.
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Confession: I was *star struck* yesterday when I saw you and your State Rep at the pizza joint! I didn't want to intrude on your day and say "HEY!! I'M SUCH A FAN, BUT A BIG DORK, TOO!!" So anyways, there ya have it...
Congratulations to your little guy for starting 1st grade. That's awesome!! (and what school is that??? It looks brand spankin new. NICE!)
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So sweet! Have fun on your first day Simon. Thanks for sharing this special moment with us. It no doubt gave me chills.
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What a sweet note to your son...brought tears to my eyes! Also, I got my copy of Sharing Your Story today and I love it! Just wanted you to know. =)
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I think I am too late! But I really hope to get a copy of this book as soon as I am able too!!! Love the letter to Simon!
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Today was my first day of school too. :) I started teaching 5th grade and I know all those exciting moments when students (no matter the age) are excitedly getting settled and awaiting a promising school year. I wish Simon and your family all the luck in the world as he starts his first year in school. I tell my students to never let their teacher get in the way of their learning. A student's learning never ends. Good Luck!
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Baby girl,
So excited for Simon, Chris and you!
Rest. Eat chocolate. Be good to your sweet, sweet self.
Lisa
XXXX
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