Two New Trojans

All required appointments accomplished, and the initial, in-home, "basic training" complete, Anna and Jameson attended their first day of school in their new community of blue and gold. 

Donning their new back packs, they tolerated my request for photos and seemed more excited than nervous.  They've visited their classrooms, met their teachers, and briefly met their classmates -- all of which helped in preparation.  Additionally, we'd arranged for them to arrive early so as to get to their rooms and unload their supplies before the rest of the kids were on the scene.

Jameson was pretty relaxed, and reassured to have Baylor with him.  She's always MORE than ready to mother anyone who's willing to let her.

Anna, who had been the most nervous, seemed less hesitant, now, that she'd met some 5th grade classmates at the previous dance clinic (hosted by the HS dance team) and at the mini cheer camp just last night.  To know that there would be familiar, very friendly faces awaiting her made a big, big difference.

Also, Hunter is with her in the same class, and he's always a steady, reassuring, thoughtful presence.

The day went very, very well for both children, thanks to some amazing teachers and staff who have been most accommodating, intuitive, hard-working, and just plain wonderful!  Jameson's most favorite part of the day was square-dancing with Ms. Stout, and Anna was thrilled that she got to show off her jump-rope skills in PE, and all the friends, and music class, and  .  .  . 

Another reason for things going so well is that I am blessed to be able to have a healthy, appropriate amount of time to see that their needs are being met  .  .  .  To keep their first week simple with only school -- as I drop them off in the a.m. and then pick them up right at the end of their day to come straight home.  It is proving a wise choice.  They are all back home, in our kitchen with snacks of fresh fruit by 3:15.  And, I am available -- completely, utterly available without distraction of my own teaching duties, bills, phone calls, errands, mail, email, voice mail, figuring out dinner, and the overall hectic rush that is typical when I am "on the job." 

One transition at a time.  Once they are in the full swing of things, including the before-and-after school sitter, riding the bus, the morning routine, the evening checklist -- once it is comfort zone, habit -- then, I can trust that the whole Cluver machine is on-line and ready to roll.  Only then will I be in a place to give to my students the proper dedication they deserve.  I will not compromise my children's mental-emotional security, nor my students' education.  So, I'll be watching my kiddos at home and reading their cues, and then, watch out, students -- you will eventually have to deal with the return of "Mrs. Cluver" (deep, evil cackling laugh).

 To cap off a positive day, the girls performed their new cheer-camp lessons at 1/2-time of Daddy's game tonight along with an army of their little friends, and boy, were they ready!



                                         
                                                     (Photo background courtesy of brothers' bedroom.)