Back to School (Summer Takeover)

The girls have asked what I plan to write...and honestly, I don't know. They asked if they could help out and write sometimes too. I told them that is an awesome idea! So today Summer is taking over the blog to post about back to school.

Sweatshirt // Jeans// Shoes (sold out online-similar style linked)// Backpack //Lunch Bag

"Hey girl, hey!" this is Summer. This is my first year as a Middle Schooler. I may be the only kid that is excited to go back to school every year! Well, for the most part! Like all kids I`m nervous about some things and excited about other things. The only thing I`m nervous about is getting lost in-between classes. My mom bought me a lock at the beginning of the summer so I could practice.  I thought I was horrible at it, but who knows the saying "Practice Makes Perfect", well in that case it did. Now I'm a pro. I was a little nervous thinking about will I have my friends from last year or will I make new friends? Needless to say, I have my friend Jaqueline from last year 2 lockers down and my friend from church's best friend right next to me . One thing that made me even more excited is that I have a teacher I know that will be my teacher. My matching back pack and lunch bag made me even more excited about going back . My wish for this year is that make lots of friends and get good grades! READY OR NOT Middle School HERE I COME!

After School Activities

With back to school also comes back to all the after school activities. Last year the girls did sewing, dance, and yoga. This year we are taking sewing out of the equation, not because they didn't love it but because I am trying to simplify our life.

This year for dance they decided to only do musical theater, jazz, and lyrical. Two of these are new for them! They have danced since they were 2 at the same place I danced when I was little. It is fun being back in the same studio.

Only Lily goes to yoga, but she absolutely loves it!  Lily asked for quite a while to do yoga and everything I found the parents also had to be part of the class. I do not do yoga and Summer also wasn't interested in attending. This studio was a perfect fit and offered something no one else did...aerial. She has been attending a few years and even Summer has gone to some camps.

With all these activities is the need for new athletic wear. We found a great deal at Old Navy and stocked up on some stuff for them to wear! For the next 2 days they have 50% off all athletic wear for the whole family! I even purchased myself a few things. They can also probably get away with wearing them to school which is also a plus. I am going to link some of the items we purchased.

Go-Dry Zip-Pocket Street Leggings for Girls

Camo Mesh-Trim Performance Leggings for Girls 

Go-Dry Cool Run Shorts for Girls 

Graphic Cutout-Back Performance Top for Girls 

Relaxed French-Terry Cross-Front Sweatshirt for Girls (not included in 50% but was $8)

Pullover Swing Hoodie for Women

Kohl's for Back to School

I will admit, we don't regularly shop at Kohl's unless it is for pajamas, basics, shoes, holiday décor, or housewares. I have one daughter that won't wear anything anyone else is wearing, so Kohls isn't a go to for her at all. My other daughter LOVES Kohls. She is more of a basics and blend in to the crowd type of kid.

The Kohl's cash Influenster sent us last month were spent on new Adidas shoes for her. Since you can't get a discount on Adidas the Kohl's cash on top of a sale they were having made it the cheapest price for them.

This time when we were sent a gift card the girls headed straight to the fall candles. Kohl's carries seasonal scents that smell amazing and are so cheap! Add on top a discount (they almost always have some sort of coupon) they are very reasonable.

*Thanks to Influenster and Kohl's for the free gift card 

Firsts

Firsts...

First Day of School
I feel like I am the only mom that is sad to see them go back! Am I really the only one? Maybe because they are all I have and I revolve my life around them I feel lost when I send them back. Today also marks Summer's last day of elementary school. They say time goes so fast and I agree. I really can't believe that she is in 5th grade. She was so excited to go back to school today. My normally anxious child had no problem sleeping and went to school without looking one bit anxious. She also has the important job of being a safety so I think that helped too.

Since Ray was a teacher the first day of school also always marked new beginnings for back to work and routine while he was here. It also makes me sad the first day of school and last day of school not only because he isn't here to see the girl's off but also because this was always an exciting time for him as well.

Blog Post
I have had this page for quite some time and have never posted. I thought today would be as good as any to start. For years I was told I should blog. At first I had no idea what a blog was or why someone would do it. Now as a someone that follows multiple blogs a day I realized it is about connecting with a person or taking inspiration for them. I think I was also nervous what if no one reads this? I guess that doesn't matter if it is a way to document our everyday. Some of my favorite people to follow are the ones that have amazing photos of everything they do. I can't help but be a little envious that they have all their memories preserved in such beautiful photos. What would I blog about? I have been told I always find "cool" things to do with my girls. I am an inspiration to others being a single, mom. I have the "best style" and "best dressed kids". I hope to incorporate a little of all of this in the blog. Hopefully someone will connect with my space like I have others and if not it will be a great journal of the time I use this space.

In the dim background of our mind, we know what we ought to be doing but somehow we cannot start. -William James