Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Few Back to School Memories

Posted on By jennifer

Hello and happy Wednesday!  Thanks for all the concern regarding my finger incident – ha!  I appreciate your comments.  I am able to type again and feeling fine.  And, for the record, the scones were not even that good.  Certainly good enough for me to eat (yum) but not a recipe I would use again….grated butter or not.  If you have a tried and true scone recipe, please send it my way.

It seems like everyone is back in school now.  I have always thought of August as one of the summer months.  Aka, an out of school month.  As a kid, we always started school the day after Labor Day.  September was the signal that summer vacation was over.  But, apparently, mid-August is the new signal.  By the way, summer vacation might be over for all the kiddos but summer is still going strong.  We did not have air conditioning in my junior or senior high and, I’m sure, we (and the teachers) appreciated even those extra three weeks or so until after Labor Day.

I remember the lack of air conditioning but, truthfully, I do not remember a whole lot of my going back to school.  I am sure I was excited and, no doubt, looked forward to a new lunchbox, etc. (my mom always packed my lunch) but I honestly do not remember a lot of the particulars.  I do, however, remember the “big deal” that back to school was for my own kiddos.  What fun!  Here are two of my cuties on a first day of school…

These are the two oldest.  Emily was starting third grade (7 almost 8 years old) and Jordan was starting first grade (6 years old).  Don’t mind me…but they are stinkin cute!  Tyler would have been almost 4 and my best buddy at home.  It was a “perfect season” in my life.  Truthfully.  Four things I remember when looking at this photo:

1 – their backpacks were big and were stuffed to the gills…and it was the first day.  They were, no doubt, taking all their supplies.  Back to school supply shopping was a major event and the highlight of our August each year.  At least, for the kiddos.  It was rather pricey for Dad and me:)  We would make a night of it – out to dinner and then we would descend on Target.  Choosing the right folder, the perfect Trapper Keeper, the coolest lunch box.  All of it.  These were very important decisions and ones that none of the Smith children took lightly.  My wallet may not miss those late August outings but, in many ways, I do.

2 – my daughter is wearing a dress that I made.  For about four years, I went through a sewing phase and the only homemade clothes that I could make were dresses and jumpers for Emily.  And I only accomplished that because my friend (who actually knew how to sew) was sewing for her daughter.  I would sit right beside her – sewing machine to sewing machine – and we would make school clothes for the girls.  Often we made matching bows for their hair.  Emily loved this from about second grade until fifth grade.  Handmade clothes were no longer cool after fifth grade which was okay because my sewing career was definitely about over.  I have not sewn a thing since then.

3 – Jordan’s shirt is buttoned all the way to his chin.  He did this and, no, I have no idea why??  He went through phases.  The year before (in Kindergarten), he could not tie his shoes tight enough.  No one could.  He complained/cried every.single.morning that the laces were too loose.  I have no idea.  First grade….every button had to be neatly secured.  Ah well – that cowlick and cheesy grin are just the best!

4 – both kiddos really liked school.  At least throughout elementary school.  They went to private school.  Emily went all thirteen years.  We took Jordan out in 10th grade when Tyler was ill and we had to begin homeschooling.  For many years, after Tyler started Kindergarten, I worked at the school.  We felt very blessed and I am grateful not only for my job but also that the children could attend there.  I love homeschooling (and may very well go that route if I were schooling now) but, way back then, I had no idea “how” to homeschool and never even considered it as an option.  That said, I am grateful for our children’s school.

Even with all the memories, I have to admit that I am more than okay to be out of that season of life!  For those of you who are in the thick of it or perhaps getting close to the end – I hope this school year is a great one.  And the same to all you teachers!  I admire each of you.  Thanks for all your hard work and here’s to a wonderful nine months ahead.  Or is it actually ten months??

Memory Lane

Comments (11)

  1. Isn’t it interesting how one picture can invoke so many thoughts? I like how you shared your thoughts from the photo of two of your kids. Such a good photo! I am super impressed with your sewing skills! Making clothes? That someone wears? WOW!! And matching bows?That is an accomplishment. I never really considered homeschooling either when my kids were starting out. I knew of one other family that did it. I wonder about it- if I had done it, would my kids be prepared for college? Would too much of “me” rubbed off on them from spending so much time with me, lol? It’s great that you had a job at the kids’ school that was a blessing to you and your family. Speaking of back to school, I’m heading to school today to sub for the first time this school year. Oh boy! I hope I’m ready for this… Enjoy your day of NOT being in school!!

    1. Subbing already?! Oh my. Hope it was a good day…the start to a good year for all of you!

  2. I tried sewing when my girls were young, but it was a short phase for me too. My girls also had the big bows to match!
    I enjoyed your back to school memories!

  4. This is the sweetest post!!! I have very fond back to school memories as a child, it always started out wonderful! My children have been in school a little here and there but we homeschool and we still have backpacks, pencil boxes and all the new and fun back to school goodies. I did love reading this post though! I always wanted to sew! I also loved you saying you were at the ‘perfect season’. I miss my kids all being little, but I also love their independence now. Enjoyed your post as always 🙂

  5. I had to button my shirt all the way up to let people know I meant business mommy.

  6. We don’t have any air conditioning in any of our schools here in my area of Ct either so most schools won’t start back until a day or 2 before Labor Day and then enjoy a long break over the labor day weekend. We used to start after the Labor day weekend as well but now they typically spend those first 2 days filling out all the required forms and playing get to know you games and things. I went through a phase in high school where I made my own clothes; I toyed with the idea of being a fashion designer and while I had great ideas I really struggled with the actual sewing part. I still have my machine but only sew straight lines/ repairs, etc.

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