first day of first grade

No clever and pithy titles today, I'm kind of in shock.  Stunned that the summer is over, that my firstborn is a first grader, and that I'm now in charge of Box Tops and Campbell's Labels for the entire school.  How did that happen (actually, I volunteered for it, but think I might have gotten in over my head)?

I knew Rebecca was nervous about her first day.  I mean, she is my little stress case daughter, and I have to admit that even I was a tad nervous about today.  Of course, I couldn't send her off without a little mascot, a good luck charm and symbolic hug.  I made up this little Pencil Pal the other night, and when she pulled it out of her backpack pocket this morning on the sidewalk, the look on her face was just priceless to me.  She smiled and said, "Mommy, this just chased away all the butterflies in my stomach."  I hope so, sweet girl, I hope so.

I also wanted to introduce myself to Rebecca's new teacher and offer my help if needed, so I filled up a pretty jar with these fun paper clips that I got at Staples.

Some of that decorative scrapbook paper and ribbon, and a note that said "if you ever need a hand please don't hesitate to call me," and I think we've all started the school year off on the right foot.

Comments

[Mia]

That little pencil is so so cute! What a lucky little girl to have such a thoughtful mama.

Also, great idea with the paperclips, I just know I'm not going to be the mom who thinks of things like that!

[Ali]

What a wonderful, thoughtful Mother you are!
Quite frakly it will be nothing short of a miracle if I make it to school on time with all the correct PE kit and paperwork on the first day! TWO children to get out of the house. Yipes.

[futuregirl]

Adorable ... you are. Be sure to take care of yourself as well as you're taking care of everyone else. xo!

[LizAndrsn]

Good luck being your school's Label Lady. I did it for a year, and found it to be a thankless job. Be prepared to get dirty, find weird things in your collection vessels, and wonder about your fellow human beings. That being said, both groups give plenty of good promotional materials to use, especially if you have a cooperative Principal.
(That's the one thing I needed, but couldn't get!)

[Anina]

Oh, you're going to be one of those indispensable PTA moms, I see. Have fun with it!

[Kate]

you are too crafty! I love your ideas!

[Liz]

Oh Michelle, you are the best mom in the whole world. The fact that you presented that to your daughter the first day of school and not a month later like I would've done...well, you're amazing!

[dottycookie]

You know, if every school had a few more mums like you I think teachers would have a much easier time!

We start school again next week and I've been trying to think of some little gifts to send along - your pencil is fab!

[Teresa]

Cute idea. Sounds like you are definitely on the right foot. I can tell you from experience, it is very rewarding to be involved in your child's school. The children love it too.

[Lan]

your littel pencil pal is so adorable and her response was precious! the gift to her teacher was so thoughtful! :)

hope her first day of school went well!

[Rebecca F.]

The pencil was great but Rebecca's comment was priceless. Good job Mom!!

Rebecca F.

[Rebecca]

That's so sweet. I love the pencil and I'm sure that teacher felt really special when you brought her that gift. You're going to be the favorite mom in the class!

[Judy]

The First grade teachers were probably ARM WRESTLING one another to see who would win Rebecca for a student. Teacher presents on the first day!

[MIssy]

I bet she was the envy of the entire class with that little pencil! That is so cute! You are definately mom of the year!

[Mary Jo Price-Williams]

what adorable ideas!

[zakka life]

I don't know how I overlooked this post last time I was here.

The knit pencil is cute but your daughters comment is even cuter. It makes it all worth the work when they make a comment like that.