first day for both

It's the start of a new era. 

 
My two kiddos both started school today.  New principal, new rules, no dawdling to take photos, no walking the girls into their classrooms.  I was okay with it, and it probably made it easier on them and me, but I was a little upset at not being able to catch a meaningful photo.

 
I sent the kids off with the traditional first-day-of-school mascots, knitted pencils this time, tucked into their backpacks so they'd know I was thinking of them all day long.  The moment I laid eyes on them in Anna's  Knitting Mochimochi, I knew I was going to make the mini pencils for the girls' first day.  So fast and easy, and *adorable*!  If you remember, I made Rebecca a crocheted one for the first day of first grade, and was already thinking of doing a knitted version this year.  But now I didn't have to do any of the brainwork.  I used fingering or sport weight stash scrap yarn (pink and yellow- cotton, beige and grey - wool, double strand of embroidery floss - black) and #2 double pointed needles.  Took less than an hour or so each, I'd say.  I wasn't crazy about the way I embroidered the eyes, so I glued on little 5mm half-ball eyes that I had in my stash.  A review of the book should be up on A Crafter's Library within a week.

 
And four teachers got faux apples to celebrate the first day with the students.  I saw the directions here and knew they would make quick, easy, and inexpensive treats.  I didn't spend a fortune on Jelly Bellys though, I got some red candy-coated peanuts (I think they call them Boston Baked Beans?!) in bulk at a grocery store, and it was less than a quarter of the price I would have paid for the Jelly Bellys.  I put the candy in snack-sized baggies, folded the baggie in half and turned it upside down (so the zip part is hidden on the bottom).  I cut up some green bendy straws for the stem, inserted them in the middle (where the fold is) and tied a green ribbon bow. 

I hope it will be a good year.  Nothing like 101 degree weather (and tomorrow is supposed to be 104!) to say "Welcome back to school!"

Comments

[ET]

Oh, i thought school would started on Wednesday. congratulations, Michelle, you'll have more free time for yourself from now on. i know it's hard to see them go... wait until they are going to college. Just enjoying whenever you can watch them growing.

[dottycookie]

Sending lots of cheery thoughts to you as you get used to this new phase. Lucky girls and lucky teachers to have such cute gifts! I'm just in the middle of thinking what to make for my two and their various little friends who are about to start 'big school'. It's a very bittersweet time of year.

[lizandrsn]

What to go, Mom! Sending off two beautiful students with gifts really sets the tone for the year. I hope everyone adjusts well.

Hugs!

[regina]

you are so sweet Michelle. I love the little gifts you made. So, sweet.

Enjoy your quiet time :)

[Beth]

I really love the photo of the girls! They both have huge smiles and I like how Rebecca looks like she's leaning in to whisper some school advice to J. So cute!!!

[Julie]

Such a hard thing letting go... I have three, 2 boys and 1 girl, my first is starting grade 2, my second starting grade 1 :( .... still have baby girl home with me :) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pencils! I crochet so I'm going to try to duplicate your idea, if you don't mind, that is... unless of course you have a pattern you'd like to share ;) My guys LOVE when they receive mommmy-made gifts... you inspire me to do more, thank you.

Your daughters are beautiful and look so happy to be starting school... makes the separation soooo much easier don't you think???

We start on the 6th of September (Canada)... still time to cram in lots of family stuff.... but my boy babies are excited to get back to their friends :) and that makes me okay with everything.

[Liz]

Just another milestone in your life and the life of your children. So I guess things will be getting pretty busy for you again. Adorable pencils and cute little 'energy' gifts for the teachers. They're going to love having your kids just for all the perks they get! :)

[Thimbleanna]

Eeeek! Your little girls are adorable! What a great mom you are -- those little pencils are such a fun, cute idea!

[jessica]

your girls are so sweet.
the little pencils are adorable, they must love it.