Truly has been one of those weeks where I will honestly tell you I have been feeling a bit out of sorts. Deep down I know that summer has ended. The local pools and beaches are no longer really open with lifeguards on deck. Their is crisp chill in the air in the evenings and mornings now.
To prove it my theory, my brother usually goes to the pool daily during the summer (he works late night into early morning, so when he gets off he usually head to the pool) and while I was hard at work during these summer weeks during the afternoons, I would hear or see his tales on his Facebook wall. Monday, while it was truly overcast and a not very summer-like day, his Facebook wall photo caption read, “Last day shenanigans.”
That summed it up perfectly, the summer is over and Monday being Labor Day was its swan song.
The local schools started up this past Wednesday (elementary through high school), but were then off for the Jewish New Year on Thursday and Friday. A tease for teachers and students alike.
For my girls, it all starts this upcoming week with Monday being “Meet the Teacher”, where they go to do just that and meet their teachers for half hour and then start Tuesday with school for 2 1/2 hours in the afternoons. And Tuesday evening, we get to go to “Back the School Night” to hear all about the upcoming school year for them.
Emma will be going Monday-Thursday (4 days a week, 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon). Lily will also be going for the same time and days minus Wednesdays.
Not only am a little down in the dumps about Summer ending, but I am a little shell shocked that my baby, who isn’t even 3 yet until November will be going to pre-school this year.
Lily has grown so much over the last few months right before my very eyes. See she gave up napping this past summer, talks circles around me the loud mouth, is fully potty trained and really is her own little person. But up until now, she still wasn’t in school and hung out with me nap or not, while my big girl, Emma went to school.
I didn’t take Emma starting school last year as badly, but this one does kind of hurt, because I no longer have any babies in the house.
Don’t get me wrong, I am very much happy for many reasons that I don’t, but this still is bittersweet for me and have a feeling as much as I protest, I will probably be fighting back tears when I drop her off on her first day. As I write this, a lump is forming in the back of my throat..
However, this is supposed to be an upbeat, thankful post for the weekend. So, I am going to try now to pull myself together and give you a few things that I have been thankful for this past week now. Like I said a little choked up, but still do have lots to be thankful for. So here it goes!
My Ten Things of Thankful of The Week~
1. Starting off the weekend last Friday with finally getting a touchup after almost 4 months. I was looking like I would fit in for Halloween with my grey roots. I could have been Cruella DeVille quite easily. But thankfully, I had some time to get it down and now at least my roots match the rest of my hair color.
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Touchup Finally!
2. Fall sunsets that look like the below picture, because the colors are so vibrant and dreamy, too!
3. My dad bringing home Taste of Home’s Smoothie and Blender Drinks Recipe Books. We already made the Nutty Monkey Malts, click here for the recipe.
5. Kevin and the girls having their own brand of silly fun whatever day of the week it is!
6. Cheating a bit on my diet and enjoying Carvel’s Health Bar Sundae Dasher on one of the last summer nights this year!
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Labor Day Weekend Carvel Ice Cream
7. That even though it was rainy and overcast, we were able to take the girls to Build-A-Bear to finally get Lily her very own dog, because she and Emma have had trouble sharing Emma’s (which she got on her birthday in July). Sorry the picture is a bit blurry, but was the cutest I got.
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Rainy Labor Day Trip to Build-A-Bear - 8. The girls loving their new dogs the following day and even entertaining themselves, while telling each other and their dogs funny stories!
- Giggles!!
9. For the PinCentive Blog Hop that started this week having over 150 linkups as of the time I wrote this. Seriously so excited for how well the first week went and hope you join us this week now, because from all I have seen so far this is HUGE!
Now if you missed a moment of this week’s blog articles, here is a recap~
On Monday, I graciously handed over my blog for the day with a heart warming story and giveaway (too!) to my monthly In Post sponsor, Brigid from The Pink Roller Coaster, for more click here.
On Tuesday, my younger brother was kind enough to stop by and share all about the latest kids craze with all about Rubber Band Bracelets from all his knowledge as stock manager at our local AC Moore with a tutorial, as well, click here.
On Wednesday, I happily posted about the Coffee Bean Direct and even offered a giveaway from the company to my loyal readers. For more click here.
On Thursday, I admitted my guilt of not having read a real book in so very long and asked for a bit of forgiveness, click here for more.
On Friday, back finally again with another FTSF, the sentence to finish was “If I had a magic wand…” To join us and link up, please click here. I also just had to share a recipe we just tried and loved for Nutty Banana Shakes, here.
Weekly Giveaways~
To enter this past week’s giveaways that I have been a part of and had running on my page, please click here to enter all the rafflecopters. Thanks and good luck, too!!Still Time to Join My Blogiversary Celebration If You Haven’t~
Weekly Affiliate Offers (Always Check My Sidebar for More, Too!)~
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One King’s Lane~
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Blurb~
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I Love My Post Blogiversary Giveaway~
This week, I am involved in I Love My Post’s Huge Blogiversary Giveaway. To enter this giveaway, please click here to enter the rafflecopter and also to linkup for the weekly blog hop, too. Thanks and good luck!!Blogging Design Needs~
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massholemommy says
My boys went back on Wednesday & I am pretty sure we were the last town in the area to go back. Most towns start the week before Labor Day around here because they've gotten screwed with having to make up snow days at the end of the year and had to go right up until the end of June. So I think if they start earlier, that will give them more time to make up the days on the other end. Not my town, though…..we went right up until June 27th last year because we had to make up 5 or 6 snow days.
My recent post Shadow People
Janine Huldie says
Same here the regular public school kids go back right after Labor Day. And with Hurricane Sandy last year and snow day they went pretty much until the end of June, too. So, I know exactly what you mean, Robin.
stephanie2006 says
Hugs, Janine! It won't be too bad! It was a really strange feeling when I laid out Violet's outfit for her first day of kindergarten and packed her bag, but seeing how excited she was about going, how she couldn't wait getting in the room, meet her teachers and the other kids, and forget all about us to play was amazing. The little ones are growing up, no matter if we like it or not. What would I give to have my baby again – as a baby – but that won't happen..
My recent post Ready For Fall!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stephanie and trust me I know you are right, but I still can't believe it and am a bit shocked how fast Lily has grown up. With Emma it seemed more gradual starting pre-school, but Lily I blinked and here we are. But don't even get me started on Kindergarten and I may need a box of tissues by the end of that!! But if I could I would hug you right back and thank you for being so kind!! 🙂
West Street Story says
Oh shoots, I am so bummed I missed out on the first week of the Pin Blog Hop! Catch you next week!
My recent post 102 free fall printables
Janine Huldie says
Oh no worries, you can totally join us this week on Tuesday and so very much hope you do!!! 🙂
Michelle Liew says
Love the list and the I Love You pic, Janine!
My recent post Thanks for the immortal mooncake!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Michelle and hope you are having a great weekend now!!
Billybuc says
The picture of Kevin and the girls is great. I gotta tell ya, Janine, I am so happy I don't have to start a new year teaching.
Have a restful weekend my friend.
Janine Huldie says
Bill, I know and actually totally agree that I am not teaching again this year. And wishing you a great weekend now!! 🙂
Karen says
so glad you are having conflicting emotions like me…I love that Dino is growing up…but HE IS GROWING UP…what will I do? Who am I if I am not Dino's mom? sometimes I cry at night…
My recent post LAST YEAR OF DAYCARE
Janine Huldie says
Karen, so glad it isn’t just me. I was crying a bit as I was writing this, but made me feel a little bit better getting this out and venting. Trust me you aren’t alone and wishing you a great weekend now!!
lrconsiderer says
*HUGS* Janine, you've done such a good job with your girls – they are growing up (yes, and you can't stop that) into truly wonderful people (but you can look forward to seeing the next, awesome phases of their development) and they are a credit to you and Kevin. Cry away though, because it's the end of an era, and it will feel weird, but you'll get used to it, and it will become the new 'norm'.
Sorry to hear about your low week. The cooler weather tends to upset me, too. I really struggle with the end of summer, increasingly so as years go by. I can't even muster up any excitement about Christmas at the moment! I hope you get a last, little flash of summer over your long weekend.
Thanks for this list, and thanks for you and your honesty and the way you write and share photos of your gorgeous family. Take good care of yourself and make some more Things of Thankful happen for yourself over the weekend.
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful #14
Janine Huldie says
Lizzi, I know the feeling well and so am not a fan of summer ending. And like you I do also feel it right around the time of the year. And I guess you add both girls going to school and it just got me this week. Oh and you are right I am not really feeling Christmas either yet. Thank you though for doing this linkup, because it really does make my week that much better and I really needed this this weekend in particular!! 🙂
Kate says
I always feel so much better once my hair has been touched up. it is amazing what a difference it makes. Love the build a bear shot. She looks so happy!! Hope you keep smiling this week- sorry its been tough.
My recent post Not quite ten things of thankful
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kate so much and I loved that shot even if it was a bit blurry. And I know amazing how getting a touchup helps to make you feel better. Here is to a great weekend now! 🙂
dishofdailylife says
We have been back in for two weeks!! Hard to believe. I am still playing catch up. I need to go do something with my hair because I am noticing a lot of grays! Ugh.
My recent post Parenting in a Foreign Land
Janine Huldie says
Wow, I can’t believe how long you have been back to school, but the grays are out of control here too and so glad that I had it done, because I just hate seeing them!!
Dyanne@IWantBacksies says
That first day of dropping both girls off at school will be a little tough, but as soon as you realize you have a couple of hours to be ALL BY YOURSELF, you're going to love it. Plus, it's so good for the girls to go to preschool and socialize with other kids.
Hope this week is better for you!
My recent post I've Had A Fantastic Week. You?
Janine Huldie says
Oh I know you are right Dyanne, but I just have to keep telling myself that! Thank you and hope you are enjoying the weekend so far!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
Your hair looks great!!! Nice pic, too. Close-ups of me..ugh. You? Good.
I've been out of sorts too. We had the back to school potluck picnic yesterday. Monday is the first sorta day of school with half of the class. Then a parent's night that same night, then nothing on Tuesday, and then first full day is Wednesday. I act like it's no big deal since it's just second year preschool and not first year preschool (last year!) or kindergarten (next year!!), however, you just know there will be a blog post about it on Tuesday!!
Miss you!
My recent post Ask Away Friday with Brittnei from HomeMaking with Style.
Janine Huldie says
Oh thanks so much Tamara. I must admit, I hate pictures of myself and was totally taken with my trusty iPhone, because no one other then the girls were there when I wanted to take a picture to prove my roots weren't grey anymore! Your week this week sounds so similar to mine and you know I will be sharing it at some point in the next few days, as well. And if you need anything message me, because I think it does sound like we are reacting so similar with this. Miss you, too!!
joyinthemidstof says
Here in my part of Southern CA, it's hotter than it was this summer. But still, I feel that shift you are talking about. My teacher friends have new classes, Halloween costumes are out on the shelf, summer is over 🙁 But cheers to fresh hair color, yummy smoothies, ice cream, and silly moments!
My recent post Kiwi’s Tale: The Story of a Rescue Dog
Janine Huldie says
Total shift and just so weird how quickly it did do this. Thanks though and total cheers to fresh hair color, yummy smoothies, ice cream, silly moments and so much more!!! 🙂
Sara says
I thought I was ready for Collin to go to school even if it was half days but yesterday I had parents orientation and it just hit me that my baby is growing up. I cried in the couch like a baby. Hopefully I can keep it together on Monday.
My recent post August 2013 Goals Recap & September 2013 Goals
Janine Huldie says
Aww, Sara, I can so relate and seriously I just can't believe these are my babies that are growing up right before my very eyes. I am so with you and was crying late this week and not sure how I will be next week on the first day. Thank you for sharing and letting me know it isn't just me, because I was feeling just so down about this.
Rosey says
Hurrah, I can post now. I tried earlier, but it kept looping. Our internet's been acting so kooky we've called someone to come look at it.
Sorry to hear your emotions are up and down this week. I like that you still posted so many things you're thankful for, that's awesome. 🙂
And malts?? Yes please, over a milkshake any day!
My recent post Super Sunday Sync #52
Janine Huldie says
Looks like we had a similar issue. I read your blog on my phone today while at my in-laws, but my iPhone hates Blogger and can never get comments through. Wanted to say that I was hoping your little guy was feeling better and I always hate when my kids are sick. No fun when they sleep so much and aren't themselves. Thanks again Rosey and I know about those malts with you all the way!! 🙂
christine says
Oh, how I love a good sunset. That is a gorgeous photo.
I'm putting off sending my youngest to preschool as long as possible. I will be a hot mess next year when he finally goes.
I'm astounded that some kids still haven't started school yet. Our kids are getting their midterm grades already.
Good luck next week!
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful, Week 14
Janine Huldie says
I still am in shock how behind we are here still with when we start school and you are right practically midterms for the rest I suppose. lol!! By the way, I so would have waited one more year for my little one, but she was crying she couldn't go and can go at 3, so I thought I would try it, but trust me so not ready and probably lament that for a little while longer, I suppose. Thanks as always for hosting!! 🙂
lsdavidson says
Every start of the school year is bittersweet for me – I can so relate. It is a tough week. I find fall really tough in general actually. It's my least favourite season. But, that sunset? Truly spectacular! I hope you have a better week this week. xo
My recent post My Pink Ball Really Does Live On
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Leah. I don't mind fall that much, but it is the fact that winter is coming that has me definitely not too thrilled. That really is my least favorite, because I am not a fan of the cold or the snow.
Kristi says
Sunsets made my list, too! There have been some really beautiful ones lately.
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful
Janine Huldie says
I know we really have been having some beautiful ones indeed and hope you are enjoying your weekend so far. Thanks Kristi!! 🙂
cgacad says
it makes me so sad to read this post because it makes it seem like such a reality. i am in new york, though, for vacation so hopefully i'll get some fun in the sun before i have to truly think about the summer being over. although it is overcast and might rain today!
Janine Huldie says
I know it is overcast on Long Island today too and even yesterday it was warm, but you could feel that fall breeze and nights here now are definitely so much cooler, too. Hope you are enjoying your time in NY though it is still pretty nice here other then the possibility of rain today.
LisaAndAshley says
I feel like it takes a couple weeks to really get into the school routine, too, which makes you feel even more out of sorts. They will both have such a good time this year, but I know it is hard with the little one going, too. I felt the SAME way. Love them with their dogs…adorable! :)-Ashley
My recent post Pinterest Dream Come True #037: Happy Birthday, Ashley!
Janine Huldie says
Ashely, couldn't agree more and sure we will get there, but still still I suppose going to take time. Thanks so much and I know they really were like two little old ladies telling stories and sitting with their dogs that day and couldn't resist snapping that photo!! 🙂
@wakefielddoc says
hey! Janine… yeah, I know! Sunday morning! lol it has been that kind of weekend.
the dogs look quite attractive (advantage over the other kind, these get to accompany you everywhere.. a totally great feature)
school already, huh? I should prepare myself for the fact that Summer will not last forever *this* year? lol
(great photos!…even the blurry one)
My recent post tenthingsofthankful the Wakefield Doctrine (on the weekends we take a break and hangout with friends and whatnot)
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Clark. And I know if only the week would go this fast (and winter, too!), but the weekend seems to just fly. And still hoping your weekend has been good to you and you enjoy Sunday now.
gigigirl says
It is hard to see summer end. And it is hard to watch as your two little girls move on to pre-school. Major milestones! You should be proud of the great job you and Kevin are doing as parents….you can't stop the clock, but you can know you are molding two girls who will become amazing young women! Lots to be thankful for. And yummy smoothies don't hurt either! Lots of love….xxoo
Janine Huldie says
I know it really is and you know how much I am not a fan of the winter ever. But seriously thank you for your kind words here and I was so happy to share the smoothie here, too!!! 🙂 Love you xoxo!!!
notinjersey says
I was wondering what the schools did that started on wednesday and then had off for rosh hashanah! silly. some schools I hear are just starting tomorrow for that reason.
I miss carvel so much!!! (we don't have it here)
My recent post Pleygo Is Like Netflix For Legos!
Janine Huldie says
Believe it or not, the districts in the next county over are just starting tomorrow and didn't do the start one day and take off two days. I think personally that was probably the better option, but guess we don't get to decide. And so sorry you don't have Carvel, but have to admit we love it, but Kevin just said we may need a break (well him, because he is on a diet now!).
Nellie says
beautiful picture of the sunset. Carvel is so amazing I am so happy I don't live near one, it is so my weakness!!!
My recent post Oh How I #LoveThisCity, Let Me Count The Ways! #MC
Janine Huldie says
We live literally near three different Carvels, so I was doomed from the onset, lol!! 🙂
@TaoOfPoop says
I love your hair!!!! And the sunset. I know, I know. The end of summer. So hard. Next year, we will be doing the pre-school thing with Claire. I already am freaking out. I can only imagine what you are going through!!!
Janine Huldie says
I know Rachel and I am doing a bit better now, but will say having both going this year totally got me. I was a mess at the end of last week and even early this week. Having my youngest going just made me feel so emotional. And of course it didn't help that I was PMSing!!