Back to school.
I have cried every first day of school since I was in kindergarten and I’ll probably continue to tear up until my last baby hits adulthood and no longer experiences this momentous occasion. It’s not so much that it’s a sad day; just the start of something new which makes me emotional. This year, all four will start school – definitely a new phase around here as I’ll be all alone for entire days for the first time in 10 years. What will I do with myself?!
One thing I’ll do is celebrate. With other moms who are all alone at home.
My adorable friend Rae had this brilliant idea to put together a back to school brunch that not only celebrates our kids heading off for a new school year, but also to collect school gear for kids in our community who may need a little extra help.
Our party will be at my house the week after school begins in September, and I’m excited to share ideas for decorations and a craft project we’ll be doing. We will be collecting shoes for a local organization which sort of breaks my heart thinking about how my kids get to go back to school shopping like it’s no big deal and there are kids in their own school whose little toes are cramped in their too-tight, scuffed-up shoes. I’m so glad that we can pool our resources to do something tangible for these kids and make their lives {and feet} a tiny bit happier.
We would love if you would join us in celebrating back to school and using that celebration to help other school-bound kids in your community. Rae has designed a great set of printables to pull off the party that are FREE to download.
So cute, right? You can download the whole set over on her blog {click right here}.
We’d love for you to join us in toasting to the new school year {and days at home without kids!} and using that party for good. Gather up your girlfriends, bake your favorite egg dish, and let us know how your celebration goes!
….but then the grandchildren will start to school……it doesn’t end ♥
Lovely idea! We used to do something similar years ago, but I teach now, so no more days home alone! Enjoy and know you are blessing others, too…
xo Heidi
Such a great idea. Enjoy the brunch. I’m sure that there are going to be some very happy children because of this idea. I had breakfast with a friend last year when our kids went back to school. I think that it will be a new tradition but this year I will send in some extra supplies to our kids schools so that someone who may not have everything on their list will have what they need. Enjoy.
Even though we homeschool, I am still always so nostalgic at the start of each school year being reminded of how much my little ones are growing up! What a great idea to bless little ones with new shoes — I also love the Buckner ministry Shoes for Orphan Souls collecting shoes for children in many countries, esp. central and S. America. They have a beautiful ministry of spreading Hope (like you : ) ) I especially love their moving video clip “Seven Reasons” on youtube.
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing! My daughter Nina starts 2-year old preschool at her daycare on Sept 3rd (I know, I know…) and I am already feeling a bit weepy. I love that this makes it a celebration! :)
What a great idea, Emily! I’m sure you have mixed feeling about them all being in school, but I hope you get some more “me time” because of it!