Dear Children: Back To School

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You are now back in school. The days have begun anew, filled with the terrible curse of a schedule. Early mornings. Nights that we try so hard to stretch. The darkness covering our outstretched arms like a blanket. Our efforts futile in their weakness.

Do you know that your Great Grandmother called the first day of school “Mother’s Day”? And as much as I miss you, there is some truth to that. You would be amazed at how clean the house is without two tornadoes attacking it.

The house is so still. Your mother is a person who does best in the calm. Alone. I rest my head on a chair and try to picture what your day is like. I imagine, you, my son, scowling in the direction of a disobedient child. Or your hand rubbing your chin, your eyes staring intently ahead, as you sit and ponder a lesson. And, you, my daughter, I imagine your bright smile. I know you do not skip to class. But this is my imagination. And so you do, all the while laughing. Causing others that walk by you to smile in return…

My eyes dart to the clock to make sure I am not late to bring you home. The day passes quickly in the silence.

Ahhhh. Yes. A schedule. It is here again. Nightly homework being trudged through like a spoon through molasses. And all of the “extras” being shoved into the hours with the hurry of a chipmunk to his cheeks with an elusive nut.

We all go to bed tired.

Our days are full. Our bodies have adjusted to this rhythm. Our souls long for summer.

I sit watching the clock. I know it will come all too soon. Time rushes by me in the stillness. Growing your bodies. Growing your minds. Growing my sorrow.

The school year has begun. Another year is proceeding to make its mark. Cutting its way through our future. I wonder and worry about what the year will bring. Only Time will tell. And he is a master at keeping secrets.

I hope you will do well, my children. Study hard. Enjoy the weekends. This schedule that we are on will keep us going. Racing to the finish line in June. Time is smiling cunningly at the end. Let us still try to beat him. Shall we? I’ll give you a head start.

And so, my children, I wish you good luck in the coming school year. I will be behind you, rooting for you all the way! Know I am here, catching your shadows in my fingertips. We will get to that finish line! One step at a time.

Love,

Mommy

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* I have recently learned my children are googling my blog. Which is sweet. Very sweet. But I also want to know that they are learning something from me besides simple recipes and pretty clothing. These letters are real letters to my children. From their mother. You might not agree with my message, but please respect my sentiment.

Back To School Shopping

Four words a mother dreads.

I try to find the best deals. With two kids to purchase school supplies and new wardrobes for, that is important.

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In my opinion, Staples is the best place for supply deals. You can check out their ad online. They have free items after rebates.*** (There is more information about this at the bottom of the post if you wish to do this.). You just enter information online to get a rebate check back for the amount you paid. This week, composition books are .10 cents a piece (limit 3 with $5 purchase. They are also doing a $20 rebate on a case of five reams of paper, making the final price $4.99). Most rebates take 6-8 weeks to get back to you. Target has great savings on colored pencils, crayons, erasers, and markers. And, of course, Walmart always has decent prices.

Check out some cool items I have picked up the kids this summer in anticipation of them going back to school:

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A Fantastic Gap Spree. I purchased most of my son’s back to school pieces for $135 (for twelve items. This photo would be much more impressive, if half of the items were not in the wash. ; ). ) during their big additional 40% off clearance sale. I love their shorts for him. I think they fit true to size.

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My daughter’s pair of J Brand Rozz Moto jeans from Nordstrom Rack were not as good of a sale find. They were still 62% off. Gwen Stefani has worn the Rozz Moto jeans a couple of times. High school is hard. I want her to be confident. These are adorable. And she’s a good kid.

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I scored her this polka dot dress at Forever 21 for $5. And the cute tie-dyed chambray shirt for $11. The white tuxedo shirt was $9.

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These awesome Comic Character Converse are currently on sale at Famous Footwear in their clearance section. They also had Batman (my daughter got these) and The Joker (my husband could not resist them for himself). When we purchased these, they were also doing buy one get one 50% off with a 20% off additional coupon.

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Also, they had these shoes my son informed me were very Minecraft inspired. The brand is Osiris. Good thing the above deal was in effect!

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Also, Costco is the place for kid’s fashion jeans. I purchased my son four pairs of Buffalo jeans to carry him into the next year for $16.99 each. They currently have Levi’s for a steal for the younger boys and girls. They also have brand name jeans for men and women. I buy all of my husband’s Lucky Brand jeans there. Unfortunately, my daughter cannot buy jeans there. Can you believe they only carry size 2 and up? What about the petites?

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And just because I think this is hilarious. Check out my son’s new sunglasses. I could not figure out what was on them until I realized he “MacGuyvered” the broken frames together with tape. I tried them on. You cannot see through that eye. Now I’m off to ask what the heck happened to them.

Have you scored any good sales on kids’ items lately? I am always looking for a deal.

***A note about Staples’ rebates: They take about two minutes online to fill out. They will send a confirmation of processing to your email. You generally have two options for payment. These are: rebate check and Paypal. I have always done check. The check will arrive in the mail looking like a piece of trash. Or a flyer. It is small and pink. That is your check! Do not throw it away! There is no envelope. Also, the $20 rebate currently for the ream of paper is processed for a prepaid Visa card. If you do not want that option, you can change it to a check. Just look for that button before you process it. Hope that helps!