Sophia's First Day of Kindergarten

Sophia's first day of school was.....interesting.  We got up, got dressed, and was supposed to sign on to the orientation session at TN Virtual Academy at 10:00.  Well, after taking about 10 minutes for us to get completely logged in to the session, there was no one there.  Apparently they were having technical difficulties.  At one time there were about 1,300 students signed on, many of them posting that they were having issues also.  Eventually, the moderator kicked everyone off.  I tried to log back in, but they were still having issues.  By now it was around 10:45 or so.  I had received an email earlier that morning saying the session would be recorded, so if we missed it, that would be ok.  So, I decided to take Sophia outside to take some cute Kindergarten pictures.  I had seen some really neat ideas on Pinterest that I had decided to use.  Everything went great with the pics, and I was very pleased with how they had turned out.

I think she looks so grown up in the next 2 pics.

A silly one, joking about how smart she already is even though it's only the first day. :)

Then I saw the idea on Pinterest to ask what your child wanted to be when they grew up.  I was not expecting Sophia's answer.....

I'm pretty sure positive I would have never said the same thing.  But I still love my girl!  

And here is a picture to demonstrate some of those ninja skills....

 Back to the story.....Sophia was being such a good sport.  By now, we had done nothing as far as "school" goes, and it was already lunchtime!  I told Sophia that after lunch, it would be time to take her "placement" test online.  She was very excited about that.  She didn't even really know what a test was, but she was excited! :)  After lunch, it took a little bit of time to figure out how to get to the testing website and how to log in.  When I had finally figured all of that out and had gone through the online training session, I logged on and the volume wasn't working!  Long story short, I had to figure all of that out.  And by this time it was 1:45, and we had not accomplished one thing regarding school!  Sophia had been so excited, but her patience was wearing thin, and mine was even worse!  I finally figured out the problem and Sophia was able to take her math placement test.  

After the math test, she started taking the reading test, but I could tell she needed a break.  So we decided to meet up with Dad and Ezra to go to Chick-Fil-A to celebrate Sophia's special day! (Did I mention that Dell took Ezra to work with him today to help me out with this first day stuff?  Thanks, babe! I needed that!)  So we had an early dinner at Chick-Fil-A and let the kids play for a while. 

 After Chick-Fil-A, Sophia and I headed to Target to pick up some school supplies we needed.  (Yay for tax-free weekend!!)  After we got back home, Sophia wanted to finish her reading test.  At the end of the evening, she told me "taking tests" was her favorite part of the day.  So, thankfully her first day did finally prove to be productive.  It just lasted ALL DAY. :)  But it was her first day, and who really ends up doing much on their first day anyway?!  I will end this suuuuper long blog with saying that I just loved how excited Sophia was today.  She was such a trooper and in such sweet spirits.....so excited about being more grownup and such a big girl.  I just have to say that I LOVE that girl. :) 

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

Dear Sophia,

Tomorrow you start Kindergarten!!!!!  I don't think I could put enough exclamation points because I can hardly believe it.  I could almost cry thinking about it, and you're not even leaving me because you are being homeschooled!  But my how you have grown.  "You're getting so big on me!" as I often tell you.

We have decided to homeschool you this year.  There are many circumstances that have led to this decision, and ultimately we feel like this is the best decision for YOU.  I'm really looking forward to it, and I know you are too!  What a blessing it will be to be your FIRST teacher!  I can't wait to see all of the adventures we will face this year together, and I can't wait to watch you learn new things.  I have no concern about how you will do with your schoolwork. You are such a bright little girl and have a natural love of learning.

I can't imagine how I would feel if I was truly sending you off to kindergarten this year.  I know my heart would break in a million pieces, since I have been with you every day and nearly every hour of your life!  (Thanks be to God for that!)  We have been counting down the days until Kindergarten starts, and every morning your first sentence is, "Five more days, Mom!"  Or whichever number we are on.  I can't wait to see you tomorrow morning when you wake up.  I know you will be so excited with a huge smile on your face.  I love you, Sophia Grace........ And so your SCHOOL DAYS begin......

Love Always,

Mommy

*And here is a pic of the story we read before bedtime tonight....*

"Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come!"