Middle School / 6th Grade Update!

Just a quick update on my 6th grader's first few weeks of middle school... FIRST up, we decorated his locker, several weeks before school started, and practiced the combination code.  He was more than ready!

The BEFORE decorating the locker!

We bought several items that really helped add more "room" to his 2x2 locker space.  LOL!

Above/Below: 12" Wire Shelf from Office Max

Below: Magnetic Dry Erase Board, replicating a basketball court (comes with a marker, ball, and hoop).

This momma wrote a little note, reminding Ty of what matters.

Below: Locker Tash Can.

I am anti-trash cans, so we used this adorable locker trash can to hold jolly ranchers.

Below: Magnetic Pen Holder.

We put extra pencils, markers, and erasers in this holder.

Locker Mirror (You know, so he can look spiffy and make sure he doesn't have a booger in his nose or something stuck in his teeth.).

Below: Magnetic Mesh Holder.

Snacks in this holder: granola bars.

Below: Magnetic Mesh Bin.

We put tissues, hand sanitizer, gum, and breath mints in this holder.

An air freshener, after all, we don't want his locker smelling like BO or stinking shoes.

Tada!

Tyson was very pleased and thanked me over and over for helping his locker be "first day" ready!

The AFTER decorating.

Do you see Ty peaking through his mirror and into my camera?

I am pretty sure Tyson was made for middle school.  He has fit right in.  He is doing excellent in all of his classes.  He received a 100% on his Summer Reading projects that he had to work on ALL SUMMER (AND I did NOT help him with ANY of it). He is the quarter back of his football team (huge responsibility) and the ball boy for the Glenvar High School football team.  MOST Fridays, he leaves the house at 7:30 a.m. and doesn't return home until 10:00 p.m. or later. He attends all of the after school "dances".  He goes to all home and away games.  The BIGGEST addition to his middle school life is that he now has a cell phone.  Sigh... He is getting so big.  We have a lot to be proud of and thankful to God for.  Last week, was his first picture day in 6th grade. I don't think this kids has looked BACK on elementary school.  LOL!

2nd & 6th Grade ~ Back-To-School Photos!

Hello, hello! I am excited to share with you the "back-to-school" photos that I captured of the kids.  I never thought that last year's photos could be topped.  The kids' looked so cute and were so cooperative.  I didn't think I would get that lucky two years in a row.  Of course, so many of you may be wondering HOW in the world I managed to take such cute photos during one of the most stressful days of the year: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.  Let me let you in a little secret... I DO NOT take many photos on the first day of school.  I learned long ago that that morning is filled with too much excitement, too many nervous thoughts, possibly even a little bit of puffy or baggy eyes going on.  I want to send the kids off happy and not stressed out because mom has the camera in their faces.  SO... I take back-to-school pics several days BEFORE day 1.  It's TRULY genius.  I discovered this idea, when the kids entered Kindergarten, on my own, and carried out the "tradition" last year, after doing a test run of a hair style I wanted Lilah to sport on the first day of first grade.  And I will never turn back.  Of course, in order to get the kids to cooperate and do this with JOY, it doesn't come cheap.  LOL!  They were promised a dessert of their choice (Bahama Ice Shack) and a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.  

On the day I chose to take photos, it wasn't brutally or miserably hot, but the sun was bright and I was having a very hard time finding shade at 2:00 pm.  The twins and I drove around Salem for a few minutes, but noting was striking my fancy, so I decided to take them to my favorite spot (my secret).  LOL!

I snagged a few ideas from pinterest that I thought were adorable.  Writing on the hands was taken from a graduate's photo idea board, but I thought it was PERFECT for second grade too, since "2" represents second grade.

Lilah was a great helper and actually insisted on posing Jax.  She did a great job.  

I cannot take the photos of the TWO of them.  Completely flawless in my opinion  #biasedmommy

He melts my heart.  Simply beautiful.

Doubly blessed.  The below pose was THEIR idea.  I love that they were getting into it.

Our photo session was coming to a QUICK end because our oven repair man called and said he was on his way.  Lilah was bummed and said, "Man! I wanted to take more."  Can you tell she was really LOVING this model shoot.  Hehe,

I love these ideas that SHE and JAX came up with.  Look at how cute she is making a heart with her hands.

I would have NEVER asked for twins, but I am BEYOND GRATEFUL that Darren and I got to experience this BEAUTIFUL blessing.  People say all the time, "Man! You are so lucky.  I have always wanted twins!!"  Yes.. yes I am.

I purchased these outfits on our beach vacation.  They are from a company called Mustard Pie.  I am obsessed with their company.  My friend Jody even said, "Lilah looks like she was made for mustard pie clothing!"  And I agree completely.  This line is called "True Blue".  

Gentle kisses and hand holding! #wombmates

Then came my goofball, 6th grader who was pretty much anything but cooperative and serious.

He thought juggling and sniffing a pencil hard enough to keep it under his nose made for a much better photo op than just smiling pretty. #eyeroll

Really?!?! I was in no mood to play peek-a-boo with an 11 year old.  LOL!

It just keeps getting worse and worse and I was getting slightly aggravated EVEN THOUGH it is funny looking back on it NOW.

I was about to give up.

AND THEN, he finally gave me the sweetest smiles and poses.  These kids make me so proud.

Well... there you have it! If taking photos a few days in advanced is considered cheating, than just call me a cheater. I will take it!! I don't care one bit.  These photos are priceless and precious and I will cherish them forever. AND as long as time permits, I will take back-to-school photos this way, EVEN IF it means I have to endure Chuck E. DISEASE!!!!