Starting a New Chapter in Life

In September, Riana began a new chapter in her life... public school.  (She had gone to 2 1/2 months of public school in 6th grade, while Calyssa was having health problems.  However this was the first time she began a new grade on the same day as every one else.)  It has always been the plan to put the girls into 8-12th grade in public school, after giving them a few extra years at home.  Her big day came faster than I was expecting and she wasn't too thrilled with the idea.  She had a difficult time saying goodbye to her friends at ORLA on the last day of school and let me know during the summer that she wasn't too excited about this big change.  The day before school began, she was full of nerves and emotions, not knowing what to expect. 

However, on her first day of school, she looked poised and absolutely gorgeous!  I fed her a nice breakfast, took some pictures to document the big day, and drove her to school.  She presented herself with nothing but complete confidence as she walked into her new school.  I however, cried most of the way home.  I wasn't expecting that.  I didn't cry because I felt that I had made the wrong choice or because I was worried about her or anything.  I had complete peace and knew this was exactly the right timing for her.  I cried because I knew her days at home with me were done and that she was growing up to be an amazing, responsible, young woman!

1) Looking beautiful
2) Oh no!  A spider!  (...so cute!)
3) I loved that she put her virtue conference button on her backpack, "I can do hard things!!"
4) We had fun shopping for her school supplies, new school clothes, and finding her dream backpack/bag!!

Here is what I wrote on Facebook that day:

"Today opens a new chapter in my oldest daughter's life... public school. We have always planned on putting our girls in 8th-12th grade... I just can't believe how fast it came. She looked gorgeous and was super courageous this morning! I am so proud and know she will do great at her new school!!"

 

Between my post and Grant's on this, it received 138 likes, and 22 comments.

Andrea T- She looks darling!

Michelle D- She looks beautiful! Hope she has a great first day :-)

Heather N- So cute! Love her hair!!!

Jill T- Cute hair. At least she smiles for you in pics, Paige just smirks. Today was Kaiti's first day of middle school. Yikes!!!

Wendy K- Good luck sweetie you'll do great!

Syrie B- I am in your same boat!! Rachel just started public school at C H S this morning. UGH!

Bevan L- Home schooling is fine but children need to learn about people of other persuasions also. That is in the real world they must learn to live in. It takes courage to do as you have done teaching your children.

Bevan L- (On Grant's post) My goodness. How she has grown. and pretty too. And next year in high school as a mighty freshman. They grow and get prettier every day.

Dan D- Good grief! She looks like a disney model!  (My fav comment, which 4 people liked.)

Brenda L- She will do great and love school.

Jennifer Y B- Love the outfit!!

Joy B T- She looks so much like you! Good luck beautiful!

Gloria H- Beautiful!!! Hope her first day was fun and exciting!

Daren F- She'll do amazing. You've prepared her well.

Dennese M- I THOUGHT I saw you in the parking lot today. I was going to PM you and ask just to make sure! We have lots of troops mobilized in the middle school...she'll be watched over ;)

Anna C S- She's darling! Hugs to you!

Jolie D C- Gorgeous Girl :)

Karla C- Smart AND beautiful!

Karla C- I love her shoulder bag too.

Angela B D- Wow! I had no idea you would be sending your kids to public school. I hope it goes well. Is she there all day or just part of the day?

Angela- She will be there all day, all year, from now on.

Gene D- Best of luck to all of you.

 

Update- Now in October, Riana is doing amazing at school!!  She wakes herself up in the morning, and has never even missed the bus (Despite my hatred for middle school buses, I finally agreed to let her ride, only because 4 of her best friends all ride with her and they all sit in the front seats together.)  She comes home and does her homework without being asked.  And she checks her grades every other day!  She has all A's and B's!  It just makes me so happy that she is finding success and being such a wonderful, contributing member of society!  I love how well she is transitioning!  I know she will be successful at whatever she chooses to do with her life!  :)