American Mothers, Inc.

Many of us have traditions we follow on this day each year. Most of us mark this day with photos ~ on the porch, on the steps, by the tree, with siblings, new haircuts, new clothes, with friends and neighbors and the dog. So many emotions wrapped up in those photos...with many of those being felt by the ones behind the cameras! 

One of the traditions we have is freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, ready and waiting when they walk in the door after school. I set the table, chill the glasses in the freezer, and as we share cookies and milk I hear things like what friends are in what classes, who they had lunch with, first impressions of teachers, if they got lost, how the locker combo thing went and more.

I love preparing for this. When they walk in the door I want them to instantly know I was thinking of them and that I am grateful to sit and soak up every detail of how this new year is looking and feeling to them. Its one way we mark the beginning of the new year at our house.

How do you mark the first day of school? Do you have traditions you would share with us here? Sharing parenting ideas is one of the things that makes us all better moms. Use the comment link to share your ideas. Happy 2010-2011 school year!

My oldest will start classes at college Monday, maybe I will send her cookies in a box? Hmmmm...new territory. Ideas?

Sheri Carlstrom is the 2010 National Young Mother of the Year.  Sheri was born in Duluth, Minnesota, has lived in Michigan, and now resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She knows what it is like to move to a new place and have to find your spot in a community. She attended classes at a community college and the University of Minnesota. Sheri has been married to Kevin for nineteen years. They have four children. Sheri has been involved in MOPS, International as a young mother, a leader, and a Mentor Mom. She works at Sonrise Church as Communications Director. She writes a blog, and co-owns a small business with her sister.  Her time is spent driving children to activities, sitting in bleachers, volunteering at church, going to the YMCA to keep both her physical and mental health in check. She also finds herself reading, writing and checking and rechecking the calendar to make sure she hasn't forgotten a child somewhere.  You can read about her year over at "Mother of the WHAT?" where this post originated.