Tuesday, August 6, 2013

I remember it differently...

...you know?
 
...getting ready for back to school when my children were small.
 
School shopping involved jeans and sweaters and cute little flannel plaid jumpers.
 
The weather was a bit crisp.
 
Crisp enough in the morning for a small, warm jacket...
 
...or a hot cocoa send off.
 
We changed the wreaths on our houses to autumn leaves...
 
and the displays on our porches to corn shucks and pumpkins.
 
Ahhhh.
 
Ahhhh.
 
Those were the good old back-to-school days.
 
But now...
 
Living in Arizona...
 
...not so much.
 
Yesterday involved trying to find some longer shorts to accommodate a new school dress code.
 
After failed visits to 6 stores, we were hot and sweaty and cranky.
 
Trust me.
 
There were no jeans or sweaters or cute little flannel plaid jumpers.
 
There was no talk of buying fall decorations.
 
There was mostly just sweat, gasping for water and whining.
 
And my Granddaughters weren't doing a whole let better.
 
ha. ha.  
 
Our youngest Granddaughter proceeded to get ready for autumn, regardless of the heat, though.
 
 
Her perfect little jack-o-lantern teeth were just the ticket to remembering that cooler weather...
 
...and carving pumpkins are on their way.
 
We just need to sweat it out a little bit longer around here.
 
And find those mister fans so the kids don't pass out from heat on the playground at recess.
 
Sigh.
 
post signature

22 comments:

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Wow that brought back memories.
I can't fathom living where there are not 4 distinct seasons. How odd to me that school weather is the same all the time. No snow days alone would be a sad rite of passage that was missed out on. Okay maybe freezing ones patootie off at the school bus stop in 12 degrees wasn't a riot but the snow ball fights that ensued sure were.But then spring and your teacher is as antsy as you so they take the class outside for the day. Yep I would miss 4 seasons...I just wish the winter one was a wee bit shorter. :-)

Eden House News and views said...

I am slightly worried are you expecting us to have a certain dresscode when we come to school on a Thursday?
You mean I might not be able to attend in my PJs anymore ?

Linda @ A La Carte said...

The kids go back to school in Aug these days and its so HOT~ not sure i understand it! I was shopping yesterday and got hot and cranky myself!

Pondside said...

Wow - back to school in Arizona sounds like no fun in that heat.
School dress code? I'd like to see it here, where I've given talks at schools where the girls were in bustiers, see-through shirts, short shorts or spandex. Not so pretty!

Melinda said...

All of the gals above are right--back in the day we went to school AFTER Labor Day and still got out at the end of May.
I have worked in our school district now for 13 years and still can't figure out WHY we have to go back early--like NEXT Monday!
And...staf have to come back earlier!

Good Luck.

:)

Anonymous said...

My son is 23 years old and a sophomore in college. He took online courses this summer, and just recently, for his physical return in the fall, I bought him one pair of pants and a t-shirt. He's a hard size to fit (36 x 36) and even shopping somewhere like Wal Mart, everything's terribly expensive.
I always feel like even though I make more per hour than I ever did, I am able to purchase much less.

Amy said...

That might be the rose colored glasses syndrome. Everything from the past was so much more nostalgic. But I agree, I remember those wonderful cool mornings and the leaves changing and it wasn't this hot! So excited for Autumn! Glad you all survived!

Ms. A said...

August just seems to early to start back to school. Wonder why they changed it? Guess it's because they have more days off during the year, but still.

Jo said...

I love autumn .... my daughter goes back in september and it will be cooler and crisper then ... I cant imagine going back when it is still so hot.
love the shot of your little grand!!!

Annesphamily said...

I think all schools everywhere start way too early! The heat is still unbearable and off to school they go! I remember the days of school starting after Labor Day! Your memories were so sweet! I went to Catholic school, navy blue pleated skirts, jumpers and white blouses! Last year was the first time in ages I bought an actual white blouse for myself! HaHa!

Rita said...

I'd die of heat stroke there. Can't imagine not having snow and cold for half the year. ;)

Pat Tillett said...

Oh yeah! Summer is no time for fighting the crowds of other folks out shopping for the exact same things you are. I'm so glad, I don't have to do that now. Speaking of summer. We haven't really had a single HOT day yet. I hope it stays that way also...

vivian said...

I so remember those days! walking through the stores with 4 children in tow! buy me this.. buy me that.. I like this.. I want that...LOL!
Im looking forward to that again with my grandpies when its time for them to go to school.
happy day jenny!
xoxo

Theresa said...

Yep, same here! When I was little, School started in the Fall, the mornings were cool... not anymore! It starts when it is still hot and you need cooler clothes, which makes you need warmer clothes later in the School year! Hmmm perhaps the stores are to blame:) Yep, now you need two sets of clothes! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Anonymous said...

Certainly did bring back memories ~ Still have the Fall weather here in New England so come visit when you need a view of the crisp cool air and colorful leaves ~ It's 'acomin' ~ all in a 'blink' ~ Enjoy, carol xo

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Ah! The fun of school shopping! I was always excited to find that first day of school outfit when I was growing up. ...I also went to some schools with the standard parochial uniform, so no surprises there... and I do remember some other schools, with our own children that had dress codes, but not actual uniforms, so it was tricky to find the right things...

Whew! It surely looks and sounds like you all are in a lot of hot temps right now! Stay cool!

Hugs!
Blessings & Aloha!
(also...I had to laugh out loud at Tracy Coook's comment! Hilarious!
...and wah! I am still not in a routine with blogging and visiting! ...soooooo behind!)

ImagiMeri said...

We went up north over the weekend so Abby could have one more mini vacation before school started on Monday. Although I still sweated a lot, it was great for everyone else. I hope we can get together soon.

Hugs N' Love,
Meri

Janie Junebug said...

I remember buying back-to-school clothes. I really didn't do that with my children. We'd buy one or two new outfits when school started, and then buy clothes as they were needed. I LOVE MY SIGN!

Love,
Janie

Unknown said...

I have those same memories. Being in Arizona must be really different! Although I have to say it is hot as heck here too. I guess the main difference is we never started school until the day after labor day. These kids are starting in August. Poor kids!

Anita said...

The day after Labor Day for my kids in central Virginia. Of course they didn't get out until mid-June.

I was feeling your pain as I read your descriptions of the heat and sweat. Awww...

Granddaughter is still smiling though. :)

Susan Anderson said...

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned (for sure, I am), but I liked it better when school started in September.

=)

Busy Bee Suz said...

She is the cutest little jack-0-lantern too.
I grew up in Florida and my kids are as well....so, no jackets or boots for us. It could be worse though....snowboots are not so cute. Right?