Our new school

We've been here almost 4 months and exactly 2 months ago, Jacob and Maddie started their new school, St. Theresa's Catholic School.  We feel so blessed that we were able to get them in, given the fact that for months last Spring, the incoming 3rd grade class was full so Jacob didn't have a spot.  In a strange turn of events, literally hours before we were going to put an offer on a house in Austin not even close to this school, I got the call that a child was moving and Jacob had a spot in 3rd grade.  We had to do a complete 180 with our home search and start over, but seeing how happy they are (and how crazy pleased we are), we couldn't have made a better decision.

Below are some pictures of their first day of school.  Luckily, we had made many friends over the Summer so on their first day, they both already knew some of the kids in their grades.  Jacob had already had quite a few playdates with the 3rd graders and a sleepover!  They both seemed a bit nervous but handled it like pros.  I am so amazed by their adaptability and resilience.  A LOT happened over the Summer, yet they took on this challenge of a new school, new home, etc. with so much class and grace.  They impress me.

We had their school conferences yesterday.  I'm always a little nervous going into them as you really never know what to expect but they both got glowing reviews from their teachers.  I loved that they both "don't get involved in the drama" and play equally with all of the kids in their respective classes.  Maddie was described as a "work horse" and Jacob was described as "a really intelligent kid".  Every month, the school as a virtue assembly where they celebrate a virtue and recognize a child from every class with a "virtue award" for displaying that virtue at school.  Jacob received the virtue award for KINDNESS in September. We are so proud of both them and excited to see what the rest of the year brings!

As a sidenote, the community at this school is just outstanding.  Within weeks of moving, I had SO many families reach out to me, playdates scheduled, constant invites to things and so much more.  Every mom I have met has without hesitation given me her number to call if I ever need anything.  We've already had social nights with some of the parents (including a game night of flip cup, pop-a-shot basketball and pictionary!) and we happily get roped into the school events by other families like the golf tournament (I'm doing ladies putt putt!)  It's so refreshing to see parents so intimately involved in and care about their school.  It's a true joy to be there everyday!  To say that we lucked out when Jacob got that spot is an understatement.  Add to that the fact that we LOVE our new neighborhood and are only 15 minutes from the school (when it could have been much worse), I feel like it all fell into place just the way it was supposed to.

First day of school pics!

Jacob going up to receive his "virtue award" for kindness in September.  

All his silly friends in 3rd grade.  His teacher said he "never felt like the new kid".  Clearly from this picture you can see he hasn't had any trouble making friends!

Formal mass uniform!

Maddie's field trip to Amy's Ice Cream (an Austin local hot spot for many, many years!)