Well, we all have different feelings about our kids going back to school. Some are like “peace out kids” while others are not looking forward to that first day. I’ve always loved summer breaks with my son. It was tough when I first sent him off to school. I was a basket case, and I am not an emotional person folks, at all. But when it comes to my babies, my heart gets weak. I honestly thought my first child would be the hardest to send off to kindergarten. I mean, I bawled all during his kindergarten orientation. Hey, he started it!

I remember it like it was yesterday. He was on my lap, not wanting to sit close to anyone. Turned around and said, “Mommy, I don’t want to leave you,” then just started to cry. That’s when I lost, again, for the 55th time that week. My hubby isn’t used to seeing me emotional. I am always smiling, full of it, and tough. Don’t let much get to me. But that day, he knew my heart was breaking. I mean, I had been home with Tyler since he was born!

The principal was upfront speaking and was introducing the PTO President to come out and speak. He leans over to me and says, “Hey babe, see that lady up there. That’s going to be you up there someday.” I giggled as I sat there, wiping my tears. It’s kinda been the joke since I was young. My cousin, Lindsay Clark, always told me someday I would be PTO President. I never thought I would be, though. I hate drama, and always thought it would never work out for me because, well, if you all have seen the movie “Bad Moms” you know what I’m talking about.

That first year of Tyler in school went well. I really got to know all of the mommas there and went to the PTO meetings. By his second grade year, I was Vice President. The girls on the board were all pretty great. I knew the test of it would be me picking him up at school on the Harley for the first time. When he turned 7, he was allowed on longer rides and had been begging me to pick him up from school. I thought, “Well, this should go over well.”

Figured I’d get all this criticism, not that I really cared. I rode with my dad at the age of two and loved it. He would wrap a belt around me and him and take me on short rides; I ate it up! Now, my mother didn’t know at the time, but we won’t go there. Haha. I remember when I got older, Dad picking me up at school or soccer practice, and my friends thought it was so cool! “You are so lucky,” they would say. I loved every minute of it! So did Tyler. His friends went nuts, and the moms had the opposite effect and thought it was totally awesome that I pick my kid up on a motorcycle. I was sold, and have loved every part of Hepburn Lycoming since he started and came to love many of the parents there. Heyyy Lisa, heyyyy Rebecca! (and many others!)

So last year I was President, and this year President again. Now that is all fine and dandy until I remembered, I am supposed to make a speech this year at kindergarten orientation. Sweet mother of God! Last year was no big deal, but this year my youngest, Kenzy, starts kindergarten. The clinging has begun, and I don’t really know how this is going to go. Anyone who knows my daughter knows she is just like me. She has this big personality, makes friends super easy, and loves being with people. She isn’t shy in the slightest! I’m worried about her first starting, but think she will do great. Still not ready for this though. I’ve been blessed to be able to stay home with my kids for the past ten years. But, I was told I don’t even have to make a speech this year at the open house since I will be in the audience with my daughter. Phew. That was a close one! I can’t have the kindergarten parents seeing me all weak and sappy! Oh no. I have to get through this next week.

Thinking happy thoughts that she is going to get there and love it. She knows the school and many of the teachers because she came with me many of times to print off papers, and do a bunch of things regarding the PTO. So that gives me an easy frame of mind. But either way here, school is back. Buses will run there routes and kids will wake up hungry and need a good breakfast to start off their morning! Remember me saying I have a lot of good easy breakfast recipes? Well here is another one. What kid wouldn’t want a banana split in the morning? And to all you mommas and papas out there with kids starting kindergarten. I feel you. Let’s get through this together. Deep breathes. Here we go…

Banana Split Breakfast Boats

Ingredients:
• 1 Banana
• 1 Vanilla Greek Yogurt (5.3 oz)
• Granola
• Kiwi, Blueberries, & Strawberries or any fruit you desire

Directions:
Slice banana in half and place into boat.
Top with yogurt.
Add fruit and sprinkle it with granola.
Enjoy!