The Last Middle-Schooler

It's official. I'm old. :) Benjamin is now a middle-schooler!

With great excitement Benjamin went to middle school. The best thing - lockers! In fifth grade they even brought in locks and taught them how to use them and work a proper combination. He was soooo excited to go to the open house and try out his new locker.

After the open house he wanted to go directly to WalMart to buy his supplies. A day or so later when we did have his supplies he wanted to immediately go back to school to put them in his locker. He pestered me several times a day, daily until I relented. We took Casey and Jordan along for the momentous occasion.

By the time we did get to school Ben had memorized his combination. And as a result of his practice the rest of the family had also. 17-27-37. Now I won't tell you the locker number, so you can't break in, but you can now count yourself a part of the family if you too can recite Ben's combination!

Ben can fit inside his locker. I was impressed and only rembered ones half these sizes.

So - he HAD to take a pic for me in it. He obliged.

Of course the true locker test is can you be shut in it. Jordan helped with that one. Alas, Mom didn't let him close the door all the way. But - at least we've prepared him for the circumstances if they should happen - and this by a loving family member!

Ben's first day of school. Only he and I were awake. Casey and Jordan start school the next day as Monday is only for 6th graders in middle school and 9th graders in high school. Ben was ready to go to the bus 40 minutes before it was scheduled to arrive. I kept him occupied until a 'proper' time came about.

While he was eating breakfast he looked over at me and said, "Mom, you're supposed to interview me." I wasn't sure what he meant. "You're the Mom, you're supposed to be interviewing me!" he exclaimed, slightly exasperated. "Okay, Well Benjamin, tell me, what do you..." "No mom, you're supposed to ask questions like, 'So Benjamin, are you excited to start middle school?'" Finally I got the hint and proceeded to interview my last middle schooler. It was a very good interview, if I must say so myself.

Last tip for those of you who find yourselves forgetful.
While Benjamin was able to memorize his locker combo, he found that his locker number wasn't as easy. So - try this helpful middle school tip!

Write your locker number on the inside cuff of every pair of pants you own (or may wear to school). Viola! You are covered for the rest of the school year, or at least as long as you own the pants! This picture is purposefully vague, to prevent those who now know the combination from finding the right locker that it belongs to. Safety first!