BACK TO SCHOOL Shop and Set-up as a first time school mom! | Mennonite Mom Life

[@estherwei486]

That TED talk with your daughter totally inspired me! It's such an important life lesson actually😀

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

It was very spontaneous!!

[@nesser1352]

I loved what you said at the end about the importance of making children feel loved and cared for - I don't plan to become a mother but this is important for us all to do. We all can be loving and supportive for each other.

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

I remember doing all these things for my son. He's 35 now. Enjoy every minute it's such a sweet time and it does fly by. Be blessed Megan.

[@heathervertolli5646]

Myself and my teenage high schooler loves the DIY calendar 📆 idea. She has anxiety and ADHD and this is such a help. Just ran to Lowes and got our colors of paint chips and Michael’s for the poster frame. Can’t wait to get this together prior to field hockey 🏑 practices and the school year. Hopefully this will keep her anxiety at bay since she’s only see 1 month at a time. God bless and thanks for your ideas!! ❤️🙏🏻

[@thebrodabode73]

Thank you Megan for sharing your days with us. My boys are 42 and 40 now and I pray for them constantly. I pray for the grandkids, 7, 4 and 1 daily as well. We need more praying people in this nation. We need a revival in our homes, our schools, our governments and our hearts. Bless Evonne during this first year of her academic career. I will pray for you. xoxTX

[@christineclancy8089]

You could always cover the cute paper folder in clear contact paper. That was always our first homework assignment of the year in school- covering folders, workbooks, etc... in clear contact paper.

[@cristinachira]

Its Thursday and I need my favorite youtuber time!!!! I don't see it uploaded yet!!! Now I'm realizing how much I enjoy your videos!!!! Good job inspiring people!!!

[@QuiteQuietASMR]

My grandma was kind enough to do this for my sister and me every single school year. It meant a lot to me then and means even more now thinking back on it. She never told us we couldn’t get a certain pen or pencil or backpack that we liked because it was too expensive, she was so generous for school supplies and that was the one time of year we could really get things we wanted. And we always went out to lunch after ward! Wonderful memories!

[@deborahhopper4832]

How fun😀my little girl is 30😢, but I got to go school supply shopping for the church 😊We are giving away supplies to needy kiddos. Wish I had a cricket to make labels, that looks like fun😀

[@olgatellomorrow5898]

Great memory for the children's when they grow up they will always talk about their mom and daddy how wonderful they wear to them!!!

[@tracybynum5042]

Absolutely LOVED the conversation with a 4 year old! Reminds me of when my babies were babies. I SO miss those days. They have told me many times over the years how much having their mom simply listen has meant to them. Sometimes the act of hearing your child gives them all the confidence they need to speak what's on their minds and in their hearts. Thank you for sharing your family with the world!

[@karenandes4940]

In less than 2 weeks I will be leaving my cubicle and going back to my mom life for the second round..grandkids. Lots of prayer, lots of changes but I couldn't be happier. Your love of home life has been such an encouragement to me. Thank you and keep on doing what you do! ❤️

[@NoNameNumberTwo]

I loved your words about motherhood, thank you. ✨

[@MR-jq7bk]

I'm 34 seconds in and the sound bite of you saying the world needs more good moms, more praying moms. That hit hard and you are absolutely right. Fathers too.

[@chericook7575]

Amazing! You are such a blessing! We are headed to Lancaster for a few days next week.. celebrating being married 50 years! These years go by!

[@kaitlingasser7474]

I showed my husband the calendar idea while I was watching and he liked it, so I made one. Today my sister in law walked in for lunch and saw it on the wall and said "Did you make that out of paint chips? That's so funny...I just saw someone do that the other day." Turns out she watches your channel too!😄

[@emilyblaich4846]

My sister has 3 kids and made her paint chip calendar years ago to keep up with all their activities, everyone always compliments her. I actually grabbed one of every pain chip during covid when all their activities were cancelled to play find the matching color in the house...they loved it. Note she also uses a framed printable for her weekly dinner menu!

[@melissam5249]

Back to school is my FAVORITE time of the year. I shopped it before I had my daughter.

[@olgatellomorrow5898]

I can see you are a great mother and a great wife you take good care of your family!!!! I watch another couple with children similar like you guys that is not too many parents like you guys we congratulations for being a sweet mom and Daddy for your children's!!!😍🌟💓 lots of blessing🙏🏻

[@karenhaley2198]

I loved this video of all of my favorite things! School supplies, DIY projects and cooking. I was a kindergarten teacher for many years and you’re making me want to be back in the classroom. Your words about being an intentional mom were beautiful. You made my day today!

[@rndsaneo2172]

Yayyy!!! So happy for this video. This year I’ll be homeschooling my first grader & preschooler + taking care of my 4 month old. Lol so would love to see your journey in this area as well! God bless!

[@TheModestHomemakers]

This year I'll be homeschooling my 6&4 years old girls 😊

[@alissakeepsdesigning]

Could always use the cute folder for any loose assignments/projects your kiddo brings home that you want to hold on to 🧡

[@bremalmon]

This was such an inspirational video. Mom to a toddler and preschooler here! I’m homeschooling my oldest and definitely can use encouragement to keep being intentional and involved in raising them up in truth! It is so hard but very worth it and I’m so thankful Jesus is with us in every minute- and thankful for encouragement in moms like you!

[@olgatellomorrow5898]

Can't believe the summer is going so fast not too crazy by the winter I'm an old lady and petrified or ice or falling and wet floors wet sidewalks I took a false 7 and 1/2 years ago and had so many surgeries not too crazy about people were bringing no in their shoes inside the place where I used to go often and I slept and fell. You guys are such a good parents especially mom and so great creative love watching your videos

[@lynnsalberg5647]

It’s so exciting to get ready for back to school. It makes me miss my teaching days . I don’t know if the teacher asked for it but they have these composition books now they have a space on the top of the page to draw a picture and then primary lines . I hope your daughter has a wonderful first day of school. My grandkids went back yesterday in Florida.

[@swampophelia2098]

Your children are going be lovely adults, you are putting all the good groundwork in whilst they are little. They are very very fortunate to have you and josh behind them. Best wishes from the UK. X

[@nancyhurt7145]

Seeing your large box to hold all of her school memories reminded me of my kids finding their boxes years later. When they saw them, they were like why did you save all of this crap!!! Into the trash can they all went!

[@katiewilson6561]

This is so funny to me because my mom did the same and I didn't want a single thing from my box. Fast forward many years later, and I now have a box for my own 2 children. 🤦🏻‍♀️ It's totally for me though, there are some things I just need to hang on to for a little bit longer!

[@debbiebousquet5677]

the kids r growing up so fast... Evonie is gonna love school. she is gonna have so much fun ... an ur a month early don't rush it b4 it's time cherish evry moment of evry day...

[@user-ep9jy3ki5d]

Tip! Use wet erase for the calendar so it doesn’t accidentally get wiped off!

[@howletthome5910]

Another great video, thanks Megan. Over here in Australia we start school at the end of January, so the last month in Summer here. Our Summer holidays start a week before Christmas and go until the end of January.

[@christinestrohmeyer1701]

Calendar project: For dark paint chips you could use dry erase chalk markers (thats what they are called here). They come in all kinds of colours including white

[@kaitlynmcpeak196]

I tried the DIY calendar and loved it! I did an orange ombré and it makes me so happy every time I look at it! I also did a 18x24 and side ways to fit my space better! Thanks for your video!

[@momoflittleladies]

I feel the same way during this time of year- it’s a perfect reset after a busy summer. We homeschool but after a long break and busy summer we look forward to school. I use Abeka Academy so I don’t have to teach too much, thankfully their school does a lot of it so I can continue all those mom tasks!

[@anastasialungu7511]

Just wanted to say your hair looks extra elegant in this video!

[@cindywaldrop4287]

I love watching such a hands on mom! Your babies know they are loved♥️♥️

[@janiceyoder621]

That was so sweet to take Evonne school shopping. I took my 4 scholars the other day. Then we stopped at a coffee shop for drinks and sandwiches. They do grow up fast. My youngest is going to be in 5th grade!

[@shell4285]

Something I did when my kids where little was, I drew a big tree, and got the kids to cut out cut outs of fruit on construction paper. On the trunk of the tree, I wrote Galatians 5:22,23. Then whenever they showed kindness or any of the fruits of the Spirit, they would get to add another fruit to the tree

[@adabekee4964]

Nice idea. I'm not married yet but I'll try to do this with my future kids ❤

[@jukes243]

Very well said, Megan. Being a mom is the most important role you will ever take on. If only I had done better.

[@mercifullove8246]

My little Carly is going to kindergarten this year too but we home school so we did a graduation summer party so celebrate her and her brothers

[@danat3961]

Evonnie just always melts my heart😊

[@celiahann]

So much inspiration, it was just the motivation I needed today. Also your idea of a body care caddy is nothing short of genius. My 12 year old daughter is always searching for her brush etc. in the mornings before school so I'm going to set her up with a caddy so she has a designated spot to put it in all the time. Thank you!

[@smariel7]

I can’t believe your princess is starting kinder…. So sweet!!

[@kimberlyprice2]

I love your crafting ideas! I little things are what kids are really interested in these days. I love that Evonnie is such a big helper.

[@natashagarrison3996]

Since you like to set the arts Craft table and keep it tidy, I would suggest adding little shelves/bins above the table on the wall, where they can put their Craft pencils/markers/crayons in one shelf-bin...etc..with the paintbrushes/paints. That way it'll stay nice and tidy all the time and it teaches the kids to put things away, and my kids always liked putting them away on their own 🙂love the pop it's lunch box 💖

[@wandakelly1841]

What a beauty Evonne is such a big girl. I'm excited for her big adventure. She is going to love school.

[@ruthannhochstetler3327]

Love love loved this video, great ideas. I'm a young Mennonite mom from Ohio, our school is starting the 16th, I have one in 5th grade and one in 2nd grade, and a 3 year old. As soon as I saw Josh put that brown paper on the craft table I was like I have some of that, so I covered our 10 ft kitchen table and got all our stamps, markers, crayons out and they are having a blast. Sometimes you just need new ideas on how to keep them busy. Thank you, God bless

[@pamelagay3303]

My kids are age 50 and 43. Both have a Masters Degree. But I sure do remember those back to school shopping days.

[@emlevy5792]

I’m on the PTO and we raise enough that we buy school supplies for everyone but sometimes I wish we could pick out the fun stuff!

[@AngiDas]

My daughter starts eighth grade this year. Crazy how fast it goes! I honestly feel like she needs me more now that she’s a teenager! I hope her first day goes really well and it’s OK if you cry!

[@pama.6410]

So fun to watch!!! You are so busy!!! You can take the cute paper folder to Staples and they can laminate it - voila! "plastic". They make bars on "hangars" so you hang a bar from the tall bar and have two levels of hanging space. It is an easy fix and Josh will appreciate you taking this off his list because he is probably just as busy as you! Love the shot of Josh preparing dinner holding Miller! Evonnie is such a huge helper!!! 5 stars to her!!! Love your explanation of trip vs. vacation vs. adventure!! Love the calendar.

[@smurph4959]

I love these tips, thank you 🌸 A cricket looks super useful.

[@elizabethsmith955]

I'm in highschool now but back to school is the best! This year I might even be going to my church's school but it isn't finalized yet

[@tonyahoskins7826]

Amen, I couldn't agree more with the family time one on one with each child is also needed. l am just so in awe that you said what you did, not many people/mother's feel this way.thank you so much & God bless you

[@Tcosby]

I really enjoyed your video today, brought back so many memories for back to school ! My kids are grown with kids of their own & I miss back to school prep !! Times goes by so fast enjoy every second of it !!

[@lifelovejourney]

You should write a book on getting your children ready for school.

[@frannader2739]

It is an exciting time for your Daughter to be starting school. I remember those bittersweet feelings from a Mom's point of view. Near the end of your video you briefly touched on something facing everyone who spends time on social media. There is a bottomless feel to many sites that are followed and can leave an empty feeling after you realize how much time was wasted. Hopefully if someone makes this realization, they can strike a balance with what is really important, spending time with and doing meaningful things with your children and family. Your videos are light hearted, inspiring, and reflect positive values. They leave me feeling appreciative.

[@MrsMilli]

My 7 year old daughter is starting her school journey in a week at 1st grade. (We live in Finland so the system is a bit diffent for sure) She is my only child and somehow this feels like such a big step in our lives. We have planned a shopping trip for school next weekend and that planner is something I personally got excited about. Maybe a stop to a hard wear store also then. Love your content❤

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

Aww. Yes, it's so hard to let go! Best wishes!

[@grahamrichard1442]

Finland has outstanding education I wish american public schools would adopt Finland's education stratagies.

[@MrsMilli]

@@grahamrichard1442 That is what I have heard too and I'm pleased with the whole system. What is so different with it, is hard for us to comprehend because we are so used to it. But all students are treated equal no matter circumstances with the individual are in regards to their self or background. Education, schoolmeals and healthcare in school are free from the begining to the end, how far each kid is interested to continue their studies. Teachers are well educated and trusted to do their job by the schools and parents. So this is a thing I feel blessed for.

[@cowtownjanet4450]

Everything here was so wonderful. I especially want to commend you for your very brief “sermonette”. Truly better words of advice could not be given at this time. As a great grandmother I am reminded to start praying for our school children, parents, school faculty and any other responsible parties. Thank you and Josh for modeling good parenting and letting the “world” in❣️. GOD BLESS

[@laurenalcala4253]

You are an amazing woman. Thank you for for the inspiring words. 🙏

[@joannasmith4793]

I have not visited in a little while. Maybe before new baby. Can not believe kindergarten ! I remember 2 under 2 !!!! Lol congrats and enjoy this new journey. I love the calender paint chip idea. Going to try. Thank you

[@citygirlfarm]

I remember your 1st calendar day. I love this and now I can duplicate it without searching all your videos...if I hurry up and do it this time.

[@stillyourb]

oh man i wore silvery glitter butterfly clips in my hair for my Junior yr Prom, 16yrs old 🤣🤣🤣 different times for sure! My fourth is doing a 2day per week kindergarten this yr at a church in town, its our one non-homeschool yr for my kids so hes been counting down until its his turn 🎓 also for whatever weird reason, everytime we go to walmart my kids get so excited to pick two paint swatches to take home.

[@jennifernoll6367]

I have to say that was the first time I heard that saying hurt people hurt people. Sometimes we get so caught up in life that you got to reevaluate how you are treating your kids and make sure you’re doing the best you can, we’re all not gonna be perfect but boy things that happened to you when your a child can really follow you through life unfortunately I know that firsthand.

[@BluegrassGirl]

Hurt people hurt people. Idk if I’ve heard it that way before. Make you stop and think, doesn’t it. Thanks for sharing that and your thoughts thereafter. Very insightful and true. God bless.

[@LibbyK1776]

Mom tip, don't be afraid to spend some money on a backpack. Jansport offers a lifetime guarantee. If it breaks you send it to the repair center. If it's beyond repair they will replace it for free.

[@emlevy5792]

Yes! We bought a cheap one, it broke and then I splurged on a pottery barn kids one and it’s lasted for 3 grades, much cheaper than replacing one each year.

[@chrisweaver5917]

I second the Jansport brand backpacks. Some of ours had them from K-12 and they worked great all those years.

[@eversosophi9653]

everything you said just in the introduction is so rich 💕 love your channel 💕 you are so wise in your young mom years

[@kiffanibond165]

You’re such a teacher 💖💖💖. From my teacher 💙 to yours💙

[@wilmawagler5058]

So true, do stuff with your children and make them feel the love and prayers.

[@petro3441]

Back to school looks so exciting. Love the labelling and wow what a cool calender🥰 We just have one child and sometimes I felt like a true witch but now she study more than 400km from home and she always tells me how thankfull she is for what we have taught her and how she was raised. She says it is so scary to hear about all the broken families and students that just do not care.they are just there for the fun and party and not for there future🥲. School years are sometimes tuff but we can just thanx the Lord for all we have🥰

[@thewaschbischs4281]

Your content inspires me to get more organized. Thanks for all the good ideas! - Melanie

[@maurafenlon8071]

I have 2 grown children. My 2 school supplies that I never skimped on were plastic folders and LL bean backpacks. The backpacks might be slightly more expensive but typically lasted me 2 years, and sometimes more.

[@gigib4076]

What a super fun video!! Heartfelt message about being the best mom possible!

[@teresaeye350]

If you wait about a week after school starts you can really get great deals on school supplies. I did this for my son to use during the year.

[@itsteagan3216]

Please do show us the fall haul of her clothing. As a modest feminine dressed woman, I love seeing modest feminine clothing for kids for ideas for my own children.

[@wieslava]

My son is also starting kindergarten and turning 5 this September!

[@kathylezcano8793]

Happy Thursday Megan this is one day that I always look forward to enjoy your videos always everything that you had just spoken is absolutely right about our children you are such an awesome mom and your kids are very lucky to have you God bless you and your children have a great weekend

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

That is a wonderful idea. I can never find one already printed that is big enough to use over my desk. Thank you.

[@karenkristianson8351]

Just heard on the radio that Crayon is a new perfume scent!! Supposed to take you back to your childhood!! Yes Megan crayon scent!

[@ebgbjo2025]

Love the calendar and the colors you choose are very you. I hope Evonnie has a fantastic start to her school journey; and if the schools there are anything like the ones here with arts & crafts or other projects you want to hold on to, you'll need a bigger bin by middle school 😉 🤣

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

I thought maybe!

[@janeevans4758]

I had at least 5 bins in the first year!! Really 🤪 I'm one of those sentimental people who can't just disguard something that my daughter made,how do you choose 🤷‍♀️ so you keep it all 🤣 and now 30 years later... I still have every single card,a d what nots from primary years...stored in the attick along with her,pram,cot,potty 🤣 its a nightmare! But I have it to cherish 😍

[@micheller2426]

Hello!, I'm going to create a morning/evening caddy for my 12yo preteen son. Puberty is around the corner, so hopefully this will remind him to use his tea tree wash etc, things he has not had to use before. Thank you so much for the idea! From across the pond, UK.

[@louisebetteridge8582]

Loved this weeks episode I am a teacher and have today been and done my new school year shop I love it. My kids are all grown up now but the school shop was one of my favourite parts of the year.

[@jera4121986]

Perfect timing video. I have my first school supply shopping as well. I love your calendar, I am gonna try it. I seriously was just thinking of looking into green chef for my family to try. I would definitely enjoy more diy videos. I’m starting to overcome my fear of diy stuff and trying different things. Thanks for the inspiration

[@Jessbensarah]

I bought some crayons a few weeks ago and did the same thing, smelled them and got excited about using them. That's the best part of school. ;)

[@swampophelia2098]

Lol I love that you chose all the “Megan colours” 😊

[@jacquelineabatemarco1896]

Would love to see videos with you and your grandma cooking or sewing. She seems to be a great influence on you. Love your videos and Lancaster county

[@gemmadavison1565]

Love the crafts and DIYs in this video 😀 I’m interested to hear how well the water bottle name labels hold up to dishwashing… I’m very lazy when it comes to cleaning the kids lunch stuff everyday, if it can’t go in the dishwasher it doesn’t survive 🤣

[@Yesica1993]

I love that you don't talk "baby talk" to Evonnie. I love having conversations with little kids. I will take a conversation with a 4 year old over an adult, any day!

[@jenniferm.northcarolinausa4132]

Omg I so remember the smell of crayons! All the must haves they list on school lists….they don’t really need usually. Either way, good luck to a successful school year ❤️

[@CraneFamilyAdventures]

Great video! I love back to school shopping! Trying to get the house in great shape to make back to school time go smoothly.

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Great video. Wish Josh showed up in the video for a few minutes. Its fun to see him too.

[@darleenhine2445]

I bought Green Chef...little scared...but hopefully it will be as great as you advertised!! I so enjoy your videos!!

[@canalawrence9878]

Thank you for another wonderful, encouraging and entertaining video! I love all of them! I want to make a paint chip calendar now. One for myself probably, and for sure one for my MIL for Christmas! You are soooo creative!

[@haileykrol5702]

Butterfly clips are back in style?!?! Flash from the past!! That was my style when I was 10

[@oneblessedmommy4024]

It's been a while since I've watched your videos. Are you homeschooling? Your kids have grown ❤️ I've missed watching you!

[@catsun90805]

I tried to make this wall calendar when I saw it in your old video but I felt overwhelmed... I can't wait to buy the print from your website.

[@sarahdeason493]

Great fun hanging out with you ❤

[@michelleevans7459]

Your video brought back some great memories! I highly recommend to do these "school shopping days" and lunch out individually with your children for all their school years. It can get complicated as you have more kids, BUT if it's like it was in my household, your kids will look forward to that special day with you even when they become teenagers (when I feared they wouldn't want to be seen with their old mom and not want to go!), Now that my 4 are all grown, they still talk about back to school shopping "dates" with me and all the memories we made.

[@villemokellin]

I love this video. This is my last year of back to school shopping, and it makes me a bit sad... But my kids are big now, and shopping for an 18 year old its not the same fun. So have an amazing time doing it now, you will miss it when they get older. Have a blessed day :)

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

I bet I will. Thanks for watching!

[@cynthiacox1846]

Yayyy. I really wanted a back to school video. Thank you!!!!

[@chantemichelle888]

Can you do a video week of crockpot meals? That are healthy? Thank you 💗

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

Good idea!

[@chantemichelle888]

Thanks for the response 😀 this video is so ADORABLE btw 🥰

[@deniseunruh8752]

That's a great suggestion! The temps have been over 100* here for most of the summer🥵I try to not use my oven much. Hurry fall; I love fall most of all! 🍁🍂 I look forward to Thursdays, Megan! Tuesdays for Lynette Yoder and Fridays for Jeanine! Thanks for the inspirations!