My little boy started first grade today. Although I am happy for him to go back because he so desperately needs the social interaction I am so sad for him because he is painfully scared. It’s not unusual for him. He is afraid of everything. I knew going back to school was going to be hard so I’ve been preparing myself for a few weeks. I just wish there was some way I could instill the confidence in him that I see in so many other kids his age. He is such a wonderful boy and the two teacher’s he’s had in his short educational years have both said he’s one of their best students ever, which makes me very proud and happy, so I know he will be ok, but I also know if he wasn’t so fearful he could be an even better student. At the top of my to-do list is reading some really good advice on raising confident and secure children. I just feel like there is something I am doing wrong and if I just did one little thing he wouldn’t be afraid anymore..although deep down in my heart I know that’s not true either because me and his dad were the exact same way when we were little. 🙂

The loves of my life! I don’t know what I would do without these two boys!

Here’s a little picture I took of him this morning. I told him he didn’t have to smile because he just got done wiping tears off his cheeks and I don’t think you should have to smile when you are feeling sad, at least if you are only seven years old. 🙂

He looks just like his dad in this picture 🙂

And here are some back to school nails I did for Westy…I used my Heart2Art Fingrs nail tattoos for the first time. They have little hearts and vintage birds and love notes on them…the closest I will probably ever get to having a tattoo 🙂 And if I ever did get a tattoo it would be for Westin, so I thought these were appropriate. Also, Westy helped me save a little birdie yesterday from drowning in our A/C condensation bucket (I collect it and water my pots with it and a little baby bird got stuck in it somehow!) Westin was so concerned for the baby bird after it’s wings had dried off and hopped over to our shrub along our driveway. He was so scared a tarantula was going to eat it. I think he could tell how scared the bird was and could probably relate because he had been crying about starting school all afternoon….anyway I’m rambling 🙂 Here are my nails!

Vintage Back To School Nails

The tatoos are a little tricky…I found the best way to apply them was to cut the tattoo to a square almost the exact size of your fingernail, lay it down in a glass of water face up, and then lay it face down on your nail and press down firmly without moving it around too much. They are very delicate and will rip easily. This pattern is so random I was able to do two layers of tattoos on each nail but I bought the love letter tattoos that will require much more precision. If you have any questions leave a comment and I will guide you through it. 🙂

Also, I am giving away the polishes I used for this mani with a few tattoos. All you have to do is pin the picture of my mani to Pinterest and leave a comment saying you pinned it. 🙂 I am in love with these Morgan Taylor Polishes and do not want to give them away but my polish collection is getting out of control. 🙂

Leave a comment and pin the Back To School mani to win these polishes!

I tried to find links to buy these polishes and I had a hard time finding retail links so if you are interested in buying them let me know and I can get them for you. They are $8 each plus shipping.

Also, if you have any great parenting advice on how to help a scared little boy I would oh so love to hear it!

Thanks for reading 🙂

Tootles–Anna