Another First Day.
It's barely 9 am and today has already been emotional.
No, we didn't have any fights or frustrations; this morning went very well. If you have kids, you know that what might seem as a simple act of walking out the door, ON TIME, with kids in tow, really is an accomplishment.
With our five kids, someone is bound to be in tears over the last bowl of cereal being eaten, forgetting to put their shirt in the dryer, or fighting over the bathroom, hair brushes, or socks!
I know that as the nervousness of a new environment fades, and they become more comfortable with their new school schedule, we might see a more typical morning at home – madness. Ha ha!
I loved seeing them walk together, help each other find things so they weren't late, and I'm grateful to have been here with them this morning to not only witness the angelic behavior, but to love on them and usher them into their newest journey.
I began the school drop offs at 7 am and was home by 8:15 am. Three schools later, and hugs with my five babies, I went back to my car with a sense of relief. I have been counting down to them going back to school, tired of hearing the "I'm boooooored" chant for days on end. But, even after all of that, in that moment alone, as I began to drive away, I let out a huge sigh and began to cry.
Talk about emo. :)
Today is a day of firsts; we now have a freshman in high school. We also have two 7th graders, and both of our boys are now "uppers" at the elementary school. As we move forward in life, we always have firsts and I want them to know it's okay to be nervous, but they should be excited to learn new things, grow in new ways and experience life with a new perspective.
It's so weird hearing my 7th grade baby girl talk about her extracurricular activities for her college applications; she wants to go to Stanford or UCLA, so she's diving in and signing up for Science Olympiad and deciding what else she will pursue. Sometimes I want to say "STOP GROWING UP!" But, I know, this isn't Neverland.
I guess to keep it short and sweet, I am making it a point to remind myself that they will grow up. But as they do, I will keep stashing these memories like today away. When I'm feeling frustrated or stressed, I will pull these memories out and remember that I am not promised to have them tomorrow, and pretty soon, I will have my last "first" with them.
Have your kids gone back to school? Please tell me I am not the only crying mother. :)
