First Day of School

 

The night before was crammed full of so many things to do.  We labeled school supplies and got them ready to take.  We made lunches and put them in the fridge for the next day.  New underwear and socks were passed out (I do not buy new school clothes at the beginning of the year. I buy my kids clothes as they need them.  It took me years to figure this out, but what a money saver).  Bedtime came and all were tucked in but there were lots of giggles of excitement and anticipation of the new school year to come.  I cannot sleep. It is probably a multitude of reasons, but the two big ones I can think of is that this is one child’s first day of school of the last year that she HAS to take for the rest of her life and trying to sleep being 8 months pregnant is not easy. 

Today was M’s first day of her senior year. 

Today was J’s first day of seminary and high school.

Today was C’s first day of her last year in grade school.

Today was K’s first day of second grade. 

We were up extra early.  Getting everyone ready for seminary and school and making sure no one forgot anything because mom hates to drive the 20-mile round trip to school if it can be prevented at all. 

I took M’s last first day of school picture which then choked me up.  I took everyone else’s as well.

After family prayer, the two older ones went off to seminary.  I then was left with two to get ready and the beauty of it is that really there is not much for me to do but to make suggestions because they are all old enough to do everything on their own. 

I took the two youngest to meet their sisters after seminary and watched them drive away to their first day of school. 

I drove home being able to listen to my own music on the radio.  With no chatter or laugher in my car.  I was SAD.  I wonder where the time has gone.   I know with little guy coming in a month I will have my hands full during school but right now it is just me and the silence of my house.  I think part of it is pregnancy hormones but I cried.  I cried for the little girl I had 17 years ago who was my little shadow and I was the center of her world.  I cried for the proud moments I cherish of her succeeding in school and other places in her life.  I cried for the milestones she has reached.