We had a big week last week.
On Wednesday, Trouble started preschool. I’ve never seen a kid quite so excited to go to school. When we took the tour a few weeks ago, she was furious that she couldn’t stay, and when the big day finally came, she ran to the door to get her backpack and then marched out to the car. Her bravado faltered only slightly when she got to the classroom, but she dove into playtime and within 5 minutes of arrial, had already forgotten I was there.
Princess was a little more subdued when it came to starting Kindergarten on Friday. (Yes, it’s early. Our school district follows a year-round school schedule.) She was very, very quiet–not clingy, but I could tell she was nervous. To be perfectly honest, Mommy was a little bit nervous too. Those big kids are just so big! And you just have to bring them to school and then leave. It made my heart hurt. But I needn’t have worried. She had a great day, followed by a great 2nd day yesterday, and now she can’t wait to go back either.
It is a big shift for me to suddenly have an empty house every morning. I’d say I don’t know hardly know what to do with myself, but the truth is that I have plenty to keep me busy. Deep down I always thought I would homeschool, so in a small way it almost feels like I’ve failed by letting them go. But I’m not going to lie, in another way it is a relief to have a little more time to get things done.
My hope and prayer for my girls is that they will have an awesome year, filled with learning and fun and friendship. My hope and prayer for myself this year is that the time we spend apart allows me to be the mom I want to be when we’re together.
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Kristin July 19, 2011 at 5:27 pm
So cute. Although I think Miss Cummings needs to learn how to use an apostrophe. Doh! Sorry it’s the teacher in me!
Kristin @ http://kristincanread.blogspot.com
Crysten July 19, 2011 at 6:00 pm
That’s so sweet
And I can’t wait for my son to go to school. I’m doing the Your Baby Can Read now and he’s almost 2. I’m just afraid that 1. I also won’t know what to do with myself and 2. they won’t let him in because my husband and I have refused to get him immunized. I know I can’t take him to some of the city daycare’s so if I start working I have to take him to a private, at-home sitter (which I think is more beneficial to him anyway). Good luck and enjoy it. My sister is in her early 30s and has two teenagers one that will be 14 in a couple days and another that will be 16 in October, and none of us knew where the time went!
Amanda July 19, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Sorry to be a Bummer, But they will not let your child start school with out his immunzations done. It’s to much of a risk to the other children.. But question. How is the ” your baby can read” program working. I wanted to get it for my sister.
Jess July 21, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Not to start a vaccination debate but it does depend on the state, there are waivers for medical, religious and person beliefs.
Deb July 19, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Well I know how you feel! When my oldest (who is 7 now) started, I cried my eyes out.. didn’t want to leave and it was only 2 hours! Then when my middle son (who is 6 now) started, I was better, but he (being a mama’s boy) didn’t want to stay, hid under the table at first, but got better as time went on.. What I worry about is when my baby goes.. he’s almost 3.. and that will be hard..
Time flies way too fast.. I realized that the other day when I see my oldest son trying to act all defiant like a teen, then my 2 year old acts just like him! Love them dearly but holy cow.. this will be a never ending battle.. My oldest loves to argue and debate you to the END! My middle, just speaks his mind and is so blunt you may be embarassed and my youngest, he’s my sweet happy go lucky baby 
Hope your girls enjoy school! I work full time so I was never fortunate enough to be home, I wish I could but I can’t.. 
krystal July 19, 2011 at 7:06 pm
So neat!! I love your digital Scrabbooking on here. I have a book on how to do it but I am still lost. We live almost next door to your district btu we start school in August. i wish we had the year round thing. Maybe Sarasota County should consider it. I had an empty house for a couple years. I then homeschooled and realized my older son is just not cut out for it. he liked to cheat a lot because he hates to work hard unless there are other kids to compete with. I homeschool ed the year I was pregnant so when the kids went back to school I had a baby at home. he is now 2. I only had that “time to myself” for a couple years. *sigh* It was great to get things done but… time will fly by everyday. Before you know it, it is time to pick them up from school. You will look forward to summer fun though.
Krystal July 20, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Any Ideas of what to do with all the Feta form this weeks sale at Publix.?? I have 4 containers of it but not sure how to use it.
Lara July 21, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Oh my! How precious. My oldest starts Kindergarten in about 3 weeks and I am very nervous. I know she’ll do great but letting them go in a world of bigger people is just so scary. I wonder if she will get knocked over by a 3rd grader, if there will be bullying…etc. In those times, I have to remember that I dedicated her to God and as such, he will always be with her!. Good luck to Princess and Trouble and to you too. I pray your prayers on what you want this year is fulfilled.
Kimberly July 25, 2011 at 6:13 pm
I am a homeschool mom to two and I also have a one year old. Dont feel like you let them down or yourself down because you chose to send them to school. Always remember you do what is best for you and your children, and if you choose to go the homeschool rout later on, you can do that also. To be honest with you its alot easier to start homeschooling when the kids have been in school and have all their basics. Thats what is great about life we have lots of choices
Kim