A "First" for Us

Today was day one in week 3 of Keely's first grade year. She started at Hilton Head Christian Academy where Doug remains the Head of the Bible Dept and Upper School Bible teacher. She loves going to school with Daddy. And her teacher, Mrs. Norton seems to be a perfect fit. I waited to write thinking it would get easier. But the tears still come, our schedule is still adjusting, and when she walks in the door or climbs in the car, I still can't resist grabbing her into a hug. I miss her all throughout the day. And I am not the only one. Macey cried the first day she left and reminds me constantly she now has no one to play with. Wes asks daily where she is.

Don't get me wrong. I know I have done the right thing. I just mourn over the fact that the days of staying home with all four of my children is gone. I have loved the childbearing, nursing, preschooling days with my children even as busy and crazy as they sometimes are. And now I am moving on the the school days stage with my children. I know it will be another great stage. I continue to seek the Lord constantly for the wisdom to get through this next phase as well. And I know it will mean many more fun memories for our clan.

School has officially started back for the rest of us as well.  I am doing kindergarden with Macey.  And since Keely was so much like me in school, it is like starting from scratch with Macey.  I want it to be fun and exciting for her too.  But that means doing everything with a different approach.  So I started reading over with her completely and she is loving finding it easy.  And planning games to incorporate math and thinking skills.  Most people would find it fun but honestly, I find it challenging since it is using all my weaknesses.

Doug has a riding companion everyday now.  He says he misses ESPN radio but is entertained by their conversations.  He does seem to take longer to get things done because of the distraction but it doesn't seem to bother him.  In fact, I think he really likes it.

I also do preschool with the boys.  We have started our letter studies and Macey loves helping out.  We did "A" last week and wrapped it up by making applesauce. This week is "B."  We are making BBQ for dinner.   We have had some fun making other things as well, like a back to school cake for Keely.  Their biggest adjustment is nap time.  On the days I pick her up, their naps are in the car and usually only 45 minutes.  The other days, Kres resists and Wes sleeps too long delaying bed time.

I feel like this blog sounds like I am complaining.  And that is not my intent at all.  But the reason I blog is as a memory book of my mothering years.  This is a big transition time.  And when I look back, I want to remember what it really was like.  That is why I write exactly what I am experiencing.  And maybe I can help other mothers struggling with the same feelings and frustrations I am.