The day Grace went to Preschool

Well, the day finally came for Grace to go to preschool. We had to wait 2 painful weeks after the other kids started before she could go.  Grace was more then ready to start learning and socializing with a teacher and peers.  I was excited to have a little bit of time to myself during the day too.  But to be honest, I sneeze, wipe, and the time is gone.  There's not much time to do anything at all. I've been going back and forth on how to use that time.  I've come to the conclusion that I am going to do things just for me. Feast upon the scriptures, exercise and get ready for the day.  And if there happens to be a few spare minutes, a little bit of cleaning.  I will only get more of this when she starts kindergarten.  I heard someone say the other day that having a child in kindergarten is like a prison sentence.  2.5 hours just isn't enough time to do much of anything.  But I'll take it.  2.5 hrs of a quiet house is better then none.  And 2.5 hrs to do what ever the cus I want, is wonderful.

Miss Kasa

When it was time to pick Grace up, I waited patiently in the van for the other Moms to get out of the way so I could pull up.  I watched Grace as she spilled out of the garage with the other kids.  I didn't even think to get out of the van and walk up to her.  I didn't think it was that big of a deal.  Later on that day Grace asked me this, "Mom, how come you weren't there to pick me up like all the other moms?"  Shoot.  I made sure from that day on to get out of the car and wait for her in the driveway.  It's interesting to see what things are and aren't so important to our children. 

As I walked away from her my emotions once again got the best of me.  My last baby girl took another big step away from me.  That moment was filled with mixed feelings.  Excitement for her and let's not be silly, for me too.  Fear for her, will she be okay.  I only worried about that the first day.  She's eased into this whole pre-school gig with grace and confidence. I can't say that I am lonely, not yet.  There's still not enough time to get lonely or bored!  I felt a little sad too.  Sad that this phase of my life is coming to an end.  The phase where children are always around me every minute of the day, pawing for my attention and help.  I don't believe that sadness will last for long.  It's just a natural progression of motherhood.  I have a feeling, already dealing a bit with teenagers, that I will miss the phase I am leaving because the new one is going to be a lot more emotionally and mentally draining and challenging.  Fixing a scraped knee is a lot easier then fixing a broken heart.