If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I’ve been really sappy and emotional about my youngest son’s first day of school.  I know to some this is ridiculous, I know all the reasons I shouldn’t be sappy, I know I should be happy that my boys are growing up to be wonderful human beings (despite the incessant body parts and functions talk) -but all these sensible things haven’t helped me in the least these past few weeks.  I’m not trying to be unreasonable, I’m simply handling this phase of my life as only I can.  And apparently that’s to be very sappy and emotional.  Two things I am usually NOT! 

As you can see, my son is very excited, and he ran into the schoolyard, just like his older brother did 4 years ago.  At least this son stopped to give me a hug and kiss before he walked into his class.  I am trying to take all these things as positive testimonies to the fact that I’m raising two confident, secure, out-going, friendly little men.  But it’s hard to face the reality that the hugs and kisses will get fewer and farther between, that the days will lack their presence more and more, and that I have ALOT of letting go to do. 

 I don’t regret for a moment the past eight years of being a stay-at-home mom.  I know it’s not for everyone, and at first I didn’t think it was for me, but it’s amazing how things can change.  I’ve had my hobbies, my small home-business of making wedding veils, my online ministry to moms, and my playgroup at church.  I’ve been to the YMCA more times in the past 6 years than I’ll probably ever be again.  I’ve met so many great people, I’ve seen so many great sights – most of which were behind the camera as my sons were encountering another milestone.

I’m thankful for all the memories these past eight years have brought, little treasures for my mom-chest.  And I have to keep remembering something a friend of mine recently said, “Anna, you know it’s not OVER.”  She’s so right.  It’s just different, and less, and things have to change.  And when you really like the way something is going in your life, it’s hard to change, isn’t it? 

I have the chance right now to re-group.  My husband has encouraged me to take a break, to listen for what’s next, and to not jump into anything else right away.  I’ll try, I’ll really try.  Plus I still have my youngest son at home part-time 🙂

Life continues, life changes, life moves, life passes… but not without some sappy, emotional times!

Happy first day of school, little man.

Click here to read my thoughts at this time last year, I was already reflecting on what this day would be like!  I was right, my little man ran off into the adventure of school, but he shared it with me as he hugged and kissed me goodbye.