First Day of School ... Kindergarten

Last Thursday was "Meet the Teacher/Supply Night" at the kids school. Dad came home early from work and we all headed up to the school to meet our new teachers. We found a spot to park (parking was a zoo!) and started to get out of the truck. Dad turned to help Rowdy out and said something to the effect of "Come on you big kindergartner ..." and I lost it. Out of nowhere huge tears flooded my eyes and started rolling down my cheeks. I tried to hold back sobs to no avail. Petunia just held my hand, softly stroking it. She kept mumbling something under her breath about knowing this would happen. Dad and Rowdy just looked at me as if to say "Where in the world did that come from?" Dad finally looked at me with the utmost of sympathy and said "Mom, it is just supply night. School doesn't start until Monday." That didn't help.

I spent the six months before Petunia started kindergarten totally stressing over it. Should she go to public school or should I fight for private school? With a summer birthday, should we hold her back? Is she really ready? Am I really ready? I have spent the last six months worried about whether or not Rowdy would make it through kindergarten without getting to know the principal on a first name basis. I knew full well he was mature enough for kindergarten. I had no doubts that he was academically ready for kindergarten. I guess I never focused on how I would feel when he went to the "big" school.

It all hit me in one fell swoop on Thursday night ...

Monday morning was the first day of the 2007-2008 school year. I had one going into 3rd grade and I was sending my B-A-B-Y on to kindergarten. It was one of those days that you go through knowing full well your life will never be the same.

Rowdy marched right into his classroom, found his seat and never skipped a beat.

Dad said his goodbyes and so did Mom ...

Not long after the bell rang to signal the official start of the day, it was time to march outside for the ceremonial raising of the flag. Guess who made his way to line leader right out of the gate?

I think we are going to be OK ...

As an aside I must mention that we are THRILLED with who God blessed Rowdy with to guide him through his kindergarten year. Mrs. H was Petunia's teacher for kindergarten. She loves children, especially little boys who are a bit more rowdy than others. We have no doubt that God answered our prayers!!