First, first day of school

Today was Megan's first day of preschool. The big kids don't start school until next week so today was our first, first day of school this year. It is also Megan's first, first day of school ever. Is anyone confused yet?

I was filled with a range of emotions this morning as I dropped her off. We were running a little behind this morning so I was feeling stress over that. I was also feeling the obvious sadness that my baby is growing up and that life will never be the same at our house again. It is hard letting go of that phase in life when you are the main source of what your child learns and the person that your child spends the majority of their time with and the main person that provides care for your child. After doing this 4 times (okay, only 3 times, but 1 time it was with 2 kids) now I know that some of the innocence that we treasure in our little ones is slowly lost as they are exposed to "worldly" influences beyond our control.


I am grateful that my children are able to go to school to learn, grow and explore new horizons.

As disheartened as I am sometimes with the public education system, I still feel that they can offer my children a better education than I could at home. I am grateful that they are challenged outside of our home by teachers who care and have opportunities to make new friends. I am even grateful for the hard and sometimes painful lessons that they will have to learn as they grow older. It is not easy watching our children experience pain and suffering, but we all now that it is part of life and in the end it makes us stronger.

Another feeling I have been having this morning is that of freedom. As much as I am going to miss Megan, I am almost looking forward to a little alone time. I am excited for the opportunity to go to the grocery store by myself, to go visiting teaching by myself, to go to the doctor by myself, to do a myriad of other things all by myself. I did something this time around that we have never done before. Not only is Megan in preschool 3 times a week, but one of those days she will stay for the whole day. It is kind of a trial thing to see how it works out, but I will have a whole day with no kids at home. The thought is somewhat exhilarating. But again, I am the mom so along with the excitement comes the inevitable guilt for feeling excited about it. ;)

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In other news, our RS presidency had training last night as well as our first presidency meeting. It went really well. I am excited to work with these great women! Each of them has something special and unique to offer the women in our ward. We are all slightly overwhelmed with the responsibilities now placed upon us, but I know that together and with the Lord's help, we can do great things.

Just in case any of you were in doubt of how overwhelmed I am at my new calling, I can't even begin to describe how overwhelming it feels. Yet I also feel calm and at peace that it will be okay. I have really struggled with the idea of Scott and I trying to work around our busy schedule. I still don't know how it is going to work when we both will have early Sunday meetings on the same days, but I know that it will work out some how. If I have learned nothing else from our experience in serving it is that the Lord does bless us and help us. We are not left alone to struggle. He gives us comfort and strength when we need it. I am grateful for that!