No one prepared me for this

I think it is safe to say that spring has arrived.  Not that anything is blooming yet (except some crocuses that I saw yesterday), but the snow is almost gone, and the kids are playing outside.  THEY are definitely blooming. Life is so good!

Spring is always a busy time, so yesterday I was making sure my calendar was up to date, and mentally preparing myself for the faster pace.  Even looking forward to it.  I was looking at this handout that Ben's teacher gave us at conferences and double checking to make sure I had marked all the dates.

And then it hit me.

It's not so much the visit from the middle school counselors,

or really even the graduation.  

I am looking forward to the new challenges for Ben.  He is ready.

I thought I might fear the teen years, but really, watching our kids grow is 

the most amazing and exciting thing I have ever experienced.  

I think even I am ready.

Here's what hit me:

I am a little nervous that we are going to a place where

PARENTS NEEDED

is no longer a recurring theme.

I have been hanging out with these guys since they were LITTLE.

To the teacher in me, they have sort of been my class.

Except that when I was a teacher, I never had the joy of watching them grow up.

They kinda stole my heart when I wasn't looking.

But now they will go off to two different schools

and I will begin to lose track of some of them.

And these girls?

They're only a year behind.

I did not grieve my kids going to school.  Watching them get on that bus to kindergarten was honestly the thrill of a lifetime for me, because I think schools are some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth and I could hardly wait to share that with them.  Obviously I knew they would finish elementary school and move on.  But I had no idea how emotional it would be for me.

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

That's a wrap.

Just a few more photos from our Florida trip. Sometimes one has to play the part of tourist to be reminded how glamorous it isn't. But then neither are we. There were the ever-popular mini-golf (you haven't vacationed if you haven't played!) and obligatory souvenir shops.  There were friends, and a lunch with grandparents (we will go back and pay them a real visit next time).  There were even go carts and a fun trampoline contraption that they get away with calling "bungee jumping".  Just our speed. And there was the world's biggest McDonald's that channels Chuck E. Cheese.  Junky Luxurious prizes and everything.  Two of which (wildcat fur-patterned slap bracelets, specifically--do not be jealous) were on my kitchen floor the last I noticed.  Cheesy goodness.  Truly.  It doesn't get any better than this.

Except...re-living it from the comfort of home sweet home.