Beginnings and Ends

Call me sentimental. . .my days of dragging little ones to Target and Costco during the day have ended. I am shedding a small tear. Actually, I did stop and smile at few Mom's today as I was out leisurely browsing through the clearance racks with out a trail of popcorn following me! "Mom Target Shoppers", you know!

I watched my baby get on the bus with her two older siblings with out even a glance back. She was ready to begin her new adventure in formal education as those who have so fearlessly gone before. . .I am excited for her to mature in this way. As a Mom, no matter your season, there are those moments you look forward to as milestones of maturity, first tooth, first steps, first word and first day of school! Watching my children grow, I have relished each one of these milestones. My children have been given life and breath for another day, they grow and change, it's what they do. I honestly can't see a reason to be sorrowful of an amazing miracle and gift right before my eyes! I want to celebrate every first, not knowing when it will be the last. 

I was reminded of the children's book from Karen Kingsbury today, Let Me Hold You Longer.

It talks about remembering firsts, but how often do we celebrate lasts?. . .We don't, because we can't. . .we don't know when it's the last time we are asked to "tie a shoe", "hold a hand", or "push me on the swing". 

I desire to be a Mom who savors the firsts, and is present in every moment, counting the gifts! As my dear sister Anne Voscamp says. . ."In every moment, all is Grace"! 

Last year for them all of them at one school

As for what I did on my first day of "freedom". . .Well, I worked out, moped floors, did laundry. . .and when my ten year old daughter asked me to come to her school and have lunch with her and her fifth grade friends, of course, I said, "YES!" 

First Bus Ride