Back to School... Back to Organzied Chaos.

Today - my babies all started back to school.  I have a first grader, eighth grader, and wait for it.... A SENIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL!  I didn't know how in the world I would feel this morning.  You know, I see a lot of posts where parents are sad, happy, and some in between.  This being the "last first day of School", for my oldest - I thought I would be emotional.  Sad that my baby is growing up.  But it wasn't that at all.  All I had in my heart this morning was an insurmountable amount of pride.  Not just for him, for all three.

I'll start with him though.  This kid has been through the ringer.  He has went through more in his seventeen years on this planet than most adults.  He has been my son, my friend, my counselor - all the time I have been the same back.  He has taken care of me and his siblings when I was sick.  He took on so many responsibilities when Shaun passed away - and never complained.  He is a kind hearted, intelligent, loving, gorgeous young man.  So this morning - I am so proud that he is a senior.  He has made it.  With grace, gratitude, and love.  I am so proud of him I can't even stand it.  And I am so excited - that he is gonna have an awesome Senior year - and then follow his dreams.

Then there is Bella.  She does not like school.  At all.  And that always makes me anxious for her.  Sending your child somewhere that they don't want to go - I don't care what anyone says - it's hard.  We all know she has to go - but it doesn't make it any easier.  So this morning, as she was putting some icing on her "First Day of School Toaster Strudel"... I asked her if she was dreading it.  Her response, "Well, yeah.  But I am super excited to see my friends."  And she smiled.  A real smile.  Which made me feel great inside.  Because - I know she is gonna be okay.  And it made me feel great, that she can pull out the positive in a situation.  I don't know that in 8th grade - I had that capability.

And then Jacoby.  Just as I typed that, I laughed.  He was so excited!  He loves school.  He loves his teachers.  He loves his friends.  And when I asked him if he was excited, he hugged my legs, and told me he "LOVES ADVENTURES!"  And how awesome, that he is excited and sees school as an adventure.  I am so happy for that little fella, having some great adventures today.

So, I know I say it a lot.  But I am so blessed.  So grateful.  So enamored with my three kids.  My best role, in my life, has been being their mother.  My goal, is to guide them to success and happiness.  Live with love and kindness in their hearts.  So far, they doing an amazing job.  I love you guys so much! Happy 2016-2017 School Year!  (Ignore the sleepy Bella face... LOL!  She is gonna kill me!)