Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Night Before

Twas the night before school started and all through my house
Mommy was scurrying (thankfully, no sign of the mouse!)
The naprolls and school supplies were stacked by the backdoor with care
In hopes that the morning rush would be easier if they were already there

The kiddos were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of independence (and new sneakers) danced in their heads...

I have been busy this evening, trying to keep my mind on the To Do list. I am reminding myself that this will be harder on me than on them. This is an "I Get To" moment for my children. I am praying I can keep my emotions in check for their sake. They are excited. I cannot be the one to make them think this is a sad or fearful moment.

We have had a wonderful last couple of days of Summer. Chuck E. Cheese's (or 'Chuckie Jesus', as the kiddos call it) with old friends yesterday and the children's museum with new school friends today. Tonight we went out for a family dinner at 'the rice place' (AKA our local thai restaurant) where the children love to dine on rice, 'carrot strings' and 'chicken lollipops' (AKA chicken satay). We returned home for baths, a special reading of The Kissing Hand and bedtime.

My sweet husband blocked his morning schedule so we can take them to school together. We are praying we can work out a system for getting them each to their classrooms for their own special sendoff. The beauty and the challenge of triplets is the 'shared moments.' I want them to each feel confident in their individual moment tomorrow.

As I spoke with various friends today I was reminded of the kinship of mothers everywhere when it comes to 'letting go' bit by bit. We train them up so that they are able to fly when the time comes. Tomorrow is but the first of many of these moments.

It will be OK.

21 comments:

Matt and Amy Snow said...

Bless you, sweet friend. It WILL be okay--I can say this with confidence as I just sent Clark and Foster to Kindergarten this week. They are covered in prayer and held in their creator's hand. In a beautiful Andy Griffith episode, Opie had to let his newly healed birds fly out of their cage. He said, "Paw, the cage looks mighty empty." Andy replies, "Yes, Opie. But the trees look mighty full." I pray you are comforted as your little ones move into their new mission field.
Blessings!
Amy

Keri said...

You'll be covered in prayer from my household this evening and in the morning. I can't wait to hear how it all goes! :-)

Betsy said...

I can so relate to what you are going through. I have twins and trying to make their first day special for each of them was always a challenge. (Plus I have 2 older ones...my son is only 17 months older than my twin girls). Anyway...you will do great and it will all go great I'm sure.

I am about to take my son to his first day of college...another heart wrenching "first day". I am praying God gives me a happy smile and very few tears!

Being a mom is hard sometimes, isn't it?

GinnyBerry said...

I am a first grade teacher. Tomorrow will be fine. I understand and appreciate how you are trying to give each of your children a special moment.

I teach at a year round school, and we have already started our new year. This year, I had tons of first grade parents come into the classroom for the first half hour to watch their children. Usually they say goodbye at the door.

They left, and even though their children are older than your trio, I know that I have been entrusted with one of their treasures.

Tomorrow should go smoothly!

Kim said...

I know they will always remember the fact that y'all were there together to send them off. Each one will know they are special. Have a blessed day tomorrow!

http://ispeakbeanish.wordpress.com

Emmy said...

I have had you on my heart all week! Will be praying for you tomorrow! : )

MaryBeth said...

I will say a prayer for you all tonight as I'm afraid I might forget tomorrow b/c my almost 2 yo trio has just learned to climb out of their beds.... no sleepin' going on here tonight!! Arugh...

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Yes it will. I can't wait to see tomorrow's report.

I'll be thinking about you and your 3 Musketeers in the morning.

Kris said...

I hope they have a fun first day (I know they will) and that you have a good day too!

Big Mama said...

I so understand all the emotions you're feeling right now. I'll be doing the same thing in another week and a half.

I'll be praying for you tomorrow. They'll be great!

PartyofFive said...

I sent my 3 off for another school year today. Even though I've been doing this for awhile I can still relate so much to your post. This year was especially bittersweet as my youngest started full time--first grade--so it's the first time in 11 years that all are gone all day. I hope the first day is great for all of you. I really enjoy your blog!
PS. We also read The Kissing Hand and give those hand kisses each morning.

HW said...

Yes it is an "I get to..." time for them and I admire your attitude in that. Also, it is great that you realize you can't let them see that you are a little anxious. This is a moment for each of them that will start a great adventure. You are so going to love hearing about their days.

My baby starts high school next week. Luckily her big brother has been quite verbal about his intentions to block any boys from approaching her. So sweet.

LOVE YOU A GOOGLE... said...

This is my first time stopping by and I so enjoyed reading your blog! It will be okay but that will not stop the worried mother! I will be praying for you! I will be back to read more and cath up! :) Thanks for sharing.

Brandy Thixton said...

I will be praying for you and your little ones tomorrow. Thank God that He is big enough to walk with each of them, individually, tomorrow.

FaceforGrace said...

AWE, what a sweet poem! My little one started Kindergarten too...very emotional- but of course K-4 full time last year helped.

I had to comment on "the rice place" b/c that's what my little girl calls our local Chinese restaurant we frequent. And also, I love Chuckie Jesus'...much better than her version of "Chunk n' Cheese!

I will be praying for you today! The hardest part is that of course you want them to fly, and you are proud that they can, but yet it hurts a little all at the same time. Thankfully, it all gets easier!

Jill said...

Praying they have a wonderful day!
You will cry, but that's ok. Each new step on this journey is tough, but thankfully you get to take them one at a time.

Amanda said...

I can't wait to hear how it all went down...I know it will be good, but I love the details! :) Know that you are being prayed over today!

Aubrey said...

Thinking of you this morning. Praying for peace and sanity. =)

Mom of Eleven said...

Praying for you all day!
wendy

ocean mommy said...

I read often, but don't comment very often. Just wanted to let you know that God brought you to my mind this morning, so I prayed that God would give you an extra doese of peace today.

Blessings!
stephanie

Linda said...

I can relate so well with you. The day my oldest child started school, I was happy for him, yet very unprepared for what was about to happen. All the mothers were standing around chatting and watching our little ones meet new friends. I was fine one minute, and without any warning, it was as if someone had turned on a faucet. The tears flowed as heavy as my heart felt, and I couldn't get out of the school quick enough. Life became reality again as I walked back in the door to greet my 16 month old twins that my husband was entertaining until I returned home. As others have said, it is difficult at times being an earthly mother, yet our heavenly father has promised his hand to guide us each step of the way. Today is just one day of many new beginnings. God Bless you!

PS-I was thrilled to read that your husband took the time from his busy practice to care for his family first!