First day of School!

Today was the first day of school. UGH! Excitement, fears, nervousness, you name it, every emotion! I got up early and made a huge breakfast for the first two older sons. They love my Mommy McMuffin Sandwiches. It's a knock off of McDonald's breakfast sandwiches that one of my kids renamed! We ate slowly and talked. I made myself available by just sitting at the table and let the boys talk about whatever was on their minds. My husband was getting ready too, and he went to work later so that he could see them leave. My oldest son drove his brother to the junior high then he went to the high school. Then, I got the last three sons up. They popped out of bed all sleepy eyed, but eager. They ate well and we spent time talking about the day ahead. I drive my kids to school 30 minutes one way every day. I car pool with another family from my neighborhood. We had all our backpacks prepacked and ready to go. We got out the door on time. There were parents everywhere at the school. Parking and cars going every direction looked like chaos. I pulled up to the student drop off and kissed them goodbye. I didn't cry, but I felt a sense of loss. I had home schooled my children for many years, and having them go to a public school is very different for me. Even though I have my advanced teaching degrees, I'm still a parent first who deeply loves her children and misses them terribly. When I picked up my sons at the end of the day, I felt relieved! They only had two things to say. "I'm starving and I have to go to the bathroom!" No problem, warm cookies are ready and so am I!