First Day of School 2008

Wow! What an amazing day! It's amazing to see the results of prayer and to feel like you are doing what God wants you to do!

I had played this day through in my mind several times this past year. I pictured me being an emotional basket-case b/c I wasn't going to be in first grade with Emily! I had been in first grade for the past 8 years, but now that it's time for Emily to be there....I wasn't going to be with her...and it's all my fault!! Actually, it's not my fault, it's just an answered prayer! Last year I began praying that God would put me where He wanted me to be....either home all the time, or continue teaching. Well, he answered both of those requests!

Amazingly, today went really, really well. About a month ago I came to terms with the fact that I wouldn't be in first grade with Emily. Yes, I knew it would be difficult. But I also knew that the things that our family would gain far out-weigh me working full time.

The night before a new school year begins I usually don't sleep very well at all. I'm usually just anxious/nervous about the upcoming students, parents, etc. This year was altogether different. Before I went to bed, I read my devotional. I opened up and read from Matthew 6:34 that states: 'Therefore, don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." After I read that, I knew that there was no point in me being anxious/nervous about the first day. I realized that I shouldn't be doubting the plans that God has in store for me. He has worked out all of the details and placed me in this position. Why should/would I doubt him now?? So, with that, I was anxious/nervous no more! I went to sleep and slept really, really well!

Alarm sounded this morning, we got up and went through the routine. We took our annual first day of school pictures and headed for school. I parked the car and delivered Em to her classroom. Off I went to prepare for my first day of my new assignment!

It was an amazing day. I wasn't prepared for the steady 2 hours of back to back classes of varying ages! Yes, I had prepared lessons and studied my schedule. But in two non-stop hours, I taught approximately 80-85 students ranging from ages 5-9. My 'croaking/singing' voice was gone by 10:20 am! I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

The afternoon was GREAT!!!! After my last class I picked up the younger two children and we had lunch at home with Dad. Then, the kids went down for a nap. Man it was so QUIET in our house!! So quiet, that I ended up napping along with them. (No, I don't plan to nap everyday, but I had a horrible headache, so a nap was needed. Sure enough, I woke up and headache was GONE!) It was still quiet in the house, so I caught up on laundry and ironing. Nap time was over....we headed outside and decorated the front porch with sidewalk chalk while we waited on the school bus to bring Emily.

Emily reported that she loved the first day of school! Here's the scoop as she reported it to me: 'I ate all of my lunch, played with Kameron and Cody on the playground....(boys!!!!)...and didn't get to play outside as long as we did in Kindergarten.........nobody got their name on the board!