I have pretty much avoided blogging all day today because I knew I would likely get upset writing this one. What an emotional roller coaster it has been all day. First day of school. Kissing the summer goodbye. It’s been a fun one. Lots of family, tons of time with our Godchildren & nieces, lots of friends, pool parties, gatherings, plenty slumber parties, VBS, birthdays, and a fun vacay before it was time to start prepping for this very day. New shoes. New clothes. New school bag. New supplies. Well exams. Fresh haircut. Met the teachers. Monsters were excited. Every one of us were as ready as we were gonna be for today!Daddy & I anxiously woke up our monsters at 5:30am. Okay, okay. So I wasn’t anxious to be up at that hour of the day. I was however pretty stoked for our monsters to start a new milestone in their lives. Thrilled to hear the stories of Buggie’s first day of preschool. Looking forward to Bunny telling me all about her new friends & teacher. And seeing Budah sitting upstairs at that computer ready for the new year of homeschooling. It started off like most “getting ready for school” mornings. A whole lot of chaos. The where is my water bottle (in your bag), were is my school bag (by the front door), where are my shoes (on your feet), etc etc. Buggie was not a happy camper when she couldn’t wear her pjs to school. But after a quick promise that she could put them back on when she got home, she was dressed & ready. Then it was time for pictures. They were so happy & full of smiles. Buggie anxiously jumped on her big yellow bus without hesitation, because she knew we were meeting her at her new school. She did so good all the way until it was time for us to leave to bring her big sister to school. And then the water works started flowing. Oh man! I was crushed. I almost had daddy bring Bunny to her school without me so I could stay with her. Talk about a mama feeling torn. But I knew what I needed to do. So with a little coaxing from her teacher (the coaxing was for me, not my daughter) I finally took the plunge and left. I cried all the way to my car and the drive to Bunny’s school. I knew she would be okay, knew it’d be fun, but it was still tough to leave her there scared and worried about her new environment and adventure. Thankful Bunny was excited still even as we were leaving. Budah got to work on his school work. Before we knew it it was time for Buggie’s bus to bring her home (she has half days)! I could hardly contain my excitement to see her and hear about the fun she had, but more importantly to give that little gal of mine a big hug! She was very excited. Ended up having fun after all! I asked her if she had made any friends and she said yes. When I asked her what her name was she had forgot. But she did tell me “She was nice and had a black face like Bunny!” (I swear I love nothing more than the sweet innocence of a child!). Not long after that it was time to get Bunny! Of course it was raining at this point (because we got my car washed yesterday). She loved her day! Her friend is in her class. Her teacher was nice. And she came bearing a gift for me….a huge stack of papers for me to fill out (quite possibly my favorite thing about back to school. Sarcasm noted?)! So we went about our afternoon the way we normally do. Got Budah to drivers ed. Dinner & bath. Then reality set in for a certain little four year old. Today wasn’t a fun field trip. She does actually have to go back tomorrow. And the tears and tight mama hugs were back. I tried to give her encouragement and get her excited about her second day. But nothing seemed to change her worrying. That is until I told her she could sleep with us. Now this monster is curled up and an extra little snore in my ear & foot in my side tonight. Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way! On a positive note my prayer for today was answered “God please don’t let the principal call me about my little spit fire on her first day of school!”