The First Day

I can hardly believe that all of my little ones are going back to school today. Not only are they going to school, but all of them will be there all day! Isabella is starting fourth grade and Francesca, Finnegan, and Cecily are starting first grade. It is bitter sweet... more bitter, I think.

However, as we all woke up today, excitement filled the air. Everyone had picked out their "first day of school" outfit the night before, four lunches were lined up on our counter top, four backpacks were lined up at the door next to four little pairs of shoes. Each item portraying a bit of personality of their owner.

As I watched my kids eat their breakfast I could not help but get emotional. Not because we have 180 days of this, but because it is a new phase of life. Our kids are actually growing up and part of it saddens me. I miss the "magic days" where we were all home, all the time, playing... no busy schedule, just togetherness. My mother in-law always says, "Time goes just like this (as she snaps her fingers)". It is true. Each day is a gift. I need to remember this.