KiNdErGaRtEn BlUeS!

Today was Ashlin’s first day of Kindergarten. I can’t believe this time is already here. It seems like only yesterday we were going through fertility treatments and wondered if we would be lucky enough to be parents. Look us now, we have three precious children our hearts are full of gratitude for the joy of having such sweet spirits in our care.
My first Mother’s day Shawn & Ashlin gave me an Anne Gedde’s picture and a quote was written on it “The decision to have a child is to accept that your heart will be forever walking about outside your body.” Never has that quote rang more true. Ashlin is now taking an important step into independence. I am so happy for her and her excitement for going to school. On the other hand, a little anxiety creeps up as well. Questions run through my mind. Did I spend enough time with her enough? Will she still want to snuggle and give me hugs? Will she remember how much I love her? And…… I miss her as well. The house is quieter without her laughter and singing. The housie is emptier without her dancing. There is more time because she is not running up and saying, “Look what I did/made.” And…… Of course on the bright side, I won’t miss her fighting with her brothers. Also, the house will be cleaner.

To say Ashlin was excited to being Kindergarten is an understatement. She spoke with her Nana on several occasions to share her excitement. Shawn gave her a Father’s Blessing last night. We asked what she remembered and she said, “Heavenly Father is excited I am starting Kindergarten. She woke up bright and early with a big smile on her face and said, “Today is Kindergarten!” She got dressed in the outfit we picked out and was ready to go. We all walked her into the cafeteria until where the kids wait until it’s time to go to class. She sat down by one of her friends in her class. She was so sweet and wrapped her arms around me and said, “I love you, Mom.” She was ready to start her day and I was ready to let the tears flow.

We picked her up at the end of her school day. She had a big smile on her face. She jumped in and told us it was a great day. She had music and her teacher’s name was Ms. White. She told us that sang and danced. She had a great lunch and a rest time. She didn’t give us to many details. We asked her if they worked on the alphabet. She said, “no.” We asked did you work on your numbers. She said, “No.” Joking Shawn said, “No wonder the school system in Arkansas is so bad.” We told her in honor of her special day we would take her to wherever she wanted to eat. She thought about and said, “Taco Bueno”. Are you sure Ashlin we could go to Colons, Chile’s, or even Ruby Tuesday’s. Ashlin insisted on Taco Bueno. Whatever makes her happy right!

She ended the day with a phone call from her Aunt Heather. She brought in the phone when she was done and said, “I am so looooveed today!” All in all, Ashlin’s first day of Kindergarten was a success. She felt loved and happy and I survived the tears!

Her Very Empty & Quiet Room!