It is done, and I wept like a little baby! My little Caleb, who is a jokester while still extremely sensitive, started Kindergarten last week.

I was completely fine doing the walk down to the bus stop. I think I just didn’t let it hit me. He stepped up on the bus. I got all the necessary pictures to scrapbook. The tears welled up inside my eyes and my heart. But, I was fine.

I was completely fine walking into his school for the in-class orientation on his first day. When I arrived, he was coloring at his table like a perfect student. He sat around the circle with the teacher’s assistant while his teacher gave us the run down of the day. I would catch a glimpse of his studious behavior, and I was perfectly fine.

I was more than fine with all of these activities taking place in the classroom. His teacher announced to the boys and girls that parents were leaving and to run give us all kisses. Caleb comes over to me with crocodile TEARS and he was clearly NOT fine. I kissed his little hand and assured him that he would have the best day. Caleb’s tears dried up and he ran back to story time.

I was all good and fine UNTIL I got in the van to leave the school. That’s when it hit me: another one of our babies is now a Kindergarten student. I was so emotional and just wept! I was clearly NOT fine!!!

As much as I was excited for Caleb and our older son, T, to start school this Fall, I already miss them a LOT! Of course, I don’t miss the yelling at them for fighting with each other, the nagging on them to pick up after themselves or the grumbling about them constantly wanting to be entertained.

As their mother, there is so much to miss about them. Our sweet conversations, the proud moments when they master something with determination, the most beautiful faces and eyes to see when I look up (after I was nagging I’m sure). I love seeing that every single day (when they aren’t fighting, of course ;)!

While I may not see them in the act of mastering a new subject, I know they will be OK. Knowing that in my heart makes me proud despite the sadness of knowing they are growing up. It is life and we will all be totally fine.

Going back to school is an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. To calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence, Hallmark has put together this great resource to encourage moms like you. Just for sharing a bit of advice, you’ll be entered to win a prize package valued at $500! Check it out ^[1]!

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How are you doing with this transition back to school? Any sappy stores like mine? :)

One other thing I will add is one of the bright parts of my day (before I lost it). This sweet little girl who was in maybe 2nd grade, walked past me and said “I really like your dress!” I just smiled and thanked her – I got validation from a little princess that my dress was cute ;) With a house full of boys, you don’t always get a dress compliment. Little girls are so sweet!!

Leave me a comment with how your school year has started. Your comment (through the tears, I’m sure ;) will enter you in a giveaway for a $50 Hallmark Store Gift Card! That would buy a LOT of cards!!

I will close the entries for the giveaway on Tuesday @ Noon and contact the winner. Please visit Mommy Snacks.net ^[2] to leave a comment for an entry. The Giveaway is now closed to entries!

Andon waiting for the bus too – Caleb’s first bus ride – T’s first day pic starting 5th grade!

Caleb sitting in the reading circle – US – My little student!

Hallmark is the sponsor of this post and giveaway. The views, tears and all of that sappy stuff are all ME!