"Can We Talk For A Little?"

Wow. I was told that once we had children of our own time would just fly by. How fast I had no idea. But today I am realizing that the last 5 and a half years have flown by quicker than I had thought they would, or had wanted them to. 

Today, Ben started his life long journey of school. Today, Ben started kindergarten.

I am not doing so well. Last night I lost it and started balling while packing his backpack and thinking about his lunch for the next day. It didn't help that his preschool picture was hanging on our fridge, staring at me with those oh so cute cheeks, innocent smile, and loving eyes. UGH! 

This morning at 6:45, Ben came into our bedroom and woke me up. He looked at me wide eyed and said, "Mommy? Can we talk for a little?" I said, "Sure honey." 

So, we headed downstairs, sat on the couch and these were his questions to me:

- What am I going to do at kindergarten?

- Is it all day? Like when are you going to pick me up?

- Why is daddy going to be there at my lunch? (Mark volunteered during lunch time to help the other kindergarten teachers get the kids situated since this is so new for all the kids).

- Can you talk to me more about kindergarten?

- What's my locker?

- Are there going to be centers like art and food like at my preschool?

I answered each question the best I could. I asked him if he was scared and he said "yeah, but don't tell my teacher." I promised I wouldn't :) I told him that I remembered when I started kindergarten how I was nervous and scared but once I started making some friends I couldn't wait to go! I told him that Daddy was really shy when he was little and was scared about going to school too. But then he also met some friends and he loved his teacher so after no time Daddy loved kindergarten too. This seemed to make Ben feel better.

So, I made Ben his favorite breakfast (pancakes with a little extra butter...mmmmmm...butterrrrrr....) and poured him a glass of milk. Then I made him his lunch and packed his lunchbox and put a special note in there. Mark came home from volunteering and told me that Ben's teacher Mr.Rethman helped Ben read the note and told Mark that he was happy to see that moms still do that. I thought every mom did that still! I remember my sisters leaving me random notes in my lunches and how special it made me feel :) They were the best!

I can't wait to pick Ben up from school and hear all about his great day. Mark said that Ben looked like he was having a blast and didn't even ask to come home with him. That made me feel so relieved! I was so worried about my little guy. 

God is so good. I love how He orchestrated this from the start. I love that we sold our house in Toledo just in time to start a new chapter in our lives in Sylvania. I love that Ben loves his school. I love our new house and this neighborhood. I am so very thankful. 

And I miss my Ben.