This year, the first day of school had some “bonus” firsts …

Of course, the big news is having D. living with us now and the excitement of his first day in 1st grade. It’s also the first year that A&J are riding the bus. We’ve always lived close enough that we dropped them off in the morning, and they rode the daycare van after school. The new school is across the highway, and while it isn’t far distance-wise, the boys were excited about being able to ride the bus, and we were glad to avoid drop-off line congestion.

The oldest two will ride the bus home, too … all the more reason why I’m so thankful that my mom lives nearby! They’re good kids, but it’s great to know that she’s just minutes away if they need her. D. will take the daycare van after school, but he likes going there, so I think it’ll continue to be a good experience for him.

My alarm went off @ 6:05am, and we woke up the boys @ 6:20. The odd thing about this morning was that I honestly didn’t think about Nathan in the midst of the hustle & bustle of getting ready for school, fixing breakfast, taking a few quick pics in the front yard and getting them on the bus.

Lane took R&R to daycare on his way to work, so I had a quiet drive in solitude. It wasn’t until I was en route to work in an empty car (I think that’s the first time EVER that I didn’t have anyone to drop off anywhere!) that it hit me, and I felt a pang in my spirit that Nathan didn’t get to see D.’s first day of 1st grade.

Some days are pretty rough, and I feel a bit like a zombie on auto-pilot, just going through the day in slow motion. Other days – like when Ri. or D. come over to give me a totally unsolicited hug or kiss – I stop long enough to bask in it and realize that God is still in control.

I feel blessed and look forward to hearing how everyone’s first day of school went!