Yep, school is back in session and I was once again met with mixed emotions.  I have a very bitter sweet relationship with school.  I love that my kiddos are back on routine and learning.  I love that they are motivated by the sound of their alarm clocks.  I love that I can use, “Ok, I am just going to call your teacher and tell her that you won’t be going to school until you find clean socks to wear.” as a threat that actually gets the kiddos moving. 

I will admit that I really enjoy having a few minutes with the kiddos out of the house.  They are those few precious times that I can actually get in and out of the grocery store in under an hour!  Or, vacuuming without having the kids messing up the room as I leave it.  I love being able to spend some one on one time with Toad.  Even getting to a few neglected projects like cleaning out the storage room…. again…. can be nice. 

However, this is where it gets me.  I always feel like my time with my children is slipping through my fingers.  I see Nena growing up and becoming so independent.  I hate that I sometimes have to remind her to give me a hug before she runs out the door.  I see that Bear is now able to manage through a full day of school without breaking a sweat.  Not only that, but he genuinely LOVES school.

The night before they both started their first full day of school I was packing two lunches and I had to take a moment to think of where the time has gone.  I have a few moments of regret where I wish that I had spent more time doing fun things with them over the summer.  I sometimes wish that I could keep them home for a day and just hang out. 

I hate that life gets so crazy that moments seem to pass us by.

Anyway, now that I am done with my mama moment, here are the pictures of their first days at school. Aren’t they darling!  They take after me 🙂