And (another) New Chapter Begins!

So, here we are .. starting a new chapter... again.
Tomorrow my kids will be in school. Just typing that has the tears falling down my face!
It is not because I think that school is the devil. It is because I loved homeschooling. I loved it as much as parenting. Sure, I got frustrated... Sure, there were times I wished for a "break" but, the reality is... I loved it. SO so much.
I am sad that I have to give it up. I am sad that we have to write another chapter in a book we didn't want to write in the first place.
But, that's life right? Full of unfairness.... I don't dwell on it (mostly) but, I do have my "times" .. This week has been one of those weeks. Dealing with the kids going to school has been a tough one.
When you are married.. you have a partner. Someone to help with the big decisions. Making the decision where the kids would go to school wasn't easy. Not alone. You second guess yourself when you no longer have your "friend" to talk it through with you. He doesn't even know where they are going (not my choice, but his).. It was rough.
It is hard to prepare for something so big without someone with you to share your tears and excitement.
Tomorrow, I won't have someone to hug me as I walk out , sit in my car and weep, mourning more of the old life we have lost.
The kids at least are super excited. This helps SO much. I would hate it if they were fully dreading it. They love being home schooled but, I have built school up to them so much that even the ones that weren't excited are now!
If they have to go, I am glad they are happy about it and, I hope it stays a positive experience for them.
After this past year they REALLY deserve it.

Anyway.. we are all ready. The clothes are laid out, backpacks are packed, lunches packed and showers taken... We are ready (well, I am not emotionally but, whatever).
Bring on the first day of school. We will take it on like we have every other change thrown at us this year..
With Gods grace I won't cry too much. I take comfort in the fact that He is there with them and the fact that they are pretty outgoing ... They make friends easily. I am comfortable with their teachers and like the school a lot. SO, that all helps!

It also helps that I have so many people who love my kids and I. The backpacks were bought by my friends mom and my friend filled them and embroidered them. They surprised them  one day when they took my kids for the day and took them out to dinner! The uniforms were bought by my dad and step mom and also another friend purchased them each some shirts and my mom bought them their socks! How blessed am we to be so loved??? Thank you Lord!