The End of an Era...

It's amazing how I can clearly remember the first day I walked Mariah in to kindergarten. She was soooo excited and proud to be going to a "big girl school" I worried about her and if she would miss me. I worried if she would be one of those kids that cried as I left, if so how would I deal with that. THANKFULLY Mariah LOVED school and was sooooo excited for her new freedom from me and independence to be on her own. I cried more on her first day than she did, I cried because I was so happy and proud at what a well adjusted child she had become. I was proud that she was confident enough to walk into a room and be her own person. I was proud that she was polite and well mannered. I became the class mom always trying to remember not to smother. I remember how proud I would feel when I would go to meet Mariah for lunch and all her friends would say they were jealous their mom's didn't do that, Mariah just had a smile from ear to ear letting me know THIS is what life is all about!! THESE are the little moments that we wait for. First grade came with a rush, Mariah experienced a lot of changes this year. Not only was her teacher having a baby and going out on maternity leave but we were about to welcome our second miracle into the world. She took it all in stride. Never once complaining. Second grade came and went with Ms Russel, Mariah had so much fun that year and learned sooooooo much. I too learned that learning doesn't have to be rigid it can be FUN. I must admit I was nervous at first thinking that all fun and no work what was my child learning but Mariah begged me to not to switch her out and so I did and that year she blossomed so much academically. Third grade came and even though it had a few rough spots Mariah came through LIKE A CHAMP, she became a big sister AGAIN and took it all in stride. Fourth grade was tough, Mariah learned that sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, and that sometimes we don't always get teachers we like, and the work gets harder but none the less we must respect them and pray for them. Then fifth grade came.... lots of new changes including but not limited to science fcat, 3 teachers instead of 1 and LOTS more work and responsibility. Looking back I am so proud at the young woman my daughter has become and my prayer for her is that she stays true to herself, and that she always remembers how much we love her. I still can't believe her elementary days are over.... I find myself panicing worrying if I am ready and then I remember!! I WILL NEVER BE READY, but with the Lord by my side I can handle ANYTHING, and can she!! :)