Bittersweet Endings

Today was a great day and a little sad too. Definitely a bittersweet one.

It started this morning when I gathered the things that I needed to take John Michael to his last day of pre-school and his last day at Hilldale. I am so proud of how much he has grown and how amazing he truly is. I cannot believe that he is headed to Kindergarten though, it seems like only a few days ago I was dropping Danny off for his first day. Now Danny is in 2nd grade and my baby a kindergartner. WOW! Seeing Mrs. Hays this morning I knew that it would be a hard day, but I was determined to stay strong. We enjoyed a fun morning of field day type activities followed by popcorn and the snow cone truck. Then inside for hot dogs and chips and well then the goodbyes. I gave Mrs. Hays her gift from the class. This memory book is so much fun for me to do and it means a lot to me and to the teachers. Mrs. Hays also gives all of her students memory books, these are so heartfelt and meaningful. I am not sure that I can find enough words to describe how much they have meant to me through the years, but this one was even more special as it is my last. When John Michael and I came home I really looked at it and took the time to appreciate the work and care that she puts into them all.

We had to get Danny and then get homework completed before the second round began.

Danny got ready for his last baseball game of the season and John Michael got ready to go sing at the 5K Graduation at Hilldale. This helped to maintain my tears, I knew that we were going back at least once. Brandon took Danny and John Micheal and I headed to Hilldale for the last time as a parent and student. When we go back it will just be as visitors. I loved the fact that they all matched, even the teachers! It was such a special Graduation ceremony for the 5K and First Grade they are ready for you. The K4 classes sang great and this is definitely one proud momma! Then the goodbyes came. I had to say goodbye to people that have been such a huge part of my family. I consider these people more than teachers, they are friends, they are a part of who my children will become and for that I am and always will be bonded to them. I told them that I want to get together and I mean it! This was not just talk it was from my heart. I also told them I would come up and photograph for them anytime that they need it! Just give me the dates and I will add it to my calender. There are parents who I have known and grown close to and I will miss. We will have to get our kids together so that they can play and stay in touch and so that we can stay close. This I also mean from the bottom of my heart!

We left the school, and once I regained composure I dropped John Michael off at my mom's because he really wanted to spend the night and I headed to Danny's game.

Danny's team won their game and they played great, at least the 2 and a half innings I saw. I cannot believe that baseball is over. I truly enjoy spending time at the park and getting to know other people. We will work with our catching, hitting and running and maybe next year we will make all stars and the season will continue even longer.

Well, Brandon is home and we are going to get Danny in the bed and then head to bed ourselves. I am exhausted. Today was definitely one with so many reasons to celebrate and many tears fell. Before I go to bed I will remember each of you in my prayers. Please do not ever take that moment that you have for granted or the people who are in that moment. While there are many to be had these are the memories and the people that we keep in our hearts forever!