Kirra's First Day of Preschool

Today was Kirra's first day of pre-school. She has been counting down the days and could hardly contain her excitement over the last week since Jaret has started school. In fact, she has basically been telling everyone she meets that she is going to "pecool" (have a little work to do on r and s sounds in some of her words). Last Friday we went to visit her school, Foothills Alliance Pre-School, for a carnival where the students could meet their teacher, see the classroom, and have fun on the bouncy houses. It was a fun morning! Today only half the class was present for an hour as they had a staggered start. This was established so that students aren't so overwhelmed and to ease them into the experience of pre-school. Kirra was more than ready and walked right in and found the seat she wanted. There was a craft on the table and she picked up her markers and began her job of colouring. Not all the students were adjusting so well and a couple of them cried most of the time. Kirra's teacher is Mrs. Sparks. She is new to the school and a fabulous addition. She is young and has three children of her own. Kirra adores her already and will have a wonderful year! I am so excited to see the growth she will have this year - learning her abc's, 123's, and more about Jesus. I pray that she will also learn how to be a good friend so that she can make good friends. As we walked up to the school, hand in hand, I felt so proud of my little girl who is growing so independent. I feel so blessed and was ready to let go of her hand to allow her to walk through the door. However, at the same time, I felt a huge tug at my heart realizing how quickly the next 12+ years will go. Being a parent is one of the best jobs and I am so grateful to be a Mom! Below is a poem I came across that talks about being a caregiver. Tribute to a Caregiver There is no job more important than yours, no job anywhere else in the land. You are the keepers of the future; you hold the smallest of hands. Into your care you are trusted to nurture and care for the young, and for all of your everyday heroics, your talents and skills go unsung. You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured. You rock babies brand new in your arms. You encourage the shy and unsure child. You make sure they are safe from all harm. You foster the bonds of friendships, letting no child go away mad. You respect and you honour their emotions. You give hugs to each child when they're sad. You have more impact than does a professor, a child's mind is moulded by four; so whatever you lay on the table is whatever the child will explore. Give each child the tools for adventure, let them be artists and writers and more; let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars and build castles of sand on the shore. It is true that you don't make much money and you don't get a whole lot of praise, but when one small child says "I love you", you're reminded of how this job pays. So as I let go of Kirra's hand today and watched her find her seat in the classroom, I felt like I was letting her "fly on the wind and dance on the stars." It was the first of many moments of letting go. It made me reminisce of first smiles, first steps, first words, the many milestones I have been a part of with my children. I am truly blessed. And after a celebration of her first day and having cake for dessert, Jaret came and hugged both Terry and I and told us he loved us. Then as Kirra went up to get ready for bed tonight she said, "Mom, let's go. I am ready for my cuddles." And then as she wrapped her little arms around my neck at bedtime, kissed me, and reminded me that she loved me. Moments to be treasured!