Back to school

Today marks another first day of school. Blessings were given last night, outfits set out and lunches packed. With that, 3 boys were all ready for a new year.

Dallin starts 4th grade:

Parker starts 2nd:

And my Landon starts KINDERGARTEN! (In the afternoon...hence no shoes in this pic)

My Sweet Landon: (AKA Lou, Little, Loo-Lee, Lando),

I swear you were JUST this tiny, sweet little boy about 5 minutes ago:

I see a LOT of your baby sister in you. I've always thought she looked exactly like Parker but now that I have gone back I do see you there as well.

Today is your very first day of school. A year ago I was dreading this day. Just the thought of sending you out into the world made me sick. I'm not sure why I was feeling this way...perhaps because you were my baby and I feel this fierce need to protect you. I decided against sending you to a preschool outside the home because I wanted to spend my days with you. I wanted to teach you and help you learn. I felt I could do that because you were the only one at home during the day and heck, I did go to school to learn about teaching young children! I figured I could do an ok job. I'm so glad that we decided to do the mom preschool and that I had those years to spend with you. I even considered keeping you home with me another year....mostly for my own selfish reasons. I couldn't do it though. You are SO smart and SO ready to go. You've been the baby in this family for 5 years up until a couple of months ago. You'll always be MY baby boy and is it hard to let you go.

I'm excited that you will be going to a great school and that you have your big brothers to look out for you. I'm glad that you're only gone for a few hours...just long enough for me to get some things done and pick up the house a bit. I'll sure miss my little buddy though. The house will seem so quiet without your high pitched squeaky voice and your sweet helpful nature.

As I walked away and left you standing in line ready to head into your classroom I started to choke up. You were smiling from ear to ear and I was hiding my red tear filled eyes behind my sunglasses. I was so grateful to see Parker come running across the field to welcome you to school. You are blessed with brothers who love you and look out for you.

Being a mom is hard. You spend days and days doing these day to day tasks and then suddenly you look up and realize that your baby boy is going to kindergarten and your oldest is going to be 10 in a few weeks. Where did the time go? Have I taught you what you need to know? Are you confident and thoughtful....caring and driven? Have I done a good enough job preparing you for the mean things people may say and do? Do you know that you are a son of a Heavenly Father who loves you?
I guess all I can do is just keep trying....and you will just keep on growing. And I will always be here for you....your first day of kindergarten, high school, college, and forever.

I love you baby boy. I'm excited for you. On to the next big chapter!

Momma