30 Days of Gratitude - Day 7

Today I'm thankful for my job. Yes, technically I am a stay-at-home-mom and am so lucky to have that job. But this year I picked up something a little more my musical style.

I have the opportunity to teach music to preschoolers (ages 1-5) two times a week. They even help take care of my girls while I am there, allowing me some time doing something I love.

Music has always been a love of mine. I've sung in choirs and such since I was 10 years old. And there is something magical about seeing a two year old with a big smile on their face while they are bobbing their head in rhythm to "Old McDonald Had a Farm'"

And somehow, these children are teaching me. You see, the preschool is at a church and during the time I am there, I get to share a little spiritual message with the kids. They may not be the same denomination as I am, and they may not be the same denomination as the preschool. Yet, we are learning about God and His love for each one of us.

Last month we talked about the love Jesus Christ has for us. I told the kids I was going to show them a picture of someone Jesus loves. I then passed around a mirror and asked the kids who was in the picture. The smiles on their faces was priceless! And each child knew that they were loved.

Not long after I began these lessons, I realized I needed to be doing that same thing for my children. So of course, I implemented a little spiritual message in our home on a daily basis (well, that's my intentions anyway!). I feel like it has truly made a difference in our home.

It may not pay the bills .... it may not be the highest caliber of learning .... however, I love my job and am thankful for the things I learn from these kids daily!

First Day Jitters

My oldest is about to start school.... Kindergarten! This little boy of mine is so excited! When we went to check out the school he will attend back in April, he wanted to start the very next day. I explained to him that other students were  using the classroom right then and the teachers just weren't ready for him yet. I told him he would have to wait until August. He then told everyone we saw, {grandma's, uncles, friends, strangers at the grocery store} that the teachers didn't want him until August! 

Number 1 is such a lively fella ... he likes to run, jump, roar at his sisters, do super cool tricks, and "art" daily! I know that he will love school and come home with so much more knowledge than I could offer him. But I've got first day jitters.

>Kindergarten means we have a set schedule Monday thru Friday.

>Kindergarten means my best helper will be gone 7 hours out of the day, without me knowing his every move, and in someone else's care!

>Kindergarten means that as soon as he gets home, we have just enough time to do homework, eat dinner, maybe take a walk around the block, bath and bed!

>Kindergarten means we are all going to be tired!

And I keep wondering .... Have I prepared him well? Will he be on his best behavior? Is he going to adjust well? Will I adjust well? Is he going to make new friends the first day? Will his teacher be able to keep his attention... or worse, find him disruptive?

So many questions that I don't know the answer to and won't know until it happens. I can't "google" to find the answer and I can't follow him around everyday just to ease my mind.

This Mama Beare needs to know .... How did you do it? How did you adjust? OR do you think I'm crazy and just need to let go? You tell me....How did you get rid of first day jitters??