Growing Pains

I'm struggling tonight. For over six years now I have been mom to either babies, toddlers or preschoolers. Now tonight as we attended orientation for the boys, I find myself moving to a new stage - mom to school aged children. I'm just not sure I'm ready.
We made the decision to send the boys to Fountain City Christian School in Bryan. Ronnie begins 1st grade while Nathaniel will be in Kindergarten. We home schooled last year, so this is the first we are "sending them" to school.
I'm confident that the boys will do well, but I'm scared too. Did we train them well enough? Are they ready? I know, we can't hold onto them forever, but that doesn't change the fact that I still want to. I know I'm not the first mom who has felt this way - it's just the first time for me. I'm even pretty sure there will be more times when I have this pit in my stomach that tells me to hold onto every second I have with my kids.
So next week we begin a new phase of parenting.

The boys really are excited, nervous and ready. They didn't say much at Orientation, but once they got home in their beds with the lights off, Ron and I could hear them talking. It's amazing and scary all that kids pick up, even when you think they aren't paying attention. They are excited. We don't usually allow talking after we turn the lights off, but tonight Ron and I just listened. It was excited chatter. They know this is a new phase and they are excited to see what it will be like.

SO, as we, as a family begin down a new path, who knows what obstacles, triumphs and detours we will encounter. I'm thankful that I can put both Ronnie and Nathaniel in Jesus hands and know that He will guide, protect and provide for their every need!