Monday, July 21, 2008

My Baby is going to School Already!


My sweet little girl had her 1st day of school today! She was beyond excited and I was SO emotional for some reason. I didn't expect to be so emotional but once I entered the classroom and saw Anna, one of my good friends up here, I lost it and she had to console me a bit while I pulled myself together.
Today was orientation and the next 4 days are reserved for testing each individual child so that the teacher can asses them and get an idea of what they need to learn still or if they need to be challenged more.
I'm so excited about this teacher. She is a warm person who, I can tell, really wants to teach these kids all that she can while they are with her. I can see that she really has a genuine concern and love for these kids already.
Last night, I sat contemplating so many things...wondering if I had done all that I could have done while I had my sweet Lizzy home with me. Did I teach her all she needs to know? Does she have good memories of being at home with me? How will she establish herself in her little mini-society? Did I really do my best??... and on and on. Flashbacks of giving birth to her and watching her grow as a little baby kept flashing through my head as I made her pancakes this morning. I still don't know the answers to these questions but I just hope that my best was good enough and pray that Heavenly Father will help me in the rest of my journey as well as hers. She is such an intelligent, funny, loving little girl and I know that her potential is so amazing. I just pray that as I release her out into life, out of my home, that I have given her the foundation that she needs to make the right decisions. She has been blessed with an amazing spirit and I take comfort in that and in the fact that our Heavenly Father loves her and is watching out for her as well.
My heart breaks today for the moments that I won't get back during that precious time that has already past with her but it is quickly repaired by the hope and anticipation of wonderful and bigger moments and memories that are to come...
And can anyone please tell me how we went from this to THIS in such a short amount of time?!!

16 comments:

Mom and Dad Tomseth said...

It's called bittersweet. We raise them to be independent but it is sad when they leave the nest - even just to go to school for the day. Watching you I am nothing but proud of what you have done to teach and love Lizzy. I couldn't be more pleased. She is so bright and sweet and you have reinforced those talents and characteristics she came here to earth with. Someday whe will pray by herself and it is then she will thank her Heavenly Father for the parents she was given.
Thank you for giving me hope and peace in my heart by you being my grandchildren's mother - it comforts me each day to know they are in your loving arms.
Love, Mom T.

everyday katie said...

Ok, I didn't think I'd be the kind to be sad about my kid leaving for Kindergarten, but NOW I am. Thanks a lot. I'm freakin' out about all I have to do this year with Parker. Kindergarten here is ALL DAY and I don't like that idea one bit.

Good luck with everything. I know how hard you've worked to teach her, not only the necessary skills for school, but the necessary standards to be a good person out on her own.

Christensen Family said...

They grow up way too fast. She is a cutie. Thanks for leaving a comment on the memory game on my blog. I figured you would see it more if I left a comment on your blog instead of mine. So here it goes...

I've never met you but I feel like I know you. It's been fun to get to know you through the blogs. Thanks for all your comments on our blog. You make amazing cakes. You have such a great talent for that.

Anonymous said...

Interesting to read all your heartfelt ponderings about your baby going into school. I can't wait to see how she adjusts and blossoms! You amaze me! Love Bonnie

Sundbergs said...

THey do grow so fast. I think about that all the time. it is scary to let them go out on their own like that. You have done a great job. You can tell she is smart and independent and happy. SHe is going to do great. I know easier said than done. I will be in similar place soon feeling the exact same way. Just know Heveanly father is watching over her. Keep teaching her at home and she will do great. You are a great mother and she is blessed to have you.

Erin said...

I totally hear you. Autumn starts on August 13th. I am scared for her not only for regular stuff but allergies too! I have been praying about it a ton! Heaven help us!

By the way, I live off of Bundy in Wildomar. I am so sad you aren't still here, we could so hang if you were!!

Sheryl said...

Oh sweetie, nothing like those mixed feelings...loving, and starting to let go. enjoy every step of the way!

Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog. It has been amazing to watch the valiant "young women" of the Corona Stake become amazing wives and mothers and building their own Celestial worlds. You are gifted and talented, and loving, and beautiful as can be! Keep up the great work!!

LOLorrie said...

Hey Betheny, Your MIL is trying to win points with the longest comment i think!!! Your blog is so fun to look at (I always pop in to look at all your sweet faces!!) Lizzy could not have gotten a better mom. Your awesome!! NEVER second guess yourself......walk with your head held high...knowing that Heavenly Father is SO pleased with your mothering!!!! Love to all, Aunt Lorrie

cari said...

Thanks for the post. Thanks for expressing how it feels to send them off to kindergarten because now I will look at this next year with POrter a lot differently, making sure it is a great year at home with me before he starts school. I think I really needed to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Derek and Emily said...

You are a great mom and your kids know that you love them. Lizzy will do great because she has a lot of support and love at home.
Emily

Lauri said...

I remember feeling the same way when my oldest went off to school. I cried the entire day until he got home. Unfortunately it happens again and again...college, mission, marriage. What a great mother you are to care so much. How lucky she is!

Violet said...

Wow time goes fast! I was just looking at a picture you sent me while I was on my mission yesterday. It was a picture of your belly that said "Hi Auntie Violet"

Having been a Kinder teacher, I know you went above and beyond with Lizzy. And it shows. She is going to have an amazing year. You should be so proud of yourself and her. I know I am.

JR said...

I cannot believe you have a daughter who is starting elementary school! Where did the time go? YOu have her done up so cute and it's going to be great. Passs on all your words of wisdom for me for next year when Ethan starts.
p.s. when did we get so old?!?! :)
pss I love the head shot of you and lissie- you look b-e-a-u-tiful!

Jess/Nate&Family said...

Bethany, Your look so awesome! I don't know how that feels yet but the way you describe it well i guess it's a double edged sword. She is so beautiful! You are so blessed.
Love
Jess

Johnson said...

Oh my goodness- times two. The first one is for what the crap??? Starting school in July????????? I just am beyond shock. The second on my goodness is, you totally made me cry. I think about the same thing with Hayden as he gets older. Especially bc I feel insufficient with what I have taught him and wish I could have done more. For me, I just have to focus on going forward or I will drive myself crazy. Hang in there mama, sounds like you have done a phenominal job with her.

Jenn said...

I have been MIA in the blog world for a while, so it is nice to be back and reading about our sweat life experiences. I can tell you are an amazing mother and you are very strong to see her go. Life is full of transitions and growth and how horrible it would be if we didn't get to progress and go through these seemingly hard times. Congrats, she is a beautiful girl.