Almost time for back to school.....

Today was open house at school. WHAT?!?!?!? Where did the summer go? As I sat in my fourth year at open house at Wee Shine it was a real eye opener. I won't be there next year. :( Which is heartbreaking.

I remember coming into the school for the first time, not knowing anyone. Being so anxious and scared. I was worried for my boy and I was also worried for myself. It was a tough first few weeks. I saw a lot of mothers (and fathers) this morning who looked like they could really use a hug. It's hard walking out of a room while your child screams at the top of their lungs. I felt it in years past. I have cried. A LOT.

But Wee Shine has become a huge part of who Hensley is. He has met amazing friends and even more amazing teachers. I have seen a little boy who clung to my leg and screamed for me not to leave while holding THREE paci's to seeing a boy who is so tall for his age become confident, kind, and who didn't shed one tear today.

It such an amazing blessing to come across sincerely love your child like their own and instill in them everyday and in every way that God loves them unconditionally. In today's world teachers are so under appreciated and under paid that it's hard to find ones who really put their all in into their work. We have been so blessed to have the most amazing teachers who have helped shape and mold Hensley into who he is today. They have all spent countless hours encouraging him, teaching him and guiding him in ways I couldn't. He responds so differently to them and it's been a huge stepping stone in his life. I prayed for months to have guidance on when and where Hensley should go to preschool. It was a miracle he ended up at Wee Shine. We don't live in that city, we had never been there before and we didn't know a soul and somehow it just felt natural from the beginning like we knew instantly that is where we were suppose to be.

It hit my heart today that in 10 short months my little boy will be walking across his first stage, wearing his first cap and gown. Holding his first diploma. That will tug at your heart strings....HARD! I don't know where the time has went. I know so many people say "Don't blink. He will be grown before you know it" but it is so true. I can remember it like yesterday when we walked Hensley into Wee Shine for his first day. We were all so nervous. He had never been left alone with ANYONE other then my mom. He was scared. We were scared. He cried and I cried harder. I cried for three long hours waiting for school to be over that day. I cried when I picked him up because I was so happy to see him. And thankfully he welcomed us with all smiles!

We are so looking forward to this year and know that he will be advancing and learning and growing in all areas of his life. This will be a crucial year for Hensley and for us. He is amazing us each day with new accomplishments and things he knows. We met his new teachers today who seem so sweet and kind. He already made a new friend...Max and didn't want to leave when open house was over. It's looking like its going to shape up to be a pretty sweet year! :)

And now a look back......

Very first day EVER of preschool. September 2010! 

September 2011!

September 2012...a total pro! 

2013 back to school pictures to come......Stay tuned!