Our Work Here Is Done

And the tears started flowing. This was the last sentence that Kennedy's Kindergarten teacher wrote in her last newsletter to the parents for the year. The whole sentence said, "Letting them go is so very hard. But, our work here is done…………….

I know I say this a lot but WHERE did this year go? I guess between a hurricane, family stuff in AZ, being pregnant, buying a new house and selling an old one, this year flew by unusually fast!

I was sad when Kennedy started her Kindergarten year, BUT I was more excited for her. She was ready and although it would be quite a change not spending majority of my days next to her and listening to her funny stories, analysis of situations and seeing her smile all day long I was more excited for this new adventure she was starting called school. I was hesitant at the beginning because I knew starting school was a turning point...no turning back, from here on out she will be going to school daily and growing up faster and faster. Her teachers were wonderful and I knew she would love it. Her teacher told us at conferences that Kennedy was one of those born to go to school and thrived in the classroom. She said her cooperation and love for others was evident daily and she was a friend to all. So needless to say I have been more emotional the last few days with her Kindergarten year coming to an end. I think the emotion and tears came with realizing how grown up she really is and knowing how fast this year came and went and each year following will do the same. This is my baby. And I know I told this story before, but I will tell it again:

I remember coming home with Kennedy from the hospital and that first night she was asleep in her cradle and my mom and Tim sent me to bed...they knew I was exhausted and wanted me to rest. Well I lay there trying so hard to go to sleep and I couldn't. So I started thinking, well the thoughts led to tears. Tim ran in the room after hearing me on the monitor and asked what was wrong. I told him that I was crying because I started thinking of how fast all the years will go and before we know it she will be off to Kindergarten. He kinda just laughed, put his arm around me and said, "don't worry, she is only two days old and Kindergarten is so far off." Well it of course made me feel better for that night but here we are 6 1/2 years later and my first sweet baby has finished her first year of school. And it went faster than I ever imagined that night I was crying when she was two days old.

Kennedy you are such a bright light to all who are near. You make me proud to be called your mommy and I know God has big plans for you. I am amazed at your growth, change, and knowledge this year. You have become a big sister times two and have handled it with grace and helpfullness. You are so dependable and a good friend to all. You are caring, kind and share such a joy for life. You walked in to school each morning with the brightest smile and "hi's" for all who could hear. You were a blessing to your teachers (they told me often) and are such a blessing at home. And it's what I tell you often, I am so glad God made me your mommy, you are my Sunshine and I love you so much.

Here are some pictures of Kennedy's first day of Kindergarten and a sweet one from this past week doing one of her favorite things, swimming!