What’s Next for ME?

At 8:15 this morning, my youngest daughter climbed on the bus for her first day of first grade.

It’s been a long time coming.

Since the fall of 2005, I have primarily been a stay at home mother to our two daughters. My husband and I agreed early in our marriage that our goal was for me to stay at home with our children. Early on we didn’t know how many kids we were going to have, we just knew we wanted them to have one of us at home with them in their younger years. I have spent the last nine years working part-time at my husband’s office, but I either worked from home or around my kids’ schedules.

Over these last nine years of motherhood, I’ve wept quietly and sobbed inconsolably. I’ve laughed hysterically and giggled uncontrollably. I’ve had sleepless nights of mothering anxiety and I’ve slept soundly. I’ve given unconditionally and I’ve totally thrown a few tantrums. I had no idea that mothering was going to be a full gamut of emotions, feeling, and expressions.

Today, motherhood will of course continue on for me, but our baby days are over. My mornings will no longer blend into my afternoons. I will no longer be lost in my days or nights. A schedule of school and work will now occupy our days.

Our girls are ready for third and first grades. Thankfully they both love school and they are both excited to see their friends and meet their new teachers.

I am also excited about starting my new chapter.

My hours at our office will increase now that both girls are in full day school and I will also have some quality time to focus on my mission at Family Balance Sheet–helping families live well on less.

I’m excited for all of the possibilities that lie ahead for my daughters…and for me too.

Does back-to-school mean big changes for your family too? Let us know in the comments.