When the Mice are Away, the Cat will Play

Summer has been fun, and for the most part, successful.  All of my kids, sans Lucy and Sawyer, went back to school this week.  Next week, Sawyer will start preschool a few times a week.  I felt a huge heart pang the first day as I watched them walk up to the bus or to school, thinking about how kids growing older is both thrilling and ever-so-sad.  But then, I immediately started mentally listing all the things to do that are easier with only a portable baby around.  Woo-hoo!

I felt a bit guilty about my feelings of happy relief that the kids are back in school when we had family prayers that night, though.  Sophie, our sweet 9-year-old, was saying the prayer.  She was asking for help or blessings for each family member in turn (i.e. "Help Damon to do well at his new school, help Brendan to do a good job in high school," etc.).  The last people she mentioned were Lucy and me.  She said, "Help Mom and Lucy to not miss us too much while we are all gone to school this year."  I had to stifle a little chuckle.  I think I will manage ;).

How about you?  Does back to school bring tears....or tears of relief :)?  Or both?