kindergarten.

step 1: throw a "we're going to kindergarten dinner" with all of their favorites. decorate! make crowns! make their favorite meal, spaghetti :) pull out all the stops.

step 2: don't sleep the night before. toss & turn. wonder if you're doing the right thing. are they too young? all of the kids at orientation look huuuuge next to them. they didn't get the teacher you were hoping for. are you throwing them to the sharks? toss & turn some more. what if...what if...what if...

step 3: pray. rededicate them to God. do it again. after all, they're His anyways. hear Him whisper, "molly, cast your cares on me. i've got this." and then, gulp, actually trust Him.

step 4: wake up early to cartoons + pancakes. take your time getting ready. put on their new toms :) pack their very first school lunch. don't forget to smile :)

step 5: take a bazillion pictures until your eyes pop out & your kids want to throw things at you. flood your blog with them. repeat.

step 6: it's time. don't cry (okay, maybe a little). remember that peace that only comes from above, & as you drop them off, smile again. you made it! (you kinda doubted you would when your mom told you it would come way too fast as you rocked them night after night.) but you're here! they're here! weeeee!

step 7: your kids are in kindergarten! do a happy dance! (but only in your head. you don't want to embarrass them too soon.) peek in the window one more time, but then walk away & pretend not to worry. go celebrate with some sushi, high fives, & 3 1/2 hours to yourself. zigazig-ahhhhhh!

step 8: wait in crazy lines to pick them up :) welcome to your new life! you deserve a starbucks. yup, you do.

step 9: make a video to remember it all. it's not the best video. there was a lot happening & you got what you could, but you will treasure this day for a good, long time.



[annnd, you do it all over again tomorrow. and the next day. until they turn 18 & graduate in 2024! ohhhh, d-d-d-dear.]