Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Bittersweet Blessings.....

Today was a new school year at the Campbell house, and of course we had a lot of "new" things.  We all had new haircuts, new shoes, new clothes, new pencils...... at least the boys did.  What was completely new was that we left from a new house to a new school.  It felt so strange to travel a different way. 

For the first time ever, the boys were not with Jamie at school.  We made the decision to move them to Charles Russell this year.  They had such a wonderful day....just as I knew they would.  I don't think that Jamie loved it as much.  Not that you see your kids a lot during the school day even if you are a tacher.  However, it is such a comfort to know they aren't far away. 

Thinking about all these new firsts and my kids growing up got me a little sappy.  So, last night as I was getting ready for bed, I was getting ready to complain about summer being too short and not wanting to go back to school.  I was thinking of all the things I hoped to accomplish and didn't.  I was thinking about all the missed opportunities and felt a little pitiful.  That lasted all of 2 minutes.

As I scrolled through facebook, I saw a post from a girl I went to high school with.  Her daughter passed away last year.  She made a comment that it felt so strange to only get one child ready to start school.  It nearly broke my heart to think about all those missed milestones. 

So, I decided to instead remember my blessings...... 

Yes, it nearly cost a fortune to buy school supplies, clothes, haircuts etc. for 3 growing boys, but I'm blessed with the money to do it. 

Yes, I had to leave Hannah all day, but I'm blessed with 2 grandparents that love her and spoil her that keep her while I work. 

Yes, my boys are in the 4th grade this year and time does seem to be speeding by, but I'm blessed to be able to take all 3 of my healthy boys to school this year. 

Yes, I was disappointed that Jamie didn't get a job as a principal this summer, but he is blessed with a job where he is impacting the lives of kiddos each day. 

Yes, I hate waking up early and would love to be in my pajamas at 10 AM, but I'm blessed that I have a job that I love and friends at work that I enjoy!  I just wish it was around 11AM :)

Bittersweet blessings?  Maybe just BLESSINGS!