Well, they're off!! I prayed really hard for everyone to have peace and comfort. God helped me by D staying home with me today. We all went together to drop kiddos off this morning and that helped tremendously. I think I would have been a basket case if he hadn't been there. We dropped H off first and it was difficult to watch my "baby" go alone into that big school, knowing she didn't know anyone. However, I find comfort in knowing she isn't alone. God is with her. That's one thing I reminded all of the about. (H was so sweet. Last night as we were talking about today, she said, "Mom, it's going to be terrible. I have to worry all day long about the other three and wonder if they are okay." She was worried about E, Z, and J. I informed her that I understood. I had to wonder all day about FOUR kiddos. :-) )

Then it was off to the elementary school. We took J first. The last hug was a little awkward, but I think he was okay. He was a little hesitant for us to leave and blinked his eyes quickly a few times, but was very brave.

Next it was E and Z. This was our hardest. Upon getting out of the car, E announced that she couldn't go and that she was so sick to her stomach that she thought she would throw up. I held her hand while she fought back tears. We set their lunch boxes and backpacks at their desks and went to find their class outside on the playground. They were just lining up. When I gave last hugs and turned to walk away, E grabbed my arm and started bawling! The teacher suggested that I take her on inside and wait on them in the classroom, so I did. When the class arrived, the teacher talked to her and asked her about L and El who were with us. I waved goodbye and slipped out. That's the last I've heard. I think she will be fine once she gets used to it and they get busy doing things.

We came home and I spent time praying for all of them and then L and El did their school. The picture below shows the last thing we did- shaving cream on the desk top. We practiced letters, writing their names, and shapes. In addition, the desks got a great cleaning. I've been trying to stay busy with other things, hoping to dwindle the time away until 3 p.m. when I pick them up. I'm still trying to figure that all out. How do you pick up 4 kids in 3 different buildings when they all get out at the same time? Ugh!

Thanks for all of the prayers. Here's some pics.

E and Z in front of their classroom.
J in front of his classroom.
All four kids with their backpacks heading out the door.

(J's jeans aren't dirty, the light is reflecting on them from the window.)