Starting a new chapter

For 21 years I went back to school in the fall. For 21 years I went school shopping for cute clothes and supplies, received back-to-school blessings, and got first day jitters when the big day finally came. For 19 years I was the student, and for 2 years I was the teacher. But this year...

I am a mom. A stay-at-home mom. 

And I couldn't be happier about my new full-time job. 

Although being a stay-at-home mom has always been the job of my dreams, there are some aspects of teaching that I will really truly miss... 

I will miss seeing my students' happy grins each day. I will miss the funny and frank words that came out of their mouths. I will miss getting hugs from 2nd grade arms. I will miss seeing light bulbs turn on in little minds and bright eyes light up with understanding. I will miss laughing uncontrollably with the class as I shared literary treasures like Junie B. Jones after lunchtime. I will miss having 28 little friends full of wonder and curiosity. The notes, drawings, secrets, jokes, hugs- it will all be missed. 

I will miss my team beyond words. They have been some of my very best friends and support system these past two years. I could confide in them, ask for advice, and ask for help. They gave me chocolates and sweets on hard days and encouragement and hugs to help me through. They were so supportive throughout my whole pregnancy and just as excited as family to meet my baby girl. We ate lunch with each other every day and vented our frustrations. We laughed together and cried together. They will be missed. 

My team was like a team of extra moms! They seriously took care of me. This pic was taken when I was pregnant, exhausted, and had swollen ankles from standing all day. They made me get down on the floor and put my feet up ha ha. I love them. 

Leaving my classroom for the last time was more emotional than I thought it would be. It was difficult to close that important chapter of my life as I looked around at the bare room. There were so many life lessons I learned and so much growth and development that happened there. So many tears, smiles, laughs, and prayers. That room and building was my second home. 

There are some aspects of teaching that I will not miss however... 

I won't miss waking up at 6:00 am every single morning. I won't miss being responsible for the happiness of 28 students (and their parents!). I will have a little more sanity around holidays since much of my energy will not go towards  reining in a classroom full of wild animals. Making sub plans at 6:00 in the morning after waking up sick is awful and definitely won't be missed. Seriously... the only profession where it's more work to call in sick than to actually just go and suffer through it. I won't miss the late nights of preparing meaningful lessons and grading work. I'm not going to lose any sleep or tears over angry parent emails, classroom drama, or searching for ways to deal with behavior problems. 

I treasure the years I was the student, and the years I was the teacher. Each chapter of life brings something wonderful and something to learn. I love my current chapter. For now I will enjoy having my baby be my alarm clock. I will love not feeling pressure to go to bed early because "it's a school night". I will enjoy reading, singing, and playing with my little one every day. I will enjoy teaching my own child about life. 

A piece of my heart will miss being "Mrs. Swanson". But all of my heart loves being "mom".