First Day of (Joy) School

Bella had her first day of preschool today. We decided to join a Joy School that our friend Karilee was organizing. We first met near the beginning of the year to talk about our plans to start this month, so I knew it was coming for a while. I'd never heard of Joy School before I moved to Charlotte, even though it was formed by, you guessed it, Mormons. Basically it's a program that you run yourself with all the participants in your group, following a curriculum that is found online. You join the site, and with the membership you then pay per semester for the curriculum. It is all planned and meticulously organized, you just have to carry it out. Sweet.
It's a good deal because I get to pass her off on someone else on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-12, and I only have to take my turn every 5 weeks since there are 5 of us in the group. From the beginning I knew I would really enjoy 4 out of the 5 weeks, and that when my turn came up it would be hard for me- reasons chiefly being: I don't deal well with stress, chaos, messes and lots of kids, least of all when I am in charge of it and it is taking place in my home. I am constantly aware of the mess, disorder and chaos that is occurring all around me. Oh well, it'll be a good stretching experience. (We hope.)
Bella, all ready to go this morning. We got her a new backpack, or messenger bag. Small bags that can still accommodate normal pieces of paper were hard to come by- at least in Target's selection, which is all I had the energy to try yesterday. Add a new pair of pink Croc-style Mary Janes from Grandma, and she was styled and ready to go. The best part is that I know and trust all the women in our group, and I genuinely like all the kids. Which is saying something. So I wasn't at all nervous about leaving her- my only fears were that she wouldn't cooperate and make it hard for 'Miss Sarah', our lucky first teacher. Bella didn't mind me leaving at all, seemed to have a great time, and gave much protestation when I came to pick her up. It was a lot easier for her since she knew all of the kids and adults involved as well.
The only downer is that my week is next week. Yikes. We shuffled things around so I could have a turn before Fiona makes her arrival and then have a few weeks afterwards to pull it together again. I have been dreading my turn with growing anxiety as the culmination of Joy School drew near, but I think it'll be okay. Like I said, I already know and like the kids, there are only 5 of them including Bella, it's only 2 days, and 2 1/2 hours at a time, every 5 weeks. The curriculum is completely done, all I have to do is the preparation and presentation. And then I have another break for a few weeks. It could be fun. Right?
Nevertheless, I've really been looking forward to it for Bella. She needs the socialization, she needs the time away from me and out of the house, she needs the stimulation, the activities, and to learn the discipline of a 'classroom' environment. It's going to be great for her, and a good learning experience for me if I can take a few deep breaths and maybe a Valium or two when it's my turn. Next Week. Anyone know a doctor who will fax me a prescription before next Tuesday?