Ready or Not, School's Out

Last day of preschool. Pizza party at noon. 3 more days of school for elementary kiddos.  Had a ton of things on my list then I turned on the TV and the movie "My Sister's Keeper" called out to me -- I had tears from the beginning credits... I now have perspective (and blood shot eyes), and I realize I have no problems whatsoever!... AND I have not accomplished a thing, except for a lot of cryin' -- maybe that is what I needed to appreciate my blessings this summer! Great flick - so sad....
Happy Summer... It is here, whether we are ready or not

Why Do They Grow Up?

TWINS WERE A WILD RIDE...
I am not sure why I had these babies in sunglasses in this picture. I was always so frazzled that I hardly ever put shoes on them. We would be out in public, around people in my mom's circle (proper ladies) and someone would ask where their shoes were and I would be a little embarrassed. Also, we live in Houston, where it is summer weather all year, and I love looking at little baby toes, so maybe that had a little something to do with it. Anyway, for some reason, on this day, I had them in socks, shoes, hats, sunglasses. Geez... it likely took me hours to get out of the house, and the chance that I returned home with all of these items is very slim. I did love these days though. Life was simple before we entered the world of school and activities. We walked, played, ate, slept. We were on our own schedule. We didn't need to go many places. I love newborns. I love their joy at experiencing everything. I love that I was their world then. We were so busy with twins, but looking back, it was so simple. Diapers didn't bother me a bit! With every phase, I have said that I wish they would stop there, then something else wonderful happens and it seems even better, but looking back, I am definitely a fan of the newborn stage. I feel like I really lost control and priority in their life when they started to elementary school, and I know this is not the end of this. I liked that control and order in our life.

Fast Forward...Now Look What Happened...

So why does this happen? They went to camp and did not look back. The tired part of me was glad to be freeee... but then I realized that this also means that I am no longer their world!

It passes so quickly. Our doorbell rings every 15 minutes most days for one or the other child. It is grand central station around here. I thought life with newborn twins was hectic, but it was a different kind of busy! I know social development is good for children, but I would be fine if we were isolated somehow.

I am good with the diapers... they don't bother me one bit!

My baby will always be my baby!

Ben is my fourth child... my baby forever. He gives me the best hugs and wet slobbery kisses -- the kind you need to wipe your mouth with a keenex after. He is going to be four soon, and he is getting so big. Diapers are a thing of the distant past for our family, and Ben has been anxiously waiting for his soccer coach to call since last fall when all of the other kids were awaiting calls from their coaches.

This week, the older kids started school. Alexander started kindergarten in the same school where the twins attend fourth grade. Alexander still seems so little to me, but he has instantly grown up with his daily routine of riding the school bus and going to real school. Ben was sad when he realized that everyone started their school on Monday except him. He just had a cookie party on Monday, then we start next Monday.

He is mostly bummed because his new school has some really cool trucks and a track for him to play with -- he is obsessed with trucks. "They have a car carrier and a firetruck!" he exclaimed. In our house, you know you are really special if he lets you play with his car carrier, and firetruck runs a close second". He relates everything to what people drive. He asked one of the concession stand workers at Silver Dollar City if she drives a truck or a car. He asks many people we encounter this question. If they drive a truck, we move on to if they have a trailor and what kind of trailor. When Papa recently went into the hospital, he was very concerned about knowing if Papa went to the hospital in an ambulance or in the feed truck! Oh how I wish we could freeze this moment in time! Yesterday, he came into the room and exclaimed "Moooommmy - You need to turn off your computer NOW!" I said "why?", and the little bugger said "Because it is snuggle time!" as he bound into my lap. How can anyone resist this?

School is back in session, I started teaching college this week too, and I have so many things I need to catch up on, not to mention the fact that I suffered a ruptured eardrum just 5 days ago and am still not 100%. None of that matters right now because I am head over heels in love with the best snuggler in the world! I realize that this time will pass too soon. He will always be my baby though.

This week, Ben and I have had a lot of together time. I am just savoring this time, because it is starting to hit me that it will be gone before I know it! The twins were a bit of a blur from birth until kindergarten, then Alexander wasn't even 2 when Ben came into the mix, so this is the most calm my house has ever been. I never really had that newborn quiet time because I was outnumbered with twins. This is it... really. This is the most time I have had with just one child. I do long for more time to get things done, but for now, I am cherishing this little snuggler.