Winding Down

Summer is winding down... pool days are getting fewer and farther between.
I've started switching out our regular decor for glittered maple leaves
and sunflowers. I'm starting little by little so that people don't think I've lost my mind.
Even with just my leaves out, I've already been told by 3 people that autumn isn't
officially here for another month!! My internal clock goes by a different set of standards.
That's all that matters to me. Let them mock my leaves. As soon as I find it, my apple-
shaped cookie jar is comin' out and it will make me smile every time I see it.

  As August comes to a close, I've been on a mad mission to get everything ready

and settled before school starts. Carpool schedules have been hammered out and posted on the fridge

underneath Kate's ballet recital program and Charlie's citizen of the month award from last year.

 Their new school wardrobes hang in their closets, crisp and ready to wear. 

That new clothes smell makes me smile. First day outfit ideas swirl in my mind.

 I made sure that I got Kate the cutest damn apron I
could find for her to wear during painting and art time at school.

My office looks like the entire school supply section of Target threw up in it. 

Who knew two kids could need so many markers and
crayons in order to succeed in elementary school! I mean seriously??!

Lunch boxes and backpacks have been carefully thought out and 

purchased. I've been reading a lot about nutrition for children and their

daily intake needs and this year, I am excited about making their lunches healthy and fun. 

That is saying a lot for me. I am that mom who dreads making lunches all day long and
complains through making and packing the entire lunch that night before.
I am curious to see how it will make a difference in their

behaviors and habits. In case you're curious and want to check it out too, here is 

the book that inspired it all... Lunch Lessons  
We'll see how long this will last...

 

 

I keep my mind busy because otherwise I will go nuts.

Every chance she gets, Kate tells us she doesn't want to go to school. I am sad about that.

I want her to be okay with going since I have so much anxiety about it.

I try to be really careful not to let her feel that anxiety. I don't need her taking on

my hesitations as her own. I know she can do this. She is smart as a whip, my girl.

This is just the beginning of her school career. No turning back after this. 

For the next 12+ years, come September, she won't be staying home with me

while big brother goes to school any more. We won't get that time together.

This is when I am supposed to take a step back and let her do her own thing.

Guide her in the right direction, yes, but also give a little and let her learn and grow

all on her own. This is when she will make her friends and have her own life

separate from mine. I am just having a really hard time reconciling that in my mind.

I can't wait to be able to greet Kate and Charlie at the school gates and 

hear all they have to say about what they learned and who they played with.

 In my heart, I know it will all be okay and that we will find a balance that will work
for all of us. A perfect rhythm of still letting them be little and getting to cuddle them
all while standing back while they stretch their wings and get ready to fly.


But that first day? I already know I will be a mess.
At least I can know to be prepared with Kleenex and a shoulder to cry on...


Some snapshots into our end of summer winding down...


Haircuts for the new school year...

Bowling night

Ella was excited and cheered for every ball thrown down that alley.

Girls' day out

Whirlwind Vegas trip for my baby brother and sister's 21st birthdays....
The old man was tired ... ha ha!

Here's to growing up, not just them, but me too.
I'm starting a new journey too that I'm really excited to share with you.
I'm gaining courage and confidence in a new way that feels very
much like it's exactly where I need to be... at the exact right time.
I can't tell you how great that feels.

Lots of love and kisses 'til next time!