Getting big*ger



Over the last several weeks, I have done a ROYAL purge on our house.  For some reason, the start of school and all things "fall" signifies to me that I need to quit the summer relaxation game I've been playing and I need to get to work.  It also makes me want to color my hair darker... but every time I do that I hate it, so... onto the purge. 

During the summer, I cleaned out the garage of training wheels, tiny scooters, wagons, strollers and tricycles.  I donated floaties and knee pads and helmets that we've out grown.  Fast forward a few weeks, and I got started on the kid's drawers and bedrooms.  In came the garbage bags, out went the baby toys and too-small clothes.  I have purged dishes that we no longer used, clothes and shoes from my closet,  pillows,  towels, sheets and tablecloths ... out the door. 

It feels so great to have more space in our home, in our closets and drawers. 

 What came to my attention while enjoying this getting rid activity is that my family is entering a new phase of our lives.  The kids no longer need training wheels on their bikes or stools to reach faucets while they brush their teeth.  We have completly leaped over size 5t in favor of "big boy" clothes.  Each one of the kids carries their own luggage while we travel, they all packed their own "toiletries" when we went on vacations this summer, they all have their own style and their own ratio of clean to comfort in their spaces.  What gets me as a mom is first, how quickly they all became independent and two, how GLAD I am that they are growing in independence.  It thrills me to see them try things on their own, just because they want to do it. 

I love it when they decorate their room with something that THEY love.  Watching them develop their own tastes in clothes and hobbies; yes, we are all growing up. 
              The truth is, I have to grow up with them.  They still need me, and maybe even more these days, but just in different ways.  They don't need me to help them ride their bikes, but they do need me to give them guidance on how they treat their friends, how they accomplish their homework, how to deal with on-going fears that pop up at night.  It's turning out to be a fun transition, watching the kids grow up. Most days, I embrace their getting bigness. 

But, every once in a while, I wonder if I cherished enough, the days of the past, and I wish for 10 minutes of holding one of the kids when they were itty bitty. There I times I ask myself if I really *experienced* the hours spent rocking babies to sleep at night, the trips to Kindermusik or Storytime at the library.  I don't want any of it to pass by too quickly (well maybe I wished potty-training away), and I find that the great challenge of motherhood for me is to immerse myself in whatever is going on around me, good or bad, rather than just dipping my toe in for a quick test-run.    Its all worth it. 

Hard

Yesterday, #3 daughter came home from school, threw her hands in the air and let out an exasperated yell.  This was followed by a torrent of tears.

Caught off guard by her noise and drama (well maybe not the drama) I went to her and said "What in the world is the matter??"

She replied, "I did NOT KNOW that 3rd grade was going to be so HARD!  We have to get GRADES!!!  What if I get BAD GRADES??  I want to go back to 2nd grade where it
wasn't so hard."

After a hug and an explanation that the smiley faces and  ++ that she received on her papers in 2nd grade translated into a third grade A, she calmed down and surrendered to staying a 3rd grader.

In my spirit, I felt the nudge of God...

I think that perhaps I have thrown the same fit as Meredith, more than once and louder.

"I didn't know this was going to be this HARD!"

Clearing His Holy throat, the Lord then directs my mind to James 1:2

and I feel His hug and continue reading His explanations further along in James that trials help me mature, and strengthen my faith and teach me how to persevere...all of which help me be complete. Mercy, Lord!!! I want all of that...

I guess I'll stick with hard.

It is a candid experience being a mom and child of God all at the same time.

Day 3

Day 3 has come and gone now.

Everyone is having a wonderful time at school.

We have worn new outfits.

We have bought MORE supplies.

We have labeled and decorated 

and we have already done

some homework.  

We have ridden our bikes to school and 

we have come home hungry and tired and happy.

Most of all we have had FUN!!!!!

Marky is an 8th grader this year. She is beautiful

inside and out. 

 Maddie is starting middle school.  She is so happy to be going to school at the same as her big sister!  I'm so happy for her. She is so beautiful and creative and her individuality 

is what makes her eyes sparkle. 

 Meredith has grown so much over the summer, both in size

and character.

 Michael has grown even more!!! He is gaining confidence

and has SUCH a personality.

 Sometimes Michael forgets that Daddy is not a jungle-gym.

 This picture above  is so perfect.  Michael RUNNING across the street... he runs EVERYWHERE!

I did not know that boys did this. Maybe its not all boys and is just mine, but boy oh boy...

His favorite animal is a cheetah. He just checked out about 10 books about a cheetah.  Maybe there is a connection???

 We are blessed to be at the schools that we are at.  We are so grateful for our teachers and friends.

Meredith pondering all that she is going to learn in the 3rd grade.  

She is SO excited.  She was born for school.