Back to School

How did it get to be August already?? Two of my kids headed back to elementary school on Monday and a hush has fallen on the house. I love being in my home when it is quiet. Well, almost silent. My oldest has 3 more weeks of vacation. You see he's heading to middle school this year. Again, how did that happen so fast?? I can't believe I am the mother of a 12-year old. He's almost as tall as my 5' 7" frame! We are both a little nervous about this new chapter in life.

In fact, I got butterflies when my other two went back to school Monday. There's nothing like the first day of school. And I realized just because I'm the parent now I still feel those old feelings of anxiety, excitement, and sadness that summer is over. So when my 7-year old daughter said that her stomach hurt. I knelt down beside her and I said "I understand. When I was a little girl, I would feel a little nervous and excited on the first day of school." As a mom, I try so hard to validate their feelings and tell them it's okay to feel what you feel. Words I need to remind myself of too.

Anyway, that's why the house is mostly quiet. My 12-year old son is good at entertaining himself with computer games and friends. And I've encouraged him to write a story - he has a great imagination. So our days pass pleasantly together.

Although I crave the quiet in my chaotic busy mom life, I know soon enough I will miss the noise of 3 young children. I try and remind myself daily to soak up this fleeting time because it too shall pass by too quickly.