The Seasons of Life

This last week I sent three of my four children off to all day school. ALL.DAY. It is by far the worst and best thing ever. I really don't like someone else dictating my schedule and I despise the mid morning phone call asking where my child is and why when I feel they just need to be home with their Mama. But, at the same time, it is truly the best. These kids are some dang good kids and to see the good they are doing in the world makes me beam with joy and happiness.  

On one of the mornings last week I was doing my hair in the bathroom and I was watching Elena out of the corner of my eye. She was twirling and dancing, singing, and chit-chatting and I just could NOT believe that this is the current season of my life. I'm in my last two years of having a baby at home. MY LAST TWO YEARS!!! How does it happen. It seems that it was only yesterday I was lugging four kids five and under everywhere I went. (which might I add is easier than lugging four kids 3-8 everywhere! Different topic, different day!) I would go to bed completely exhausted from being needed every single second of every single day. But now, Kevin and Julia are mostly independent. Julia loves to be cuddled before bed and Kevin needs help here and there, but they no longer need me like they used to. It is both joyous and hard. Very, very hard. When I pick them up from school they both beg for playdates and although I love to accommodate those wishes what I really want to say is, "Heck no! It's your turn to come and play with me!!!" I want to keep them young and innocent and mine forever, but I'm working so hard to teach them to be kind, outgoing, good, honest, strong, and independent.

It's so fun to walk into their school and see them thriving in their environment. It's heartwarming to see them stand up for good in front of their friends. It's fulfilling to hear them helping and playing with each other.

As crazy as it is to be in this season of my life, I hope I remember to enjoy all of it.