I came to the end of the summer with mixed emotions. Did I spend enough time with each kid? Did we do enough projects/cooking/fun outings? Did we really utilize this time as it whipped by in a hot gust of wind? But excitement, oh the excitement, as we check out Cooper's new school and the gluesticks and crayons hit the rack at wal-mart for 50 cents!
Then, the last week of summer arrived, and my patience ran out. I don't care about the projects or outings. I'm done cleaning up snacks and games and wet towels for the billionth time. I don't care who hit who or if your Pokémon cards are missing. If I find them I will burn them! I remember texting Jesse on Tuesday of our last week of summer and telling him I tap out. Done. I'm not sure how we made it to Friday but we limped into the finish line like a car out of gas. But we made it!
We wanted a good send off for the start of the school year, so after all summer of saving the kids saved $100 each of their chore money (our fake money system that promotes chores and limits screen time) to go see Newsies at Tuacahn! My heart swelled as they sang the songs glanced at me to make sure I was watching during their favorite parts!
Jesse gave the kids beautiful teary eyed fathers blessings Sunday night. And we prayed for them together as we thought about the each precious child and the challenges and opportunities for growth each would face this year.
As Monday arrived my desperation from the previous week turned into hopeful anticipation as we packed lunches and backpacks and one by one said goodbye. Cooper caught the bus to 6th grade at Lava Ridge.
And I drove the other 3 to Arrowhead (to ride bikes everyday hereafter).
As much as they drive me crazy, I missed them, and I think that's a good thing :)
