alone

I am a sucker for milestones.

It's been ten years since I was alone all day and even then I spent my days commuting to the city and working hard. Times have surely changed and as I dropped my (gulp) last KINDERGARTNER off at his first day of school today, I couldn't help but tear up. Believe me, I want the peace and time to grow my business, but I will miss them and all their sweet silliness beyond words. For weeks I've been feeling a bit like I'm standing on the edge of some great unknown, armed with only the information that I must jump, soon. This morning I jumped.

So as the last little birdie leaves my nest for the majority of his waking hours, I forge ahead into another of life's phases, excited about the future and oh so grateful that together, Mike and I made it work. Somehow, without delving too deep into debt and exhaustion, our efforts and will allowed me to be at home with these wonderful little beings that I doubt I deserve. Today, I just feel blessed. And that, as they say, is that.

In hindsight, I'm thinking the timing of all this is just a bit off. Maybe my whole world shouldn't be flipping over on the eve of the monumental birthday I'm about to experience.

And then again, maybe the timing is perfect!

forgive me.... buttcheeks.

Some folks might avoid posting this little gem all together, but I cringe at the thought of this lovely memory not making it's way into the family vault. Sadly, I received one of those calls today that all parents dread. The, "the other day when Finn was over..." call. I knew something was awry before she even uttered a word.

Apparently, after many minutes of suspicious high-pitched giggles between Finn and his buddy, my friend finally intervened. When she asked what they were playing, "The Buttcheek Game" was their enthusiastic answer. Hmmmmm.

Now, I'm not exactly sure what The Buttcheek Game entails, nor do I ever want to know. What I do know is that, while it must be flipping hilarious, an updated "private parts" discussion was in order and commenced within in minutes.

I can't pretend to understand why silly body parts, stinky smells, farts and burps appeal to these mysterious creatures called boys. I can't imagine what goes through his five year old mind when I start talking about private parts, inappropriate touching and all that necessary stuff. I guess I don't need to understand. I'll just take it as it comes, one buttcheek at a time.

if you got it, use it

First of all, I'm in love with my new hipstamatic app.

Second of all, I'm in love with my garden. As the veggie crop multiplies daily, I've gotten smart about cutting some flowers and giving the indoors a boost from the outside. These Annabelle hydrangeas are crazy gorgeous and make me smile every time I see them peeking through the side of the deck railing. Now they keep me smiling in the kitchen, too. The best part? The bouquets I've created would probably cost $60 and they last more than a week.

The frugal side of me is screaming "Whoo hoo" for using what I've got!

forethought

Sometimes the maturity and forethought of my children amazes me. Today, when driving home from here and there, Finn asked, "Mom, when I get on the plane to go to Grandmom and Granddad's next summer with the girls, who will hug you at the airport?"

I caught my evading breath and answered, "No one, Finn. That's gonna be a rough day."

"I know Daddy will rush home from work that day," he answered back. "He'll give you a big hug."

And then he added, "'Cause you'll really need it."

He couldn't be more right.

fish

I don't remember trying out for too many things in my childhood. I mean, when I really think back, the first I recall is a play in junior high and then for cheer leading the summer before senior year. Both memories evoke my old fear of public speaking; the flushing, hot cheeks, the uncontrollable nerves. Thank God I've grown out of that.

The number of times our kids get up and strut their stuff all for the acceptance and judgement of others astounds me. They confidently balance on apparatuses high in the air, they sing a cappella, they recite lines. They fearlessly seek achievement and advancement in a way that makes me proud. If they don't get what they want, their momentary disappointment melts away and they move forward toward the next challenge, the next experience to drink up. Their desire to be good and be adventurous is insatiable. I pray to God they never grow out of that.

This week, Logan tried out for the local affiliate USA Swimming team and made it. We are beyond proud and look forward to our fish making a big splash.

all good things must end

Maybe it's the fact that, until now, our lives have been full of tutus and hair-do's and all things girly, but whatever the reason, the end of Finn's first baseball season is sad for both Mike and me. As things wrapped up last night, our team of Flying Squirrels lingered about. I'm betting that most of us parents knew we had experienced something really special in the last six weeks as we watched our little guys (and gals) morph from distracted and clueless, to kids that pay attention and know the rules (within reason, of course!)

We were the last to leave the baseball park, us Flying Squirrels. That says a lot when you consider that eight full teams and all their fans were there along with us. Our little men and women happily bounded off the diamond, proudly wearing their medals and bouncing with excitement toward whatever lies ahead. And us change-resistant adults seemed to long for it to last just a little longer, to watch a few more baseball bloopers while they're so young and silly, to keep them at this bobble-head in a batting helmet stage for a bit more.

No such luck, he's growing up. But boy has this season been fun!

gaston photos

Like I said, there were good times, too. Here are a few of our favorite shots...