The Parenting Spectrum

They're off to school...I'm in full meltdown.  After years of watching parents cry while dropping their children off at school, I've spent the last few years observing where I fit in on the Hovering-Absent Parenting Spectrum. (Don't take me too seriously, I'm pretty sure I just made up that whole spectrum thingy.)

Am I the kind to stand crying in the back of the classroom?
Do I  make small talk, hoping my child will say, "I changed my mind!  I don't hate you, Mommy!  Take me home!"
As evidenced yesterday, I'm the: "Drop-and-Run-Have-a-Meltdown-as-the-Bus/Car-Pulls-Away" type.

Danielle loves the whole idea of school, friends, teachers, even hot lunch.  She gets excited-happy when there is something to look forward to and Will has picked up on all the excitement.

"There you go, get on the bus, Be Awesome!" 

At Will's  "Meet the Teacher" day, he had played for a bit and seemed very comfortable.  When I told him it was time to go, he asked,  "But are we going to come back and learn stuff?" ("Good," I'm thinking, "hanging out with his sister has paid off!  This will be a breeze!")

When I dropped him off yesterday, for the first day of PK, I could feel his apprehension.  Here it comes, I thought... The meltdown that he or I didn't want to happen (from either him nor I!)

I did what any tear-fearing parent does - I bolted!  Gave a quick hug, a "Have a great day!" and did my best speed-walking technique out the door.  I didn't even get a picture.   Boo. Shucks. I need a good cry.

Everyday Moments

It forever "seems like yesterday" when you're the parent.  My kids have been busy doing the things that kids do and I've been busy trying to keep up with them, while trying to stay present to the moments that matter.

My daughter is preparing for her First Eucharist.

It's a full circle moment, watching her do the things I did as a child.

Farming the land is in full swing around here, every chance my son gets, he is outside, walking in his dad's, grandpa's or uncles' steps.  Which usually involves at least one tractor to get the day's work done.

I have loved this perpetual journal idea from Abby for a while and finally got around to doing something about it:

I used a thrifted sea-foam index card holder, prettied it up with some MS home office products to make a spot to record those little-big moments.

Like the things they say and do: 

"Grandma, can you pass me one of those chickens?"  

(Little Mr.'s explanation of deviled eggs being served at lunch.)  and

"Mom makes me craps every Sunday." 

(From Miss D. in her weekly writing from school...that'd be crepes :) 

Do you record your family's memorable moments?  Do tell!

May your day be full of *little big* moments!

Love to you!

Fall Colors

We had a gorgeous fall weekend ...

 Looking for squirrels...

 ...wrangling leaves...

...and trying for "that perfect shot" at sunset.

Hope you had a lovely weekend!  And a Happy Week to you!