back to school

*Sigh*

Last year was the Long Summer of Discontent. By the end of it (or maybe 3 weeks into it) I was ready for school to start again. It was long, hot and dry and desolate. I came to dread the coming summer thinking this was typical of Texas summers. To make things worse, they had added on an additional 2 weeks to the 10 weeks of summer they already had. "Grrrr" said I.Such words from a person who used to home-school! How did I do it?

But here it is the end of the end. I've felt my eyes welling up with strange tears (and it's not because I'm at my wit's end). It's because school will soon start. And the house will be quiet. Deathly quiet. Even my little Ethan is now Kindergarten age (though you would guess he was 3). Monday morning even he will be picked up by a school bus and taken away for a FULL day of school. How can this be?

I think I will miss Ethan most of all. His incredible smile and all the hugs and kisses that are the perks of being the #1 lady in his life. My 13 year old daughter is now as tall as me. She is in many ways a woman now....a BABY WOMAN, mind you. My time with her seems limited now. And my 10 year old Monkey Boy is at that age...the pinnacle of childhood. He is even gradually changing. His hair gets oily, he actually wants to eat food. Oh no, it's true, I was warned about this...they grow up. I've had unusual times lately where I find myself standing back a bit and noticing it this summer.... and it's a weird feeling.

Another strange thing is that it's August. Last year the temps were predominately in the 100's. But, dare I say, It's been alright. Particularly in the evenings. Those warm evenings with a cool breeze and the invisible cicadas chirping in the trees. Yesterday evening I was riding my bike and stopped by the lake. I was alone, but it was perfect outside. No one seemed to notice.

Anyhow, when school starts, I have things to do. I can always take a yoga class, sign up for an art course or help out on the farm I get my milk at.  But mostly I will be alone. I don't know any stay-at-home moms. I have been home for 13 years now, but I've rarely gone more than a few hours without my kiddlings. I will, actually, miss them (but not the squabbling).

On to another stage of life.

Comments

[justin]

(Sheds a tiny tear. Feeling the pain.)

[cheryl]

Justin,
Are you saying I'm a spoiled hausfrau?

[Calixte]

Keep up the good work.