Back to School

This is it! One of my favorite days of the year. Why is that? Well, it's not because I don't love my children and want to be rid of them. It's really because I DO love my children. And want to be rid of them. (At least for a bit.)

Today is also one of the only days they are excited to get up early and get ready to go...which makes my job easier. (Their exuberance for mornings wanes quickly, and dramatically, as the weeks continue.) I like to enjoy it while it lasts.

See? Happiness. Exuberance. At 8:40am. Unheard of!

They both got new backpacks this year. It was a momentous occasion for my two girls. (Their enjoyment of these babies will also wane...but I managed to find them at such a great deal this year, I'll get over it.)

Have I mentioned how much I love the bus? Well...I do. I love it! And not just because the bus stop is right in front of my house and I can send them out the door, stay in my PJ's, and then go back to bed (if I wanted) without having to step outside. No wait...that actually IS why I love the bus!

The new driver told the girls they could call her by her first name. Lindy is still struggling with this unexpected gift of familiarity. She thinks she will still call her Mrs. Lewis...which makes me think I've done at least something right.

Now...for the picture I didn't get: I stood on the sidewalk, across the street from my house, saying goodbye to my fearless girls. As the bus drove away I saw The Boy standing in front of our house, hands on hips, and GLARING. Glaring with all the indignant might his little five year-old self could muster. He'd been asleep and was apparently VERY put-out that he'd missed all the fun.

I paid for it for a couple hours.

Next week: his turn! (Wahoo!!!!!!)

For the Record

I spend a lot of time blogging about my precocious, strong-willed, seven year-old. She has a habit of pushing all my buttons (with alarming accuracy) and, well...we haven't been known to be the best of friends. I tend to share the more aggravating experiences because they just happen to be funny.

Today, however, I thought I'd share a few things. You know, for the record:

Typically at night, as I tuck her in bed, she will give me the strongest hug and whisper, "Goodnight mom. I love you. See you in the morning." And even though there's a strong possibility her tenacious grip has less to do with me and more to do with delaying the closing of the door...I have to admit I love those hugs.

Yesterday she asked me for a drink. As I walked to the kitchen she said, "Oh, mom? In case I forget, thanks for getting me a drink."

Randomly she will tell me I'm an "awesome mom" or that I'm "the bestest mom ever".

She runs and fetches things ALL THE TIME. Diapers, garbage bags, thermometers, shoes...etc.

She will do all sorts of crazy things just to make her little brother laugh. And he laughs a lot.

Her sweetness is abounding. I just love that girl.