Tea for Three (4 if you count me)

It rained today.  Like a good cry, it feels good every now and then.  It reminds me of home.  Really, what I wanted to do today is gather up my family and make camp in our bed.  Wouldn't that be great?  We could read books, play cards, tickle, sleep (okay that is a bit far fetched), maybe even catch a little Sesame Street or something.

What is this business of leaving the house every day?  Who's idea was it to say goodbye and part ways each morning?  I wonder if my kids think of me as many times throughout the day as I think of them.  I wonder if they long for the moment when we are together again in our little nest as much as I do.  These school days have me missing the ones that are away.

I caught a brief glimpse of Emma's day today.  I came to pick her up from school and arrived early (must've been the toaster).  As I walked down the corridor towards her classroom I witnessed a whilrwind of activity.   Up and down the hall teachers were calling out reminders like, "spelling test tomorrow", "remind your parents about the field trip on Friday" or "make sure you turn in your permission slips".  Looking a bit frazzled I could see that Emma was struggling to put some papers in her desk, to pack up her backpack, to put her jacket on, and to say goodbye as each one of her friends walked out of the room.  Without her knowing, I watched her give a big sigh.   It was one of those moments when I knew (as her mother) that she needed a hug and some help.  My heart broke as I wondered how many of those moments went unnoticed when I am not there.  It was then that I wanted to call the whole thing off.  Scratch school, forget piano lessons- your coming home with me and for the next 18 years you and your sisters will just watch Sesame Street in bed with me.  I guess I felt sort of naive to the fact that her day is indeed full and busy. 

So, after all of that, what we all needed was some "low key-togetherishy fun."

Afternoon tea (or hot cider if you are under the age of 4) complete with chocolate chips and teddy grahams for nibbling. We chatted (with British accents- hilarious) and sipped away the parts of our day that were spent apart.

 

Yes, that is Hannah's had repeatedly reaching for the chocolate. She decided to mix them in with her apple cider.  Apparently, it is pretty tasty that way.  (only one broken cup- pictured below just prior to its demise, and one spill by Laurel.  You cannot get angry when you hear an 18 month old say "oopsy-daisy-o". 

Safe from the rain, the wind, schedules, and strangers...

we were warmed inside and out.

ode to grandpa and fresh perspective

As always, it is wonderful to be home.  We enjoyed our brief time away- it is always good to see family.  My girls love their grandpa- and he loves them (and camouflage???).  A busy man, he always makes time for us.

My dad is a perfect mix of gentleness, confidence, silliness, and intelligence.  He has great style, can be pretty funny, and makes yummy fried rice (inside joke) . A bit handsome too don't you think? Don't get any ideas though...we like him all to ourselves.  We are always sad to have to say goodbye and travel beyond the physical reach of his arms.  Grandpa snuggles are the best (because they usually include a little pinch)!

On a side note, I had a small break-through while away.  Every time I think about my children growing up and moving on in their lives- my heart breaks a little (OK a lot).  It would seem that life would be so quiet and somewhat empty without their little feets running up and down the hallway. What would Carl and I do?  Would we even know/like each other by that time?  What would we talk about, worry about?  Well, after visiting my aunt and uncle's house...I think I have a better outlook. 

Okay not the best picture, but it will prove my point.  With small children in your house could you ever have this sink in your bathroom?  My kids would probably try eating their cereal out of it! I began looking at the grown-up things all around their house. Not to mention the perfect cleanliness of it. Their carpet was perfect, not a toy to be seen, no papers held up by magnets on their fridge. They had scrapbook upon scrapbook of all their vacations taken together.  There is life after children.  God willing, Carl and I have so much to look forward to.  It was a nice perspective to see the future from.

Looking into my future this week, I see trips to the grocery store, piano lessons, laundry, carpooling, volunteering at school, and if my family is lucky perhaps a bit of cooking.  I'll do my best to enjoy it all!!

The Beginning

First off, I would like everyone to clap for me.  We made it out the door in one piece and on time.

I didn't run over anything while backing out, and I remembered all 3 of my children. (it only took staying up until 1am to make sure everything was ready to go.)  I definitely need to delegate some of those getting ready tasks. "Cringe" when I think about what Emma's version of a lunch might be.

For the last few days Emma has been saying (in a know-it-all tone), "I am not nervous for school at all Mom, I have already been there for 2 years."  So I found it interesting when she showed up in my bedroom this morning at 6:30am fully dressed and ready to go. It was also quite peculiar that she couldn't finish her breakfast.  Ahh, truly she is her mother's daughter.  We went to wake Hannah up and she simply rolled over and pulled the covers back on.  We eventually roused her and she was totally excited.  She sang her ABC's in the car "just to practice."

What about "the bitty" you ask?  Well she and I made our way to The Farmers Market.  We found some yummies and sat together, letting the morning sink in.

I maintained composure for the most part. (thank you Jesus for sunglasses) At one point, as I was blabbing on and on to my only remaining tiny passenger, she put her finger to her lips and said, "mama sssshhhh." Nice, thanks Laurel.  Most of my tears came last night.  My husband was a bit perplexed. He couldn't quiet understand what the big deal was.

When I drove away from the school, I felt like I had left a small piece of me behind in those two classrooms.  It was pretty quiet in the car....

Then the other part of me piped up and said,  "I think I could get used to this."