Today we were on our new “fall” schedule in earnest. I use the term “fall” loosely because there’s nothing remotely related to fall in August in Georgia. (97 degrees people.) Except for the fact that all of the schools have started. There is that.
Today was “divide and conquer” day. As in, if the Fella were deployed, I’d need a clone to get it all done. But he’s not, so we each took a little and headed out in opposite directions. We didn’t even all eat together tonight. That is important to us, so it’s rare for us not to eat supper together. Very different. Very hard to wrap my feelings around it. I like to be where my children are, a spectator and cheerleader when possible and appropriate, a quiet support when not. So today was…..
different. Have I mentioned that already?
The Fella and Cooter went to eat (because of our hectic schedules on Monday, it is unofficially our “pickup supper” night). Then they headed to swim lessons. Since our Princess made the swim team last month, Cooter wants to try his best and see where he lands (or swims–ha). He will take classes for this lesson period, and we’ll let him decide if he wants to continue after. This is all him–we have no pressure or expectations.
After stuffing the Princess with yogurt and having her grab a couple of healthy snacks and water for the car, she and I headed to her dance and gymnastics classes. She loves it there. And we love the people there too. It’s a great experience for her. I used to wonder at parents who over-scheduled their children. Now my girl is in dance, gymnastics and swim team. Ahem. Be careful what you judge, my friend–yeah, you just never know. I’m hoping that, since we are at home for school during the days and have little to no other commitments right now, this will be a stress free, really great year for us all.
Check with me again in May.
Yeah. I’ll let you know.
After her classes were over, we did a run-in at the grocery store–I was out of Granny Smith apples, and that’s my usual bednight snack, so we HAD to stop for those. Then we did our drive thru routine (minus food for the boys) and headed home.
All out of order. Feeling rather wonky at how different it all was today–and will be for a few weeks.
And then we got home. Cooter came and met us and our grocery bags and supper bags and dance bags at the door.
“Hey!” Oh that toothless grin. (He lost another yesterday, just came up and handed it to me with a smile and a hug and then ran off to play. Bless him.) I will never tire of it. “Guess whose group I’m in at swimming?”
“Who?” our Princess asked quickly, as she dropped her bags. (I had the apples, thank goodness.)
He told us the name of the male instructor our Princess had this summer. He teaches the students at the other end of the pool. This is a huge deal, y’all.
“What?!” she squealed, hugging her brother. “That is awesome!”
The light in that boy’s eyes. Oh me. He was so happy. And to have his sister celebrate with him…..good stuff right there. The best.
As we moved to the kitchen and our Princess pulled out her supper and began eating, Cooter said, “Sooo, how was dance? Who was there? Did you have fun?”
I was putting things away in the kitchen with my back to him, but it straight tickled me. To hear him asking his sister these questions, it was like hearing an echo from the past. The questions I’ve asked over and over through the years. They are listening, y’all, never doubt. More than we know.
After baths and things started settling down, Cooter came in and called his big sister away at college. He wanted to tell her too. I could hear her excitement three feet away from the phone. Sharing the joy. I love it.
Tonight I am thankful that even when things get all wonky and out of sorts and far away from my comfort zone, there are things that stay the same and remind me how wonderful family is.
hugs and high fives between brothers and sisters
compassionate, tender hearts
voices squealing in excitement
caring questions of genuine interest
giggles and dreams shared
That’s the really good stuff in life. The stuff that makes heading back out there into the unknown just a little easier.
Here’s to comfort when things get wonky. May you all have a bit of that right when you need it most.
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 