It's the weekend before school starts around here, and you know what that means: a last minute scramble to organize ourselves, get haircuts and make sure we have ziplocks for sandwiches. A look around will tell you that we have a ways to go before the schoolbus pulls up on Monday morning.
For some reason, I am struck with joy and hopefulness at the thought of getting back to a somewhat regular schedule. Maybe it's just that I'm a little tired from the late nights that teenagers like to keep. Even when all my kids were small, it seemed so much more difficult to get into bed at a decent time during the summer months. They always seemed to bounce off the walls until the wee hours no matter what.
Some of you gals had your school supplies purchased WEEKS ago, and took advantage of the summer sales to get your kids outfitted for a new year. I applaud you! But that's not how it went around here. I still need to make a stop at WalMart for a few last-minute items....like THE ENTIRE SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST. I just know there won't be any 12 x 18 inch packages of Manilla paper left. That's usually the first thing that runs out and since I am shopping this late in the game, I have little hope to find any, anywhere. Maybe if I throw in an extra box of tissues no one will notice.
In the midst of my planning and list-making, I just had to stop and enjoy the moment. Elle (20), Robert (son in law), and Em (19) all came over to spend the night and it's been great. Elle, Em and G.T. are watching the final episode of LOST--a fitting way to round out the summer. As I walk from the office, and through the breezeway to open the glass door, I can see them huddled on the couch around the laptop screen, just waiting for the cliffhanger ending of the show.
Man, that's cute!
We've come a long way from the sippy cups and "shoes on wrong" but my view from the front porch looking in is still the same. I love seeing those kids, mostly grown now, and remembering all the good times we've had together. I love to see them goof around and even bug each other (until it gets on my nerves) and just be kids. The world outside can be so harsh and complicated, but in here, its really pretty simple.
We're a family.
Oh, you KNOW we have our days. The ones where it's hard to get along and life knocks the stuffing out of us. But do you know what I mean? When you see things like those heads squished together and their bodies all flopped over each other and their tan summer skin and their ice cream bowls all over the place, you just gotta love it.
It's a great view.
