And just like that it's the last day of school! I can believe it, then I can't. When I think back over this school year it was just crazy busy and chaotic at times. I think the biggest difference was that my girl was old enough to play school sports (cross country and basketball) and that added daily practices or games, plus my son's soccer and basketball made it truly nuts at times. I even carpooled for a lot of things, but that doesn't lessen the load of all the scheduling it takes to make it all happen. Not to mention Dr. appts, ortho, playing w/ friends, birthday parties, etc.. It's the life of not so young kids, but not old enough where they are independent. They still need supervision, and my son especially. Lots of it. I do ease up and allow them to go to the park by themselves, go biking on their own, etc. if they wear the watch. It helps in many cases to track and call as needed. I think about how this would all be if I was working my corporate job and I shudder. That's a lot of pressure on one human.
I think they have grown in many ways...not just physical. My daughter is at least 5'6", probably closing in on 5'7"...she's changing from a straight stick to having some curves in her thighs, etc.. She's added probably 10 pounds this year, and it just makes her look more mature. She still wears a 14/16 in kids clothes depending OR an adult XS. Her legs go on for days, but we don't have to worry about finding things to fit because she still wears only leggings for pants, and her adidas black shorts, mostly. Her style is definitely athletic. shorts and tshirts she got from school are her main wardrobe. I did convince her to get a new sundress she could wear for her banquet w/ theater and awards at school. She got an award for High Honor Roll! I had no idea! I am super proud of all that she accomplishes w/ her school work load and all of her extra curriculars. She's managing it really well and I hardly intervene w/ schoolwork. Only to really ask hey, got an email about X test, are you ready? Yup is what I always hear.
My summary of her personality is she's witty, introverted, quiet (at times) but she can "turn it on" when friends are around and chat it up w /the best of them. She's very social when around people, lots of energy, etc. but when she's at home she recharges her battery. She is a bit of a homebody and is content to stay home or play close to home. She rarely asks to go anywhere/shopping, etc.. She can also be independent and will play by herself in her room w/ legos, etc. She has good energy vibes with kids and animals--she saves bugs when they need help, she's also determined and a bit stubborn. She needs to learn things through school of hard knocks. She got a really long scar on her hand now from climbing over a fence I specifically asked her not to. She carries anxiety, of course, which does affect her like worrying/not wanting to let people down so she can overdo it, but she's learning to manage it. I also think she can be serious...you don't find her laughing all the time unless it's outrageously funny. She's been like that since she was a baby. She's not cuddly, but she does want affection on her terms. She is very generous w/ her thank you's to me. She says she loves me daily. I guess she's more free w/ her verbal affection. She also affirms me a lot and says I'm doing a good job. I appreciate that so much and I think I'm lucky to hear it. She's also very artsy and loves crafts. I'm proud of how she acts outside of the house because our neighbors compliment how great she is....in fact she went down to the 4 boys's house and went swimming. The mama texted and said I can send my kids anytime because they were wonderful. That's good to hear and makes me think I'm doing something right! The kids really like her because when she goes out in the cul-de-sac the 4 boys down the street and the 3 grandkids across all run towards her yelling her name. Give her hugs, say they love her. It really is so sweet. In fact, the mom w/ the 4 boys asked if she'd be interested in doing some "mother's helper" and get paid this summer. I think it would be great because she's good at leading activities w/ them like chalk, painting, etc.. We don't always connect and I think have different personalities, but I think we are learning to appreciate our differences.
My son. Dear lord I've created a mini-me in so many ways. To start off, he looks just like me and his personality is very similar. He hasn't hit his growth spurt so he is about 5' tall and very athletic. He's thick--not fat, but just very strong. His legs, especially--which makes him great at soccer. He's obsessed with soccer. Would play it year round if I let him. He loves games of any kind--uno, war, battleship, etc.. the competition is what pulls him in. I was competitive too, but he takes it to another level. He is in perpetual motion....he like to be doing something all the time, makes noise all the time. He is very very persistent when he wants something....I'll have to tell him to stop being a mosquito. For example, he wanted dairy queen. I said no. He spent the next two hours trying all the tricks he had--using humor, drawing pictures, repeatedly asking, getting irritated when I didn't change my mind, etc..he doesn't give up easily. That determination will serve him in the future, however it is not the easiest to parent. He doesn't like to play alone, always wants to play with someone. He has a hard time entertaining himself and always has. He is very affectionate, still sits w/ me most evenings in the rocking chair. He very easily gives hugs, even at school! He is really good at verbalizing his thoughts and emotions....he can be very descriptive. He's very social. He is also sweet and tender when you catch him at the right time. He loves his mama. He constantly provokes his sister.
The two of them look so different and have such different personalities. It keeps me on my toes parenting, that's for dang sure.
We are going to have a full summer ahead....we are finally finally starting the remodel in the kitchen. It's been months and months of planning...potentially adding a bonus room but deciding it was too costly. So, going to re-do the kitchen and either sand or replace the main living flooring. Then refurnish. It's about time. Likely they will start June 2. I've got all the camps lined up similar to last summer....the ones through the school were the ones where you had to sign up w/in seconds or they were gone. It's just strange I know school is out, my son is up front on the couch, but it just feels like any other day after school. I think having them home full time will remind me very quickly. My girl heads to her first camp first week in June. First time going to a sleep away camp. I'm still nervous about it, but im sure it will be a great experience for her.
And me....It's not lost on me that I wrote about everything and everyone else besides me. I've struggled a bit over the last few months w/ the new medication my Dr. gave me so we are trying another one. It's been a few years of trials now and it's not an easy process. A few I can cross off the list for sure. I would just like to have more energy and want to do more things. I've always been better w/ having deadlines, that pushes me into action. But, when I don't....then I just don't. One thing that is an indicator of how I'm feeling is if I'm napping during the day. My exhale time is in the morning when both kids are off to school and I can just fully exhale. If I'm not feeling the best I would then take a nap. It doesn't usually make me feel better, but if I'm doing it more often, I know I need to make some changes.
Something I've been mulling over is what's next for me?? Like, what are my new goals at this stage of my life?? I always had something I've been working towards like highschool, college, grad school, career, having a family, owning homes, etc..and now it's like....now what?? My mini projects have kept my mind going ie. planning and researching about the remodel. It's kept me active and working towards something for a few years....I also still do billing work w/ my sister which mentally is good for me, and good for her. I keep saying after the remodel I'll go back to work....and since it's been a drawn out process, that date keeps getting pushed out farther and farther. My ideal is that I get back into working out in a gym regularly. Although this summer it will be chaos. We won't have a kitchen most of the summer, construction/framing since they will be taking down the fireplace. We are going to travel for 9 days to the midwest to see my brother/sister and then drive to see our cousins....but we are just going to live through it. It's a bit ironic that I've never lived in a place during a remodel.....as much remodeling as I've done over the years.
Here's to the start of a great summer!
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| My Mother's Day menu my son created. He also made banana bread all by himself. I took them up on the No Fight day and it was amazing. |
