school? already?

Filed under: Kids, around the house — admin at 3:31 pm on Wednesday, August 20, 2008


So school started this morning and we had to take our traditional “first day shot”. We had a half day which is fine, but I think it’s cruel for us to have to all wake up so early and then be tired for the rest of the day! Oh well.

Ellie is in the 5th grade and will soon turn 10 (this Friday, actually). She totally “gets school” and was less than thrilled of the routine, homework and early mornings. Simon on the other hand, was saying all day yesterday: “Today is not ending soon enough- I can’t wait for school and to see my friends!”. I’m imagining this school year we will experience a wide range of emotions and stresses.

Hate to break this to you, if you have young kids, as your children get older it gets more challenging! This summer, I concluded that I will not always be popular with my kids. Sure, as they were young I had no problems with setting boundaries and disciplining, but now we have added the foot stomp, rolled eyes and slamming of the doors. Geesh. At least I have Penelope that STILL thinks I am the best. (By the way, she is missing from the photos because of a sleepover she had with a favorite Nana.)

Anyway, I am happy to say that when it comes down to it- I am so grateful for these two kids and all their quarrels, crabbiness and back talk. They really are so great to be with…I mean, aren’t we all raising our kids so that we will enjoy them even more as adults? It’s even better when those around you enjoy their company as well- I suppose my unpopularity has paid off in this household.

It’s so nice to post again. Hopefully I will find a rhythm to my day that will include this blog.

8 Comments »

Comment by Mimi

August 20, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

Prayers for a lovely school year!

Comment by Kimberly Lennert

August 20, 2008 @ 6:57 pm

So cute, but growing up so fast!
I have a 23 month old that would roll her eyes if she could…..a bit sad that independence comes so quickly!

Comment by erin

August 20, 2008 @ 9:14 pm

we have foot stomps too!

your kids look great - hope they had a great day!

Comment by Randi

August 21, 2008 @ 9:11 am

My oldest is 20, so I know what you mean about the popularity of the younger years. The older they get, the more they spread their wings and try to do things on their own–their way–and that is technically the way it should be. Now easy for a mama to let go though.

Cute pics of you and the kids!

Comment by leslie

August 22, 2008 @ 5:36 pm

loved this post, you said it so well. my oldest is 8 1/2 and gets frustrated with me as well. it’s hard to stay focused and firm. my mom used to say to me the highest compliment to her was when other people liked having us (me and my brother) around as kids, she never heard anyone say, “there goes those bratty kids” i think she is so right! our kids still love us, we need to be strong, even if we are unpopular sometimes. thanks for sharing!!!

Comment by Abuelo (Poppa)

August 23, 2008 @ 12:00 am

Our three kids are now 58, 56 and 53. We can’t be more thankful that over all these years it has been marvelous to have them show up, at any time or place. This started when they were 6, 4, and 3 or before. How we love our kids. People like Carol’s mother-in-law.

Comment by Abuelo (Poppa)

August 23, 2008 @ 12:01 am

Our three kids are now 58, 56 and 53. We can’t be more thankful that over all these years it has been marvelous to have them show up, at any time or place. This started when they were 6, 4, and 3 or before. How we love our kids. Kids like Carol’s mother-in-law.

Comment by chris gonzales-aden

September 2, 2008 @ 3:09 am

Hey, you guys. Carol, I can always count on you to remind me of the fact in parenting, we are not alone. It is comforting to hear your struggles and to celebrate your victories. I always take comfort in knowing that even though I make them frustrated with my continually asking for help, or for them to be kind to each other, or to stop poking me in the belly when I’m on the phone or some beautiful madness like that (which I know I could never now live without), as I was saying, I take comfort that they know that no matter what, no one, except for God, will ever love them in the way I do and that they can always come to us. and I think, if we can teach them that, and in so doing explain a little of God, We have done well.
much love and prayers,
The G-A’s

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