Good-bye Summer

Another summer holiday is rushing to a close. School supplies are purchased, runners labeled, and lunch kits all shiny and new line the counter.

Are you familiar with that commercial where a mother gleefully skips through a store, shopping cart overflowing with school supplies? The one that's set to the tune of, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I can relate to this joyous outburst, but honestly I would like a few more weeks with my daughters.

Listen, this doesn’t mean I think I’m The Mother Teresa of Mothers.

I am far from perfect and nowhere in my DNA is there a strand of Endless Patience. Trust me. When I lose my temper my eyes roll to the back of my head, and I channel my Scary Mommy Voice – deep, gravelly, and take-no-prisoners serious.

But we Carmichaels were just getting into a routine. A lovely balance of beach days, home days, play dates with long lost friends, lazy days, adventure days, stay-in-your-jammies- all-day days, – minimal stress and maximum enjoyment. No work and all fun.

evrythingclosetomyheart.blogspot.com

Hmm. Wait a second. I think we have been simulating my dreams of retirement this summer!

There is no way I can take my kids into retirement with me. They have too much life ahead of them; too many firsts that I’ve experienced and have led to my retirement dreams. Boyfriends, driving, university, jobs, apartments, marriage, and babies.

Gulp. My babies having babies – that’s going too far.

Maybe the next best step to focus on, the one that won’t give me heart palpitations, is back to school – this year.

I’ll be sending them off with less outward elation than the t.v. mom. I’ll focus more on my excitement for them as they begin another year - wishing for them happy days full of learning, friendships, and success. I’ll be ready with milk and cookies when they return home, eager to hear about the trials and tribulations of each and every day.

itsatradition.com

Now that makes me want to sing, 
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”