Celebrating the Every Day

Parenting is living in the past present and future simultaneously. I cannot look at one of my children without seeing them as a baby, they way they are now and also thinking about who they grow to be. So moments, especially milestone moments are etched in my brain as my feelings run deep. Ultimately, this incredible honor of mothering is temporary and permanent. These children are only borrowed, not mine to keep, yet forever first in my heart. They are doing exactly what they are designed to do; grow and love and live independent of me.

Ty scored a much needed win at school this week as he was able to take Max, his robot to class as part of their robotics unit. He wrote a presentation so he would cover several of Max's skills quickly. Watching him prepare for his show and tell highlighted his angst toward school. Friday was the first time in six weeks he didn't cry about going. I know a lot of kids fail to enjoy school but his feelings haven't changed in five years despite being well liked. His emotions have created some challenging moments, to say the least.

Lauren and Taylor had to rehome one of their dogs. After a few years of on-going investment into training and behaviorists, the littermate syndrome became too much for them to navigate safely around Austin. The process was gutwretching for them. However, after a few months of actively seeking the right placement, they drove all night Thursday night to our house so they would be here Friday to allow Cheech's new owner to meet him and take him home. Our animal loving kids are heartbroken. So we spent what little time we had together loving on them and feeding them well. Despite the reason they got to spend two days with us and the thirty-six hours they spent driving to make it happen, we loved seeing them.

Austin had an ear infection upon arrival so we squeezed in a quick appointment and pharmacy run immediately after I got home from school on Friday. No sooner than Greg returned home from work than Erin called with a broken down vehicle again. Unfortunately she too is discovering how much fun "adulting" is usually. But once we had everyone here for dinner, the laughter and chaos were exactly what we all needed. Our tribe is loud and hilarious.

Austin says, "bye you!" when leaving or hanging up the phone. It's his version of,  "bye, I love you". It's adorable and now we all say it.