Oh NO! Say it isn't so...

Today I realized that I have only four more days left. Four full 24-hour days left with my kiddos until they return to school. Now, don't get me wrong, I will miss my daughter too, but she's in high school and she's rarely here anyway. But my baby boy. My baby boy who is mommy's boy. He is starting 3rd grade in 4 days.

I don't do back to school well. Not at all. I'm always the mom who is crying so hard that she's doing that hyperventilating thing. I cry for hours after I drop him off. It's a nightmare. I really really miss him when he's at school. And ya know what? He misses me too.

Now, maybe it's because I have one that's almost 19 and one that is 15. Maybe it's because I had him after I turned 30 and I had lost all those images of perfect children, happy house, ya know kinda Leave it To Beaver, Ozzie and Harriet, The Brady Bunch...(you get the picture). I had already realized that babies grow so fast and your house will always be dirty or clean. You will always have "stuff to do", but babies don't keep. So, I really loved on him. He and I can laugh and talk all day long. He's a sweet, special boy. (yes, my other kids are wonderful too)

So, the summer is over (almost) and it's time to let my children go back to their private worlds.

It's time to remember that all papers come home on Monday and must be returned on Wednesday (not on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or any other day). It's time for homework and lunchboxes, backpacks and field trips. Early to bed and early to rise. UGH.

Thomas and I will survive our time apart, but I wish I could stop time for just a while longer. Gosh I would love just a little more time to hang out with him. (deep sigh, wiping tears)

There is one dreadful situation that has already reared it's ugly head, but I'm standing my ground. I'm saying NO. I will NOT volunteer. I will NOT be a chairperson. I will NOT over-commit. And even worse, I will NOT be a room mom. After dealing with these women last year I have vowed never ever to do that again. It's a nightmare I tell ya. Of course, I was hunted down like a stalked prey while I was at the school on Monday. They with all their sweet talk and sugary promises. Oh will you be a room mom??? So, I was blunt and spoke my mind. My teen daughter was shocked, appalled, and embarrassed, but perhaps she learned a valuable lesson. I told the woman, " you can put down my name and number and contact me when you know who the other "women" will be, but there are certain people that I will not ever work with again. After 15 years of being a room mom, I can honestly tell you that until my youngest one began school I never ever had a moment of tension as a room mom. There are some women that should not be permitted to participate in this, not ever.". She said she completely understood and took my information.

Yup, I was probably rude, but I think it's important to be truthful. It's important to learn to say NO. It's important to know your limitations and learn from past experiences.

So, you can know that over the next 4 days I will be spending quality time with my children. I will preparing myself for that dreaded Tuesday morning when you see all the moms and dads (500 kids in the school and yes, moms AND dads always go to school on the first day) walking with their little precious children and hand them over to their teacher for the next 9.5 months. I will be praying, crying, and desperately trying to hold on to something as I walk back into my empty, quiet home.