I walked in early this morning after a night-shift at the Maternity Center. Immediately upon slamming the big gate and entering the front yard - I wondered, "WHAT is that smell?!"
But then it hit me, my keen senses and time&experience-perfected, BadA-detective-mom-skills led me to the obvious conclusion.
The smell of 8th grader.
Whenever you can announce your presence in a building or home, from a great distance, that is winning. When the announcement is made with the scent of manly musk rather than sweaty-armpit-stench, that is winning BIG.
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All seven have begun the new school year, Britt and Paige (plus bonus student) began last Monday.
The fab-five start today!
2015-2016
(UT Southwestern PA Program)
(Two for the price of one!)
(hormones galore!)
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| ("The babies") |
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| With their teacher, Mr. Jimmy - his 5th year teaching them |
We jump for joy that they are once again fully occupied (not staring at electronic devices) and moving forward in their education. We weep in sorrow, knowing the days are long - but the years are short.
We all want to raise them with love, mercy, grace, and the right amount of discipline. None of us want to screw it all up. Before we feel finished with them, they'll be gone.
To all of you sending your small people off into the world today, take time to flail on the ground and scream, maybe cry a bit in the shower ... But then, go treat yourself to a delicious caffeinated beverage and ask someone in the coffee shop to pat you on the back in a congratulatory manner.
This parenting gig is nothing to kid around about. See us pressing on?
We are champions, let us celebrate as such.
