Motherhood

I've come to a realization. I've struggled so much with feeling like a failure as a mother because my house isn't spotless (or nice) and I don't cook very often. I recently realized that being a homemaker (cooking and cleaning) really has nothing to do with being a good mother. In fact, you can be a good homemaker but still be a lousy mother. So I figure if I have to be lousy at something, it's probably better to slack off in the homemaking department, right? ☺ So, my goal is [and has always been] to raise happy, well-behaved, healthy children. That's something I can focus on. And that goal is independant of my goal to have a neat, orderly home, and independant of my goal to cook meals every day.

And Here We Go!!!

We did it!! I just dropped Debbie off for her first day of kindergarten, and I DIDN'T EVEN CRY!!! She, of course, was a champ. Walked right in and put her backpack on the hook. Although, as I was walking out the door she did begin to look a little overwhelmed with all the chaos [all the other parents were there too, so it was pretty chaotic], but there were no tears and she definitely did not want me to stay. She was totally ready. Poor Isaac though. When I got home and picked him and Cosette up from the babysitter he immediately asked me, "Is it time to go get my backpack now?" And he wants to go school shopping now too and he keeps asking who his teacher is going to be. This might take some adjusting. But you can't blame him, Debbie has ALWAYS been there, they have always been together, so this will take some getting used to.

I'll tell you what though, things sure are quiet around here right now... ☺

A Gem

Chad took this picture the other day...

Yup, that's my son. Sound asleep and picking his nose. So proud. :)

The Dentist, YUCK!

Debbie had a dentist appointment this morning. She had seven cavities (yes, we're going to start flossing now) and they were going to fill 4 of them and she did GREAT!!! I was so proud of her! She quietly giggled and responded well to everything they said and did. And she only winced a little when they gave her the shots of Novocaine. She was so BRAVE!! A lot braver than I ever am. I was sitting in the corner with my stomach in knots watching her laying there in the big chair looking so little and helpless, and she was calm and cool and relaxed and took it all in stride. So amazing!!!

Almost Ready

Debbie is going to Kindergarten this fall. I am not handling it well. Not at all.

What if she can't find her classroom? Do I have to walk her into her classroom everyday? That will be hard because I'll have two younger ones to deal with!

How do I pick her up? She's so little, will she recognize the van?

What if kids are mean to her? That will break my heart.

What if her teacher is mean to her? That will break my heart even more!

What if I can't do my part as her parent? Can't do the volunteering and such that will be required?

I'm going to be so tied down, no more freedom. This is the start of at least 16 years of me having to be somewhere at certain times m-f. Always. No impromptu trips up to see grandma or family...

Yes, I'm freaking out pretty good over this. She's almost all ready, thanks to her grandma Westerson and Aunt Michelle. Grandma sent Michelle some money and the above picture shows all that Michelle was able to get with that money. She's a shopping Genie!! So Debbie's all ready for school, she's excited and psyched to go. It's just her mama that's having issues!! Aaagh!