I am sure I am not alone when I say that I cannot contain my excitement that my kids are back in school. I know I shouldn't celebrate but deep down I feel like I should be making special plans. And let’s be clear, it’s not that I don’t love and adore my children but two and a half months of 24/7 is enough to make me rethink being medicated...24/7. As I get older, I crave structure which I hate to admit and would deny to Prince Charming. But having the kids all home staying up late with several friends over, sleeping in and eating six times a day, there hasn't been much sanity in my world.
It has been a summer of learning curves. A teenager that started driving and i now understand why the state requires 80 hours of driving to get a license- she NEEDS at least 80 hours for common sense to kick in with the rules of the road. Plus, the high school parties have taken a turn in direction that now requires undercover skills. The kids are quickly learning that even when they think we won’t find out...WE FIND OUT. Then I think back to my good old days and remember ninety percent of what i got away with and that is when I realize I don’t even know half of what they are really doing. Why did The Almighty not equip teens with a better tool kit for life because I will be the first to admit I was dumb as a bag of bricks in high school...and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in our house. I can’t even write about it because my kids will have something on me. Besides the oldest getting behind the wheel, my little man is turning into a real man. He’s hairy, mouthy, demanding and well, bodily functions aren’t as cute as they were when he was four. He is not the snugly little guy with his scuzzy purple blankie and I have to admit I get choked up just thinking about it. Then, like a slap in the face reality hits when they both start mouthing off and I threaten to run away...they think I am kidding but I have the Four Seasons on speed dial.
But I still have my two little monkeys carrying blankies and insisting on snuggle time . I am lucky that I have “two sets” of babies as everyone reminds me. I definitely take the time to appreciate these younger years with my little ones and try to enjoy the moment with the big ones as I know they will soon be out of the house. So, on our big day back to school we covered the kitchen in flour making gnocchi. I am ready to get back on schedule.
So, what is my plan for this year? I have already set up “Fat Friday’s” with Javie...I signed up for a pottery class...I am planning to attend some lectures at the Art Institute...fabulous food and parties in the city and...WORK. From all of that I should be able to supply a few tales.
