Don’t Blink

We are coming up on the end of the school year and while I am thrilled to get a break from waking up my beastly teenagers daily for the inevitable fight over what they are trying to leave the house in, I am a little sad.

It hit me Monday. We had our annual band banquet. It was my oldest’s fourth since she started marching in 8^th grade. For most of the kids she started marching with, it was their last. Her friends are leaving-moving onto college, military, or whatever real world activity their heart desires. It was bittersweet. I am so proud of all the kids and have grown ridiculously attached to a handful of parents that have become my friends over the last few years. We have bonded over games, competitions, parades, and the gazillion volunteer activities that we tirelessly participate in for our kiddos. We are coming up fast on the end of a major chapter.

This time next year, it will be my kid that is preparing the leave the nest. That kid that just started to drive alone in January. That kid that I had to teach how to put gas in her tank. The kid that has to be told periodically to take her clothes downstairs to get washed. The girl that procrastinates on every single project. The kid that is one of my favorite people in the world….

Over the next couple of months, we are going to go visit the two schools which appear to be the best option for going away to school. We have fourteen months until she spreads her wings. There is a lot of planning and prepping that will need to take place.

It seems like only yesterday that I was sending her off to preschool. Now, we are looking seriously at colleges and preparing for senior year. Don’t blink, people. They do not stay little long.

Vacation Brain

The struggle is real lately. I am itching for a break and my vacation is not coming fast enough-23 days, but who is counting? Haha.

For real, though. I don’t think I have ever wanted a vacation so bad. My senior year at Liberty has taken its toll and work has been stressful. My kids are pretty much the same way. My younger daughter is especially excited to go. The first year of high school has been trying.

So what are we doing? Shopping. Too much shopping. On the plus side, most of it is actually needed. We purchased swimsuits last week. I found a cute towel yesterday. Last night, I purchased luggage for my younger daughter-she needed a set anyway since she will be going to Europe next year and it was an early bday gift. I think the only other thing I need to buy is sunscreen and a lot of it with two redheads travelling!

I have also arranged for my dogs to be boarded and the guinea pig to be watched.

We are leaving the day prior to leaving port to break it up-gotta figure out where we are staying or if we are winging it as far as hotels go.

I am starting to do mental lists. I want a massage and pedi before we leave if I can swing it. I am creating a list for my outfits because, you know, gotta look good. Need a master packing list.

Otherwise, I am just a girl sitting at my desk, daydreaming about laying in the sun, listening to the waves, and not having any access to cell phones, email, or social media.