Parenting is all about change

Well, first it is mostly about diaper changes. But it doesn't take long before you see that little lump of a baby developing a personality and from the moment that you realize that change is happening it just keeps going.

One stage is replaced by another and what completely frustrates you to the point of insanity one day will be a distant memory almost before you know it. Of course, something else that is frustrating and annoying will replace it. Never fails.

Today was a big change. Spencer got on that bus with hardly a backward glance.

I am fine. I didn't cry, I really am happy that he is ready. After all, my job as a parent is to make sure he is prepared for the next challenge in his life, whatever that may be. He is confident, he is clever, he is friendly and kind ... I did my job well. There is much still to be done, but I am reveling in the feeling of accomplishment I have for both of us.



I have just over half an hour until all 3 of my boys burst through the door asking for snack and asking if they can go outside to play. In that time I am going to make a list of "Things to do" as I enter this new phase of my life as a mom. I always have a million ideas in the back of my mind so this is a literal brain dump of all of that. At this point I am not pressuring myself to get all of it, or really even most of it, done soon. If I have it written down I can refer back, I can tackle big projects a little at a time, I can put something down and approach a new project, then come back to it. Note to self: this is a long list. DON'T PANIC.

-copy recipes onto index cards and place in album
-paint back of scrap shelves or add cork tiles
-finish door jambs on main floor
-stain trim in basement
-sort and organize photos
-sort and organize family history stuff
-sew bathrobes for kids
-sew table skirts for scrap room
-finish sweatshirt for Mom
-finish sweatshirt for Nancy
-choose photos, have them printed and laminated to create border for hallway
-mail envelope to Sally with Henry's paperwork
-print family group sheets for Aunt Ida to have them proofed and corrected
-write thank you notes for the Ohio trip
-make cards for Sally for her birthday
-sand and re-stain baking cabinet before obtaining solid surface top
-stain hot tub
-stain arbor
-stain front door trim
-stain back door trim
-hang wood blind in family room
-paint hallway
-finish surf painting for kids' room
-finish bedroom curtains
-work on decorating idea book

Okay, that is enough for now. Clearly I have plenty to keep me busy.

And before too long my kiddos will be home so I can hear all about kindergarten and riding the bus.