My Kindergartner is Growing Up Too Fast

I had an "oh oh" moment this morning as I was getting my 5 year old ready for Kindergarten, and it was not a warm fuzzy "oh oh."

I realized that as difficult, emotional, proud, nervous and oh-so sad as I was when my little guy started Kindergarten, it is going to be nothing now as we get ready for him to "graduate" from Kindergarten! I mean, I adapted, even became secure and comfortable with him going every morning from my arms to his "K" teacher's snug embrace. I proudly displayed his paintings, class work, and beamed when I got to enjoy a positive parent-teacher conference.

Oh and the changes I am seeing in my little man are coming so quickly since those first days of school. I am usually so busy with everyday life, that I don't sit and give much pause to how he is growing up and changing right before my watery mommy eyes (I am sure this is more a denial mechanism more than I am 'too busy'), but this morning, I was floored by the realizations and could no longer deny them.

Yes, it hit me. We are nearing the finish line of Kindergarten. Another chapter closing, and another milestone my baby has met, and another leap he will soon be taking as he enters the first grade. FIRST GRADE! All day school. Less 'mommy-needy' and more "I can do it myself!" times ahead. Less running to me after school ready to be hugged and kissed, even in front of the other kids. He will be sad to leave his "K" teacher, I am sure of it. But he will get over it much quicker than will I. I am sure of that too.

Bittersweet mommy moments. Do we ever get used to them? Packing the Sponge Bob backpack with snack and homework and wiping tears away. Motherhood is never going to get easier. Yet, nothing can ever compare to it either.

Yep. Sending my baby off to Kindergarten was tough. Leaving Kindergarten just may be worse. Oh my.

Summer Adventures Missed, Milestones Reached

I have stayed in denial as long as I possibly could. Sigh. My baby starts Kindergarten on Thursday, and my daughter starts...eeek.....Junior High. Double Sigh. I try to comfort myself with the knowledge that my two year old (yes, I say TWO, not Two and a Half, or almost Three...JUST TWO!) will still be home with me. But where the He** has the time gone? How can we be at these milestones already?

If I could flashback in time, I would go back to early summer days when time seems like it will meander along, not fly past like a freight train on a mission. And I would take all the family on a wonderful summer adventure. One where memories are made and treasured. Forget about a new washer, I would happily spend the money for such a dream vacation soaking up precious time with my kids and hubby.

Thanks to Mom Central, I became familiar with www.epicsummer.com and Vail Resorts, and as I read more about the summer adventures they offer, I envisioned my family right there.....enjoying the sun, the water, the fun and the carefree spirit that would undoubtedly envelop us all. No stress, no worries, no deadlines, no 'milestones' waiting to bring tears to my eyes and tugs on my heart. Just pure simple fun and togetherness. I reflected on how many family trips we have put off for work reasons, or simply did not have "time or enough money" to plan. Missed memories. Missed time with my kids. Sigh.

Yes, I have decided, as these precious days I take for granted go through another metamorphosis, that I don't do a good job at prioritizing. In fact, I think I suck at it. Nothing can stop my little guy from heading through the classroom doors come Thursday, with a backpack that is too big, and a nervous smile as he waves goodbye to me...his mommy that will be wearing very dark sunglasses and a watery smile on her face. And my daughter will eagerly albeit nervously, join her friends and proudly enter Junior High on Thursday...not realizing as I do, that she is pulling farther away from me all the time.....and that everyday I become less of a little girl's hero. These things I cannot change.

But there are things I can and will change.

We will spend more time together as a family. We will hike up glorious mountain trails together enjoying nature, we will go horseback riding and go to a real cowboy campfire dinner (omg...my boys would have smiles that would forever last in my mind ....no camera even needed!). I will prioritize better and plan family vacations and adventures. When a little annoying voice in my head tells me that I should save the money for a new washing machine, I will now tell that little voice exactly where it can go. A new appliance can't hug my heart, but memories of wonderful family vacations together can. Will I lay down at night in bed, regretful, knowing I have let precious family time slip out of my hands? Nope. Not again.

On Thursday, I will be sad. No doubt. I will be excited and happy and proud of my kids too. But sadness will rule. But I will remember my new resolve. I will be making the most of each and every day with my children, and planning memories that a family adventure will be bringing us, soon.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Epic Summer and Vail Resorts. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

100 Things To Do With Your Child Before Kindergarten

My four-year-old is just months away from starting the Big "K". And this mommy is having all those mixed feelings about this upcoming milestone.


Overwhelmingly, I'm sad. I'm also excited for him, nervous for us both, and leery of how my two year old will react with big brother gone part of the day.


These two munchkin boys are inseparable-- even if they are mad at each other, they still hang out together!

Anyhoo--I found an interesting list the other day as I cruised my local stops on the blogosphere. Kind of like a wake-up call for me,  as it reminds mommies with up and coming Kindergartners that the (sometimes) idyllic free time that we have with our little ones before school days take over, is fleeting and once-in-a-lifetime.


It is time to treasure and relish.


And do stuff that we may not so easily find the time for once that school bell starts ringing for our little ones.



The list has things on it that we have done already, as most moms with kids probably have done, i.e., carve a pumpkin, go to the zoo, jump on a bed, and practice counting to 100. But there are definitely things on there we haven't done, and now I am planning to, such as grow our own vegetables, paint a self-portrait, and visit a farm.



But what I really liked the most about this list is not so much what they have on there, but that it inspired me to make a list of my own. I am now making my "100 Things To Do With My Kids Before Kindergarten" list--and I am excited about it!



Anyone want to join me and make a list too?