Saturday, May 30, 2009

Seniors? really? Or "And Then I Cried All The Way To Work"

When the Kids were a tiny baby, I used to put on Aladdin's "A whole new world" and dance around the house with them. Two Tiny New babies and a whole world of possibilities. Even then I would tear up, knowing that they would grow so fast. But the possiblities? So Endless.


As they grew, I tried to enjoy every moment. Honestly I never wished for them to go back and be small again. As they outgrew baby toys, bath seats, potty chairs, training wheels, bed rails, I chucked it all as fast as I could. I did save 1 crib for that "someday grandchild." But otherwise? Most of it is all gone, on to another family who hopefully used what we no longer needed.


And as they grew, I started taking photos - the First and Last day of school photos. A Must. even when they were 3 in Spain, we took photos. When they were small it was exciting for them. the Middle school years were tough ones - grimacing, grumbling awkward kids, Son trying hard to be taller than Daughter, who had him by 3 inches. How embarassing.

And Every Year? On the First and Last Day of School? I cried. I am excited for them, happy they are growing and learning. Blessed to have wonderful, healthy, outgoing, dynamic kids. But still? I cry.


So Friday after I took their photos and waved them good-bye as they drove themselves to school, I put on Disney's Aladdin soundtrack, sang, "I can show you the world, take you wonder by wonder, over sideways and under on a magic carpet ride. " And? Yep. Cried. Like a baby.

And I hope for them they have seen some of the wonders of the world. Have I given them glimpses of a Magic Carpet Ride? Have I been a good mom? At least sometimes? And I think of the times I yelled at them, or spanked them, or denied them something that really wouldn't have made a difference, or a game I missed, or a concert. Have I been the Mom I thought I could be back in the days of dancing on the lake to Aladdin?
And then I remember the things we've learned, taught, experienced together. The laughter, the joys, the sharing, and I know I've been a pretty good mom. And they are learning and growing and turning into wonderful adults. Not perfect, no none of us are perfect. And how boring would that be anyway?

But my babies can't possibly be Seniors In High School. Or Can they? See for yourself....
























9 comments:

Stephanie said...

What a wonderful post. This is one you should print and keep forever.
MM
I love that song too:)

ChiTown Girl said...

Thanks for my morning cry ;-) This was beautiful.

Myra said...

Your kids are fabulous. You are talking to the person who held her son for the first time and cried because I would only have him for 18 years. It's ok to cry. It's a moment you won't get back, but these two will make you proud for the rest of their lives. Congratulations!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I think it is really hard to be the parent of twins at a time like this--I have a friend whose twins are the same age as MVP and she feels it all happens too fast.

They were good sports for the photos--it looks like he ended up with the height and Cheri is right--she's the spitting image of you.

zelzee said...

I still cry when I think how quick the years flew by!

I was so young when I had my kids, and they didn't come with instructions........so, I may have made a mistake (or many).....but they always knew I loved them more than they could know.

Great pictures, mom........beautiful kids!

Unknown said...

You are a great mom and have raised 2 wonderful and beautiful children. That is something you can always be proud of and no one can ever take that away from you.

Hula Girl at Heart said...

Oh, they grow so fast. I cry every year at the beginning of school, but this year I'm more nostalgic at the end of the school year. I think that's because I already know how fast these last two years of high school are going to go, and then my baby's out the door. Waaaaa.

Beautiful kids. Pat yourself on the back.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

It's crazy how fast it all goes by. My oldest will be a junior in August, and will have his driver's license in two weeks. Unbelievable!
The kids and dogs look great. =)

Matter Of Fact Mommy said...

can't comment... crying...