Wordless Wednesday: Back to School

My not-so-little 2nd Grader and Kindergartener ...

Dizzle, Kindergarten vs. 2nd Grade

Doodle, Preschool vs. Kindergarten

 They grow up way too fast ...

30 ...

I remember when my mother turned 30. I was six at the time and my dad threw her a surprise party that he said he told me about prior to the event. I have zero recollection of having this knowledge. But, I was pretty proud of myself for not spoiling the surprise.

What I do remember, however, is that my mom didn't want to turn 30. In fact, I think we bought her cards that said, "Happy 29th Birthday", until she was 40. I never really understood why she, or numerous other women, had issue with closing out their 20's. I was just always told, "When you get there you'll understand."

Thing is, I still don't.

I've always been a Honey Badger. Even at 7 months old.

Now, don't get me wrong, my 20's were pretty spectacular.

I met and married J. We bought our first, second and third homes. We had three beautiful daughters. I found my passion for fitness. I appeared on the pages of Runner's World with Dizzle and Doodle. I grew stronger both inside and out. All in all, I've had a million magical moments over the past decade.

But, today, on my 30th birthday, I'm still not sad to see my 20's go. Instead, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead and if that means that I have to add one year or 10 years to find out what's in store, I'm eager to do that. I want to continue to grow. To improve who I am and who I can be.

Making 30 look good ...

Trust me, I'm getting better with age.

last time ...

When my father passed away, everyone was at home. Odd, considering that both my younger sister and I were in college at the time. In fact, it happened right before summer - the first summer I wasn't going to be living at home. But, in some twist of fate, the previous tenants of the apartment I was renting couldn't be out by their move date, so they split the month with me. They stayed in the apartment and I went home (since I still had that ability).

With that, my two roommates and I headed to my parent's house for a few days. And on the second day of our visit, it happened. My father unexpectantly passed of a cardiac event in his sleep.

I don't think this is coincidence. I was supposed to be there. I was supposed to be the one making those dreaded calls to our family members. Not the one receiving it.

From that moment on, I have never questioned fate. I have never left angry. And I have never ended an interaction with the people I love, whether over the phone or face-to-face, without saying, "I love you." It's too important not to. I want the people who matter to me to know that they matter to me. Because if nothing else, you never know if it is the last time you will get the chance to tell them.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's because we're closing a chapter in our lives. Maybe it's because someone else is. Maybe it's because I crashed my bike and it could have ended so much worse. Maybe I just needed a reminder. Who knows?

The reason doesn't really matter. All that matters is that the message is clear ...

doing my work ...

So, the girls have these chalkboard circles on the wall that they can write on. They are a super great invention. The girls love them. They were really cheap. And they are totally removable. Overall, an excellent investment.

This afternoon, Doodle was drawing on them. After a few minutes of not paying attention to her, I turned around to find her standing on her IKEA stool (another great investment, by the way). I told her get down. But rather than listening, she turned to me and said,"Mom! I'm just doing my work. I too small to reach. I have to stand on my stool."

OK, Doodle. You don't want to listen to me? Then go ahead and "do your work." But, don't come crying to me when you break your arm. I promise, all you'll get from me is a big fat "I told you so."

sisterly love ...

Last night, we attempted Dizzle's first sleepover. She didn't quite make it through the night, but she had fun and even regretted coming home just minutes after getting back. I really think that had she been willing to talk to me before coming home, she probably would have stayed. But, you know those four year olds, always thinking they know best.

But this failed attempt at a sleepover did teach us some things. First, four years old may be too young to sleep in an unfamiliar place without your mom and dad. Second, you should always tell the host parent any important information about your child that you may regret not mentioning later. For us, it was that Dizzle CANNOT take a bath with bubbles or bar soap. It's an instant ticket to a UTI, which we found out this morning. And third, I finally learned how much my girls love each other.

Usually, Dizzle and Doodle are at each other's throats, in an endearing, you're my best friend kind of way (if that's even possible). But, yesterday, when we dropped off Dizzle, I got to witness how Doodle really feels about her. After a mini tantrum of cupcake throwing (don't ask), I got Doodle in the car and she instantly broke into tears. I asked her what was wrong and she just kept repeating, "I need Dizzle. I need her." It broke my heart. So, in an attempt to get her to calm down, I let Doodle call Dizzle, at which point she repeatedly told Dizzle that she "needed her." (In my wildest dreams, Dizzle was responding with, "I need you too!", but let's be honest, that's highly unlikely.) Anyway, Doodle told Dizzle she loved her, that she would see her in the morning and hung up the phone. Doodle was still crying. And I was too, because for the first time I really understood how lucky they are to have each other.