We were getting ready for school yesterday and, honestly, it was like herding turtles. We haven't been back in school long enough yet to have our routine running like a well-oiled machine. Children's spirits were dragging, and frustration was thick in the air as they stuffed their backpacks and fought with their shoelaces.
One child was lagging behind the others, and as she rushed through the door to join her sisters I could hear her mumble under her breath, "I don't know why I have to go to school when I'm never leaving home anyway."
I'll admit that the door was closed and my husband was already driving towards the school by the time the magnitude of that statement finally hit me.
Should I laugh?
You think you're never leaving home? I'm already planning my retirement and it does NOT include the four of you kids hanging around my house and raiding the refrigerator while I do endless loads of laundry.
Should I cry?I can still remember sleeping on the couch when my eldest child was a wee infant. I would prop myself up on the pillows so that I could sleep comfortably with her nestled on my chest, and it seems like only yesterday. Tomorrow will surely come too soon.
I guess I'll laugh at the moment, treasure the present, and hope for the future. I just can't decide whether or not I'm hoping that that they'll live with me forever.
15 comments:
Oh, these kids. Living in puuuuure oblivion! Poonch told Hubby that she wants to live with us forever, in our current house, even when she gets married. Hubby almost had a heart attack. Little do they know we are putting the house on the market the day Chuckles leaves for college and getting the heck out of Dodge! Kidding...
But, I guess I (and I'm guessing you, too) would rather have kids who want to stay than kids who are counting down the days til they are outta here. Wait. Did I just say that?
I know what you are saying here. I have little ones still but I wait for the day they will be independant, and yet I dont really want them to stop needing me. Its bittersweet.
Herding turtles! Hahaha! That's the best one I've heard in a long time!!
Good post!
So, was it meant as a threat to you?
Give a sweet sigh of relief for now that they are not home...then cry later when you realize they are big enough to go away for a few hours.
In our house we refer to it as herding cats.
Gibby: Funny that you mention this! I've said on more than one occasion that the door won't have closed completely behind the last child and I'll already have the "For Sale" sign out front!
Debbie: Eh, I don't think it was a threat. They're all still in elementary school and think that they have the greatest parents in the world. She really thinks/wants to live with us forever. In another couple of years... then it'll be a threat!
U.P.: Herding cats! Very descriptive ;)
I was very taken by "herding turtles" as well. That's EXACTLY what it feels like trying to get them off to school! Brilliant, KB!
I bet she'll change her mind once she sees all her friends living on their own and being their own bosses and such. In the meantime, it's sweet that you have made such a nice nest for your birdies that they want to stay in it, don't you think? :)
Oh my gosh - now there's a statement that would strike fear into the heart of ANY parent!
Welcome to SITS - so happy to have you join us!
That would make me nervous!
I came by to Welcome you to SITS!
It's great to have you as part of the SITStahood!
Hate to break it to ya, KB, but my 26-year-old brother still lives with my parents.
Breathe deeply...
I would only cry on the days they were being sweet angels but since that NEVER happens I would laugh and say, you just wait kiddo!
Oh that is too funny.
My youngest used to joke that she didn't need to go to college because she planned on marrying a rich guy. Funny coming from a 12-year-old (she's 13 now) but disconcerting at the same time!
Welcome to the SITS group!
yeeeeah...I think the tune changes around 13 and then back again mid-twenties. Fingers crossed!
I'm weird, I kinda want my kids to stay with me (surely by then they'll be able to help with the laundry, right?).
Actually, my daughter has promised I can live with HER when she grows up. I'm getting that in writing soon.
Welcome to the SITS community
LOL I think every kid threatens that. Except my brother has made good on the threat and can't believe he has to pay rent. If only my mortgage was so low
Post a Comment