Smiles, laughs & sweet days

I had a nostalgic walk through Avent Park today. This is the park where we celebrated Emma turning 4 with a Strawberry Shortcake party. Its the same park where my children held hands with friends and played hide and seek. And it's the same park where they perfected jumping out of a swing-oh the adventures of childhood! My littles are grown. The places I find wonder and amazement in them have changed. Like when your oldest moves to the city.

It's a new level to see your children realizing their hopes and dreams. Hang on tight Mama...the ride only gets more exciting and you can just breathe and smile when they invite you along for the ride. Always go. Sometimes you won't be invited to the movie (I cried) or the Sr. trip (I thanked God). When I shared with my children I was adding to the blog their responses were varied and unguarded. As we looked at the old posts my son said, "Mom, it's been a decade." My middle child responded, "I think it's great for you Mom. You would like that." And my oldest said, "If you quote me, make sure it's right." We had a lively talk in the den about platforms and new options--I touched on this discussion in my 'Muffin Likes to Visit' post. I was surprised at how engaged my children were about me blogging again. I'm guessing they hoped something would be done with all my Notes and scribbles.They've seen me write for years. Look for the common ground, and don't be surprised when you're challenged if you sought to raise an independent thinker. And always, always be grateful when they pickup the phone for Mom, right? Next blog, the venue moves from the park to the vape store. Today I'll leave you with the promise that as your littles turn big you will enjoy many more smiles, laughs and sweet days.

Glory Days

I hope you have fun this summer! I hope you get to relive some of your glory days with people who make you laugh the loudest. Whether your glory days were spent cruising McDonald's, hanging out the sunroof of a Supra; or piled up in a dorm room writing letters to the editor. It's the bond, the togetherness, the physical closeness and shared experience that sustain us. And may you have many more unscripted glory days! Everyone breathe. _

"Muffin Likes To Visit"

 "Muffin likes to visit," was written in the Comments section of my 1st grade report card. Mrs. Rebecca Kummer, stalwart of the First Baptist Church, noted my delight in talking with classmates. My classroom included a row of windows on the north side and is visible from Main Street. Watching my own children conclude a school year brings back good memories of school days in Franklin, Kentucky.

Mrs. Kummer was always dressed in a skirt, often a suit, and wore nude hose. Let me remind everyone that 70's hose were fierce. Thank you Kardashians for revitalizing shapewear. Mrs. Kummer's jewelry was 'sparkly' to me, yet as I reflect it was understated and professional. She read one verse to us from an enormous Bible each morning, and each morning we pledged allegiance to the flag. Remember the reading groups, math sheets and SRA?? 

The rhythms of the school year provide predictability. The END of the school year makes Mamas (and grandmothers, aunts, cousins and friends) frazzled. It's that crescendo of excitement that summer is approaching, don't ya think? And the celebration of graduates, of course. The shared experiences of the end of school--field days, award ceremonies, all the 'lasts' that mark milestone years.  Mrs. Kummer did not run down the hall with her hair on fire but I know plenty of people who could! We're all ready to exhale. Summer break has arrived. I still like to visit. When I told my children I planned to add to the blog they questioned my platform. "Does anyone even know how to find you?"  "Mom, is that one outdated?" The questions were valid but I'm continuing what I started...a place to share. A place to visit. An interchange of ideas. I'll be here. You'll know it's me. No fakes allowed. Everyone breathe. #IYKYK