SimplyMom - Growin' Up: "No More Teachers, No More Books"

Posted by Mary

I officially became a mom 23 years ago last week. Yes, I’ve been doing this a long time – and since the youngest of my brood is only 5, I will continue doing it until I finally get it right (or until I drop dead of exhaustion, whichever comes first).

The quick rundown is this – I have three sons (18, 14 and 11) and two daughters (23 and 5). I love being a mother, and yet there hasn’t been a single day that I thought I got it totally right. Motherhood may be as full with regrets and “would’ve, could’ve” moments as it is with hugs and kisses.

And, of course, this time of year tends to make one reflective. It’s the end of another school year. In the distance, I can hear the bell pealing faintly, and by next Tuesday – when all five of my kids will be out for the summer – it will be ringing so loud it will hurt my ears. In fact, the only thing that will be louder will be the cries of, “I’m so bored!”

Actually, my oldest is out of school, on her own and currently living in Texas. Go figure. I went to school eighteen hours away from home simply to get away from the place. I think she’s doing her own version of the same thing. (I wonder if she noticed that I currently live a grand total of two blocks from the home I grew up in?)

My oldest son is also out of school already. In fact, he’s already registered for his first semester of community college. He won’t be attending his high school graduation (a long, messy story for another time), but he’s waiting for his diploma to come in the mail and diligently seeking a summer job that he can afford to drive to.

The middle child also has a transition this year. He will finish 8th grade on Tuesday and will be entering high school in September. Besides the memories of middle school, he’ll also be leaving behind his younger brother, who will have to ride the school bus alone for the next three years.

My baby girl graduated from preschool – a two year, co-op affair – last month. It was bittersweet for me, as it marks the end of preschool forever for me. Yes, I realize I’ve been doing it since Dukakis ran for president. (And if you’re saying, “Who?” I’m saying, “Exactly.”). Still, endings are always hard, and this one is the true ending of babyhood in my household.

Sigh.

Well, anyway, in the midst of all these transitions, we have a summer to look forward to. In less than a week, I’ll add another title to my resume. “Major Entertainer.” All I need is a way to keep my children engaged for the next three months with minimal financial resources and less than a quarter tank of gas.
Let’s see, school’s out Tuesday….so join me on Wednesday for my first Top Ten list – Ten Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer. Until then, any ideas would be greatly appreciated

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SimplyMom - Growin' Up: "No More Teachers, No More Books"

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