Transitions

I remember when I was a teen, my dad providing his wisdom during a time of transition and it has always stuck with me (although, I'm pretty sure he got it from someone else...ha!). He told me that the only constant in life is change. And, that is so true! And, sometimes I am completely ok with that and other times I find it SO hard to accept. This time in our life is so full of transitions, from big to little. Some are easy to accept and others I am struggling with. The easiest one lately, was sweet Trip having to transition back from being the center of attention in Wisconsin to the oldest child in our little family. I think he has finally made it back into his role here in our family in Georgia, but he had a rough time at first. He had such a GREAT time with our family in Wisconsin; he did not want to come back. Pitty and Grumpa and the rest of the gang there kept him so busy with fun activities. He swam every day I think, had a movie night, went to the zoo, went to a Mallards baseball game, went to his cousins first birthday party, and got to see all the people we love up there. I'm sure I am forgetting some of the other fun things he did, but he had a blast! It was so hard for him to say goodbye to Pitty after she brought him back home. He tried so hard to keep the tears in, but he just couldn't. It was just so precious. It makes me more happy than I can tell you that he had such a good time and never once got homesick. He was so loved and cared for and he can't wait to get back. Thank you to all of you, especially Pitty and Grumpa for making his visit so memorable. Just wait...Miss Mady Moo is next! :-)

Of course, the really BIG transition for Trip (and the rest of us) is Kindergarten! We found out who Trip's teacher will be today. I am so relieved because one of his friends from the neighborhood, Brennan, is also in his class! His orientation is on Thursday and then he starts next Monday! He is so excited. Today he was telling me about how he is going to be a good listener and that he can't wait to learn to read. He has promised Mady that he will teach her how to read once he learns and that he can start reading to her before bed. That would be great!! It is just such a joy to see his excitement. I just wish some of it would rub off on me. :-) I still cannot believe that my firstborn is finally a kindergartner. I go back and forth between awe at what an amazing little boy he is becoming and sadness that his baby and toddler years are officially over! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it was all an easy walk in the park, but I do miss that sweet, fat baby boy that used to rub my hair and suck his thumb and cuddle up with me every day! At least I still get hugs and kisses from the now tall and skinny boy Trip has become! I know he is going to love kindergarten and he will learn so much and have so many great stories to share each day when he comes home. His adoring baby sister is really going to miss him. I'm not sure what she is going to do with herself. She usually spends her day following him around and doing whatever he is doing, so now I have a feeling she will become my little shadow. At least she likes to help!

This transition to kindergarten would be hard enough by itself, but it is even harder for me because this week I am saying goodbye to one of my sweetest and dearest friends in Peachtree City, Alison Guerard. I've blogged about she and her family (Thomas, Turner and Parker) many times. This weekend they are moving to California for 3 years. Thankfully, they will be returning, But, we are ALL going to miss them while they are gone. Their family is so special to us. Mady even calls Parker and Turner her cousins, I guess because we spend so much time with them. It is going to be so different not having them here to share meals with and play dates on a weekly basis. I am already counting down the days until they get back.

As this summer comes to an end and our new normal begins, I thank God for all the many blessings he has given me. Most importantly a wonderful family and amazing friends!

By the way, the picture at the top is from last night. We took the kids to get "treats" after dinner and this is what they (and the golf cart) looked like when we got home. A MESS! We had to hose them off in their underwear in the front yard. Are we white trash or what! :-)