Déjà vu is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously (an individual feels as though an event has already happened or has happened in the recent past)Source: WikipediaIt has been a few years since we have felt "responsible" for the daily doings + goings on of our kids. They have all (including our youngest still at home) graduated to almost 100% independence in their daily life. The things they "need" us for may be unrelated, sporadic, and unplanned. Maybe as an occasional "sounding board"; or offering random bits of advice..(not too often asked for tho..lol)...or the (needed by me) kiss and hug when I catch them/see them.
They know waaaay more about what's going on in their day than we do.
This week we have stepped back in time...with a real sense of deja vu.
Getting kids off to school; making sure they are fed; lunches packed;..planning pick up's and drop off's...making sure supper is ready before evening activities;....it simultaneously seems like yesterday and yet eons ago that we managed these aspects of their lives.
It's a shock to remember just how busy you were in those days!
But, yet SO very different experiencing it all over again. With our incredibly adorable nieces and nephew, we are appreciating all these little tasks that we were too busy to reflect on way back when. I guess that is what will be so amazing about being a grandparent some day. Once you step away from the day to day involvement...every aspect of "borrowed parenthood" (when you step back IN) becomes a rediscovered moment to treasure.
And
oh-so-fun when you know it's for only 8 days :0)
Our day started at 6:30 this morning with a cheery 7th grader who has to be the nicest and most helpful 13 year old in the state. After chatting over coffee (us) and breakfast (Sophie) we waved goodbye and prepared for Round 2.
We were very impressed with two more kids who GET UP ON TIME (ahem) to get dressed, eat breakfast, make their own lunch, and have time to PLAY before school!
Wow.
Off they go,
walking (isn't that cool?) to school with their neighbor.
Once the house got strangely quiet, Jim caught up on emails.
We left the house soon after to run a few errands and stock up on groceries.
I shouted "STOP" when I saw Hobby Lobby.
Can't pass up checking out a craft store, now can I?
Costco with Mom and Jim was the next stop.
I am jealous of their Costco. Lots more stuff than ours.
Home again to start dinner...It had to be ready to eat at 4.
Made a big pot full of homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs. Yum.
Next activity was getting Paris off to Dance for a full costume photo shoot.
Huge thanks to Kim (friend of Erin) and daughters (friends of Sophie and Paris)
who helped Paris with hair and makeup.
Meanwhile, Chaz is doing what boys do... :0)
And Mom is figuring out her new knitting project...
And Jim, as my sous chef, is handling pasta duties...
Almost ready......
You know what they say about the Midwest?...that people are so friendly, giving and sweet?
All true.
Jim loves to tease Sophie, but we don't know what we would do without her.
Next up was the drop-off...and a couple hrs later..the pick up.
Erin, thank you for having our days so organized for us..it helps us "rusty" parents
out so very much.
And the stack of menus is a tantalizing bonus.....
Having lots and lots of fun.....we can't wait to experience deja vu tomorrow too :)
Relaxing on the couch...
Signs of spring on a long walk around the neighborhood...
We walked Paris to a friend's house and she was greeted by Spud, their Boston Terrier....
Sophie getting ready for her Volleyball Tournament...
Bob's friend Dave brought us over the most delicious pizza's EVER.
Jim and I and Paris and Chaz began a series of games after supper--
Next up: Arm wrestling with Chaz...
Then Yahtzee....
Sophie FINALLY arrived back home about 9:30pm....8 1/2 hrs after she had left this afternoon.
Love you guys....see you in a few hours :)
