Sunday, August 10, 2008

Going back to school.

So the children start school tomorrow. Fifth grade. The big time.

Well, for them it's the big time. They will be the oldest kids in the school. This will be the last year of recess. The last year of school during which they will stay in the same classroom all day. The last year of school that doesn't include things like school dances and acne. Or at least I hope it doesn't include acne.

They are growing up.

I have trouble thinking of them as any older than they are right now, today. I've always had problems with that, I suppose. When they were three I couldn't imagine them being older than three. When they are twenty, I imagine it will be hard to see them as adults, instead of kids.

It's amazing to me sometimes when I think about their lives and everything cool they have done. How far they've come from being tiny infants in incubators in an intensive care unit. How confident and strong they are. How they walk in, make friends, take risks, and do all these things that I couldn't have imagined doing at age ten.

I am amazed, often, at how someone who is as frustrated, needy, and awkward as myself can raise two people who are bright, independent, and...dare I say it? Normal.



Being normal is pretty awesome, y'all. Even if I only get to experience it by proxy.

13 comments:

Kiki said...

I do that too. I have a nephew who just turned 11 and I still remember with great clarity the day he was born. Every time I look at him or have a conversation with him I am amazed that I used to walk around the house with him in my arms and sing him crazy made up songs. I don't know if I will ever be able to treat him like an adult... even on his wedding day. He will always be my baby.

Suzy said...

Sometimes we teach what we have to learn.

And I stole your Blogoversary button so there.

Angie said...

HEY--whoo hoo for fifth grade!!! I hope they have an awesome year. And, I can only PRAY that they'll come home with all sorts of stories about the other (ahem) children in their class(es).

Angie said...

Oops, forgot to mention. . .I tagged you in a meme.

Anonymous said...

I, too have one going into 5th grade. I can't believe where the time has gone.

BTW I have sent you an email. I hope it is not too confusing.

Frannie said...

hope they have a great day tomorrow!

M said...

I absolutely do NOT believe they are starting 5th grade tomorrow. And if *I* cannot believe it I can see how you cannot believe it.

Hell I remember starting 5th grade! It was not that long ago! How do you have children doing that very thing!

(I remember more vividly 6th grade. With my silky floral blouse and high waisted jeans and the fabulous 'v' ruffle the blouse had at the top! OH! HOT STUFF! And my bangs.)

Hey. The great part? Not only are you raising them to be normal but I'm pretty confident you're raising them to not wear giant teased bangs and that is SO the important part. ;)

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I'll be happy if my kids turn out half as well as yours. For serious.

Stephanie said...

My kids are totally the opposite of me also. Confident, make friends easily, feel like they belong. I am glad, I don't like feeling like I do and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else.

Captain Steve said...

Ohh, I remember the last year of recess! I miss recess so much.

SJINCO said...

It's just reassurance to you that you are doing a wonderful job!

:)

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

Your kids are awesome and independent and have big hearts because YOU are too!! And, I guess Jason, too, but, you know, mostly you.

It's hard for me to believe that my daughter just started 2nd grade. I swear she was just in preschool. And, mah baybeeee is about to move to her first real daycare. *sniffle* *sob*

Jill said...

I would be SO offended if people called me Normal. I like being weird.