Wednesday, September 7, 2011

School's Started

I bought a new toaster.  Weird.  It only has 2 slots.  I haven't had a 2-slice toaster for. . .well for many years.  (That would never work when you have seven kids.)


This is the first year I haven't gone to some school somewhere to register one (or mostly, more) of my kids.  In fact, I have done that every year for the past 28 years I am NOT that old!

Really?  Can that be true? 

I guess it is.  Twenty eight years ago, I took my Sarah to her first day of Kindergarten.  And this year I sent off my Schuyler to college, and he is gone and living down by campus, and I am here with my 2-slice toaster. 

When Schuyler was five and I took him to Kindergarten, he was so worried about me being home alone.

"But, Mom, who will watch Little Bear with you?"

He's more grown up now.  He's not at all concerned that I bought a 2-slice toaster.

So things change, and I will miss a lot about having a student around.  (Mostly I will just miss the kids themselves.)  But there are some things I won't miss.

I won't miss the calls from the attendance office saying that my student "missed one or more classes today."  (I think she had me on speed dial.)
I won't miss parent-teacher conferences. (7 subjects times 3 students, plus 2 teachers times 2 students, plus...you do the math.)
I won't miss running to the store at midnight to get that item they HAVE to HAVE.
I won't miss digging around in the sofa cushions for lunch money.
I won't miss seeing all 7 of my kids go out to catch the bus wearing the same color--because that was the batch of laundry that got done yesterday.
I won't miss driving someone to school in my pajamas when they missed the bus.
I won't miss getting up for early morning seminary. Yawn.
I won't miss the endless hours of homework.  (Hey, I got some good grades!)
I won't miss keeping track of all those schedules and events.
I won't miss rushing home from the middle of my errands to be home when the bus gets there.
I won't miss learning that we missed yet another scholarship deadline.
Etc. Etc. Etc.

But actually, I bet I will.
Oh well.  Theoretically, there will be more time to quilt. 

Theoretically.

15 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

This was a good laugh! I so know that 'won't miss' list and I only had three (felt like 20). Now I get to enjoy the art work for the fridge and seasonal decorations that my grands bring me when they visit. And I have always had a 2-slot toaster.

JEllen said...

Wow, sounds like we live in the same household:) Same list for sure. Here's a toast to more quilting time:)

Quiltingranny said...

I think what I missed most was all my kids friends stopping by the house just to hang out! Now we are raising 3 grands, so life is good again!

Jan Maree said...

Oh my goodness seven kids. you deserve a medal!! As mother to twins 15 yr olds with ADHD and ODD (tell em they can't do something and you guarentee they will) I am kinda looking forward to missing them a little! Maybe I will feel differently when the time comes.....hopefully. :-)

Modern Lady Designs said...

Jill - I love the toaster! My youngest is in college and finishing his last year - now that makes you feel old! But I just have a piece of toast.....Love your new fabric too! Blessings, Bev

Dana Gaffney said...

Ahh, I miss all of that, but you're right, I mostly miss the noise, laughter and even the arguments. I still have my four slicer though.

Mommarock said...

I can hear the longing to be mom in your post. It isn't the school you miss it is your babies, and they will always be that!

Jean(ie) said...

more time to quilttttt!

Anonymous said...

Delightful read... you have earned your two slice toaster....

A friend's youngest was off to college and just knew mom would be sad not to take first day of school pic in new school clothes....so the college freshman took one of herself and sent it to her mom....

So you can be sure all those little routines have well been ingrained to those little folks.

Let's go quilt.

Mad about Craft said...

Sounds like you'll be joining Karen at 'Sew Many Ways' Empty nesters club.

RobynLouise said...

I have one still at home from 3 I raised and 3 grandies visiting, that are step-sons offspring, on weekends and holidays.
Lol, enjoy cleaning a house where the only mess is what you've made and if something is lost it's probably your fault now!
Cheers,
Robyn

onlymehere said...

My last went to college this year too and I'm feeling all of your thoughts here! I KNOW though that the attendance secretary had me on speed dial bz she's my friend! So glad those high school days are over. Only two more kids left to get married and then I hope life slows down.....but retirees tell me it just gets busier so I guess there's no hope, lol!

Diane E W said...

Too funny!!! I can only identify with a few of you "won't miss" list. Enjoy your 2 slot toaster while you can

Helen said...

My oldest started school thirty-three years ago; my youngest (#5)started her last year of college on Wednesday... she will graduate in December. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day!
I am still trying to get the hang of buying milk and juice in half-gallons and I do miss the constant traffic of friends coming through the back door and going straight to the refrig.
Enjoy your two-slicer!

busyascanbe said...

Great post! Its so nice have a good giggle right after getting stuff at the store for MY lunch not kids!
Debbie