There is this annoying Staples commercial that plays the song, "It's the most wonderful time of the year" to a dad walking thru Staples pulling his kids around on a couch. Obviously, the kids are not happy about it. It drives me crazy. My kids asked me what was the meaning of the commercial. I told them the dad was happy that the kids were leaving home and getting out of his hair. L was appalled and wondered why a parent would be happy that their kids were not around anymore. Didn't the parents love the kids anymore? I took the opportunity to tell him that it probably is not the case, but it is a way of making fun of the kids going back to school. He then shocked me and asked me if I thought it was the most wonderful time of the year and was happy to have him go to school.
No, not at all. I have really loved this summer. I know, you must be thinking I am certifiably insane. SERIOUSLY, after I spent all summer alone with the kids and I really loved it? YOU BET! I have been able to bond with my kids in the most amazing way. They are known "daddy's kids" and with him not here this summer, it was really a great opportunity to get to know them with me being the only parent here. DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I would NEVER want to be a single mom on a permeanent basis, but since he was gone anyways, I took the opportunity to get to know them on a much deeper level. They in turn have learned that I am kind of o.k and I think they like me!
As I prepared to send them to school, I am hoping that we are able to keep the bond up. This year will be a busy one. Mr. Miller is doing his thesis, I am working on our food storage and making sure we have much more than the basics. Lincoln we know is going in behind the 8ball. He still struggles with math and reading. He has improved so much over the summer. B is a child who we need to keep challenging. School comes easy to him, so keeping him occupied with lots of diffrent activities will be our challenge. M will keep me running! Today at church, a lady was shocked that she is 19 months because she is so tiny. She eats so much, buts burns it off so quick. Helping her to learn to be obedient and helpful will be my main challenge.
Is it really the most wonderful time of the year? No, I would much rather have my kids at home with me. I love having them around. I appreciate their smiles, their funness, their appreciativeness.(no clue if that's a word or just one I made up). They are wonderful children who light up my life. The challenge me as a person everyday to want to be better, want to do more, want to make changes for the better. Do I really want them to be gone every day? No. I would like to home school, but I am not there yet. One day.
Is it truly the most wonderful time of the year, NO. I would much rather sing that time at Christmas. For me, THAT is the most wonderful time of the year.
2 comments:
oooo good post Joce! I really loved it, especially when Lincoln asked u about the commercial..i agree. it can sometimes make the children feel unloved when they find out you just want them to go back to school already. It's nice to hear that at least one parent out there enjoyed there summer with there kids and doesn't want them to go back.
I am glad that I am not the only parent that finds that staples thing offensive! I hate that commercial, it has been on in variations thereof since I had TV (6 years ago!).
Don't be impatient, someday you can HS. I think a time WILL come that we will have to, that or become to immersed in the culture that we try so hard to avoid. For me that time is here...maybe someday it will come for you.
Keep smiling. :)
Loved your testimony yesterday. I am so glad to hear others bear the same feelings I have. We truly are kindred spirit sisters.
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