Mom's Day #1

As a teacher, I treasure these summer months and being able to spend time with my two sons.  As each year goes by I see our time together changing, less of "us" and more of "friends."  While I realize this is normal and natural and the way it's supposed to go it still takes some getting used to.  I used to be the ringleader, the organizer, the one deciding how we spend these precious minutes.  Now I'm a bystander, and plans are presented to me and in a moment's notice they're out the door (minus the mom).

With two tween/teen boys it's getting more challenging to find activities that we all will enjoy.  At this point, I don't care if we're all going to enjoy it, we're doing it anyway.  I am calling these Mom's Days.  We had our first Mom's Day today and went to a Fossil Museum about 40 minutes from our house.  Neither boy is actually that interested in fossils or dinosaurs.  (Although Jimmy did have a dinosaur party when he was 3.  I think that counts.) 

Don't they look excited?  How about that body language?

Getting out the door is easy.  I no longer have to pack bags and snacks and make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom.  I don't tie shoes or fasten sandals.  A simple, "I'll be in the car, someone put the dog in his cage" and we're off.

The car ride is quiet.  No more babbling, fighting, crying.  A couple of IPods and we're good to go.  But even with all these differences I felt so good.  I felt full, happy, content.  It felt so perfect to be with my boys, headed on the highway, like we used to do so frequently.  I guess it's true that the less you do of something the more you cherish it. 

The trip was a success.  Both boys were able to explain some new facts to their father during dinner.  Although while we were talking about it Jimmy said, "Really, when was that mentioned?  I must have dozed off during that part."

We finished up the morning with lunch at Jimmy John's. 

Here's to many more Mom's Days!  I'll keep you posted.  (Get it?)