I Know I am a Grown Up

I had a moment today that made me realize that I might be a grown up. We got trees planted in the backyard. For those of you who do not live in the south, these are little gem magnolia trees. They have dark green leaves with purple undersides and bloom these amazing white flowers. When I think of the south I picture red brick houses, big porches, ice cold mint juleps (who knows what that is) and magnolias. Anyway, I am so excited to plant trees and put down roots. I never thought two little trees could mean so much to me, but when they were being planted today I couldn't stop grinning. We are putting down roots. We are officially southerners. I hope to be here long enough to see these little guys grow up. Who knows maybe I will even sit in their shade and drink a mint julep or at least a lemonade.

Sunday Night

What is it about Sunday nights? They seem to be the odd mix of happy and sad. Sad that the weekend or in this case vacation is over and happy almost excited to start back at it again. This is our hallway. Each school night backpacks are readied and shoes (with socks) are laid out. In this picture I see little things about my girls. I notice things like J's unlaced shoes. She has yet to master tying and C's perfectly parallel shoes and cleaned out bag. Cam's are laid out too, first in line, bright pink, and ready. Not to be left behind by her older sisters. So I sit here this Sunday night looking at those bags and shoes. Happy that tomorrow is Monday and that the lovelies are off to school and I can finally be alone and sad because I know the day will soon come that there will be no bags and shoes in my house. I am sad because yet another year with them has gone by. They are growing up so fast. Everyone said it would happen, but I must admit in the throws of it I didn't really believe them. I am happy too though because they are amazing and honestly even though motherhood is one insanity after another, ultimately I am better for it.

(this post was inspired by Dr.SBJ who took the pic and is a great example of one who stops to find the joy and beauty in the everyday)