Mourning for morning

It's the last Sunday night of summer. You know, "the" night before the first day of school. It's actually the first day of school tomorrow for only our girls. Our boys start a week from tomorrow. My husband, always trying to instigate friction and agitate the children, has been singing a song to the girls, all day, about how it's the greatest day of the year. They have not been amused by his little song and were slightly offended with his glee. (The boys were amused.) He said he was only joking and is truly "as sad as they are" that school is starting. We're not sure if we believe him or not.

I'm actually one of those moms who always gets a little sad on the first day of school. Ok, maybe not just a little sad, I get all choked up. My husband usually drives me home after we've dropped the last one off, calling himself the designated driver, because I'm always fogged over with tears. I love having my kids home with me in the summer and love it when we are all together. Oh sure, there are lots of chaotic times when I'd give almost anything for a little peace and quiet. But those peaceful, quiet days will come. All too soon. So for now, I cherish the whistling, the clapping, the yelling, the screaming, the laughing, the mess and the chaos that four kids can cause in summer. 

We had a great day today. Church this morning, a trip across town for lunch with their Nana, an afternoon at the bookstore and back home for dinner. The kids all showered and the girls laid out their first-day-of-school outfits. We all watched a show together before their 8:00 bedtime came. 6 AM is going to come very soon and the first morning we go back to school is not always pretty. For now, they're all tucked in for the night and the house is peaceful and quiet. I think I can get used to this.