The Unavoidable K-12 Years

I figured I could pour my sadness here because I worry I'll tire those around me about how I feel right now. I have two little girls and with my oldest I had a common transition in sending her to daycare as I had to work during her first years, then she went to an excellent preschool, but with our youngest, whom I've been able to be home with for 2 years, and has been with mom or dad most of her life, I am suddenly separated from since she started Kindergarten this week.

Monday was Oli's first day away in school and while I know it's part of our children growing up, sending her off to school really broke my heart today. The first day, Monday, was hard and we both struggled but we made it (mostly because my husband was there, thank goodness! I would've been a mother in tears and not the only one), the second day, I'll call it "Illusion Tuesday" as the day felt like it was all going to be okay from this point forward when leaving her in school. The day was perfect, Oli came home excited and she made some new friends. All was good! Today, Wednesday, the day which I will label as "Tricked Ya' Wednesday!", Oli screamed as I left her classroom – "MOMMY! MOMMY! DON'T LEAVE! MOMMY! DON'T LEAVE!!!"– the teacher of course reassured me she'd be okay and I know she will be but a thought kept pressing my heart...

We are somewhat forcing them to leave our side, when they aren't ready, separate them, and then when they are older, teens and young adults, we do everything we can to bring them closer. Part of me wanted to just bring her home, I know the thought was selfish, I just want her by my side as long as I can have her as my itty bitty baby. * Sigh * My girls are growing up so fast and I wish I could pause these years. Lately time feels like it's moving much, much faster than the previous years.

I feel so sad, I miss them so much. It would've been easier if I had taken her to preschool... like our Isa. I know it will get easier, it's just... I miss her and the house is so quiet without them here. Lastly, I'm sorry for the emotional exhaling, I know, I'm a big baby about all of this... Now give me a hug. :-)

My Digi-Green Thumb

I may not have the extraordinary ability to prevent flowers from dying, or an actual gift of harvesting my own fresh apples, but when it comes to what I do have, I do have a digital green-thumb. My 4-yr old and I just played a round of shared games of Gardening Mama. Hysterical and we aced each game without a hiccup. If gardening were only this easy!

501 Science Experiments

During a mini-birthday book shopping spree for my hubby, we found a book in the sales section of Borders titled "501 Science Experiments" by Estelle Longfield. My oldest loves science and I think we're going to have so much fun with this one. Similar to the "Little Hands Art" book below, it has clear intructions and tabbed sections such as Biology, Chemestry, Physics, Astronomy and more! I'm now collecting materials to put the book to good use!

Exploring Arts with Little Hands

One of my best friends, Elizabeth, shared with me an adorable art and crafts book for little hands: "The Little Hands Art Book, by Judy Press". It is absolutely adorable! The little hands projects are simple, the instructions are clear and the materials are easy to do at home, or gather through recycling. The book has cutesy short poems before each craft project that you can share with your child and home made art supply recipes that allow you to skip most expensive art supply purchases from your local craft/art stores.

If you have a little one at home between the ages of 2 and 6, be sure to pick up a copy! I wish I had found it sooner. It's probably one of the first books I actually believe my kiddos could really enjoy crafting from. If you have a baby at home, add it to a wish list, it will come handy once they turn 2!