Friday, August 8, 2008

And I Cried!!!!

Thursday August 6th was the FIRST day of SCHOOL! This year I sent 2 boys off to school. Sterling went into Kindergarten and Colton into 2nd. They were soooooo excited! There was not a minute of remorse or sadness from them. I felt the same way, I was excited FOR them. I felt like I was prepared since I had already done it with Colton for two years now. I dropped them off just fine and did not even feel a little sadness, especially when I saw how excited and ready they both were for this. They were in good hands.
BUT THEN I GOT HOME! I had not really understood the place Sterling has played in our family's autonomy, until he was gone. It became evident when I got home. I missed his presence. I was looking forward to having only two home--which has been a LONG time coming. BUT I did not realize the make up of our family that was left at home. Ryland has followed his brothers since the day he was born. Dacie and him rarely associate. Dacie follows me around.There is a little over 2 yr. difference in their age, and they are both hitting two milestones in their play that are the exact opposites!! Ryland is building and Dacie is tearing down. It is going to take a little bit to learn about each other. Even when Sterling was in preschool last year Dacie was taking 2 naps and was asleep for a majority of the time.
Sterling is the ultimate helper and cleaner around the house. He always has been. It helps a task driven mom who appreciates a clean house when they lay down for naps, picking up toys and putting them in their proper place, strapping Ryland into his car seat,or needing a diaper, or taking out a dirty diaper... I did not realize how helpful my two older boys were. I asked Ryland to get a diaper for me and it took him 45 minutes of serious whining and him telling me, "mom, stop making me panic!"
The boys were my extra set of eyes as well. IF they saw the younger ones doing something naughty they would tell me or stop them. BUT with them gone... in a manner of minutes after getting home Dacie had the left over rice krispy cereal left in the box out of the trash can and all over the carpet, couch and her.
The two kids followed me around most of the day and cried. I could tell they felt out of place. Ryland just wanted to eat all day because his playmates were gone and Dacie was SUPER jealous to have someone else vying for my attention. Ryland was super needy and needed me to look at him in the eyes and let him know he was heard. He showed me every cheeto he ate at lunch. I had to look at every single cheeto because it was skinny, or fat, or funny. AAhH! I missed my boys.
I did not just miss their help, I just missed them. They complete our family and it just felt awkward. I missed their little personalities with me. So at one point during the day I lost it. I just started sobbing. I could not help it. I wondered if this ever gets easier-for missions, college, marriages. They are all necessary and good things...but it does not mean I don't miss them.
Poor Ryland did not know what to do when I started crying. Him and Dacie immediately came over and were kissing and hugging me. Ryland asked me, "whats the matter? Did Daddy ruin your life?" (where did he get that from?) I smiled amidst the tears and told him that I just missed Colton and Sterling to which he replied, "why mommy are they going to live in a different house?" Then he started getting teary-eyed. I told him they were definitely coming home I just missed them during the day while they were at school. At this point I needed to pull it together for the babies at home. So I distracted myself by making a cake that looked like a bus for dinner to celebrate their first day (thanks for the idea Grandma H).
I was always close to tears for most of the day...BUT then they came home! I got to hug and tell them why I missed them. They told me about their wonderful days... and the fighting started. We were right back to normal!!! Today has gone much better. It is hard growing up!

11 comments:

HENDERSONYAN, INC. said...

oh look what kind of mom you are - even made them cakes!!! That is awesome, probably the most creative thing I have ever seen. I am sure it's hard to let them go...

peterson pack said...

These are super cute!!! I am going to steal your idea and do these for my boys. Our boys are entering the same grades and then it will just be me and Natalie! AAH! Thanks for the idea, our school doesn't start for another 2 weeks. What did you use to decorate (wheels, front of bus, etc)?

Unknown said...

It is so funny what a difference it makes when the kids are gone. Even when just Logan goes to Grammy's it's a totally different world. I miss her terribly after about 12 hours. I love the cakes.. what a great idea. I know that you three will find your groove and enjoy the school year!!!

TexasTwinsTwice said...

oh Alicia--bless your heart! That is such a sweet post. It's interesting the roles different personalities play in a family. I LAUGHED out loud at Ryland's comments (panic & ruin your life). Too funny! I love those bus cakes--you need to do a step by step tutorial! =)

Jentry said...

You are just SO STINKIN creative!
It makes me and my mom sick!
haha I just wanna be like you when I grow up! (don't tell my mom) haha just kiddin.. :)
I love your blog!!!

Dawn said...

I loved the picture of Colton and Sterling going off to school and leaving their poor grieving mother at home with "the whiner" and "the shadow!" I promise it will get better! I remember some times when I broke down and cried...and the kids were always so comforting and worried about mommy when she cried! (but I don't think they asked if Dad was ruining my life!!!) Ya just never know what kids are going to say! You could write a book! Starring my wonderful grandchildren! Love you all!

The Mangums said...

Awww...you are such a good mom! I love the buses! I totally remember Jake being lost last year without his buddy Hayley. I will have to plan something fun to distract this year for sure!

Rebecca said...

I know how hard it is. Even at five months Ben misses Miriam.
I did laugh when Ryland told you to stop making him panic, what a crack up!
Hang in there, if any one can do it you can.

Marcus, Amy, and Lola said...

i am so not looking forward to that day...at least not now. im sure it will get easier and then you will love it!
i laughed hard at rylands little comments...he is too funny!

Jessica said...

wow they grow fast. Brock is getting there... oh boy!

Charie and Jonathan Francom said...

I am going to be in a similar situation in about two weeks when Kai and Nhaya go off to school. It is weird. I feel your pain. Love your cakes! Great idea grandma.

Ohh and about the hair cutting. I am going to do a post just for you to inspire you one way or the other. I think most likely when you see all my crazy hair cuts you may decide to hold off. I say you really have to be ready and then just go for it. I would love to see you with short hair. HOw does Dan feel about it? Jonathan loves change so I never feel like I have anyone else holding me back.