Freeze Time

Today was a day where I wish time would stand still.  I had fun with my boys.  We went to the zoo for over two hours and then played on the grass and by the water front of North Pond for another two hours.  We walked home and Miles fell asleep in the stroller.  When arriving home we didn't go inside except to retrieve some chairs so we could watch the renovation of our next door neighbors front yard. We stayed outside another two and half hours til the crew cleaned up and we went in for dinner.

There was one thing today that made me step back and appreciate today differently making me want to freeze time even more.  While at the zoo I got a call from Spencer's school saying they had a spot for Miles in their morning class, Spencer's class.  Here in Chicago they start preschool at three-years-old and have three and four-year-olds in class together.  Miles just makes the cut off date September 1st.  Since Spencer doesn't turn 5 til October they'll be in the same class. 

At times I thought it would be awesome to have all my kids in school and have 2 1/2 hours to get things done without kids! And how cool would it be to have both boys in the same class?  But when I got the call today I all but cried and would have if I wasn't at the zoo. All these emotions went through me. He's my baby! A while ago I asked him if he wanted to go to school and he said, "no, I stay with you mom!" Miles was on a waiting list and I was hoping a spot would open up maybe in January. I'm perfectly happy with having Miles with me. It was me and him last year and he's my little buddy.

So today I didn't get down and play a lot with my boys, but I sat back and watched. I watched them explore. I watched them pretend. I watched them learn.  I watched them be kids:). They grow up too fast.  I took it all in because too soon they will be out of this phase.  I love my boys.  I LOVE my BOYS!  When talking to Chris this evening I started crying. I decided I needed to pray.  I escaped to my room.  I couldn't compose myself.  I knew Miles would be ok at school and this wasn't a huge thing but I was more sad because it meant an era was closing for me.  I love being a mom.  I love having little boys who look to me with such devotion, trust, and love.  I love their innocence.  I love seeing them happy.  I love seeing them play with each other.  I love reading to them.  I love stroking their hair, scratching their back, and touching their soft delicate faces.  I love when they squeeze me, kiss me, and want to be by me.  I love slipping into their room every night and kissing their foreheads.  I love feeling needed and treasured by them.  I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to stay home with the sweet boys to not only teach them but to learn from them.  I wish summer was longer. I wish childhood was longer.  But it's not.  So tomorrow will be another good day because it's going to be a day with my three handsome boys.

Here are some pictures during our afternoon watching the workers work on our neighbors yard.

Below Spencer and Jared playing with a worm.

 Spencer and the worm

 Miles was knocked out

 Our chair set up

 I'd often find Spencer in this position. Bending over looking at what they were doing or what had been done.

 Our neighbors Barb and Gary.  They're great!

 I had popped popcorn for the zoo. It came in handy here. 

For right now I've felt good with registering Miles and seeing how it goes and if I feel like it's too much for him or me I'll pull him out.  That's as of right now...