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Friday 7 September 2012

September

So. That was summer. And it went so well, I stepped away from this space and just enjoyed it.

I don't do that very often. Just enjoy things, that is. Usually I'm thinking I should be doing something else or something better or something more useful. Usually I notice the things that go wrong, rather than the things that go right.

But this summer had something different about it. Eldest's rehab finally started to pay off - we were freer to move through the weeks without being exhausted by therapy and care. Like the old woman in A Squash and A Squeeze, having things tough for a while made normal life seem so much better. The day Eldest set off on her crutches with confidence - that was the day we pushed the cow out of the door.

There was camping - two mothers, four kids, some glasses of wine.

There was climbing.


We made a shadow puppet theatre. We made shadow puppets. And never the twain did meet. Still. At least we made the thing.


We had a student staying with us during the summer; she brought new perspectives, enthusiasm and a torch-bright intellect. She got the children excited about maths and science. To thank her, we filled her full of sugar. It's the Coffee House way.


But all too soon, our holiday planner had run out of days. A new school beckoned. There are changes this year - just one child to walk to primary school, and one to pack off into a taxi in a brand new uniform. It might seem like time to do a bit of mourning for the passing of time.

Except. Those tiny children, fun as they were, can't match these funny, clever young girls with whom I've spent the summer. We still have tantrums, still have fights and fury. But the grown-up giggles, the rolls of the eyes, the willingness to help without wrecking the whole damn place - they're wonderful. It's been a very good summer indeed.

23 comments:

  1. I love your perspective on how fab kids are as they get a little older. Mine are six and nine and we've had such a great summer too - more relaxing now they are a little older. Here's to half-term!

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    1. It's not all plain sailing but yes, they are definitely fab.

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  2. Summer is a time of enjoying the comparisons on previous years, and yes, it does get better as years go on and it's nice, for a change, to realize that we are after all doing a good job of raising our kids! Thanks for sharing...

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    1. I'm not so sure it's anything to do with my input...!

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  3. How lovely! And great news on Eldest's rehab. Worth it. C.x

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  4. I'm glad you've had a good summer. And yes, it's a lovely time in your parenting life. Trouble is, the next moment they're off to uni and bringing home boyfriends who are determined to be actors. Well, only one. But now she's married him. Alas.

    Anyway, enjoy it while you can.

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    1. I brought home a boyfriend who was determined to be an actor and then I did indeed marry him. It can work sometimes.

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  5. I'm a maudlin old so-and-so. This is definitely a blip.

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  6. I am so pleased your summer delivered. I have a feeling you guys deserved a good one. And primary school with one is such an odd feeling, I keep thinking I've forgotten to collect the other.

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  7. I'm glad you had a lovely summer. I'm with you on the maudlin though.

    x

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  8. I loved my summer with my ever growing children, and discovered that the way to rekindle the fun of little ones is to borrow a few for a day or two! x

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  9. Yes, yes, yes. Yes.

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  10. It is good to know that you have enjoyed your summer. I hope that Autumn is even better for you.

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  11. Sounds just right. The middle years are brilliant, and contrary to popular opinion, I am finding the teen ones equally fun.

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  12. Mine are fun right now too. Messy, but fun.
    Such good news about Eldest's progress - yahoo!

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  13. The thing about kids is, they just keep getting better. It is so awesome. Glad you had a fun summer, and hurrah for getting rid of the cow. I love that book.

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  14. That bit about Eldest's progress. Best words I've read in absolutely ages. Truly. So so so glad xxxx

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  15. Hooray, please say hi to Eldest from another of God's perfect people, the rest are right handed, lol! The not drying out for 24 hours would sell me the pens definitely.

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  16. Hooray, please say hi to Eldest from another of God's perfect people, the rest are right handed, lol! The not drying out for 24 hours would sell me the pens definitely.

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  17. I don't do that very often. Just enjoy things, that is. Usually I'm thinking I should be doing something else or something better or something more useful. Usually I notice the things that go wrong, rather than the things that go right.

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  18. Hooray, please say hi to Eldest from another of God's perfect people, the rest are right handed, lol! The not drying out for 24 hours would sell me the pens definitely.


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