Today is officially my children’s last day of summer. Believe it or not, I still have some last minute things to buy on their school lists and I also have to buy my older two a few more outfits (I bought my 5 y/o her school clothes back in January at a tremendous deal). There’s nothing worse than being a last-minute mommy.

My kids have been very excited for weeks about their first day of school which is tomorrow. They’re even more excited because they’re all going to be attending new schools. My son will be starting high school in a new school (scary!), my 11 year old daughter will be starting junior high school (how did that happen?) and my baby girl will be going to kindergarten (what happened to my baby?). All of my babies will be starting on their own new adventure.

I’m excited as well but sad at the same time. Time goes by so quickly that one day they’re in your arms and the next they are starting high school — just like that. In a blink of an eye, they are becoming independent in their own little way and I must remember to guide them in the right direction to be successful, respectful individuals.

That’s a mother’s job, right?

I’m sure they’ll do fine but I’m a big worry wart. I want them to do well in their new schools like any mother out there would want so here’s hoping they’ll be ok.

Have your child/ren started school yet? Share your story to help me feel better . I would love to read your adventure.

(I wrote this on my iPod Touch using wordpress app & I love it. It’s so easy!)

What a week it has been.

For the past few days, I’ve been trying to get things ready (clothes and necessities) for all of my kids graduations.

My son, my first-born, had his graduation last night.  Even though it felt like the longest graduation known ever, it was great to see his smiling face as he took his diploma from the principal on stage.

My son and I after the graduation.

All three kids are graduating this year and will be in  new schools. Wow, how times flies!

My kids are ecstatic to start on their new adventures this September.  My son will be in high school (OK, I’m NOT that old, right?).  My 11 year old daughter will be going to junior high school (OMG, how did that happen!). And lastly, my baby will be finally starting kindergarten (another OMG!).

My husband and I are thrilled and sad at the same time.  We’re proud that they are succeeding so far (hoping they continue on the right path) and doing well in school but we’re sad because it just confirms to us that they are no longer our babies – they’re really growing up.

In my heart, they will always be our babies, no matter what. They can be married and have kids of their own, they’ll be our babies forever.  That’s just the way things are, right?

And now for the anniversary part.

Today is my 14th wedding anniversary. It’s weird to say “wedding anniversary” because we never had a “real” wedding.  We eloped without anyone ever knowing until we were actually married.

That didn’t go too well with our loved ones…

My mom was upset because she wasn’t there to see her first child get married and  my mother-in-law was upset because her only son – her baby boy got married without her knowledge.

Oh well.

They got over it.  They had to. It was our decision and they had to respect that.

You see, we both decided that we didn’t want to be the center of attention and because we didn’t have the money, we just got up one day and decided to “do the deed”.  We were dating for 6 years so we both thought it was time.  And plus, I was pregnant (I bet you didn’t see that coming, huh? lol).

Anyway, I had this whole “love story” post to write but guess what?

That’s gonna have to wait (I’ve been told it’s a great love story so stay tuned!) because I’m exhausted (we got home late last night) and I have to get this house in order and figure out what to cook for dinner tonight. I want to cook something special since it’s a special day

Circa 1995 - Strickland's at the Poconos

So, any ideas for an anniversary dinner that kids will enjoy too?

P.S.  Happy anniversary Babe!! I love you!!