Life Lately

Some days, I feel like my life is just a whirlwind of waking up, frantically getting everyone ready for school, downing a coffee, rushing out of the house, drop offs and then, starting it all over again the next day.

Oh yes, there is pick up and dinner at some point.

Although the latter seems to be scarcer as the days go on.

Don't get me wrong - we do actually eat.

It's just not as thought out as it once was.

I told someone recently that I always overcook.

So used to prepping for a family of five - and now, between work and school for all - it's not often enough that we all sit down at the same time.

Some days, I just give up.

Others, I pretend to be super domestic and cook for days ahead.

It's a delicate balancing act.

But it works.

Isabella is in her 2nd year of university and is so dedicated to her schooling - honestly, she makes me so proud.

I can't say I had that same dedication.

I often think life should be lived in reverse.

Today, I think school would so be my thing.

Then, not so much.

My girl is driving. Working. Helping with her younger brother. Super independent.

I try to teach her every day not to rely on anyone.

She will learn that on her own I am sure; but raising strong girls has always been top priority for me.

Julian spends his days at school, gaming and making his little sister crazy.

Not necessarily in that order.

He is in 10th grade - almost half way through high school.

I remember Isabella telling me how quickly - too quickly - those years went. And how often she wishes she could go back to what now seem like such carefree years.

In just a few short years, at the tender age of 17, these kids need to decide the course of their future.

Even when they can barely decide what they want to eat for breakfast.

Just way, way too young.

My boy still feels he's going to be either a pro gamer, you-tuber or a rapper.

And I want him to be a dreamer.

At least for a little while longer, non?

Ava.

Oh, Ava.

This child is something else entirely.

I've always said she was sent here for a reason - meant to be here among us.

But she has been here before.

Of that I am sure.

Her vocabulary rivals that of a 25 year old. The things that come out of her mouth amaze me on the daily.

Currently, she's obsessed with all things dance.

Watching episodes of The Next Step likes it's her job.

And making comments like "Mom, I can't believe Jacquie likes Noah. Do you see his side profile? His nose?!"

#whoisthischild

Me? I'm just trying to slow things down.

Not worry so much about everything getting done.

I've found that no matter how hard you try, the laundry will still pile up. The ironing will still sit for days. The dust will come back. And the to-do list will always seem never-ending.

The now however, we can't get back.

So my goal this year?

Appreciate the little things. They truly are the big things in the end.

Happy Monday.

xo