Back to School

 As of now, it's 7:15 am.  WHAT?!  For a girl and a family that pretty much didn't open blinds to see the sun until afternoon--literally--all summer, this borders on the point of ridiculous.  And I'm equal parts sad and excited for my kiddos.  I probably slept the equivalent of Riley and Cole last night--approximately 3 1/2 hours, and unlike them, I'm not excited about the "possibility" of the day.  I am fretting about getting Syd ready, and getting to school in time to find a place to park, AND take plenty of pictures for Jeff.  (As, he was called into the office today, of all days).
So I will try to finish this post, complete with pictures of Riley and Cole in their first day clothes that they picked out and put so much thought into, and hopefully capture the mood of the occasion.  (Cole even had white gunk on his face last night, and when asked what it was, he replied:  "pimple cream".  So I know both are a little more stressed than they let on).  Anyway, wish us luck....it's going to be interesting.

K.  It's done.  Riley and Cole are gone; have been, for about three hours.  And it's been a LONG three hours.  Sydney has missed them, too.  She's been extra clingy.  And has totally taken over my phone, which is kind of annoying to me, as I'm trying to go through a years worth of pictures. Ah...the things I get to do while the kids are away.  
Honestly? It was hard to let them go.  Harder this year because I felt the, "It isn't cool for Mom to take us to school, anymore," vibe.  They were kind to me--allowed me to take the allotted pictures, and then they were done.  No hugs, no "I love you's".  That's embarrassing stuff these days.  Sorta breaks my heart in a million ways.  Cole was done with me as soon as a friend showed up, and then at Riley's door, I could tell she didn't want me to go in.  She told me she'd "see me later", and I turned around with Syd in hand, and walked back down the ramp.  See?  I'm fully justified in feeling sorry for myself.  But, I did notice a lot of younger kids showing up just with friends.  So I guess I'll be happy with what they gave me.  

And in all in all, they gave me a lot...because today my WYOMING was really showing.  We drove up with this:  

and this:  

Between the mirror and the spare tire, I'm sure we were the epitome of third and sixth grade coolness.  And I may have reluctantly remembered my childhood, promising myself that I'd NEVER subject my fortunate children to the social suicide of being packed around and then dropped off in a fake-wood paneled station wagon.  Sorry children...I had higher hopes for you.  I honestly did.  
Anyway, the school year is here.  Whether I like it or not.  And the kids both said they had an EXCELLENT first day.  So despite the fact that I will and I always do, I have nothing to complain about.  
Also?  A friend brought me lunch and we just ate and talked the entire afternoon.  It was magical, and just what I needed.  I'm in a better place than I was at 7:15 am.  And I got a nap in between then and now.  Maybe I'll make it?  We shall see.

Big Day.

Today, well, later today, one of my best friends ever is getting married.  I've been thinking a lot about her.  She'll be beautiful, and her ceremony will be lovely, and her friends will all laugh and enjoy their time in the paradise she's called home for the last...what?  Six years? Seven years?  Heavens...it hasn't been six or seven, has it? St. John, Virgin Islands:

I totally would have been there, had finances allowed for it.  But I'm still in the vicinity of the $29-a-night-hotel in Vegas.  St. Johns was no where to be found in my budget.  Please don't take that in any way as me not thinking it was important enough, or what have you.  I've had a sadness all week, and I really believe most of it is knowing I'm missing out.  In a lot of ways.  

See? I used these pictures from her blog.  Hopefully she'll forgive me.  I know that this picture is almost four years old, I think...I didn't ask, and yet despite this invasion of her privacy, I'm hoping she will take pity on me and let me vicariously see her wedding through all her pics of happy faces and maybe tipsy friends? ;)  I'm wishing her the best, and I know it will be a classy time.  Because if there's anything that Moriah has always been, it's classy.  With some hilarity on the side.  Much Love your way, Moriah!  Wishing you the best big day, ever.  And then a bazillion more, with your sweetie.  
Last night I had a lot more to this post.  But it was all sad-sack stuff.  So I'll save it for a sad-sack occasion, which is totally not this one.  I wish my friend and her husband love and joy and fat babies.  And above all:  Happiness.  There are always ups and downs.  But happiness stays if you work on it.  And that's my marital advice.  So get working on the fat babies.