Little Fingers

It's the last day of summer vacation. The kids are roaming the circle, playing with friends and enjoying one last afternoon of freedom. We have gone school shopping and coordinated carpools for the 2009/10 school year. Personally I'm not ready. I could use another week or two with my kids.

My mother has always wandered around her house wiping away finger marks. She likes the look of a clean streak free house...especially the back sliding window/door. I also like a clean home, but little finger marks have always made me happy. They are a sign of life and action. The "little" fingers in our family are all growing bigger now. Tomorrow marks the first time in 15 years that I won't have a child with me at lunch time and during a big portion of the day. Lilly's fingers can now write notes and draw lovely pictures, Clara's fingers can now play real songs on the piano and sew articles of clothing, Olivia's fingers can now play classical violin music & bake bread and Spencer's fingers can now palm a soccer ball and fix flat tires on bikes. Watching them grow and progress is one of the greatest joys of my life. It's also a little bitter sweet. I've so enjoyed the little years and the small steps along the way. Just wish it didn't fleet into memories quite so fast. Here's to looking forward to tomorrow and to cherishing the past.