Reflections from a quiet house

Yesterday morning we dropped Ellie, Max and Clair off at Gramma's for a sleepover. David and I met up with Rachelle and Donnie to enjoy some Maryland wineries. We proceeded to enjoy a nice relaxing evening locally. The kids were so excited for their sleepover and seemed to have a great time when I spoke with them. We were happy for the quiet time and the day out.

By bedtime though, I really missed them in this big quiet house. I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself. Before I went to bed, I really missed kissing their little faces. David admitted missing them too. This big house is too quiet without them.

The morning was more shock of a quiet house. No one came in to tell me what time it was (Max) or called me from their bed claiming they needed Mommy or they needed to go potty (Clair.) It was strange as I pulled myself up and wondered downstairs still in my PJs and turned on the Today Show for the first time in I'm not sure how long.

I enjoyed getting to focus on making myself a nice healthy breakfast. When I sat down to eat it at the table alone, I realized how much the chaos of the busy breakfast has become my norm. Of course it is nice to focus on myself for a day, but I am so grateful for the many years ahead of me where they will sit and eat with me. They will laugh, giggle, fight, make messes, and tell me how much they love me all in one big noisy morning routine.

I cleaned the kitchen and have generally felt an overwhelming amount of free time on my hands for a Monday morning at this point. I'm looking forward to the returning chaos later this morning. I'm sure they enjoyed their time with Gramma. I'm glad that they had it. I love that they spend time with my Mom. I appreciate that missing them allows me to appreciate them even more.

This afternoon we will attempt to appreciate the eclipse without the viewing glasses. I didn't manage to pay attention to this all soon enough to purchase the proper viewing glasses. David made viewing boxes with the kids this weekend. We will use them and watch the NASA video. Stumbling through their childhood, I hope they can appreciate the ups and downs of the success and failures we have had as parents raising them. I guess it's not failures, but sometimes we get it righter then others. Always, they are loved and appreciated. Looking forward to having them back tonight and tomorrow morning for many years of chaos to come!

My little man lost his first tooth

Max has had lose front teeth for a few weeks now. He hasn't been interested in really pushing them coming out. Yesterday we had a dentist appointment and the hygienist really messed with those two teeth. At dinner, one finally got lose enough for him to get curious.

I hear Max and Ellie in the powder room together and there's some commotion. I ask what's going on and Max comes bouncing out with bloody lips and fingers and smiles. I realize he's trying to wiggle the tooth free and Ellie's cheering him on.

After a few minutes of persistence, Max proudly presents his tooth. He's got a cute little bloody grin doesn't he. No tears!

He proudly put the tooth under his pillow and the tooth fairy left him $7 for this first tooth he lost at 7. Boy, she pays high these days!

Listening to Ellie play piano

Ellie started Piano lessons in April this year. It's August and I'm impressed daily with how far she's come. She has quite natural talent for music; she always has. But she also really enjoys playing the piano. She goes into the piano almost after every meal each day. She works diligently and truly enjoys learning her songs. She's already through 1 full book and playing complex two handed songs. I'm really proud of her and can't wait to see where she takes this.