Good Bye Summer.... Hello School

The day has come where we retire the swimsuits and beach chairs for school books and new book bags. Summertime is almost over and the school buses have flooded Union County as the 2010-2011 school year begins. I am sure may Mommy tears have flowed this morning and I am sure some Moms had a sigh of relief. For me.... I had a slight sign followed by some feeling of loneliness. I do admit I did love the sound of the buses buzzing through the neighborhood. With the start of the school year begins the daily grind the 5:30 a.m. alarm clock, packing of lunches, homework, after school activities, fall soccer and softball and yes.... a quiet house, for the most part.

Matthew has begun his second year of college at CPCC. He has a full course load and seems to be excited about the classes he has chosen. History.... OMG... I am sure we will get daily trivia from Matt as he is well of knowledge. It amazed me that this kids knows such random facts and a little bit about EVERYTHING.

My Taryn is starting her Freshman year at Sun Valley High School. Where has the time gone. It seems like yesterday that she started Pre-K and now she is a big High Schooler. I am so excited for her. She admitted that she is a bit nervous but is delighted. She can not wait to take the year round Art class. That girl is really talented. :)

Jaedan is still at Sun Valley middle and is starting the 7th grade. After this... one more year and she will join Taryn at the High School. Jaedan is excited about the start of the new year and can not wait to see her friends. Aww... to be almost 12... friends are so important to them. She is a bit worried about Math already as this isn't her favorite subject. Mine, neither. She was accepted into the drama program and for her this is a year long course and she is so excited. My little actress. Go, Jae!! You are already a star.

And last but truly not least... Tristan is entering into the BIG 3 year old classroom at First Presbyterian Preschool and can not wait for her first day. She will have a new teacher this year but as she told me she would only visit that class but wanted to be with her Ms. Angie. Angie has been Tristan's teacher for 2 years now, so I am curious how that transition will go. Fingers Crossed!!

 

And for Me, MOM.... Damn this coffee is great. And I can hear a pin drop in my humble little abode.

Across the Pond

What an exciting time for my Matthew.  He has been "across the Pond" in Europe for 3 weeks now and I miss his horribly.  I am sure he is relishing in the excitement of it all.  He left for his adventure on July 15th, for a 5 week backpacking excursion throughout Europe.  I will admit I am excited for him to be experiencing this although I am saddened to see him spread his wings becoming more and more independent. 

Tomorrow is Matthew's 19th birthday and he will be celebrating in the beautiful city of Rome Italy.  Matthew phoned me today to tell me of his visit to Vatican City in Rome.  In his own words "Mom. it was totally amazing".  He said it was extraordinary beyond belief.  He said the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking with all of the historical paintings.  He said there was history all around him and he has learned alot and experienced as much.  God, I wish I was there to experience the wonder of it all.  In spirit, I was standing right beside him.  I wonder if he felt my presence. 

Matthew has been keeping touch with us through Facebook messages and brief phone calls.  I can not wait for him to come home so he can elaborate more on his adventure.  It is so hard to hear it all on a phone call that only last a few moments but I can hear it in his voice.  This is an experience of a lifetime and I am so glad he has had this chance to experience life this was even if it is only for a few short weeks.  I can not wait to learn all about the places he has been, what he has seen, the foods he has tasted and the people he has met along the way.  He has already been to London, Paris, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid and Rome and he is on his way back to Paris, Brussels, Germany, Amsterdam, and then back to London, then home to Charlotte.  So far, that is the plan but Matt and his friends are being spontaneous along the way.  Ahhh, to be young again!

I will close this entry for now as it is the early morning hours.  Stay tuned for more on Matthew's European adventure.  Maybe I will ask Matt to be a guest Blogger.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Matthew.  I will be thinking about you today as I do everyday.  I love you.  Be safe.
Godspeed, My Son.

Matthew getting ready to head to the airport.

 

Saying Good-bye to Brother.

Matthew and Hannah....  Awww.

All ready with Passport in hand.

Last minute Wisdom from Dad.

Until we meet again.  God Speed.

Meet The Whole FamDamily

Meet Mrs. Smith ..... Thats Me!!    The Mother Extraordinaire.

I fill many roles and have learned to master each one. I am the kisser of little boo-boos, the shoulder to cry on, listener of dreams and fears, the healer of broken hearts, the walking bank, the cook for finicky wee ones, the peacekeeper, the taxi driver, the housekeeper, the story teller, picture taker, the errand runner, and this list could go on and on.

I am the mother, the wife, the sister, the daughter, an aunt and the friend.

I am a thinker, a planner, an artist, a dreamer and most of all I am a believer. I am a believer in all things good. I tend to see the best in everything and everyone. I believe in God and thank him everyday for giving me the gift of life and I thank him everyday for the gifts he has given to me.

Meet Mr. Smith ......  The Hubby, My Man, My BFF (always).

Let me tell you about my Best Friend (love that Song)  Me and Ike has been BFF's since we first met in High School in May of 1983.  That is over 27 years.....  WOW!  Isaac and I just Click, we complete each other, we blend perfectly.  I couldn't have chosen a better life partner for myself and a wonderful father for my children.  He is an amazing man and I am so blessed to have him stand beside me and walk through this journey called life together.  Ike makes my heart smile.  :)

Meet Matthew.........  My Son!  My one and only Son.  There is nothing like a mother and son love .  My Matt is no longer a little boy but has blossomed into an extraordinary young man.  He has officially entered into that secret society of manhood, facial hair and all.  Matthew will be turning 19 on August 2nd and will be starting his second year at CPCC.  It seemed like only yesterday that he flashed his baby blues and I fell in love.

Matthew is am amazing young man and he amazes me each passing day.  He is remarkably brilliant, loving, sensitive, cultured, adventurous, respectful, unique, extremely handsome and did i say brilliant.  The things he knows about is astonishing.  He is a remarkable young man and me and Mr. Smith are extremely proud of him.  

Meet Ms. Taryn .......  My sweet Taryn.  She is an amazing young girl who you will never forget.  At 14 years old, my Taryn has an old soul.  Taryn is truly a breathe of fresh air and is loved by everyone she meets.  Taryn expresses qualities far beyond her years.  I am amazed at how she views the world and stands strong as an individual.  What you see is what you get with Taryn....  no frills attached.  Her brown eyes are wide with wonder and excitement, her niavete` is beautiful to witness, making me wonder if there was a time that my eyes shone with the same innocent intensity.  She is truly Unforgettable.

Meet Little Ms. Jaedan ......  My little Buggy.  Fabulous things come in small packages.  My Drama Queen!  Jaedan is the family Diva, fashionista, honory little cuss at times but she totally rocks.  She is my entertainer and always has been.  Always dancing, always singing, always acting something out.  Jaedan will be turning 12 on September 22.  I relish in all that she is and excited to see all that she will become and what she will conquer in the future.  She is my fighter and has been since she was a tiny baby.  She is strong willed and amazingly loving.  Those eyes and that smile melt my heart.

And then there were 6.....   Meet Ms. Tristan Maire ..........  The wee lass in the family.  WOW....  what an amazing little girl.  She can truly make your heart sing.  Tristan is full of life and will make friends with whoever crosses her path.  She is a magical child and can brighten even the darkest days.  She is very loving, energetic, comical, tender, imaginative and I can't help marveling at her exuberance and innocence. Great things are in store for this little angel.