26. Grown Kids

Events, Family 0

Today I represented the library at a Back to School Fair at a middle school.

And while I really enjoyed the middle school kids with their excitement and energy, and while I really enjoyed my own kids when they were in middle school — I was struck by how glad I am that I am no longer the Mom of middle school or high school kids!

This is a nice realization — lately, with my youngest starting his very last semester of college, I’ve had a little trouble with the Empty Nest Blues.

But I was reminded of all the stress of middle school — meeting all the various teachers, buying supplies, this, that, and the other detail to worry about….

Yes, I got through it, and I do look back on those years fondly.

But we are done with that!  That season of life is over, and now I can smile fondly on those still going through it and tell them about all the ways the library can help them.

There are some lovely things about this phase of life, and this was a nice reminder.

24. Family Math Games

Activities, Events 0

MathGames3

Today we had the “Family Math Games” program at the library again.  (The pictures are from a previous month, but it’s the same idea.)  I’ve got lots of board games and card games that build math skills, and the only requirement is that parents play with their kids.

Today 40 people came.  We had families with all different age levels representing, playing all different difficulty levels of games.  We had small children playing the easiest matching games and we had a family playing Splendor, one of my own personal favorite games.  We had many different ethnicities represented and a nice representation from each gender.

And people were having a wonderful time together.  And kids were learning.  And parents were playfully teaching their kids.

The library’s games collection started with games my kids have outgrown, but our Friends group paid for additional math-related games.  I’m also happy that these games are still getting used and still helping families have fun.

It did my heart good to see it.  I’m so happy about bringing this program to our community.

MathGames2

22. Toddlers

Activities, Events 0

Today I did a small storytime for toddlers.

The world is a better place because toddlers are in it.

Mind you, it’s extra fun to get to interact with toddlers when their own mothers are in the room.  And extra fun to get to read to them.

Sometimes I forget what a blessing my job is.

21. Babies

Events, Spiritual Blessings 0

Today I got to work in the Babies’ class at church.  We had two babies, one for each of us helping.  Okay, one baby wouldn’t stop crying until we finally got Mommy.  And then the baby I was holding started crying.

But she was very happy before that.  I had gotten lots of delighted baby smiles.  And then after some crying, during which I cuddled her, she went to sleep in my arms.

Do you know how long it’s been since a baby went to sleep in my arms?

(I actually don’t know.  But it’s been a long time.)

I’m smiling about it still.

20. Time with my Son

Events, Family 0

Today my son came back from his summer internship!

Never mind that I have to take him back to college — for his last semester — in less than 48 hours.

It is simply wonderful to have him home with me.

And we talked and talked for at least an hour.

And that’s just lovely.

I am blessed to have two children who have grown into such fine adults.

And tonight I get to be with one of them.

This makes me happy.