(Something I wrote back in the fall of 2004)

2 little preschoolers with their backpacks walking down the driveway to the bus. One always turns and waves to me as the bus drives away. He looks so happy and full of adventure, his big brown eyes smiling at me out the bus window. “Bye Mom!!!” Most days the bus pulls away and I stand there for a second after I stop waving back and have to put a hand to my heart and try not to cry….

A 6 year old son who claims the best part of his day is spent with *me* because I’m “such a sweet mother.”

An 8 year old who will see a need and take care of it, and will make a dozen little paper hearts all carefully colored and drawn upon that all bear the same message: “I love you mom!”

A round, soft bundle of giggles that is my youngest child, learning to identify eyebrows and tell his own name, running along beside me as I walk, always wanting to keep up. Always a ready smile on that face.

Kids who get off the bus every day and smile and wave as they come up the driveway, all eager to tell me about their day and give me hugs and kisses.

A 12 year old who, despite having a strong tendency toward sullenness lately, will still hug and be hugged, and tells us he loves us.

Little ones who learn more than you thought possible.

Little surprises every here and there where a child dazzles you with some piece of knowledge, or strength of character that you did not realize they possessed.

Breastmilk breath on a one year old.

Little songs learned from preschool and shared at home, with a lot of hummed parts for words forgotten or unknown.

Sibling hugs and kisses.

Bedtime prayers and snuggles.

Kids who think that mom’s bread is the best.

Homemade entertainment, including puppet shows, made up songs and dances, and skits.