I go back to school the day after tomorrow. I’m not quite ready for the hectic schedules, the traffic, or all of the logistical planning that comes with school and activities. But, I know it’s time.

This summer felt hard- navigating my kids’ emotions and learning to deal with my own. While I technically had most of the summer “off,” it felt like a lot of work. Maybe that’s parenthood?

But, tonight I paused and snapped this photo as we were getting ready for dinner. These were the moments I imagined when I daydreamed about being a mom. Wren and Adi were helping with dinner and Rose was cleaning out the medicine cabinet- all carefully worded invitations miraculously accepted. We were all existing without arguing, complaining, or crying.

It didn’t last of course, but those sweet moments gave me hope…