preparing (sols)

I purposely waited to write my slice. I considered preposting, but instead, I wanted to write it in real-time, at the end of the day, from my in-law's lake house. Then the magic of the lake wrapped around me and I didn't have a single moment to write.

We drove. Nine hours, south and east. Just the kids and me, plus our babysitters, Noah and Krisy. I didn't know fleeing could feel freeing.

We arrived. Hugs around and swim suits on. They couldn't wait to jump in. Except the youngest. He just needed a fishing pole.

Unpacking and lasagna dinner. Giggles and catching up and Can we swim again? 

Jammies and makeshift beds, piling into bedrooms. Hugs and I appreciate you brought us here for the end of the summer. Reading and sleep.

Then we get out the cards and pull up around the table, me sitting across from my mother-in-law, realizing we've been partners in cards long enough to have a history.Laughing and stories. Stories from the 70's. Stories from yesterday. Stories stacking and cards laid and laughs bubble and I realize this isn't a mistake to spend the last week of summer away.

Five more wake-ups and I will be spending my days in school. I normally spend this week preparing for the return of the routine, making plans with purpose, and transitioning to school-mode.

Instead, I'm finding it is through embracing summer that I will be most prepared. It is saying Yes! to more swimming and planning for popcorn under the stars and playing another hand of cards that will prepare me for school.

I'm not running away, not fleeing, not escaping. Rather, I'm embracing summer and all it has to offer. I'm holding on to the moments of being a mom who doesn't have something else she should be doing. I'm tapping the artist and the child in me. I'm being a friend and a daughter.

And I'm preparing to be the best educator possible in five more wake-ups.