Time

Jonathan is a production assistant for a movie that is being filmed locally. Today is his second day "on the job". He loved it yesterday. I haven't heard from him all day today so far (he's been there since 6am), but Tiffany did call me mid-day to say she saw him when she was driving through town. I am thrilled for Jonathan that he has this opportunity! He will, I'm sure, not be able to keep up the "pace" of his virtual school classes this week (although I will nag him to do some when he finally does arrive home this evening), but this kind of opportunity is what homeschooling is all about. So far some of his biggest interests (career interests?) involve technology and the behind the scenes side of entertainment. What is more educational than getting a chance to try out what you might want to do when you grow up? This whole experience is very educational for me. It is reminding me that Jonathan is getting closer and closer everyday to the end of the growing up years. I'm trying really hard not to worry about if he's gotten to eat or had enough water to drink, if he's being helpful and seeing what needs to be done before someone asks (part of his "job"). This is another step along our homeschooling path, and I'm trying hard to "let go".

Yesterday, Jonathan's first day "on the job", Madi also had a job. She babysat for two sweet little girls for a few hours. Just another reminder that the intense homeschooling years are fading away. I've taught them, and will continue to teach them, but they are having more and more opportunities to go out there on their own to demonstrate to others things they have learned. As it looks right now, Jonathan will very likely do something related to technology and entertainment and Madi will very likely do something with young children. It's pretty exciting (and terrifying) that they are already forging their way in the world.

The days are flying way too fast. I think I may have blogged this already, but it seems to be the theme of my year. Gone are the days of young children, the days that seemed endless, the days where it seemed 6:00 (or 7:00) {and Mike's arrival home} would never come. Now the days and weeks fly by us and we have so much more we want to do. I'm so afraid that the months and years are doing the same. Not only are Jonathan and Madi on the backend of homeschooling, but I'm more than half way done as well. Yikes! I'm glad they have some ideas about what they want to do when they grow up, but I have no idea what I am going to do!!

Just a few years ago this was a hands on 24 hour a day 7 day a week job. Now it is most definitely still mentally 24/7, but not so much hands on anymore. I can go to the gym when I want to. I don't have to take everyone with me to appointments or the store. This weekend Mike and I have some dates coming up (a banquet for a pregnancy counseling center and a 50th birthday party for a client of Mike's) that don't sound nearly as exciting as they would've a few years ago, when I could barely get a chance to go to the bathroom by myself. I like it when we are all home together. I want to savor those times. I've noticed lately that I often use the term "I can't wait"... (ie bookclub coming up..."see you then, can't wait", the impending Christmas season... "can't wait", a summer vacation..."can't wait"), but really I thought about it the other day, and I CAN wait! I WANT to wait. I can't forsee anything, no matter how great it might be, that is worth rushing the time we have right now.