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Sometimes They Remind Me

                                                                Part 1



So, I started a graduate program  two weeks ago.  It is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.  I finally did it.  I was so excited to get started and fairly confident that I could be successful.  However, I have been struggling with the amount of technology I need to be familiar with. That part is a stretch for me.  I can do school "old school", but having everything online and all the updates and changes made to older things has really thrown me.  Any way, I was really stressed about class last Wednesday because I had submitted a paper that I knew was less than stellar.  I was frustrated that the technology that is supposedly here to make our lives easier and better wasn't, in fact, doing that for me.  As I was about to leave Sarah said to me, "Are you going to school?"
Me, "Yes."
"Are you so excited?"
Well, I had not been excited prior to her asking that question.  But her question did remind me that I am indeed excited and thankful to be working toward a life-long goal, as hard as it will be to get there!


                                                            Part 2

To say that it has been cold this last week would be an understatement.  Our single digit temperatures followed a beautiful fall with no easing into winter.  The girls were walking home from school on days that we didn't have extra-curricular activities even last week.  This week I have been picking them up so they didn't turn into Popsicles on the way.  A couple of days ago Estelle asked me if I liked picking them up.  "Why," I asked.
"Because you seem happy."
Well, I am always happy to see them.  It brings me joy to see them waiting on the curb and then come running when they see me pull up.  
"You're right, I am happy.   I guess I do like to pick you up".
Her wheels turn very quickly and she replied, "Then why don't you pick us up every day?"

I pondered that brief conversation and realized something about myself.  First, I really do like to pick my kids up from school, we have a couple of minutes together to talk about their day and I get to feel their energy.  I love to see their smiling faces as they run to greet me. It makes me thankful to be a mother. Second, my natural instinct to have them walk because it is good for them and because it saves on gas really serves no purpose.  It doesn't save a lot of gas, really; the walk home does give them a bit of exercise, but I don't know how beneficial it actually is. If picking them up brings happiness to all of us isn't that what we are in pursuit of?
"So, Estelle, I just might grant your wish." 

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