My daughter starts school in about one week. My son starts school in about two weeks. What mixed emotions those thoughts bring. I love my kids! I love being with them! I love their spontaneity! I love their larger than life personalities!

But I also love a clean house, a bit of a routine, and yes... dare I say it? sometimes Quiet! Summer vacation does not lend itself to any of these things.

When the school year is winding to a close, I yearn for summer vacation. When summer vacation is winding to a close, I'm ready for school to start. I guess I'm glad I get to experience both... the crazyness and lazyness of summer, and the routine and regimen of school.

The constant in all this is my kids. I love spending summers with them, and I love watching them head off to school, and even more, walking through the door at the end of the school day. And one day, I'll even miss the mess and chaos... I think.