After a long 12 weeks, I finally got my baby home during the Holiday. She slept in her own bed, took the longest showers in history and had her favorite breakfast request every morning. She caught up with old friends and again spent way too much time away from home, but at least she was under my roof again at night.

It’s funny I thought I was getting used to her being away from home, however, I found that I slept much better with her in her own bed at home. I am so looking forward to Christmas this year more now than ever before so I can have my kids home yet again.

She has changed, of course, she has matured. She tells jokes and stories now without "bleeping" out all the bad words and as she tells us of some of the things that her and her friends do, I recall doing with my friends at her age. Although she’s growing up she is still and will always be my “little girl�.

Posted by Robin & Michael Starinieri at 6:28 PM | Permalink

Thanksgiving for us always conjures up memories of days gone by. Days when we were kids sitting at the “kids table� because so many relatives and friends joined us for a wonderful dinner. A dinner prepared by caring parents, aunts, cousins, the whole crew. Everyone was always in high spirits and it seemed that they all pitched-in and participated in one way or another. No one was left out… no one.

As we got older and started hosting the Thanksgiving celebration ourselves we realized early on just how much hard work preparing that meal can be. Preparations made weeks in advance to ensure everything is “just right�. There’s the traditional turkey, the stuffing, potatoes – lots and lots of potatoes, sweet and mashed, green beans, cranberries, and so on and so on. And let’s not forget about the desserts! Pies! Lots of them… Apple, Sweet Potato, Fudge Nut and yes, even Jell-O. Finally, once all the work was completed you got a moment to sit down, relax and take a small break to enjoy the meal – a wonderful meal with family and friends.

But then, just when you thought all the work was done… CLEAN UP DUTY! All of that hard work to prepare the meal – seemingly only a small break to enjoy it and then, back to work cleaning and cleaning. I’ll tell you, there were dishes I didn’t even know we had out on some table somewhere beckoning to be washed, dried and put away again. In the end it was worth it and bear in mind, this isn’t a complaint just an observation we had this year.

You see, as we were yet again preparing a week or so in advance for this annual celebration it came to mind how Madison, Jordon and the other students are going through much of the same cycle. The Work, Rest, Work Cycle however on a much larger scale.

We thought a lot Thanksgiving week about how much work Madi and all the students have been doing to prepare for their end of semester “celebration�. They've worked hard for weeks on end doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Preparing everything each and every day and getting it all done on time (hopefully) so that she too can take a small break and enjoy time with family and friends. Then, here too, it’s back to work… preparing and studying for finals and the end of the semester celebration.

We realized this year that the cycle is the same it’s just the timing and size that's different. We prepare for a week or so for a brief hour or two of rest and celebration and then back to work – the kids, they prepare for many, many weeks on end – for a small break during Thanksgiving week and then back at the books for finals. Then another break at the end of the semester – and the cycle will start all over again.

I don't believe this has really changed over time but our having both of our students home for an extended period for the first time this year simply brought this out in real-life clarity.

Ok, so, no complaints kids… remember, that in the end when it's "just right" it will be worth it.

Posted by Robin & Michael Starinieri at 6:49 PM | Permalink

As the novelty of the “empty nest� syndrome settles down; we have had many reminders that our children still need our full attention, direction and guidance. This is a big leap for our kids as they embrace the opportunities of full independence and the choices between right and wrong.

Saint Leo offers many organizations and events for our children to participate in that offer a lot of positive in their lives. However, we must remind our kids not to take on too much too soon. Independence often brings with it the need to live life at a million miles an hour without remembering the bigger “brass ring� that you came here for. Madison has become involved in a wide range of clubs and organizations, which is wonderful, absolutely wonderful. These opportunities seem to bring out the best in her. However, every few weeks, we seem to go through an overload meltdown. After spending many hours on the phone prioritizing, organizing and reviewing her schedules, we gain focus and control and life goes on. Madison is a “hard worker and a go-getter�. Sometimes, the biggest challenge we have is taming the spirit and not extinguishing the fire inside. To calm that spirit that introduces so much stress in her life, yet not extinguish the same spirit that makes her who she is, Madison.

When you join these clubs remember to allow time for friends, family, homework and ah, yes, yourself. Explore everything and find something that interests you but remember you are only one person with many responsibilities now. If you don’t sign up for that club this year, maybe you can try it again next year.

Education is first and foremost, it will bring you your future. Clubs, organizations, social settings fall into the memories category; these bring you -the smile in your future.

At times the collision between independence and parental rules will still challenge your relationship at times; however, our job is still to be the parent.

As for those college payments, OK - so we have had a few more meals at home over these past few months. However, I just keep reminding myself that this is an investment not a hardship.

Posted by Robin & Michael Starinieri at 9:57 PM | Permalink