Thanks kids, Mom loves you.

School started yesterday, which means that summer is officially over. As I think about the last three months at home with the kids I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve learned. It is funny how children, if given the chance, can be our best teachers. And they teach not only with their words; they also teach by example.

This summer I’ve learned the following:

• I should never drink while lying down.
• I should always run with my eyes open.
• I should never walk barefoot through a field of clover when it is in bloom no matter who dares me to do it.
• Even peanut butter can mold if given enough time, the right conditions, and a great hiding place.
• My definition of “noise” is entirely different from that of my kids.
• I should never taste a slug.
• I should never hit my sister when Mom is watching.
• I should never hit my brother when Mom is watching.
• I should never make a face at Mom when I think she’s not looking. She has eyes in the back of her head.
• I should avoid trying to vocalize impromptu poetry involving words that rhyme with “duck,” “fit,” and/or “pass mole.”
• Having a dog lick it does not make it clean.
• I should never put a wet bathing suit back in my drawer.
• I should probably pick up the dog poop before trying to run it over with the lawn mower.
• I should heed the expiration dates on milk cartons and bread packaging. They are there for a reason.
• Shoving an entire ice cream cone in my mouth for the amusement of others hurts no one but me.

So with this new knowledge, I feel ready to embark on a new year of writing and editing and living. Thanks kids. Mom loves you.