Learning and letting go

So...here we are...end of May...done with another school year...notice how I said 'done' and not finished. I don't think we will EVER be totally finished. This year has been a 'learning' year for all of us. We all have learned valuable lessons this year. Nothing that I can put my finger on, but just those 'life' lessons.
This time of year I am usually stressing over our end of the year tests...not so this year. I have been completely happy with where we are...not that my children are brilliant....but they are smart (to me) and I am happy with the people that they are growing into...that isn't to say that we don't have our off days---we do---but, I am overall happy with the lessons they are learning.
This past week the baby (she is 5--almost 6---but to us, she is still 'the baby') had strep throat....through her sickness, I watched the other 4 kids dote on her, worry about her, sit with her while she watched her 'baby shows' (as the bigger kids call it!) The showed her LOVE.
I have heard my kids one by one ask me, 'can I do anything to help you mom?'......wow.
Personally, I have learned some 'life lessons' myself. My lessons weren't easy...but, I guess had to happen. In a way, it was almost a relief...because I was finally able to let go of a huge struggle that I have carried for years. It was bittersweet...but I am glad it is over.
So, with school done--not finished....I have HUGE plans for the summer......
I plan to spend as much time as I can out by the pool with the kids,
I plan to race each child swimming as much as I can,
I plan to sing in the mornings--even though I can't carry a tune in a bucket...but I will sing! LOUD!
I plan to make thousands of cookies for my kids this summer,
I plan to hug each child 100 times a day!
I plan to tell my kids I love them even more!
I plan to sit and just admire my husband...for the man that he is.
I plan to tell my husband I love him...every chance I get.
I plan to have a few more picnics
I plan to let the kids invite friends over...whenever this summer
I plan to laugh, and laugh often
I plan to....just BE with my family

oh, and my oldest son starts his baseball tournaments this week...I plan to yell for him...as loud as I can!!!