Chicago!

Okay, this post has NOTHING to do with Chicago.

I want my blog to be a place of collected moments and memories of times that brought me joy, laughter, happiness, and the opposite emotions, such as pain, anger, and frustration.

So, for today's post, I want to recap some of the happiness I have been experiencing over the last several days.

Last week marked the last week of school for my bambinos. This school year was tough, for both myself and the girls. I have seen a complete 180 in Gabby's demeanor and attitude toward me. Most often, I was met with sassiness and anger, however, Gabriella has turned over a new leaf since school let out, and, to be honest, I have never been happier or felt more LOVED by her.

On Memorial Day I asked her to take my trash to the trashcan, where she jokingly asked "Why should I," and my response was, "Because I did it for you for the first 8+ years of your life. (She's nine. )

When she returned from the trash she sat next to me, and I said thank you.

We started discussing how she would care for me when I got old. Her promises were:

When I turn 50 she will bring me Starbucks every Monday, Crumbl Cookies every Wednesday, and take me out to dinner every Friday. I had to document this promise in my blog so I could someday share with her what she promised me. LOL

This weekend was full of smiles and happiness. I received more hugs and "I love yous" than normal. We sat outside together more, played backyard volleyball, and watched as they tried to catch lightning bugs. This was particularly funny to watch from afar as the bugs kept fleeing from Gianna's path.

These moments bring me joy, and I hope by writing them that I don't forget that these magical moments existed.

It feels like a new life compared to the stressful and overwhelming school year that we experienced. Gabby received too many demerits to count, her first detention, and many calls home from the teacher, and every day was a challenge when it came to waking up Gianna for school. Don't get me started on trying to get her dressed.

But, let's get back to Chicago! The girls have been obsessed with the show Victorious for some time now, and there is a specific episode where Trina comes up with her rendition of Chicago. It's entertaining, dumb, and admittedly stuck in my head.

Last night before bed, Gianna acted out that scene (and many other original 'acts') for me to watch. It was not only entertaining but gave me a glimpse into her inner world of creativity. She pretended to be a small-town girl in CHICAGO!, and a small-town country girl in outer space, and a small-town girl turned mermaid. It was...something I don't want to forget.

Part of me wished I had recorded it, but I didn't want to lose the moment by getting up and getting my phone.

Parenting is the hardest job in life but has also been the most rewarding.

I am so grateful that I was allowed to be in their lives and share these memories with them. I hope they look back and laugh at the memories we share.

I wish I had these moments with my Mom.

P.S. Heres a clip from the show: Daniella Monet Sings "Chicago" In 'Trina! A One Woman Show' 🎤 | Victorious | NickRewind - YouTube