I blinked and I am suddenly driving to and from schools, signing papers, helping with home work, and volunteering in classrooms.

This season of life really snuck up on me.  It’s one that seemed so far off when I had my little babies at home, and now it’s already here.

One thing that surprises me often about the duties of motherhood is how much I enjoy the work.  It fulfills my soul.  I know it is good work and it feels so good to do.

The thought of forgetting things makes me anxious, and to think of a year of home work sounds daunting, and remembering school schedules seems overwhelming – but the act of the work is surprisingly fulfilling to me and I am grateful.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of waking up kids for school and feeding them breakfast.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of doing their hair in their preferred styles, sending them off to look in the mirror and waiting for that content smile.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of looking at them in my rear view mirror as I drive them to school, holding their hand as I walk them in and kissing them goodbye.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of picking them up, listening to their days, and checking the papers in their backpacks.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of delving out after school snacks, marking off chore charts and thinking of afternoon activities to accomplish.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of folding laundry and tucking it away in their drawers.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of preparing a meal for my family – with small helping hands – and sitting around the table to eat that very meal.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of filling bathtubs, washing hair, laying out pajamas.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of brushing teeth and hair, and sending them to bed.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment of listening to my husband reading bedtime stories.

I didn’t expect the fulfillment in listening to late night giggles.

I didn’t expect it, and I am oh so grateful.