Side-By-Side (Homework Buddies)

                                                    Sisters and Study Partners 

Today was one of those days that just filled my heart to the brim. 

The morning started with some extra special one-on-one time with my youngest—it was her very last day before starting Pre-K. I wanted to make sure we had a day where it was just her and me, soaking up the little moments before this new chapter begins. She was full of giggles and excitement, and I kept thinking, How did we get here so fast?

After lunch, it was time for Carline to pick up big sister. The second she hopped in the car, we told her we had a special mission—an adventure to try and find the oh-so-popular Labubu figures that everyone seems to be hunting for lately. I honestly wasn’t sure if we’d have any luck, but we searched, laughed, and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt together. And guess what? SUCCESS! The smiles on their faces, when they each got to hold their new little buddies, made every bit of the search worth it. Happy girls = happy mommy.

After the big find, the girls headed over to Mimi and Paw Paw’s house for some playtime and snuggles, while I had a quick meeting with my new fellow cheer coaches. I left feeling so excited about the upcoming season—it’s going to be a good one!

When I picked the girls up later, we headed home for dinner and a little bit of winding down. That’s when I saw one of my favorite things as a mom. My oldest sat at the table, pencil in hand, focused on her math problems. And right there beside her was my youngest, paper spread out, crayons in hand, “working” just as hard. To her, this was homework too—because if big sister was doing it, she was going to do it right along with her.

I watched them for a while, just taking it all in. My oldest is counting and solving, while my youngest is creating colorful loops and swirls, with the occasional sticker thrown in. Different tasks, but the same determination and the same sweet bond. Side by side. Together.

Days like this remind me that motherhood isn’t just about the big milestones—it’s about the little moments that happen in between. The laughter in the car while searching for toys. The way they light up when they see their grandparents. The simple joy of sitting next to each other at the kitchen table, each in their own little world, but still together.

Tonight, I’m ending the day feeling so proud to be their momma and so grateful for these moments. These are the memories I’ll hold onto forever.