Back to School

School started less than a week ago, and honestly, the first week was really mixed. There were good things and not so good things over the week.

The Good:
1- My schedule went really well. I have determined that the key to our family-life running smoothly and creating a less stressful and more nurturing and attentive environment for my children, is me having a really good schedule. It helps us to be organized and not rushed, but it also helps me to find and protect the times that are important to me individually so that I am more available and present for my children.

I got up every morning at about 5:40. Fixed breakfast and lunch for Jeffrey, exercised and got ready for the day, read my scriptures, prayed and meditated (if I could just convince Maggie to sleep a little longer this would be going perfectly!), then I was well-prepared and done with “my stuff” when I got the kids up at 7:45.

They did well using their chore charts to get themselves dressed and ready, clean-up their rooms, and practice piano. We had breakfast together, prayed, loaded up and I drove them to school by 9. We were on time and not too rushed. Then I came home and tidied up and prepared dinner by 10. That way, I have little to do during the evening hours after I pick up Mia at school, so I can focus on being with her, taking her to ballet, piano or soccer, and even just playing with her. We ate dinner out on the deck in the evenings, and got the kids to bed pretty well. So, I am looking forward to continuing to implement the schedule.

2- Maggie loved her teacher, despite having been very nervous and teary about a new class over the past few months. My hardest to adapt child had a GREAT first two days of preschool and is EXCITED that she gets to go every morning this year. This was a big relief.

3- Friday night we had an impromptu family outing including visiting Burke Lake Park, dinner out, and the kids playing in the fountains while listening to “rock stars” (as Maggie called them, but which were actually bad karaoke singers). It really was too cold for the fountains, but the girls were unaware. For them, running and dancing in the water was sheer joy!

4- The weather the later part of the week was PERFECT fall. Cool and crisp, but warm. Oh, it is my favorite season.

5- My first dance classes were this week and went very well. I decided to teach two classes this year, both on Thursdays, and I was a little nervous about how it would all go, but the girls are darling and responsive, and I loved it!

6- So many helpful and supportive friends and loving and generous in-laws and a good husband who all made it possible for me to pick up and leave on the first full week of school and attend my grandma’s funeral.

The Not So Much:
1- Mia had a rough start, reminiscent of kindergarten, with lots of tears and saying she did not want to go to school any more. Seemed to be improving on Friday, so we will see how this week goes.

2- My grandma passed away creating a lot of emotions for me, and necessitating last minute travel across the country and lots of planning.

3- We had lots of extra activities: mutual and orientation at Maggie’s school in the evenings disrupting our time at home. I had a crazy church meeting and visit to the county of Friday to address a water issue we are having in the yard. I had to arrange refreshments Saturday for a youth dance with over 300 kids and Jeffrey had meetings on Saturday.

4- Elsie Jane had a bit of a bug and did not sleep well. Then, last night, as I was trying to finish preparing for my trip and packing, getting everything organized so life would go smoothly for Jeffrey, we all go the stomach bug. Jeffrey lay on the bed -- no help. Mia threw up all over her room and mine, and the space in between. After scrubbing all the upstairs carpets and getting Mia settled, I finally settled in to sleep, only for my stomach to start aching. I hardly slept between 11-3, when Maggie came in and threw up all over our bed. By the time I got her taken care of, Mia was also awake and it was practically time to leave for the airport.

So, here I am on a plane. Happy to be traveling alone (I think the last time I flew all alone was nearly 6 years ago for a work retreat. It is amazingly calm without kids). It is bad timing as I am just trying to get my routine set, the kids settled, my life in order. But, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here with my family and share this week with them. Hoping for a good break before I return on Thursday!