Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Back to School – a blessing for some, not so much for me

Many a parent pop the corks of champaign bottles when the kids go back to school. I’d be right there with them if it didn't signal the beginning of my super crazy season. My daughter just started Middle School and for the first time she’s taking the bus with all the neighborhood kids. She’s thrilled as she gets to connect with some of the kids that she’s been in classes with in the past, but not this year. They don't have before care in middle school, so the bus picks her up only a half hour later than we would have left for before care. Boy does that half hour count!  And we still run out the door with my son who is now in school across town from my daughter. So picking them both up on time from extended day after an hour and a half/two hour commute is a race against time. Still trying to get comfortable with that routine. 

Fall also brings on the full battery of activities that the kids are in.  I was THAT parent that swore the kids would only have one activity each. That proclamation died when they were old enough to have activities. My son is a Cub Scout (my husband is the Den leader), does karate and plays soccer twice a week . My daughter is a Girl Scout (I’m the leader), she skates twice a week, dances and does karate. AND she just sign up for running club and interactive writing right after school. Sunday is the only day I get to lay my head on my pillow for any significant amount of time. The lack of sleep and any personal time are a small sacrifice compared to the incredible people they are becoming. Programming everything into my smartphone is a complete must. I'm pretty confident that if Siri asked me for a raise I would give it to her. 

It seems that Fall also represents the barrage of fundraisers that have to be done at my house – my son has to sell trinkets for school and popcorn for Scouts.  My daughter needs to sell nuts and magazines for Girl Scouts. All come at the same time and many end at the same time. This is a little disconcerting for me as I need t go through everything and figure out what I want, then remember to fill out the slips and put them in the correct place. 

With the resumption of our crazy, busy schedule, I need to figure out and make dinners for the week. To save myself time and mental energy I may not have when it comes time to make supper, I plan my meals for the week and get all the ingredients at once so that everything is in the house when I need it. The dishes are typically not fancy, but they are quick. I will share them in separate posts so you can try them if you want to. 

Until next time, stay sane!

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