Oh do I love this child!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
License To Anywhere
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Firm But With Love
Parenting is a tough job. Period. The good far outweighs the challenges, but the path is sometimes (or oftentimes) a bit bumpy. Monkey and I have been entrusted with the lives of six eternal souls whom we are hoping to raise as responsible, compassionate, contributing, and faith filled people. As the saying goes, there are no handbooks that get delivered with the baby. So we find ourselves muddling through the often murky waters of child rearing, praying that our kids won't need therapy someday on our account!
In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, the kids have shirked many of their responsibilities at home. Their rooms have been nothing less than disastrous and household chores have been practically nonexistent. I had been pretty lax with all of this until about 3 weeks ago. I asked the kids to complete a few tasks and my pleas were adamantly ignored. When I confronted my children, I was met with groans, arguments, and a few foot stomps. This behavior, which I find unacceptable, led to my frustration, which led to a ban on all electronics within our home, "until further notice." No computer, no WII, no Netflix, etc. The next day, while the kids were in school, I collected all remotes and devices and locked them away in a super-secretive location. I then set out to create a new chore list for our home.
Basically, the Daily Chores are the sole responsibility of each child and, needless to say, are expected to be done everyday. The other chores are on a rotation with the Love Bugs taking turns or working in pairs. I am not looking for perfection, but I do expect their best effort. I've come to terms, long ago, that our house will never look like a magazine, and in that rare occasion when all seems to be in place, I have learned that it does not last long. Chore Charts have come and gone in our home, but for now, this is what we're enforcing.
The Chore Chart goes hand-in-hand with certain privileges. Electronics are privileges. Extra-curriculars are privileges and so are friend birthday parties, sleepovers, eating out and musical instruments (piano, guitar and trumpet). So if my children work together to help around the house, they can do much that they desire. It is a simple concept, but the consequences can be difficult.
A few weeks ago, Cucumber was invited to a birthday party after school. Monkey and I said she could go, as long as she did her chores. She was so excited and began counting down the days until the party. She even spent some of her own money to buy her friend a gift. As the date of the party drew closer, Cucumber became almost defiant in completing her chores and her resistance was accompanied by a few tantrums. The final straw was when her teacher talked with me about Cucumber's behavior in class being less than stellar. That night, in our "Parent/Child Meeting Place" (it happens to be the garage since it is the most quiet and private spot in the vicinity) Monkey explained to Cucumber that she had lost her privilege to go to the party. In addition, she had to write an apology note to her teacher and deliver it the next morning with a spoken apology. It was also explained that if she wanted some of her privileges back, she would need to adjust her attitude. The lesson really hit home, when after school on that Friday, she saw her classmates leaving all together to attend the birthday party. Cucumber sat in her seat in the van and cried. I cried too, because I felt her anguish and deeply wished she could have attended. Since then, Cucumber is making progress and as of today, she has earned a sleep-over at a friend's house this Friday night.
We are going on the 3 week mark of no electronics, with the exception of my sole use of my computer. Hey, don't judge. I've kept up with my chores! At times over the past few weeks, it has been tough for the Love Bugs, but Monkey and I are sticking to the rules in place. Unfortunately, Honey Bunches was fed up with the ban and he took my computer and hid it in his closet, deep behind his clothes. When we thought he was going to his room to play with his Pokemon cards or his Lego's, he actually was playing on the computer. So back into the garage Monkey and I went to meet with Honey Bunches. When he was confronted with the issue, he hung his head and cried. My heart ached for him for making the choice he did. He said he was sorry, but our family believes in penance. We gave him the option of coming up with his own punishment, or selecting one of three options we gave him: 1) No trick-or-treating. Instead, stay home and pass out candy to those who come to our door; 2) Donate all of his Pokemon cards; or 3) Being grounded for 1 week (a ban to his bedroom with the exception of bathroom breaks and mealtime). He chose to sit out from trick or treating.
Since the electronic ban, we have experienced some really positive outcomes. The first is that the kids are being creative in their play. They spend more time with each other and the fighting between them has decreased - not dissipated completely, but certainly diminished a bit. As a family, we play more board games together, the kids are practicing their instruments more and they are reading more. Win, win and win! Don't get me wrong, there are times when I think it would be easier to just give in and let them have everything back, but then the lesson would be lost. So for now, we will stand firm and love our Love Bugs through the lessons of responsibility, accountability, and all of the other lessons life has to offer.
In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, the kids have shirked many of their responsibilities at home. Their rooms have been nothing less than disastrous and household chores have been practically nonexistent. I had been pretty lax with all of this until about 3 weeks ago. I asked the kids to complete a few tasks and my pleas were adamantly ignored. When I confronted my children, I was met with groans, arguments, and a few foot stomps. This behavior, which I find unacceptable, led to my frustration, which led to a ban on all electronics within our home, "until further notice." No computer, no WII, no Netflix, etc. The next day, while the kids were in school, I collected all remotes and devices and locked them away in a super-secretive location. I then set out to create a new chore list for our home.
Basically, the Daily Chores are the sole responsibility of each child and, needless to say, are expected to be done everyday. The other chores are on a rotation with the Love Bugs taking turns or working in pairs. I am not looking for perfection, but I do expect their best effort. I've come to terms, long ago, that our house will never look like a magazine, and in that rare occasion when all seems to be in place, I have learned that it does not last long. Chore Charts have come and gone in our home, but for now, this is what we're enforcing.
The Chore Chart goes hand-in-hand with certain privileges. Electronics are privileges. Extra-curriculars are privileges and so are friend birthday parties, sleepovers, eating out and musical instruments (piano, guitar and trumpet). So if my children work together to help around the house, they can do much that they desire. It is a simple concept, but the consequences can be difficult.
A few weeks ago, Cucumber was invited to a birthday party after school. Monkey and I said she could go, as long as she did her chores. She was so excited and began counting down the days until the party. She even spent some of her own money to buy her friend a gift. As the date of the party drew closer, Cucumber became almost defiant in completing her chores and her resistance was accompanied by a few tantrums. The final straw was when her teacher talked with me about Cucumber's behavior in class being less than stellar. That night, in our "Parent/Child Meeting Place" (it happens to be the garage since it is the most quiet and private spot in the vicinity) Monkey explained to Cucumber that she had lost her privilege to go to the party. In addition, she had to write an apology note to her teacher and deliver it the next morning with a spoken apology. It was also explained that if she wanted some of her privileges back, she would need to adjust her attitude. The lesson really hit home, when after school on that Friday, she saw her classmates leaving all together to attend the birthday party. Cucumber sat in her seat in the van and cried. I cried too, because I felt her anguish and deeply wished she could have attended. Since then, Cucumber is making progress and as of today, she has earned a sleep-over at a friend's house this Friday night.
We are going on the 3 week mark of no electronics, with the exception of my sole use of my computer. Hey, don't judge. I've kept up with my chores! At times over the past few weeks, it has been tough for the Love Bugs, but Monkey and I are sticking to the rules in place. Unfortunately, Honey Bunches was fed up with the ban and he took my computer and hid it in his closet, deep behind his clothes. When we thought he was going to his room to play with his Pokemon cards or his Lego's, he actually was playing on the computer. So back into the garage Monkey and I went to meet with Honey Bunches. When he was confronted with the issue, he hung his head and cried. My heart ached for him for making the choice he did. He said he was sorry, but our family believes in penance. We gave him the option of coming up with his own punishment, or selecting one of three options we gave him: 1) No trick-or-treating. Instead, stay home and pass out candy to those who come to our door; 2) Donate all of his Pokemon cards; or 3) Being grounded for 1 week (a ban to his bedroom with the exception of bathroom breaks and mealtime). He chose to sit out from trick or treating.
Since the electronic ban, we have experienced some really positive outcomes. The first is that the kids are being creative in their play. They spend more time with each other and the fighting between them has decreased - not dissipated completely, but certainly diminished a bit. As a family, we play more board games together, the kids are practicing their instruments more and they are reading more. Win, win and win! Don't get me wrong, there are times when I think it would be easier to just give in and let them have everything back, but then the lesson would be lost. So for now, we will stand firm and love our Love Bugs through the lessons of responsibility, accountability, and all of the other lessons life has to offer.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Mammograms and Root Canals
I'm not sure what I was thinking. Grandma offered to watch Pumpkin and the other Love Bugs were in school. I needed to schedule two appointments, so why not have them both on the same day? I guess some may say that is being efficient. Others may claim craziness. Call it what you will.
As I draw closer to the 41 year mark, my Sissy #2 has been hounding me to get a mammogram. I haven't been ignoring her, it's just the logistics of setting up the appointment, finding child-care, etc. I finally decided to heed her advice and I scheduled this test. Leading up to my appointment, I was in conversation with Sissy #1. According to her, a mammogram is like. . .well, pretty much death. She wished me "good luck" with a tone that indicated, "I hope to see you on the other side." Gulp.
Here is a summary of my mammogram. A little squish here, a little squash there, botta bing, botta boom, done. It only took 5 minutes. The hardest part for me was small talking with the technician while I was topless and she was adjusting the machine for the other side. For a modest gal like me, it was slightly awkward. So I am pleased to tell Sissy #2 that I can check "mammogram" off my list of things to do in the next year and that my scans came back normal. Yeah.
Once I "recovered" from my mammogram, I was off to the dentist for a root canal. Let me preface this by saying that I like the dentist. I actually LIKE getting my teeth cleaned. I don't find the experience painful or uncomfortable. I have even had a cavity filled with no Novocain. I was very much at ease going into this appointment. Beforehand, I of course researched the details of a root canal and decided I was open to taking whatever drugs they offered. I have had six kids. I don't need to be a hero in the dentist chair.
I laid back in the chair, I selected classical Mozart and Bach for my headset, I easily accepted my shot of Novocain, and then took the mask of Laughing Gas. At this point, I was in a pretty good place. Then I opened wide and shriek! When the air hit my exposed nerve, well lets just say that I'm thankful my mouth was occupied, or else there is a good possibility that some expletives may have escaped. My toes curled and I shut my eyes. I'm not sure how long I was in that chair, but I was more than thankful when the time came to leave. This procedure was divided into two parts, so I still have to go back in a few weeks to finish up. I'm hoping the worst is over.
My bar for pain is set at childbirth. I have never experienced anything more physically painful than giving birth, so I use that as my scale for pain. Once my babies were born, my pain subsided and I was good to go.
Now apply this to the mammogram and root canal.
On a scale of 0-childbirth, my mammogram ranks a 0. It was a little uncomfortable, but certainly not painful. It was over and done with in a short time with no after-effects. As for the root canal, it wasn't as painful as childbirth, but the discomfort didn't subside when the procedure was completed either. For 2-3 days after, my teeth/gums hurt. It was a constant, dull throb. That is something I was not prepared for. A root canal, most certainly, would have killed Sissy #1. I should call and warn her about the importance of good oral hygiene. I'm just happy that I'm still alive and kicking to share my tales.
Here's to good health on all fronts!
As I draw closer to the 41 year mark, my Sissy #2 has been hounding me to get a mammogram. I haven't been ignoring her, it's just the logistics of setting up the appointment, finding child-care, etc. I finally decided to heed her advice and I scheduled this test. Leading up to my appointment, I was in conversation with Sissy #1. According to her, a mammogram is like. . .well, pretty much death. She wished me "good luck" with a tone that indicated, "I hope to see you on the other side." Gulp.
Here is a summary of my mammogram. A little squish here, a little squash there, botta bing, botta boom, done. It only took 5 minutes. The hardest part for me was small talking with the technician while I was topless and she was adjusting the machine for the other side. For a modest gal like me, it was slightly awkward. So I am pleased to tell Sissy #2 that I can check "mammogram" off my list of things to do in the next year and that my scans came back normal. Yeah.
Once I "recovered" from my mammogram, I was off to the dentist for a root canal. Let me preface this by saying that I like the dentist. I actually LIKE getting my teeth cleaned. I don't find the experience painful or uncomfortable. I have even had a cavity filled with no Novocain. I was very much at ease going into this appointment. Beforehand, I of course researched the details of a root canal and decided I was open to taking whatever drugs they offered. I have had six kids. I don't need to be a hero in the dentist chair.
I laid back in the chair, I selected classical Mozart and Bach for my headset, I easily accepted my shot of Novocain, and then took the mask of Laughing Gas. At this point, I was in a pretty good place. Then I opened wide and shriek! When the air hit my exposed nerve, well lets just say that I'm thankful my mouth was occupied, or else there is a good possibility that some expletives may have escaped. My toes curled and I shut my eyes. I'm not sure how long I was in that chair, but I was more than thankful when the time came to leave. This procedure was divided into two parts, so I still have to go back in a few weeks to finish up. I'm hoping the worst is over.
My bar for pain is set at childbirth. I have never experienced anything more physically painful than giving birth, so I use that as my scale for pain. Once my babies were born, my pain subsided and I was good to go.
Now apply this to the mammogram and root canal.
On a scale of 0-childbirth, my mammogram ranks a 0. It was a little uncomfortable, but certainly not painful. It was over and done with in a short time with no after-effects. As for the root canal, it wasn't as painful as childbirth, but the discomfort didn't subside when the procedure was completed either. For 2-3 days after, my teeth/gums hurt. It was a constant, dull throb. That is something I was not prepared for. A root canal, most certainly, would have killed Sissy #1. I should call and warn her about the importance of good oral hygiene. I'm just happy that I'm still alive and kicking to share my tales.
Here's to good health on all fronts!
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Sweet Potato is 11
Sweet Potato turned 11 years old. . . . . . .23 days ago! There have been numerous times I was going to sit down and record some thoughts about his birthday, but I always wound up doing something else. So tonight, I sit here, by myself (the kids are outside playing, Monkey is working in the garage, Sweet Potato is at his uncle's house watching football, and Grandma is in her room viewing EWTN). No more excuses.
Sweet Potato's birthday fell on a Friday. I woke him up that morning and he smiled at me very sweetly. As I was preparing breakfast for the Love Bugs, Sweet Potato came into the kitchen and announced, "Hey everyone. Today's my birthday!" Yes, I will admit that this little fact escaped my mind that morning, however, I DID remember to order treats from the bakery for his class. I think that redeemed me!
One of our birthday traditions is to let the honoree choose a special dinner. They can pick whatever they want (all carbs, all the same color foods, etc). Sweet Potato had a difficult time deciding, so he asked if he could just dig around the kitchen and make his own supper. Of course I allowed him to do this. He found some spaghetti, sauce, and garlic bread. His birthday dessert was Ice Cream sundaes. He was allowed to stay up as late as he wanted (he made it until 11 PM). His "real" celebration took place the following Sunday.
Sweet Potato shared with Monkey and I that for his birthday, he wanted all of us to watch football with him. He asked if we could have Godfather's pizza, hot wings and chocolate cake. He was pretty easy to please.
The Twin's game tickets were for the following week. Sweet Potato agonized over who to invite. I think he felt obligated to ask me and one of his cousins. Monkey and I told him that he didn't have to invite family. He decided to bring Monkey and two friends from school. He was thrilled!
Sweet Potato is a great kid. We often tease him about his coordination challenges and the fact that the two messiest chairs at the kitchen table belong to him and Pumpkin. He may not be the best at everything, but no one can accuse him of not having heart. His passion definitely shines through in all he does. He loves to be involved. This year he is participating in football, band, piano, school patrol, altar serving, golf and basketball. We have had to set some limits to his enthusiasm, or else he would have also signed up for 4-H, Boy Scouts and guitar lessons. He loves to "host" gatherings and few things make him happier than when he is surrounded by all of his family - Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
One of my favorite memories of Sweet Potato (not favorite at the time it occurred), was 5 years ago. Sweet Potato was six years old and I was working as the DRE for our church. It was the morning of First Communion Sunday and I was a little anxious about the happenings of the day. As I was getting ready to leave for Mass, I received a phone call from my sister-in-law, wanting to know what I wanted her to bring for dinner.
Me: What do you mean?
SIL: Aren't you hosting dinner at your house later?
Me: Well I have to work today and I wasn't planning on having anyone over.
SIL: Really? Sweet Potato called us yesterday and invited us over.
I soon discovered that he had called all the family and invited them over for a BBQ. How, you may ask, did a six year old accomplish this? Well, hung on the wall by our telephone, were family members phone numbers. Enjoying a good party, Sweet Potato decided to throw a gathering himself. The family just assumed that Monkey and I knew about this. I left for work that morning with a list of instructions for Monkey Toes: tidy up the house, go grocery shopping for meat and other items, and stay calm. Needless to say, we had a party at our house later that day. Spontaneity worked well for us, or rather, it worked well for Sweet Potato!
So to my oldest Love Bug, Happy Birthday! You are such a blessing to us. I am proud of the young man you are becoming and the heart with which you do so many things. Know that you will always have a piece of my heart. I love you!
Sweet Potato's birthday fell on a Friday. I woke him up that morning and he smiled at me very sweetly. As I was preparing breakfast for the Love Bugs, Sweet Potato came into the kitchen and announced, "Hey everyone. Today's my birthday!" Yes, I will admit that this little fact escaped my mind that morning, however, I DID remember to order treats from the bakery for his class. I think that redeemed me!
One of our birthday traditions is to let the honoree choose a special dinner. They can pick whatever they want (all carbs, all the same color foods, etc). Sweet Potato had a difficult time deciding, so he asked if he could just dig around the kitchen and make his own supper. Of course I allowed him to do this. He found some spaghetti, sauce, and garlic bread. His birthday dessert was Ice Cream sundaes. He was allowed to stay up as late as he wanted (he made it until 11 PM). His "real" celebration took place the following Sunday.
Sweet Potato shared with Monkey and I that for his birthday, he wanted all of us to watch football with him. He asked if we could have Godfather's pizza, hot wings and chocolate cake. He was pretty easy to please.
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| Vikings colors, of course! |
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| Birthday gifts included The Game of Life, Apples to Apples, a loaf of banana bread, strawberry rhubarb jelly, cash and 4 tickets to a Twin's game. |
Sweet Potato is a great kid. We often tease him about his coordination challenges and the fact that the two messiest chairs at the kitchen table belong to him and Pumpkin. He may not be the best at everything, but no one can accuse him of not having heart. His passion definitely shines through in all he does. He loves to be involved. This year he is participating in football, band, piano, school patrol, altar serving, golf and basketball. We have had to set some limits to his enthusiasm, or else he would have also signed up for 4-H, Boy Scouts and guitar lessons. He loves to "host" gatherings and few things make him happier than when he is surrounded by all of his family - Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
One of my favorite memories of Sweet Potato (not favorite at the time it occurred), was 5 years ago. Sweet Potato was six years old and I was working as the DRE for our church. It was the morning of First Communion Sunday and I was a little anxious about the happenings of the day. As I was getting ready to leave for Mass, I received a phone call from my sister-in-law, wanting to know what I wanted her to bring for dinner.
Me: What do you mean?
SIL: Aren't you hosting dinner at your house later?
Me: Well I have to work today and I wasn't planning on having anyone over.
SIL: Really? Sweet Potato called us yesterday and invited us over.
I soon discovered that he had called all the family and invited them over for a BBQ. How, you may ask, did a six year old accomplish this? Well, hung on the wall by our telephone, were family members phone numbers. Enjoying a good party, Sweet Potato decided to throw a gathering himself. The family just assumed that Monkey and I knew about this. I left for work that morning with a list of instructions for Monkey Toes: tidy up the house, go grocery shopping for meat and other items, and stay calm. Needless to say, we had a party at our house later that day. Spontaneity worked well for us, or rather, it worked well for Sweet Potato!
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| Sweet Potato bar tending with my cousin at a family reunion camp out. Ever the host is he! |
So to my oldest Love Bug, Happy Birthday! You are such a blessing to us. I am proud of the young man you are becoming and the heart with which you do so many things. Know that you will always have a piece of my heart. I love you!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Hall of Fame
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"Duane Benoit was a 4-sport participant at KHS participating in football, basketball, baseball and track. Duane was a right tackle in football, center in basketball and threw the shot in track. In baseball, he played first base. He was a letter winner in 4 sports for 4 years. Duane served as football and basketball captain, was the team MVP in basketball and football his junior and senior seasons. He was also selected to the All-District team in 1948 and 1949 seasons. He averaged 19 points per game and had a high of 37 points his senior season. He was also one of the leads in the junior class play, "Little Men." He also participated in FFA and 4-H. After high school he continued to play basketball for the National Guard 147th infantry."Sitting in the bleachers, listening to my Dad's accomplishments, was emotional for me. Yes, I am extremely proud of my Dad, but what struck me the most was how many of his accomplishments I was unaware of. I knew my Dad played basketball and a little football, but the rest was a surprise to me. Proof once more of my Dad's humility.
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| Dad's display at the Hall of Fame reception. |
Dad encouraged all of us to be involved, join teams and clubs, play honest and play hard. He never placed pressure on us to be the best, but he did watch to see that we gave our best and played with heart. That is what made him most proud.
I wish Dad could have been here to receive this honor himself. But then again, he would have been slightly embarrassed and certainly emotional (for a big guy, he had a very tender heart). And so, we celebrate his accomplishments, but more importantly, the character of the man being honored.
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| Dad, #19 |
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| Dad, #41 |
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| Dad, 1st in bottom row. National Guard 147th infantry. |
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| My lovely Mom. |
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| The plaque that hangs in the KHS Hall of Fame. |
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Sweet Pea's First Day of School
Our #5, Sweet Pea, began her first year of school today as a full-time Kindergartner. She has been asking, "when does school start?" since January.
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After a lecture to her siblings having to do with acknowledging Sweet Pea during school hours (give her a wave or a smile or even play with her at recess), everyone paused long enough to stand for a picture (in birth order I might add!)
I watched this small child of mine, walk confidently into the school, hang up her backpack and find her seat, with little more than a flash of a smile over her shoulder towards me.
I tried to stay out of the way as her teacher explained a few things to her.
Sweet Pea's teacher walked away, yet I remained. Why do I find it so difficult to leave each of my children on their first day of school? I know they are in very capable hands, and yet, a great emotion stirs within me each time. They're excited. I'm excited. But there is that little piece of surrender that gets me every time.
A lump formed in my throat and I figured I better see myself out before I erupted into an ugly cry. I gave my little girl a long hug and hung on longer than I normally do.
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I counted the hours today, until I could pick up my Love Bugs. This is how I was greeted in the parking lot - big smiles and even bigger hugs and the reassurance that Sweet Pea wants to go back tomorrow.
Her work sheet above says it all.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Back At It
Imagine this; waking in the morning to the sun shining through your bedroom window. You stretch and say a quick morning prayer. Then, while still lying in bed, you reach for your phone, or computer, and check your daily calendar, the weather, and the latest happenings on your social media of choice. Then, still in your pajamas, you wander into the kitchen and pour yourself a cup of coffee. You drink this while sitting in your favorite chair, feet up, gazing out the window. Slowly, your children begin to wake and one by one they come to you for a morning snuggle and all together you watch a few morning cartoons. Eventually, someone states they're hungry, so you head back into the kitchen, pour a second cup of coffee and work as a short-order cook; two want oatmeal, one wants an egg, one wants peanut butter toast, and two want yogurt and granola. After breakfast, you determine what to do with the day. Some of the children want to go to the library. Some want to go to the park. A few want to ride their bikes. One just wants to have a "pajama day." You walk to places more than you drive. Somewhere in your day you take the time to do a load or two of laundry, maybe even push a vacuum around. Your biggest concern is what to prepare for dinner, which happens to be served late in the evening.
Now, fast forward a few months and this serene picture is painted very differently. You arise to a very annoying, screeching alarm to which your body revolts. You stumble around haphazardly, trying to pull yourself together for the day. Should you dress warm for the cool morning or cool for the hot afternoon, since you didn't have time to check the weather report. You walk into the kitchen, make a pot of coffee and proceed to wake up the children. Two of them jump right out of bed in great anticipation of the day ahead. Two hide their heads under the blankets, trying to squeeze just a few more minutes of sleep into their morning. The other two wake up to all the commotion, rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. You quickly pour yourself a cup of coffee and begin to take a sip when one of the children shouts that she can't find her shoes. Another needs help pouring her cereal. No breakfast choices today. Everyone gets cold cereal and juice. You yell to the two sleepy-heads that they have 5 minutes to get upstairs and to the table. You reach for that full cup of coffee once more when your youngest spills her juice. You run to the table in an attempt to corral the mess before it drips down to the floor. With minutes to spare, miraculously everyone is ready to head out the door. You load up the van, only to find out that someone has left their mid morning snack on the counter. You volunteer to run back into the house to retrieve the item and find your un-drunk, now cold cup of coffee sitting alone. You nuke it, because it is better than nothing. Somehow, you leave on time and head to school.
After school, there are a few papers the kids bring home that need to be signed. You have had to plan an early supper, because football practice begins that evening. Once again, your loading up the van, making sure that everyone has their proper equipment, water bottles and other necessities. When all is said and done, everyone is back home, showered and in bed by 9:00 PM and in one day you have put 120 miles on your van.
Welcome to a brand new school year. Although the first scenario may be slightly exaggerated, the point is that it feels as if we went from zero to mach sixty in just a moment of time. As it took us a little while to get used to the freedom of summer vacation, so will it take some time to get back into the routine of school and schedules. And I have great expectations of drinking a fresh, hot cup of coffee each morning too!
Now, fast forward a few months and this serene picture is painted very differently. You arise to a very annoying, screeching alarm to which your body revolts. You stumble around haphazardly, trying to pull yourself together for the day. Should you dress warm for the cool morning or cool for the hot afternoon, since you didn't have time to check the weather report. You walk into the kitchen, make a pot of coffee and proceed to wake up the children. Two of them jump right out of bed in great anticipation of the day ahead. Two hide their heads under the blankets, trying to squeeze just a few more minutes of sleep into their morning. The other two wake up to all the commotion, rubbing the sleep out of their eyes. You quickly pour yourself a cup of coffee and begin to take a sip when one of the children shouts that she can't find her shoes. Another needs help pouring her cereal. No breakfast choices today. Everyone gets cold cereal and juice. You yell to the two sleepy-heads that they have 5 minutes to get upstairs and to the table. You reach for that full cup of coffee once more when your youngest spills her juice. You run to the table in an attempt to corral the mess before it drips down to the floor. With minutes to spare, miraculously everyone is ready to head out the door. You load up the van, only to find out that someone has left their mid morning snack on the counter. You volunteer to run back into the house to retrieve the item and find your un-drunk, now cold cup of coffee sitting alone. You nuke it, because it is better than nothing. Somehow, you leave on time and head to school.
After school, there are a few papers the kids bring home that need to be signed. You have had to plan an early supper, because football practice begins that evening. Once again, your loading up the van, making sure that everyone has their proper equipment, water bottles and other necessities. When all is said and done, everyone is back home, showered and in bed by 9:00 PM and in one day you have put 120 miles on your van.
Welcome to a brand new school year. Although the first scenario may be slightly exaggerated, the point is that it feels as if we went from zero to mach sixty in just a moment of time. As it took us a little while to get used to the freedom of summer vacation, so will it take some time to get back into the routine of school and schedules. And I have great expectations of drinking a fresh, hot cup of coffee each morning too!
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| Honey Bunches - 4th Grade, Sweet Potato - 5th Grade, Gummi Bear - 3rd Grade, Cucumber - 1st Grade |
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| Sweet Pea begins Kindergarten tomorrow, but her and Pumpkin still wanted their picture to be taken. Pumpkin had a major meltdown (we're talking kicking and screaming) because she didn't want the kids to go to school. Let's hope she handles Sweet Pea's departure better. |
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