Oh my gosh! Who is picking up (insert child's name here) at (insert ever changing time here)?!?

Okay, so far in life we have been truly blessed. Luckily one of the two of us has been able to take our kids with us to work, drop them off on the way to meetings, or have a family member fill in after returning home to our great state. (I always thought things would get easier as they got older. No more diapers, can feed themselves, getting involved with friends other than Mommy and Daddy, dress on their own, etc.) Jeff has his permit now, and wants time to practice of course, and Katie is doing gymnastics and chorus after school hours now. In addition, we have 3 start and finish times for school in our family.

We have come to realize now that we require a schematic to organize a transportation plan now. Our adult schedules are organized usually via email, and read something like this:

What time are you finished at work today? I think I can get out at _____.

What time will you be driving past Jeff/Katie's school? Can you pick them up and get them to destination A by time B?

Who do we know who could help with that one?

Great. Just checked my calendar and I have a meeting at X o'clock. Won't be home until Y now.

Do you have time to swing past the grocery store? The kids just told me we are out of dogfood. (Always, always out of dog food)

If you are giggling along with me that is both a comfort and a tiny bit sad. Been there? Living it! Oh well, we have our health and each other. It's all good stuff, just requires a bit more planning as well as flexibility.

Speaking of flexibility, Katie had her first meet this season and placed second overall (meaning, take the scores of all four events and add 'em up). The parents AND big brother were cheering her on. She couldn't have been more pleased. Jeff spent the "wait time" (lots of wait time at gymnatic meets) studying. He is so focused on grades! Currently he's practicing for Jazz Band tryouts.

Remember the post I had a while back lamenting the time spent in the car with the kids? Well, I know that I was crazy, however I couldn't help but smile as we drove home from Katie's meet, all four of us, in the car. Of course, the kids were either plugged into IPods or books, but we were together. I seriously did smile.

Here are a couple of shots of us. More to follow I'm sure.

Take care~

School's In!

Do you remember it? The first day of school? Anxiety, excitement, and tempera paint all rolled into one big "new school year smell?" New wake up times, new shoes and new routines? I get the same feelings I had as a student every year, and now I'm the teacher.

What will the kids in my class be like? Will they like me? Which ones do I need to watch out for?

I used to watch out for the "naughty" kids. I was not one of them. Who knew what they'd do to you, maybe take your lunch money? Now I watch out for the ones who need an extra dose of confidence, who need a reassuring pat, or need some lunch money. I watch for which boy or girl hangs back and needs to be introduced to new friends, or the spunky ones who may need a calming friend themselves.

Call me sappy or idealistic. Go ahead. I hope I'm sappy and idealistic. We need more idealists. I pray to get them in my class so I can encourage them to dream. Besides, it's a new year. There are many possibilities.

I am lucky to have this job. Yes, it's exhausting. Yes, I know I get invested too easily with my new little friends. Sometimes their hurts become my hurts. Sometimes I'm so tired it's difficult to have energy for my own family. But I still remember my precious teachers, both from childhood and those I call "mentors" that I work with today. I hope I make a difference in"my kids' " lives. I know they make a difference in mine!

Here are some shots of my "personal, family kids" on their first day of school. I can't wait to ask them about their teachers at dinner and who they feel like they've connected with. It's a great day to begin another year of possibilities!

Jeff entering 10th grade (Am I honestly THAT old?)

Katie enters 6th grade. One more year, then off to middle school.

Yes, we are back to the busy time. But Ron and I paused long enough to appreciate this amongst the growing To-Do list tonight. The first night of the new school/activity/sports year. Life is good.

Take care

~H