School is in Session

I just want to start by saying that I love my kids and my family with all my heart.  Now that I've got that out there, I want to say, I am so happy that school has started again!  That sounds so bad, even just typing it makes me cringe a little.  I never wanted to be that mom that was so happy when their kids weren't home all day, and really that's not why I'm excited for them to be at school.  I'm excited because I need that routine and consistency.  I've been going bonkers all summer long trying to make sure that we had things to do and that the kids enjoyed themselves.  So much so that I didn't get a chance to really enjoy spending that time with them, which breaks my heart. 

Now we all get up early, the kids get ready for school as the hubby makes his lunch and I get things into backpacks and breakfast served.  Then I take them to school, and get anything else that needs done done.  This week alone I have had 3 doctors appointments for myself (I've been neglecting going because I didn't want to take all the kiddos), and laundry is all caught up (not an easy task with 6 people), but best of all, I got the kitchen mopped AND it dried without footprints all over it...AMAZING!

Each day after school I have been more appreciative of the time I get to spend with my rugrats and we giggle as I help them with homework (PS Algebra homework on the second day of school is NOT cool), the kids have been wanting to help me with making dinner more lately, so that's been great too.  We all eat at the table as a family, every night, we chat about our day and really connect with each other.  It's great.  The kids then get showered and ready for bed, pick out their clothes for the next day, and we get to have some family quiet time to relax, NO T.V. read a book, or play a game, sometimes we go on a walk or a bike ride after dinner too.  And I no longer feel so overwhelmed and anxious. 

So I guess I'm okay with being that mom, because it makes me appreciate them more when they aren't always connected to my hip.  Now the battle to get the school system to do a year round school....I kid, I kid....or do I? ;o)