July 30, 2008

Back to Reality

It is that bittersweet time of year at our house.  School has officially started for us.  
If you're not from NC, then you might be thinking it's a little early.  My girls attend a year-around school. We LOVE the year around schedule ... except for the week we have to go back so soon in the summer.  
But, in October, when everyone else is working away, we will be outside enjoying the crisp fall air without a care in the world.

So about this time last week I was pretty much acting like a 2 year old on the inside about this whole going-back-to-school thing.  Yes, I had my arms crossed over my chest, a big pout on my mouth, and I stomped my foot as I thought, I don't wanna have to start the school schedule again. I don't want to let my girls go.  I want to keep on having FUN!

I totally think the Lord has a great sense of humor.  We laugh a lot together.  (Somehow, I think He gets to laugh at me a whole lot more than He's letting on).  
Last week I decided that I needed to have an attitude adjustment (and grow up) about the new school year before my girls picked up on it.  So I did my best at getting them excited about the new year.  Lots of pep talks and new notebooks did the trick.

Let me preface what I'm about to say with this:
I have never been one of those moms that can't wait for their kids to go back to school.  I treasure our summer vacation and enjoy having my kids at home, near me.

Which brings me back to the Lord's sense of humor and wisdom.  
While I was having my attitude and 2yr. old hissy fit-prayer times, He knew what was coming.

I'm sure He chuckled.

He knew that within a week, my children would go from best of playmates, to worst of enemies.
He knew that within a week, my tender, sweet girls would have cat fights worth paying money to see.  He knew that within a week, my tolerance for arguing, whining, and complaining would be stretched as thin as spandex on a hippo.  He knew that I needed to be assured (again) that He was not calling me to homeschool my three children this year.
Next year, maybe.  But not right now.

He is good.  Even though it was painful, he was preparing my momma-heart to not hurt as much as I dropped them off at school.  

I met a friend on Monday morning after we dropped our school age children off.  As we let our younger children play on the air conditioned Chic-fil-a playground, she confided that she usually has such a hard time on the first day of school, but this year she couldn't help but think of that Staples commercial where the dad is buying school supplies humming the Christmas tune, "It's the most won-der-ful time of the year."  
I laughed out loud.  Apparently her children had been invaded by the same evil aliens as mine!

Even though it was hard to let the euphoria of summer dissolve, I know that:
  1. We are blessed to have a wonderful school available for my children.
  2. Schedules are healthy.
  3. Grocery shopping with 1 child is much easier than with all 3 in tow.
  4. My girls appreciate each other (and me) more at the end of the school day.
  5. Only 58 days until fall break!



9 comments:

Kellie said...

I totally understand that "2 yr. old pout" because I was there last week as well. I am trying to have a better attitude... I am not as far as you yet!! lol

I, too, am not one of these Moms that love to get rid of my kids. I LOVE being home and love having my kids with me. They have their moments but I would never want them to think I was ready for them to go on back to school. You are right, though.... they begin to "pick and aggravate" a lot more towards the end of summer!

Schedules ARE healthy... and that is something I am going to enjoy getting back. The rat race... I am not. lol

Lacy said...

Ok..I understand why you were talking about school now. In Texas we will go back in late Aug. Having a year round schedule would be neat to try out. I too have two precious angels who have been invaded byt he same alien as your friends children. I also am like you in the way that I do not like for my time to be over with my children. I ponder the homeschooling issue also, but have so many that need me in public school and I am not sure what the Lord wants for me....homeschool or stay teaching school. Hope your girls have had a great week back.


Still eyeing the teddy grahams and have nothing chocolate anywhere!!:(

Nan said...

Read your comment on Pocket Change that you love the NC mountains, Kilwins and Torlley Stop. Any chance you live on the opposite side of NC from the mountains? I do...hubby grew up in SE NC and he has gotten us all addicted to Trolley Stop! And I don't even like hot dogs. Anywho...we are homeschooling and going to be doing a year round schedule...I think that it helps with consistency and boredom!

Anonymous said...

We start school next week. I am sad, but I know that my daughter will love every minute of it. We found out yesterday who our teacher will be and I feel that we will have a great year.

I am looking forward to some time with my son. He will not start preschool until later in the month. Maybe he and I will make a Chic fil A run once school starts.

Sounds as if your year is off to a great start. I really think that I would love a year round schedule, but in my area it is a no go.

-- Brandi

Caroline said...

What's the Trolley Stop? I haven't seen that one in Blowing Rock? Love your blog btw, its refreshingly real. I hope to be one of those moms that doesn't want my kids to go back to school, if they go to public school. That's still up for debate - the redhead's only almost 2, we've got some time. Thanks for leaving comments for me on my SITS day. I'll be checking back by.

The Berry's Patch said...

Another Brandee here. ;-) My kids start next week. We also get a week off in October. Except here in AZ it's still hot.

I'm reading Dr. Leman's new book too. I'm hoping to have 3 new kids by Friday. How did you like it?

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Yep, our NC schools. Our district has some year round but even the reg. schools are going back early, so the life guards go back to school mid August. In NC? It's still really hot.

cherry said...

I get where you are coming from...I miss not having my son with me during the day. I love his company. I also enjoy getting to sleep in a little rofl. I always get a kick out of reading your blog. Bless ya, cherry

Lacy said...

Ok...I feel like a dork...but I am going to say it anyways......I miss you friend. Hope all is well and you are doing great!!!
Hugs,
Lacy