It is the first day of school today. And that, in and of itself, is a pretty good day for me. But there are reasons beyond the typical "Happy Dance" of getting kids out of the house that make it a happy day.
* ROUTINE Man, I love the back to school time because we finally get everyone back to a regular schedule. Getting to bed on time, getting up earlier, getting back to having dinner together--this still usually has to wait until football practice is over, but it gets better when school starts.
* GOOD COP, BAD COP I am a big supporter of teachers, especially when they have my kids in their classes. My kids know that I will back up teachers 100% in what they require, ask, and assign. I love to have another "baddie" working on the kids. It is exhausting being the only one all summer.
* EXERCISE Last year, I'd walk with the kids to get them across a very busy street in town where the junior high school is located. Not that needed my help, but it eased my worry. Now, The Boy and his buddies are walking to school together and I get to leave him at the corner with the group. Then I get to take off for about 45-60 minutes of walking with my iPod. I love having that time first thing in the morning to exercise, and check it off my list. Plus the iPod is a fantastic tool. I have "podcasts" loaded that I listen to while I walk. These are like radio shows, interviews, or behind the scenes stories. Sure, I have music too, but the time to listen to an adult conversation--as in content, not hte rating--is pretty nice.
* BOUQUETS OF SHARPENED PENCILS Remember that line from You've Got Mail? I do enjoy the back to school supplies on sale. Sometimes I stock up on crayons just to smell them later while I back Family Home Evening visual aids.
* LUNCH For me, not the kids. On the first day back to school, several friends and I meet at our favorite burger joint to celebrate keeping our kids alive all summer to allow them back to school. The best tradition of them all.
2 comments:
Shauna, I had to check your post just to see if your kids looked a little more excited than last year! I can still remember the picture and it still cracks me up! You better enjoy the next few days because your life won't stay mellow for long we know you too well! It's a good day in the neighborhood!
It was good to see you back where it all began today. They grow so fast!
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