Around here we are working on getting into something that resembles a routine. I really wasn’t at all prepared for what this fall had in store for me. Four days before school started we received a call that Axel had finally made it to the top of the waiting list for the school we had been trying to get him into. After way too much stressing and a ton of prayer we switched him over. Everything since then has felt like a whirlwind.
We had to re-tour the school, get new supplies, take care of enrollment… On top of all that, Axel was not at all happy about leaving all his friends behind so I was constantly worrying about how he would adjust. Then we decided since Miracle will be attending the same school for Kdg next year, we should put her in preschool so she can adjust to the building. We didn’t do preschool for Axel, and I don’t think it at all necessary, but Miracle is such a social bug that we just knew she would love it. Every kid is so different, even in the same family! It always amazes me.
(Are you people remembering that this is all happening over a four day period?!)
I was stressed, Axel was nervous, things got a little emotional around here. Luckily, Axel has adjusted amazingly (a couple long first few days) but I am still not liking sending him off to school everyday. Yesterday I cried when I put him on the bus. He is gone for 8 long hours everyday. I realize this is normal but I REALLY DON’T LIKE IT!
That was a really long rant to try and tell you that we are all having a hard time adjusting to all this. We are trying to make up for lost family time by getting up and having breakfast together and doing a family devotional. I have come to cherish the precious hour and a half that I get each morning with all of us together. (Even if we are only half awake.)
Three days a week I have to run Miracle 20 minutes one way to school. Mondays I get to stay with her for an hour (which is super fun) and then Tuesdays and Thursdays Evangeline and I have 2 1/2 hours to spend together. Today we went to the library, had snack in central park, picked up groceries and played at the park. I really dislike that it is over nap time, but Evangeline so desperately needs this one on one time with momma and I am having so much fun with her!
Our nights stink though. Axel doesn’t come home until 4:30 which only gives us a few hours. Tuesday nights I teach at the Y and Wednesdays are youth group. Throw in any other activities that come up and I feel like I never get to see the boy! Another thing that I have done to savor that precious family time is to make it a priority to not do any errands while Axel is home. If I have something that needs doing, I do it while he is in school. I have caught myself a couple times starting to run to the store but I made it wait for the next day. I want any minutes we have together to be quality, not grocery shopping!
Pretty much all this rambling to say we are not used to all this running. I realize it is a part of my family evolving, and that as my kids grow it will only get crazier. That is why we are taking steps now to instill those healthy habits that will keep us bonded as time goes on. We can’t eat supper together every night, so we do breakfast instead. Evangeline and I don’t have time to go home and nap while Miracle is at school so we go to the park instead…
Another big thing that I am working on is knowing when to say no. We are so involved in so many things that sometimes we forget that it is ok to say no when something gets in the way of the things that really matter. I was supposed to have girl night tonight, but realizing that Axel had been away from home last night and will be tomorrow night, I knew that we all needed a night in together. Me time is important too, but tonight I knew it wasn’t the priority.
What ways do you help your family stay bonded when things get crazy? What are your out of the norm tips and tricks? How do you parents cope with your kids being away each day (or are you happy for the quiet!)?
My sister in law always says to me “It’s only for a season.” It is one of the best things anyone has ever said to me, and I think of it often. It helps me to remember that each phase in life has it’s own ups and downs. I can get through the downs because I know it will soon pass. On the other hand, I will soon be on to a new adventure, and I need to focus on all the amazing things of the season I’m in while I am in it.
