Mommy Block: School Days, School Days

For us, its the end of summer. Yes, Labor Day is WEEKS away, but for our school system, summer was over on August 11th. This fact has evoked the same reaction from 99.9% of the people with whom I have shared our school starting date. (My statistical accuracy is inspired by the politicians in the current presidential race. Don't be too impressed.)

"But that is the middle of the summer!"

I know, I know.

But guess what? This is glorious.

You see, in the winter, we are praying and begging for spring to come. SOON. Maybe its just me praying. I want my babies OUTSIDE. Running and jumping and allowing their energy to be expelled out of the confines of my home. As soon as spring hits and the sunshine is beckoning, our beloved babies LOSE THEIR MINDS. You may not see it during the school day, but the teachers see it. Oh, do they see it. As soon as the weather warms up, the school year is pretty much over. Learning is done. Stuffing the state standards in their little heads gets more and more challenging. School needs to end. SOON.

For this reason, I LOVED getting out on May 22. I was done with the folder/agenda signing (which for me ended months prior to May 22). I was done with the lunch making. I was done with the homework and projects.

We have enjoyed our summer immensely. Not that we had any great adventures, but we have deliciously lapped up the sun, the beach, the ocean, and the pool. We have gotten our fill of library books (two of which are overdue - sigh), art classes, camp, and playgrounds.

And now, in mid-August, we are ready, for routines to become routine again and academia to become a part of our every day life. This mama is ready for her darling school-age girls to be the lights I have desperately tried to mold them to become. I am ready for four year-old my son to become a part of someone else's classroom for a few hours a day, while I try to put my house back together from a summer of disarray. I am anticipating what I will do with those few hours with one child still at home, who is happy doing just about anything and has not started ~~arguing~~ negotiating with me, yet.

So hopefully, I can carve out time for more writing. The Mommy Block seems to settle in my brain when I am overwhelmed with 4 kids for 3 months. I will definitely find time for coffee with girlfriends and reading a good book here and there.

Welcome School Year 2015-2016, this family LOVES YOU.

Just a few pics from our summer...