The Mothership

So far, pretty much every August, EVEN BEFORE kids, when I was a teacher...I get seriously bummmed. When I think about school starting up, I just grab the kid closest to me and give them a "hug of death"...insert children's eyeroll. I'm flooded with all kinds of emotions... about the responsibilities...the schedule...the time change (bleh)...earlier bedtimes...less time for adventures...less time with the kids...gotta be "on it" all the time...more commitments...homework...are they being challenged...are they being respectful...more independent actions from my kids (I mean he's gonna be gone ALLLLLL day this year!)... bleh, bleh, bleh I basically get the "blues" about having to adult. But I can't revel in the bummer attitude. So I do what puts my mind at peace...ORGANIZING.  I usually go over the top with systems to put in place in hopes that things run more smoothly. One year I tried to make freezer meals before the school y...

Luke's character qualities become ever more apparent as time flies by. It also becomes more apparent that we have the same qualities, good and bad:) Every morning before dropping Luke off at his preschool classroom, we go over what his behavior should vaguely look like for the day. It usually goes something like this: Me: "What are supposed to remember when you're away from Mommy?" Luke: "I need to make good choicesssss...listen to teachers...and not pinch my friends when we dance."  Me: "Ok, those are all good things to remember. Also, be kind with your body and words" Luke: "Ok mommy!  Have a good day!" Carolyn and I leave and do amazing things while he is away, you know like grocery shopping! When I return to the school to retrieve my son he almost always comes out of the room happy to see me and is yelling, "Hi Mommy!  I'm so glad to see you. I made good choices today!" Sometimes his teacher nods and agrees and other tim...