Bittersweet September

Summer vacation is just right. Any longer, and I think "madhouse" wouldn't even begin to sum up our home. The kids are tired of each other, and the drone of my voice has become part of the scenery in my children's brains. I honestly detest being ignored. It, to me, is the utmost in disrespect, so needless to say, I'm ready for them to return to school. By spring break in March, I'll be ready for them to return home again and will begin making summer plans, and in effect, create the paper chain to countdown to summer vacation again. This happens every year.

Once upon a time, my husband was a teacher. He was home during summer; well, kind of. He would always get a non-teaching related job, but when he was home, he was home--no grading, no student problems hanging heavy on his mind. It was really nice. The pay was not so good, but we only had two children, and we didnt' know any different; we were just happy to have income. I guess you could say that it is comparable to a school administrators pay with six children (we now have seven). HaHa! It all works; still happy to have income.

My husband isn't the kind of guy who stresses. He just handles it all. You know opposites attract, so in a way, I guess you could say that I compensate for his lack. August and September are notoriously a bit more difficult on our family. He's gone A LOT.

Every year, school here always starts the day after Labor Day. This year is the latest it could possibly be--September 8th. It's kind of like being in church when the meeting goes a little long. Every kid in the chapel has an internal clock that knows the meeting was supposed to be over three minutes ago, so they get antsy--the crying, whining and basic misbehavior starts up. That's how our summer has become. It's starting to rot on the vine; the fun is over. The school clothes and supplies are purchased weeks ago. The rule at our house is that school clothes are just that--they are meant to be worn on or after the first day of school and not before. They are excited for so many reasons.


On the other hand, I'm sad to see them go back. They have all been so helpful. I have had the extra pairs of hands that I've needed whenever I needed them. I'm sure I'll feel like I'm swinging on the trapeze without a net once they're gone during the day. I know I'm going to have to slow down and not plan on getting too much done around here until I can figure out just how far I can jump. The greatest blessing in all of this is the fact that I've had the acclimating months of this new baby with an enormous network of help. She is an extremely easy baby. To be honest, I will miss them when they're gone all day, but I feel like I'm ready, and so are they.