September 24, 2012

I've got the Blues

I've been struggling with some serious negativity over the last couple weeks and it's got me really down.  It's also affecting my family.  There is much grumpiness going around.

I've almost always embraced being a mom and everything that goes with it.  Sure there are times when the kids are driving me crazy or I'm feeling stressed from all I need to do for/with them.  But generally I Love being a mom and caring for and doing for my family.

So what's changed?  I just don't know. 

I could say it's our crazy schedule:

September 5, 2012

First Day of School

Last week the kids had their first day back to school.  Two days before were spent prepping for the first day.  I made Rice crispie treats and chocolate chip granola bites.  The chocolate chip granola bites have been a big hit. I'll have have to make some more.  I also think I may have bought out the grocery store of fruits, bread, and other lunch making items.  Three of the four kids regularly bring lunch to school.  My older son seems to like school lunches better than homemade ones, so we don't fight him. 

I started a first day of school breakfast/snack tradition back when the Ladybug started kindergarten.  I make them cinnamon rolls.  I buy the Pillsbury kind and just cook them up in the morning.  I've thought about making my own, but I'm not sure if I would be able to find the time.  Either way the kids love the treat and look forward to it every year.  One year I forgot and they let me know.  I had to buy two rolls this year.  Otherwise my husband and I wouldn't have gotten one, let alone the two we let everyone have.  The extras we heated up a couple days later so the kids could all have one more.
My husband made lunches for all the kids.  A treat for the older kids.  We usually only make Potato's lunch for two reasons.  One he moves in super slow motion and two he's still young.  We hope as he gets older he'll be making his own lunch too.  Sometimes I try and slip a little note in their lunches when they're not looking, for a little surprise.

Lunches were made, bags packed, breakfast was had, everyone was dressed, and made it out the door in time to catch the bus.  I'd say we had a very smooth first morning.  My fears were definitely less.  My husband and I even left the house on time to get to our jobs.  I am fortunate to be home when the kids come home from school.  The girls get home first and both of them had a good day.  Duckling was please to tell me that she knew at least one person in all of her classes.  Ladybug was happy to share that she saw lots of her friends.  Monkey came home as I was leaving to pick up Potato.  We stopped in the driveway and chatted a bit.  He had a good day and was happy to see his friends at school.  He likes his teachers, especially his scout leader who teaches science.  Potato and I talked in the car about his day.  He sits with one of his best friends in class, and his teacher is super nice.

The first day turned out great!  Now I hope the next 179 days of school are just as good.
 
~Earthy Mom