I have been awake since 5am this morning even though the
first day of school starts a little later and my alarm was set for 7:30a,m. My
mind is spinning and I am not even the one going to school today (although I am
driving all the kids and their friends).
School has begun around here.
Last night (I kid you not) besides our one weeks summer
vacation was about the third night in all the summer where were had the five of
us at the dinner table without other people there, justus. And after dinner
our family night consisted of alignment on chores and allowance and schedules
and expectations.
We were all not so happy to be back to this routine.
Part of routine comforts me as I know I will get more
work done, and exercise and eat better and get to bed earlier. And part of
routine just kills my summer soul. I feel like it is a sad and long goodbye to
freedom, and spontaneity and indulgence.
And it is a fact that our kids are getting older. Their
ideas are growing, their preferences, and their choices. Mama is not so much in
control anymore.
Bear last night (night before school and night after
kayak registration was over ) that he wants to be an ELITE canoe competition.
Makes sense as really upped his game this summer and now provincially
qualified-but to tell me this the night before. Affects all; our schools and he
is even considering moving to the Sport Elite program where the sport becomes
the center of their lives (as opposed to the sports program he is now where
they learn 50 sports over the 5 yrs.)
All TBD with him.
Chase started Cegep Monday. Whole new world. No bedtimes,
totally different schedules, can I have the car as have a break for three hours
days, no homework schedule that we know of, English public educations which is
totally different. He is doing well. Announced last night that he introduced
himself to every teacher after class and engaged in many economic and stock market
discussions with them. Wow. Raising a cegep student is not really rising anymore-it
like watching all the fruits of your labor bloom. Or wilt too in some areas
(aka we are leaving him on his own to figure it all out as that means lists of loose-leaf
paper scattered around the house, no books yet, no school supplies I am aware
of) We are firm believers in letting kids grow up and find their way at appropriate
ages. This is the age!
And Beauty clear as a whistle on that she wants dance
dance and dance . Besides the already intensive curriculum she holds daily in
dance and the mandates afterschool dance she wants more and more and more. Hip Hop this year will be added to mix, auditions, team’s maybe competitions. Lifeguarding
courses were in the plan-but she decided that has to be dance. She is raring to
go. Back in full day brace after a nice break for summer and had it adjusted,
more doctors, more apt and last night I thought she would be an emotional wreck
from all of this bracing and doctoes.Turns out she was fine. (Last night
anyways) The girl never fails to surprise me. And our texts back and forth?
Have taken on a whole new quiet. Sarcastic, witty, very very adolescent like-in
a good way. And as got to school this morning realized the uniformed girl’s
skirts getting shorter and shorter. I am realizing no point getting on my daughter’s
back about it…hers is longer than most and is still teeny weeny
It’s going to be a good year. I can feel it. But also an extremely
busy one too. As in really really busy. This age is no walk in the park-I
compare it to the 0-5 yrs old stage. Demanding, busy, nothing predictable. Those
middle school years 5-12 are long gone around here and the stability that came
with it and the control we have over decisions as parents at that age.
I feel very blessed right now that I am doing the work I
am doing. Going so well and crazy busy and intellectully stimulating and
challenging for me-but I can also be there for the kids when I decide to here
and there for a first day of school snack, or a kayak carpool, or a special
lunch with my mom to recount the Weeks’s events.
I decide. Fully.
And I never realised how amazing of a feeling that really
is. If this can stay profitble and interesting and I get to decide? Wow. Bring
it on. 2015-2016 will be a big year for us all as we find our way.
And as for travel and next summer vacations? (you all
know I am a big long terms planner) I am not sure that travelling as a family
and summer vacation (even a week) will ever happen again!!!!!! Unless they all
miss 5 days of school. Different calendars, competitions levels activities,
part time jobs.
People told me for years this would happen as soon as
kids start working-I didn’t really believe them. I do now. Trust me.
I am grateful for all those years we took the time as a
family. Fought for it. Lost possible promotions and clients over it. Protected
it. Because now? It will still happen but a lot less easily and a lot less often.
Here are my “babies”. They will always be babies to me
really. Our babies (nothing makes me prouder than our joint parenting together for almost 18 yrs now. We made it!!!!
 |
| Chase 17,5 yrs. !st year CEGEP. No uniform (or shoes!!!) How can a person study wearing regular clothes!!! LOL |
 |
| Bear 15,5 yrs Sec 4 . Love this look:) |
 |
| Beauty 13.5 yrs Sec 2-she is so organized and ready:) |
