Going back in time

We have yet another full week where it is only JC, HT, and myself at home.  Because we had a rather full day yesterday and there are some things I need to get accomplished here at the house, we are having a fairly laid back afternoon...my favorite!  And the kids are enjoying the rare day of being allowed to watch TV pretty much as they want.  It's a rainy day, and some times we all need to have days like this.  Anyway, I love hearing that my kids have been watching a little of Mickey Mouse and Dora.  It's been a very long time since those have been shows of choice in our home, and I am so enjoying hearing the kids laugh and enjoy them again, even if it's only for a short time.

Perfect rhythm

I have learned my perfect sleeping pattern this summer.  Bed by Midnight, and then sleep until 9 or 9:30.  That's right, I need nine hours of sleep at exactly those times!  Honestly, it's been absolutely wonderful!  People used to joke that I needed more sleep than everyone else and this summer seems to have proven it.  My husband thinks it's because I'm such a light sleeper and not getting "deep" sllep and that's why I need more sleep than most people.  Anyway, without being on a "schedule" this summer, those are the standards for my sleep and it's been perfect.  I'm not tired during the day, I haven't felt any desire to take a nap, and I've just really felt great!

Of course, I think we all acknowledge the problem here.  This is great during the summer when there may be a day here or there where I can't sleep like this.  However, school starts at 8:50, so even on days when I don't have to work, I can't sleep until 9:00.  And yes, I've tried many times over the years to go to bed at 10:00 and sleep until 7:00, but it just doesn't have the same effect on me.  So, it is what it is, and I've enjoyed it while it lasted.  Now though, we are starting our transition to school time again.  So much for feeling great!

Our week without JR

JR was gone all week, and yet somehow, I survived.  I don't like being without one or more of my children, and it was evident by my schedule on Monday and Tuesday where we ran around like chickens with our heads cut off so I didn't notice he wasn't home with us.  At the same time, he absolutely LOVES his new school, and the freedom that goes with it, and the younger two LOVED their hours upon hours of DS playing in the van.

While I'm happy that JR is enjoying his new school, I do have some concerns.  I understand that he is about to turn 13 and that there are certain freedoms he should be granted.  I recognize that my husband and I have taught him well, and this is part of life.  And yet, UGH!  I know that my husband is not keeping an eye on him like I would keep an eye on him.  This is not a criticism of my husband, this is simply a fact in the differences between moms & dads.  I don't know that I've ever prayed more than I have this week!

And the younger two have grown ever closer, if that is even possible.  They've enjoyed lunch out, bowling, baking cookies, and I think the best for them...no fighting over the TV or what movie to watch.  These two never seem to disagree about anything, and with JR at school all day they are pretty sure they are in heaven without having to hear what he wants!

Yesterday was an especially long day as JR and my husband left for school at 6AM, and JR wanted to stay for the football game so they didn't get home until nearly 11:00 last night.  This has been a full week of JR getting up at 5:30 every day, the first time in his life that he's done so.  And that would explain why he is still in bed now at 11AM.  Ah yes, the teenage years are upon us!

Dad is home

I forgot to mention this yesterday, but Dad came home late Tuesday.  According to Mom he pretty much slept the day away, which is honestly the best thing he could've done.  His spirits are pretty low, but we are hoping the comfort of his own home, and the ability to sleep, will do wonders.  It's going to take him a while to bounce back, and I know that bothers him, but I also know he's quite a fighter!

A day to just hang out

Today was a much needed day to just hang out and relax at home.  The youngest two and I had been running errands and being "on the go" almost non-stop since Monday morning.  As I said to my husband last evening, "If this is our new routine, it's going to be very expensive!"  I've had to make trips to my husband's district for the last two evenings, which of course if a 45 minute drive.  I knew there would be those days, I just didn't expect them to be so quick to happen!  Last night was open house at his school and it was very nice to be able to see how things work, and to realize that he really, truly, is in good hands.  Today though, there is absolutely nothing on our calendar, and the kids and I are enjoying a more laid back and relaxed day.

A successful first day

I'm happy to report that JR's first day of school went very well.  He commented on the very small class sizes...he reported their were 15 - 20 students in each class as opposed to the 30 he had here in our home district.  He was successful in getting on the correct bus each was (he is picked up and returned to the high school so my husband doesn't have to make a trip to get him) and overall he seems to have really enjoyed his day.  I'm so looking forward to seeing how this year goes!

The beginning of a new era

My wonderful husband and JR have just left to begin their new school year.  In some ways I think nothing of the change that JR is making because he's so sure and confident about it, and yet there is a part of me, the parental part, that wants me to scream after them, "No, leave him here!"  The change to the middle school environment is such a big change anyway, without adding the change in district as well.  But, I've known this day was coming, although in some ways I guess I thought it wouldn't really ever get here.  I'm sure my parents felt that way about many milestones in my life, and I'm sure it seems to them that I blew past them, just as my kids are flying by in their lives.  Oh, it goes so fast!  Because my husband has a meeting this evening, I have to go pick him up, and we are all going to go out to dinner to celebrate his first day.  I'm anxious to hear about his first day, and I'm looking forward to the car ride home to hear what he has to say...if he can stay awake!

Speaking of staying awake, I'm really torn between enjoying the peace and quiet and being productive, and going back to bed for a couple of hours.  I'm pretty sure I know how this is going to end up though, with me not being a morning person and all!