The Craziness Begins Again

With the start of school, our family schedule gets absolutely crazy. There are only two dates on our calendar for September that don't have something written on them. Our commitments could be as simple as haircuts for the boys, or soccer practice, but just about every day has something going on. I find myself feeling stretched too thin. With my role on the committee at the Nursery School, my role as a party mom in the Elementary School, my daily responsibilities of managing a household of five, the childrens' activities, my responsibilities as a parent at a co-op nursery school, and my own social commitments, my schedule just gets insane.

Let's look at this week...We have soccer practice tonight (although it is pouring outside so that may not take place). Tomorrow is my middle child's "gradual entry" for nursery school - I go with him to help him feel comfortable with his new teacher and classmates (have to prepare for the babysitter for my girl for that). Thursday, we have hair cuts after school and my girlfriends are coming over to my house for dinner for our book club. Friday I am the helping parent for the nursery school (have babysitter to prepare for again). Saturday is my oldest's soccer game, quite early. And Sunday, I am going to the outlets in Reading to shop for fall clothes for the kids.

Somewhere in all of that, I have to clean my house for the babysitter tomorrow (she is bringing a six month old with her so all the little toys in the family room need to be securely put away) and for my girls coming to dinner Thursday. I have laundry to do (always). I have to make a trip to the grocery to get the snack for the helping parent duty on Friday. And of course the normal day to day of caring for three children and being pregnant, which includes a lot of play time with my four year old who has lost his brother/playmate to school. He is having a hard time adjusting to not having anyone to play with, and is requiring more of my time as he adjusts to having to play by himself again. (So far this morning, in addition to washing and folding laundry, doing the breakfast dishes, sending some emails for Nursery School business and feeding snack to two children, I have played cars, guys and put together two puzzles.)

The worst part is that Monday it starts all over again. We have lengthy doctor's appointments on Monday for food challenges for the boys (beef and egg). Those will take all morning and into the afternoon. Tuesday is Primary Election day. The kids are off school and I need to find time to go vote - without the kids. I have a Nursery Committee meeting that evening, and we have soccer practice. Wednesday I am the helping parent at the nursery school, again. Thursday I think might actually be clear with nothing on it. Friday I am the helping parent at the nursery school, yet again.

Craziness. Never ending - at least not until the school year ends next June! Time to make lunch and get the little girl up from her nap. Onward we go!