Wonder Mom Wednesdays-Back To School

My first link-up! Today I'm linking up with Susan @ MomSwimBikeRun, Amanda @ MomWhoTris and Sue @ ThisMamaRunsForCupcakes for Wonder Mom Wednesdays! Head over to their blogs and check out what they have to say about Back To School! 

As some of you may know, my kids (as well as many others) started school on Monday, August 18th. This was more than the typical first day of school for "big kids" who have been going for a few years already. This was a huge day for our family. It was Kate's first day of Kindergarten! She has never been to a day care, preschool or even to a regular babysitter. I have been a stay at home mom for the past 5 1/2 years so this was a big deal for us! I had so many worries and concerns but she was ready. No, I didn't cry. And Kate didn't either. :-) 

Daniel's a big 6th grader now so he was too "cool" for first day photos. So I got him on the 2nd day. 

Here they are on the first day, a bit nervous, but excited. Well, one was nervous.. 

Kate's first day:

Their 2nd day:

So what does "back to school" mean for me? What is this mom going to do for 7 or so hours a day? The possibilities are endless! Wait, no that's laundry. Laundry is endless. 

I've been waiting for this "mommy" time for quite a while now. Not that my kids are unbearable, just because I really want to be able to focus on my desires. I feel I can do the things that I want to do while they are in school, and I can do them "guilt free". Like, go to the gym with out having to sneak out of the house, or hug a crying kid goodbye. Or, do yard work, clean the house or work in the garden without having to stop to be a mediator between two fighting kids. Most importantly, I'll be able to spend more time reading, meditating and praying without hearing knocking on my bedroom door and little voices saying, are you done yet?

I'll admit, I'm a bit apprehensive to send my kids to public school. I usually don't talk about my opinions/views on "politics" but I will say that there are some things that I do not like that will be taught in public schools here in California, BUT, I am not well equipped enough, (totally not the phrase I was looking for but it works) nor do I have the patience to home school my children. It sounds like a wonderful idea, and I tried it for the first few months of Daniel's 5th grade year. But it turned out to be a negative experience for all of us. As Christian parents, all we can do is build a strong foundation at home to ensure that our children will grow up to be mature, independent adults with good morals and values. 

One thing definitely is for sure...

It's only going on the third day of the school year but I realized after the first day I was ready for them to come home. I was so happy to go pick up Kate from school and play with her when we got home. I was eager to hear how Daniel's first day of 6th grade went.

Summer vacation was fun, but it was also tough. Our family thrives when we have structure and schedules. Maybe it's because we don't have time to fight. ;-)

Here's to a whole new school year of ups and downs and everything in between!