Ahh, it’s Thursday night and presently, life seems quiet; a refreshing sound.  Mike is home from his business trip.  I’ve survived my first week of class, Jacob survived changes in our very rigid routine and Aiden and Chris rocked their third week of school.

I am oh so grateful to my in-laws and parents for helping us literally be three places at once this week.   With Mike gone, my first night of class would have been impossible had it not been for my amazing mother in law who willingly took over in my absence afterschool and for bedtime routines Monday night.  My Dad was my second set of hands Tuesday afternoon as I was alone with the kids, two dental cleanings at the same time followed by soccer practice that interfered with Jake’s bedtime.  Again, a blessing in disguise. And yesterday, my Mom and Dad both came to help as I had my second night of class, Mike wasn’t back from his trip yet and we had two open houses to be at at the same time and a need for someone to be home with the kids for bedtimes.  Grandparents are the BEST!  True examples of selflessness.  So as our busy week starts to come to a close {yes, I’m rushing it a bit} I am so thankful to our wonderful helpers who eased my burden, sneaking in some fun in the process! 

Looking back, Aiden and Chris had a great week.  Chris received a special “super star” pencil for good quiet behavior during four exercises in class.  Funny how a simple pencil and words of praise can mean the world to a five year old.  Aiden received a star of excellence from the Principle for displaying commendable behavior which is no small feat but something he almost forgot to share with us!  Both boys are continuing to settle into our back to school morning routines and while they have NO trouble waking up in time, they are missing the lax mornings of summer where we allowed PJ’s until we headed out and cartoons here and there.  They sleep great at night and continue to jump off the bus excited to share the stories from their day.

Jake and I have settled into our own little routine.  We start our morning with a walk where we get to see the kids drive by on the bus {a secret little pleasure of mine, confirming that they are doing just fine}.  We’re in the habit of scoping out all big trucks and animals that cross our path.  Jake is a good sport but makes it clear that he would much rather prefer pushing the stroller than riding the stroller.  When we return from our walk and place the stroller back in the garage, without fail Jake indicates his desire to sit on Mike’s lawn mower.  It’s become a daily tradition and a picture we send to Daddy at work each morning.  Jacob LOVES lawn mowers!  Jake also adores the cat and after coming in from our walk, he’s my ready and willing helper, wanting to feed and water Cali and everything within a one foot premise.  He’s still taking two naps and between naps, we will run errands, bug hunt, go to the playground, use our swingset and wander around our yard.  He never tires of being outside.   He’s attempting to speak a lot more now and putting a few words together like “Momma food” and “what’s that?”  His second naps end just in time for the bus to arrive home with Aiden and Chris.

I’ve been taking advantage of Jake’s naps for the past few weeks to study my class materials.  I’m finding it hard to get into a groove but have learned this week that the hours spent in the classroom as not a fraction as efficient as I would prefer.  It’s safe to say the teaching style falls short from my wishes and leaves me feeling like I have hours of catch up work at home.  I’m discouraged but I’m plugging through.

Mike’s trip went well.  He came home tired but had a good time getting to spend time with the other Northeast Brokerage employees which doesn’t happen as often as you might think.  They had some social time and snuck in golf so if you ask me, he had a pretty good thing going :)   We are thrilled to have him home despite him leaving early today to play catch up for being out of the office all week.  It’s nice when life returns to “normal.”

And as for our afternoon, we had a ball joining the kindergarten play date after school today for some time together in the playground.  It was nice to meet other parents and fun to see the kids running around and having fun with all of their new friends.  We’ve got some social bugs and the transition was a breeze.  I may be biased but my kids are rock stars!