These last 7 months have a ... (I've thought of so many adjectives for this) whirlwind. Jared and I were preparing for the change at the beginning of the year. He started a new job in January and I got hired back where I used to work pre-kids. Getting him up and going was not too bad. However, for me to go back, it was much more of an adjustment...for everyone. For one thing, I had to re-license all over again, when meant going to training full-time for the first 6 months back and then intermittingly over the next few months mixed with a part-time 30 hr week.
The kids had the "white book" of daily routines, cleaning zones, emergency phone numbers, etc to help keep some symbolance of a routine since I wasn't getting home until about 3 hours after they were done with school. We kept telling them and ourselves that this was just temporary, its just temporary. It would be worth it in the long run. Boy did it feel like a LONG run. I did pass my licensing exams, and actually enjoyed the process much more the second time around, verses the first time 17 years ago. I really understood many of the concepts, instead of just relying on memorization for the test only and then forgetting.
Part of the planning out these crazy times was figuring out how we were going to manage summer - aka - kids out of school. This was definitely a concern of Jared's and mine. Much to our delight, my mom offered to come and stay with us during the summer and help out with the taxi-driving and activity helping duties. She has been a trooper and I can't even begin to describe how awesome she has been. Jared and I both have said that we have not worried about the kids, knowing that she was here with them this summer. She has taken them to the pool umpteen times, having her special spot in the shade by the lazy river/big slide. She has taken them to see a couple movies. She has been the chauffer for all things soccer. I wish I could have joined them on their Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt runs. We have been so blessed to have her here.
I started my part time, 30 hrs week schedule. (I actually took yesterday and today off - hence the time to actually post a blog entry). The kids went back to school today. Mom heads home next week. Things may actually settle down a little...or maybe not! Offically, soccer season has begun...
I will try to go back and post some of what has happened over the last 7 months - ie - braces for Ethan, 12 bday for Rachel, camping/hiking as family, Rachel crowning her successor for NAM, and back to school of course.
All I can say is I feel blessed. I have a great family and great neighbors who have been such a support over these last 7 months....thank you!
